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Civil Engineering Optional Books for UPSC IAS

Civil Engineering Optional Books for UPSC are an essential resource to cover the syllabus. Read for a list of Civil Engineering Optional Books for UPSC.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit5 Jun, 2024
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Civil Engineering Optional Books For UPSC

Civil Engineering Optional Books for UPSC : The UPSC Civil Engineering Optional is the preferred choice of candidates having a bachelor's or master's degree in civil engineering. While prior knowledge helps them understand topics easily, the selection of the right books is crucial for thorough preparation.

Aspirants must consult experts and previous toppers before finalizing their study material and Civil Engineering Optional Books for UPSC. This ensures they choose resources that provide comprehensive coverage of the syllabus with clear explanations of topics relevant to UPSC Civil Engineering Optional.

Top Civil Engineering Optional Books for UPSC

Civil Engineering is a scoring technical optional subject that can be mastered with a systematic approach. Most of the topics of the UPSC Civil Engineering Syllabus are covered during graduation, making it easier for candidates with a solid academic background to have an edge. They can study the Civil Engineering Optional Book for IAS from their respective course and fill in the gaps with the UPSC-topper recommended booklist. Here are some of the best Civil Engineering Optional Books for UPSC preparation:
Top Civil Engineering Optional Books for UPSC
Book Title Author Key Features
Engineering Mechanics Irvin Shames Comprehensive coverage of statistics and dynamics with detailed examples.
Strength of Materials Stephen Timoshenko A classic text on stress, strain, and deflection; essential for civil engineering students.
Strength of Materials S. Ramamrutham Extensive examples and problems; are widely used in civil engineering and UPSC preparation.
Intermediate Structural Analysis CK Wang In-depth structural analysis with numerous examples, is ideal for civil engineering students.
Theory of Structures S. Ramamrutham Comprehensive structural theory with extensive examples, popular in civil engineering and UPSC optional preparation.

Also Read: Booklist for IAS Mains 2024 Exam

Civil Engineering Optional Booklist for Paper 1

For Civil Engineering Optional Paper 1 in the UPSC exam, candidates should focus on selecting books that thoroughly cover topics like the fundamentals of engineering mechanics, strength of materials, and structural analysis. Choosing the right Civil Engineering Optional Books for UPSC Mains will ensure a solid foundation in the core subjects and facilitate effective exam preparation. Here is the recommended booklist for UPSC Civil Engineering Optional Paper 1:
Civil Engineering Optional Booklist for Paper 1
Book Title Author
Engineering Mechanics Irvin Shames
Strength of Materials S. Ramamrutham
Intermediate Structural Analysis CK Wang
Theory of Structures S. Ramamrutham
Design of Steel Structures S. Duggal
Prestressed Concrete N. Krishna Raju
Handbook Of Reinforced Concrete Design S.N. Sinha
Hydraulics and Fluid Mechanics Including Hydraulic Machines Modi and Seth
Flow in Open Channels K. Subramanya
Basic and Applied Soil Mechanics Gopal Ranjan and A.S.R. Rao
Soil Mechanics And Foundation Engineering S.K. Garg
Construction, Planning, and Management U.K. Srivastava
Irrigation Engineering S.K. Garg
Building Construction Arora and Bindra
Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering S.K. Garg

Civil Engineering Optional Booklist for Paper 2

Some of the Civil Engineering Optional Books are common to both papers. To prepare for Civil Engineering Optional Paper 2, candidates should prioritize books that offer extensive coverage of hydraulics, fluid mechanics, construction technology, equipment, planning and management, environmental engineering, water resources management, and surveying. Here is a list of civil engineering optional books for UPSC Paper 2:
Civil Engineering Optional Booklist for Paper 2
Book Title Author
Surveying B.C. Punmia
Design of Steel Structures S. Duggal
Prestressed Concrete N. Krishna Raju
Handbook Of Reinforced Concrete Design S.N. Sinha
Hydraulics and Fluid Mechanics Including Hydraulic Machines Modi and Seth
Flow in Open Channels K. Subramanya
Basic and Applied Soil Mechanics Gopal Ranjan and Rao
Soil Mechanics And Foundation Engineering S.K. Garg
Construction, Planning, and Management U.K. Srivastava
Irrigation Engineering S.K. Garg
Building Construction Arora and Bindra
Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering S.K. Garg
Environmental Engineering (both volumes) S.K. Garg

How to Study Civil Engineering Optional Books for UPSC?

To master the Civil Engineering Optional for UPSC Mains, a strategic and structured approach is essential. Candidates need a clear plan to navigate through recommended books and score 280+ out of 500 in Civil Engineering optional papers. Here are a few tips to guide you through preparation:
  • Familiarize yourself with the UPSC Civil Engineering Optional Syllabus for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
  • Focus on getting conceptual clarity while studying any topic from civil engineering optional books rather than just memorizing formulas and equations.
  • Make topic-wise notes for revision purposes from multiple sources you are referring to.
  • Practice solving numerical problems and answering questions in writing to improve your understanding after completing the topics.
  • Join a Civil Engineering Optional Test Series to find out the areas for improvement.
  • Incorporate feedback from experts into your preparation.
Ready to master the UPSC syllabus? Enroll now in PW Online courses to access comprehensive study materials, expert guidance, test series, and more. Hurry up!
UPSC Related Articles
UPSC MainsĀ 2024 UPSC Optional Subject UPSC Prelims
UPSC Topper UPSC Scholarship Test 2024 UPSC Result 2024

Civil Engineering Optional Books for UPSC FAQs

What is the best UPSC Civil Engineering book for UPSC?

There is no single best UPSC Civil Engineering book. Candidates should opt for books that provide comprehensive coverage of the syllabus and are recommended by experts.

How to select books for UPSC Civil Engineering Optional?

To select books for UPSC Civil Engineering Optional, aspirants should consult experts and previous toppers. Choose topic-wise books rather than relying on one single book.

What is the optional material in UPSC civil engineering?

Optional material in UPSC Civil Engineering includes standard textbooks and reference materials such as online videos and toppers Civil Engineering optional notes.

Which UPSC civil engineering book is best for structural analysis?

For structural analysis, candidates can refer to books like "Intermediate Structural Analysis" by CK Wang and "Theory of Structures" by S. Ramamrutham, which provide in-depth coverage of the subject with numerous examples.

Is a calculator allowed in UPSC civil engineering optional?

Yes, candidates are allowed to carry the non-programmable calculator in UPSC civil engineering optional papers.
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