The Kerala Public Works Department (PWD) Assistant Engineer (AE) exam is one of the most awaited opportunities for civil engineering graduates across the state. A well-structured syllabus has been provided to help candidates prepare effectively.
In this post, we break down the entire PWD AE syllabus for civil engineering, based on the official exam pattern. This will help aspirants understand what to study and how to plan their preparation efficiently.
🧱 1. Mechanics of Solids & Structural Analysis (10 Marks)
This section includes basic but critical structural mechanics topics:
Stress and strain concepts
Shear force and bending moment
Stresses and deflection in beams
Columns and truss analysis
Virtual work and strain energy
Indeterminate structures
Slope deflection, moment distribution, and Kani’s method
Arches, moving loads, influence lines
🌊 2. Fluid Mechanics & Water Resources (10 Marks)
Both fluid theory and applications in water resource engineering are tested:
Fluid pressure, buoyancy, flow through orifices/pipes
Hydraulic machines, turbines, pumps
Open channel flow, hydraulic jump, dimensional analysis
Hydrology: precipitation, runoff, infiltration
Irrigation methods, crop water requirements
Reservoir capacity, sedimentation
Groundwater flow and well yield estimation
🗺️ 3. Surveying, Quantity Estimation & Valuation (10 Marks)
This practical section deals with on-site measurement and costing:
Basic surveying and leveling
Theodolite, EDM, GPS, Total Station, GIS
Area/volume calculations, triangulation, mass diagrams
Rate analysis, item-wise estimation
Bar bending schedules, rent fixation, depreciation methods
🏗️ 4. Building Materials & Construction Technology (20 Marks)
The largest section focuses on materials and modern construction:
Properties of timber, steel, concrete, and admixtures
Foundation systems, masonry, lintels, roofs, flooring
Prefabricated and tall building techniques
Vertical transport: lifts, ramps, escalators
Failures in RCC/steel, retrofitting methods
Construction planning, safety, ethics, quality management
🌱 5. Environmental Engineering (10 Marks)
Crucial for urban development and sustainability:
Water demand estimation, forecasting population
Water treatment units and disinfection
Sewer design, flow conditions, appurtenances
Wastewater treatment: tanks, filters, sludge handling
Air pollution control and legislation
🧮 6. Design of Structures (20 Marks)
Covers both concrete and steel design techniques:
Limit state design methods
Design of beams, slabs, columns, footings
Torsion, shear reinforcement, bond length
Retaining walls and circular slab design
Water tanks and prestressed concrete basics
Structural steel: bolted/welded joints, beams, trusses
Timber structure basics
🌍 7. Geotechnical Engineering (10 Marks)
Understanding soil behavior and foundation systems:
Soil classification, permeability, compaction
Effective stress, shear strength
Consolidation (Terzaghi’s theory), slope stability
Earth pressure theories
Foundation design: shallow, deep, machine bases
Ground improvement techniques
Site investigation: SPT, plate load test
🚦 8. Transportation & Urban Planning (10 Marks)
This section touches infrastructure and city planning:
Highway classification, alignment, geometric design
Pavement materials and design (CBR method)
Traffic studies, control devices, accidents
Airport planning and terminal design
Tunnel ventilation and drainage
Railway track design, harbour and dock types
Urban planning, zoning, new town development
Conclusion
Good preparation begins with understanding the syllabus. This is the PWD AE 2022 Syllabus. Latest syllabus will come when confirmation for the exam is active. Save this breakdown and use it as your master guide for cracking the PWD AE 2025 exam!
