CPRI Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026: CBT Breakdown for Engineering Officer, Scientific Assistant & Technician

CPRI Recruitment 2026: Comprehensive Examination Pattern & Syllabus

The Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) conducts national-level recruitment to select qualified engineers, scientists, technical staff, and administrative assistants. Understanding the exact examination pattern and syllabus is vital for scoring high percentiles in CPRI's competitive Computer Based Test (CBT).

Overall CBT Structure & Scheme of Examination

The examination is conducted in an online Computer Based Test (CBT) format. The test duration is typically 90 to 120 minutes depending on the cadre, featuring multiple choice objective questions with four options.

Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus Breakdown

1. Engineering Officer Grade-I (Electrical Engineering)

• Electric Circuits & Fields: Network graphs, KCL, KVL, node/mesh analysis, transient response of DC/AC networks, sinusoidal steady-state analysis, resonance, two-port networks, three-phase circuits, Gauss Theorem, electric field and potential.
• Electrical Machines: Single phase transformer, three phase transformers, autotransformer, DC machines (characteristics, starting, braking), induction machines, synchronous machines (regulation, parallel operation).
• Power Systems: Power generation concepts, AC/DC transmission, transmission line models & performance, cable insulation, distribution systems, per-unit quantities, symmetrical/unsymmetrical fault analysis, principles of over-current, differential, and distance protection, circuit breakers, system stability.
• High Voltage Engineering & Testing: Breakdown mechanisms in solids, liquids, and gases; generation of high DC, AC, and impulse voltages; measurement of high voltages; non-destructive testing and dielectric loss measurements (Tan Delta).
• Power Electronics & Drives: Characteristics of power semiconductor devices (Diodes, SCR, MOSFET, IGBT), phase-controlled rectifiers, inverters, choppers, harmonics, speed control of electrical drives.

2. Scientific Assistant (Chemistry / Materials Science)

• Analytical Chemistry: Titrimetric analysis, gravimetric estimation, chromatography (HPLC, GC), spectroscopy (UV-Vis, FTIR, ICP-OES).
• Dielectric & Insulating Materials: Transformer oil testing, breakdown voltage (BDV), moisture analysis, dissolved gas analysis (DGA), kinematic viscosity, flash point, acidity, and interfacial tension.
• Polymer & Environmental Chemistry: Aging characteristics of composite insulators, polymer testing, environmental testing of effluents.

3. Technician Grade-I (Electrician / Wireman)

• Basic Electricity: Resistance, capacitance, inductance, Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, series & parallel circuits, battery charging, lead-acid cells, lithium-ion basics.
• Electrical Wiring & Safety: Domestic and industrial wiring systems, earthing methods (pipe, plate, chemical earthing), Indian Electricity (IE) rules, electrical safety devices (MCB, ELCB, RCCB).
• Motors, Generators & Transformers: Operation and maintenance of AC/DC motors, star-delta starters, transformer winding, insulation testing with Megger.

4. General Aptitude & Reasoning (Common Section)

• Quantitative Aptitude: Number system, percentages, profit & loss, ratio & proportion, time & work, speed & distance, data interpretation.
• Reasoning Ability: Syllogisms, blood relations, coding-decoding, seating arrangement, series completion, analogies.
• General Awareness: National and international current affairs, energy policies, power sector reforms, Indian Constitution, science & technology.
• General English: Error detection, sentence completion, synonyms/antonyms, idioms, reading comprehension.

To check the live recruitment schedule and notification downloads, visit the CPRI Recruitment 2026 Hub.

Skill & Trade Test Protocols

Candidates qualifying in the written CBT for Technician Gr-I must clear a practical trade test evaluating hands-on wiring, measuring instrument calibration, and safety compliance. For Assistant Gr-II, a qualifying speed typing test (30 WPM English) on a computer is mandatory.