Sri Lanka Engineering Service Exam study plan

Build a one-page formula sheet for soil classification (Atterberg limits, sieve analysis, plasticity index) and solve 10 classification problems from first principles

Derive and apply Darcy's law to compute seepage velocity and flow rate in 8 worked numericals, checking units each time

Sketch and label the phases of a standard Proctor compaction curve and state how moisture content and compactive effort shift it

Solve 6 effective-stress problems involving water table changes, writing the sigma-minus-u expression before substituting numbers

Compute bearing capacity using Terzaghi and Meyerhof expressions for 8 footing cases, comparing results and noting when each applies

Calculate immediate and consolidation settlement for a clay layer and separate the two components in a worked example

Design a cantilever retaining wall check sequence (overturning, sliding, bearing) and run it on one numeric case

Interpret a standard penetration test profile and justify a permissible bearing pressure with stated assumptions

Draw bending moment and shear force diagrams for 10 determinate beams and 4 frames without software, timing yourself

Apply the slope-deflection and moment-distribution methods to 4 indeterminate beams and verify one result by virtual work

Compute deflection of a simply supported and a cantilever beam using standard formulas and check against unit-load method

Design a singly reinforced rectangular RC section to a given moment, then verify it against a doubly reinforced alternative

Design a steel tension member, a laterally restrained beam, and a column to stated loads, citing the governing limit state for each

Assemble a one-page table mapping concrete grades, steel grades, and exposure conditions to their typical permissible stresses and cover values

Explain ductile detailing requirements for beams and columns in your own words and apply them to a sketch of one joint

List the standard tests for concrete workability, cube strength, and slump, and state acceptance criteria for each

Solve 12 DC and AC circuit problems using mesh and nodal analysis, then verify 4 of them by superposition or Thevenin equivalent

Compute power, power factor, and reactive compensation for 5 three-phase industrial loads and select a capacitor size

Explain the operating principle and torque-speed characteristic of induction and synchronous machines, and solve 4 slip and efficiency numericals

Trace a distribution schematic from transformer to consumer and label protection devices and earthing points

Solve 8 thermodynamics problems on the first law, entropy change, and Rankine or Brayton cycle efficiency, showing the system boundary each time

Analyse a four-stroke engine cycle and compute indicated and brake thermal efficiency from given data

Calculate heat transfer by conduction through a composite wall and by convection using the appropriate correlation, for 4 cases

Explain the function and failure modes of bearings, gears, and belts, and select a belt or gear ratio for a stated drive

Consolidate surveying calculations: reduce a level book, compute a gradient, and solve 4 traverse and area problems

Assemble a one-page reference of material properties, standard units, and engineering ethics duties relevant to public works

Practise 30 aptitude items (quantitative, logical, and data interpretation) under a 30-minute timer and record error types

Draft 4 structured written answers on engineering practice scenarios using a claim-evidence-conclusion format

Review a dated timeline of Sri Lankan infrastructure milestones, key institutions, and recent policy directions, and self-test with 25 recall items

Re-solve the 10 hardest problems from weeks 1 to 6 from memory and compare against your original workings

Sit two full-length timed mock papers covering all seven domains and mark them strictly

Rewrite your formula sheets into a single condensed final-revision card of no more than 4 pages