The Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) has officially released the updated Primary Test Syllabus for the post of Assistant Director, Boilers, Class II under the Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department. The syllabus was revised on 24th June 2026 with amendments to Part 2 (Concern Subject). This article covers the complete, updated syllabus for both Part 1 and Part 2, helping candidates plan their preparation effectively.
GPSC Assistant Director Boiler 2026 - Exam Overview
Before diving into the syllabus details, here is a quick overview of the exam structure for the GPSC Assistant Director Boiler Primary Test 2026.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) |
| Advertisement No. | 40/2026-27 |
| Post Name | Assistant Director, Boilers, Class II |
| Department | Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department |
| Exam Type | Primary Test (Objective) |
| Part 1 - General Studies | 100 Marks | Medium: Gujarati |
| Part 2 - Concern Subject | 200 Questions | 200 Marks | Medium: English |
| Syllabus Revision Date | 24th June 2026 |
Check Here: GPSC Assistant Director Syllabus 2026
GPSC Assistant Director Boiler Syllabus 2026 - Part 1: General Studies
Part 1 of the GPSC Assistant Director Boiler Primary Test is conducted in Gujarati and carries 100 marks. It tests candidates on a wide range of general knowledge topics related to history, polity, economy, geography, science, and current affairs.
History and Culture
This section tests knowledge of Indian and Gujarat's historical periods, cultural heritage, social reform movements, and national leaders. Key topics include:
- Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period, Jainism and Buddhism
- Contact with Central Asia and its consequences
- Major dynasties of Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India and Gujarat - administration, social, religious, and economic conditions
- Bhakti Movement and Sufism
- Arrival of Europeans in India, British rule, 1857 Freedom Struggle in India and Gujarat
- 19th-century religious and social reform movements in India and Gujarat
- India's independence movement, Indian revolutionaries in India and abroad
- Contributions of national leaders in various fields
- Post-independence India and Gujarat
- Cultural heritage of India and Gujarat - art forms, literature, sculpture, architecture, music, dance
- Saint tradition of India and Gujarat and its influence on public life
- Life traditions, fairs, festivals, food, dress, etc. of India and Gujarat
- Museums, library activities, cultural-religious and literary importance of Gujarat
- Gujarati theater: plays, songs, and drama companies
- Tribal life: festivals, fairs, dress, religious rituals
- Gujarati literature: streams, turning points, authors, literary works, institutions, language and dialects
- Pilgrimage and tourist places in Gujarat
Indian Polity, Constitution, Social Justice and International Relations
This section covers the Indian Constitution, its key features, important amendments, and constitutional institutions. Candidates should also be aware of international bodies and India's foreign policy.
- Indian Constitution: origin, development, features, important provisions, key constitutional amendments, inherent structure, federalism
- Constitutional institutions: powers, functions and responsibilities; statutory, regulatory and quasi-judicial bodies
- Local self-government institutions
- Judiciary in India - structure, functions, judicial review, PIL, landmark judgments
- India's foreign policy - international relations, major institutions, agencies, organizations, their structure and functions
- Important policies and programs of Central and State Governments
Logical and Intellectual Ability
This section assesses candidates' reasoning, numerical, and analytical abilities. Topics include:
- Logical and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving ability
- General intellectual ability
- Basic numerical ability
- Data interpretation - charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc.
Economy of India and Gujarat
This section covers macroeconomic concepts, planning, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and Gujarat's economy. Candidates should have a strong understanding of economic policy and recent developments.
- Basic concepts and principles of economics
- Pre-independence Indian economy; planning in India, models and changes over time; new economic reforms, NITI Aayog
- Agriculture sector: major crops, crop patterns, irrigation; institutional structure, land reforms; technological changes; pricing policy; agricultural finance; food security and PDS; Green Revolution; sustainable and organic farming
- Industrial policy; public sector enterprises; privatization and disinvestment; industrial growth; small-scale industries; SEZ; foreign investment and competition policy
- Infrastructure: water supply and sanitation, energy and electricity, science and technology, rural and urban infrastructure, ports, roads, airports, railways, telecom; Social Impact Assessment
- Population structure trends - growth rate, gender, rural-urban migration, literacy; poverty and inequality; unemployment; rural employment policies; development indicators
- Indian public finance: tax system, public expenditure, public debt, subsidies; Centre-State fiscal relations; fiscal and monetary policy; GST
- India's foreign trade: trends, structure, direction; balance of payments post-reforms
- Gujarat's economy: social sectors (education, health, nutrition); comparison with India and major states; agriculture, forest, water resources, mining, industry, service sector; economic and social infrastructure development policies
Geography
This section covers physical, social, and economic geography with reference to India, Gujarat, and the world. Topics include:
- General Geography: Earth as part of the solar system, Earth's movement, seasons, internal structure, landforms, atmosphere, climate, ocean characteristics, water disasters, marine and continental resources
- Physical Geography: major natural divisions, earthquakes and landslides, natural drainage, seasonal climate, cyclones, national parks and sanctuaries, types of soil, rocks and minerals
- Social Geography: population distribution, density, sex ratio, literacy, occupational structure, SC/ST population, ethnic and linguistic groups, rural-urban components, urbanization, metropolitan areas
- Economic Geography: agriculture, industry, services; forest, mineral, fuel, and human labor-based industries; transportation and trade
- Geography in the context of current trends
Science and Technology
This section tests knowledge of science, technology, ICT, space, defense, energy, environment, and biotechnology as they relate to national development and everyday life.
- Science and Technology: nature and scope; national policy on science, technology and innovation; institutions and their contributions; contributions of famous Indian scientists
- ICT: nature and scope; ICT in daily life, industry, governance; various schemes promoting ICT; cyber security; National Cyber Crime Policy
- Space and Defense Technology: evolution of Indian space program; ISRO, DRDO, missile programs; various satellite programs
- Energy: India's current energy needs and gaps; energy sources; energy policy, government programs
- India's nuclear policy: nuclear energy program, nuclear cooperation with other countries, Nuclear Suppliers Group, nuclear disarmament treaties
- Environmental Science: environmental issues and legal aspects; national and international policies and treaties; biodiversity; climate change; forests and wildlife; pollution; carbon emissions; global warming; National Action Plan; health and environment
- Biotechnology, nanotechnology, and other emerging technologies: nature, scope, applications; ethical, social and legal issues; government policies; impact on human life
- Various institutions related to science and technology, their functions and contributions
General Knowledge and Current Affairs
Candidates must stay updated with important events at the regional, national, and international levels. This includes political developments, sports, awards, science achievements, economic events, and other significant happenings.
GPSC Assistant Director Boiler Syllabus 2026 - Part 2: Concern Subject (Engineering)
Part 2 is the technical subject paper, conducted in English, and consists of 200 questions carrying 200 marks. This section is specifically designed to test candidates' knowledge of mechanical and boiler engineering. The syllabus was revised in June 2026. Below is the complete topic-wise breakdown.
1. Engineering Thermodynamics
This topic covers the core principles of thermodynamics and their application to steam plants and closed/open systems.
- Basic concepts of thermodynamics; Zeroth law (temperature measurement)
- First law applied to closed and open systems
- Second law; Entropy; Exergy
- Carnot, Rankine, and reheat/regenerative cycles - concept and significance for steam plant (qualitative)
2. Heat Transfer and Thermal Insulation
This topic covers modes of heat transfer, key laws, and insulation principles relevant to boiler efficiency.
- Conduction - Fourier's law, thermal conductivity; heat transfer through plane wall, composite wall, cylinder
- Heat-transfer-area calculations; fouling factor
- Convection - Newton's law of cooling; free and forced convection; coefficient of convection (concept)
- Radiation - blackbody concept, emissivity, reflectivity, absorptivity, transmissivity; Stefan-Boltzmann law
- Overall heat-transfer coefficient; heat exchanger concept (recuperative vs. regenerative; parallel- and counter-flow)
- Thermal insulation: need, types, properties, industrial applications; hot and cold insulation; insulating materials, application methods, advantages and disadvantages; economic thickness of insulation
3. Properties of Steam, Fuels and Combustion
Understanding steam properties and combustion processes is essential for boiler operation and design.
- Two-phase system concept; formation of steam and its phases; wet, dry, dry-saturated, superheated steam on p-v, T-s, h-s diagrams
- Dryness fraction and degree of superheat; latent heat, sensible heat, enthalpy, entropy, specific volume
- Use of steam tables and Mollier chart
- Throttling and separating-throttling calorimeters (concept)
- Critical point; subcritical, supercritical, ultra-supercritical steam conditions
- Classification of fuels; stoichiometry of combustion; theoretical and excess air; air-fuel ratio; products of combustion (qualitative)
- Combustion of oil and gas; atomisation; flue-gas analysis; Indian coal characteristics (high ash) and implications; alternative and cleaner fuels
4. Boiler Manufacturing Processes
This topic covers manufacturing and fabrication techniques used in boiler component production.
- Welding: arc, TIG, MIG, submerged-arc; weld defects; NDT; WPS/PQR
- Casting: sand, investment; defects and inspection
- Forging: open/closed-die; forging defects
- Associated machining and forming of boiler components
Boilers and Steam Systems
5. Steam Boilers: Types, Construction and Modern Designs
A comprehensive understanding of boiler types, designs, and operational principles is tested in this topic.
- Concept and definition as per Indian Boiler Regulations / Boilers Act; functions, features and classification
- Fire-tube vs. water-tube; low-pressure vs. high-pressure; natural vs. forced circulation; packaged vs. field-erected
- Merits and demerits of: simple vertical boiler, Lancashire, Cornish, Cochran, Babcock & Wilcox, packaged, and waste-heat-recovery boilers
- Subcritical, supercritical, ultra-supercritical (USC) and advanced ultra-supercritical (AUSC) boilers
- Fluidised-bed combustion: BFBC, CFBC, PFBC; travelling-grate / stoker-fired boilers; biomass and multi-fuel boilers
- Waste-to-energy (municipal solid waste) boilers; HRSG in combined-cycle plants; solar-thermal steam generation (concept)
- Impact of different fuels on design, operation, safety and environmental performance
6. Boiler Mountings, Accessories and Auxiliary Systems
This section covers essential boiler safety fittings and auxiliary equipment used in boiler operation.
- Mountings and accessories - functions, working and location: safety valves, water-level indicator, pressure gauge, fusible plug, blow-down valve, feed check valve, stop valve, economiser, air pre-heater, superheater, feed pump, injector
- Boiler draught: natural and artificial; forced, induced and balanced draught; chimney height and draught (concept)
- Combustion-air and flue-gas path; ID/FD fans; ash-handling and fuel-handling systems (concept)
- Steam distribution, steam traps, condensate recovery and flash-steam recovery (concept)
- Introduction to fluidised-bed combustion boiler auxiliaries
7. Steam Turbines and Prime Movers
Steam turbines are critical prime movers in boiler systems, and this topic tests understanding of their types and working principles.
- Concept and classification of steam turbines
- Impulse and reaction turbines - constructional and material details, working principle and differences
- Compounding of steam turbines: pressure compounding, velocity compounding, pressure-velocity compounding
- Velocity diagrams (concept only); governing of steam turbines (throttle and nozzle governing, concept)
- Condensers and vacuum role (concept)
- Cogeneration / combined heat and power (CHP) and combined-cycle concepts and relevance to boiler plants
8. Boiler Feed-Water Chemistry and Water Treatment
Boiler feed-water quality directly affects boiler life and efficiency, making this topic highly important for the exam.
- Importance of feed-water quality; key parameters: hardness, alkalinity, pH, TDS, silica, dissolved oxygen, conductivity
- Impurities and effects: scale, sludge, corrosion, caustic embrittlement, carry-over, priming, foaming
- External treatment: clarification, filtration, softening, ion-exchange/demineralisation, reverse osmosis
- Internal/chemical treatment: phosphate, chelant, oxygen scavengers; deaeration; blow-down control; condensate polishing
- Treatment selection by boiler pressure rating; water-quality standards
Operation, Performance and Maintenance
9. Boiler Operation, Performance Assessment and Energy Efficiency
This section covers boiler performance measurement methods, energy conservation, and regulatory frameworks for energy efficiency.
- Performance parameters: evaporative capacity, equivalent evaporation, factor of evaporation, boiler efficiency
- Efficiency by direct and indirect (heat-loss) methods; heat-balance sheet and Sankey diagram (concept)
- Energy Performance Assessment per ASME PTC 4, BS / EN and BIS test codes
- Mechanical stokers, pulverisers and pulverised-fuel firing; gas and oil firing; prevention of smoke and unburnt-fuel loss
- Energy-conservation measures: excess-air control, flue-gas heat recovery, blow-down heat recovery, condensate/flash-steam recovery, insulation upkeep
- Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Energy Conservation Act, Perform-Achieve-Trade (PAT) scheme; energy auditing; ISO 50001 (concept)
10. Boiler Inspection, Maintenance, Defects and Failure Analysis
Candidates are expected to know common boiler defects, maintenance practices, and inspection techniques used in the industry.
- Preventive, predictive and breakdown maintenance; routine operational checks; shutdown maintenance; maintenance checklists
- Common defects: scaling, corrosion (waterside and fireside), overheating, creep, fatigue, erosion, tube failures, refractory failure, pressure-part distortion
- Inspection and testing: visual inspection, hydraulic (hydrostatic) testing, thickness survey
- NDT/NDE: ultrasonic, radiography, dye-penetrant, magnetic-particle (concept)
- Remaining-life and fitness-for-service assessment (introductory); welding and post-weld heat treatment for pressure parts (concept)
- Role of Inspecting Authority and the inspection certificate
11. Boiler Safety, Risk Management and Emergency Response
Safety is a critical aspect of boiler operation, and this topic covers hazards, protective systems, and emergency protocols.
- Hazards: overpressure, low-water, furnace explosion, flame failure, tube rupture
- Safety interlocks and protective devices: safety valves, low-water cut-off, flame-failure protection, purge interlocks, burner-management systems (BMS)
- Causes of boiler explosions and lessons from notable failures (concept)
- Pressure-vessel safety principles; permit-to-work; lock-out/tag-out; confined-space safety for work inside boilers
- Risk assessment techniques: HAZOP / what-if (concept)
- Emergency preparedness and response; reporting and investigation of boiler accidents as required by law
Environment, Decarbonisation and Digitalisation
12. Environmental Compliance and Emission Control
Environmental regulations and emission control technologies are increasingly important for boiler operations in India.
- Environmental impact of fuels used for steam generation
- Principal boiler emissions: PM/SPM, SOx, NOx, CO, CO2
- Statutory framework: Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; Environment (Protection) Act; Environment (Protection) Amendment Rules on revised boiler emission standards
- Role of CPCB and SPCBs; Consent to Operate (CTO)
- Emission-control technologies: ESP, bag filters/baghouses, cyclone separators (PM control); FGD for SOx; SCR/SNCR and low-NOx burners for NOx
- Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS); stack monitoring; ambient-air-quality considerations
13. Instrumentation, Automation and the Digital Boiler (Industry 4.0)
This topic covers modern digital and automation technologies being applied to boiler plants under Industry 4.0.
- Boiler instrumentation: measurement of pressure, temperature, level, flow, flue-gas composition (concept)
- Control of boilers: drum-level control (single-, two- and three-element), combustion control, air-fuel ratio, master pressure control (concept)
- Control architecture: PLC, DCS, SCADA and burner-management system
- Digitalisation and Industry 4.0: IoT-based condition monitoring, sensors and data acquisition; digital twins; AI/ML-based predictive maintenance and performance optimisation
- Remote monitoring and cybersecurity awareness for plant control systems (introductory)
- Benefits and limitations of automation for safety, efficiency and emission compliance
Statutory, Regulatory and Professional Framework
14. The Boilers Act, 2025, and Allied Central Legislation
The Boilers Act, 2025 is a landmark piece of legislation and is a key focus area for the GPSC Assistant Director exam.
- Boilers Act, 2025 (Act No. 12 of 2025; in force from 1 May 2025, repealing the Boilers Act, 1923): objectives, scope, key definitions, structure (six chapters)
- Regulation of manufacture, erection, registration, certification, inspection, alteration and repair of boilers and boiler components
- Prohibition on unregistered/uncertified boilers; registration and renewal; prior approval for alteration/repair
- Safety of persons working inside a boiler; mandatory reporting and investigation of accidents
- Institutional framework: Central Boilers Board, Chief Inspector, Inspectors, independent third-party Inspecting Authorities
- Penalties, decriminalisation and compounding of offences (alignment with Jan Vishwas Act, 2023)
- Continuity of subordinate legislation; relationship with allied legislation - Factories Act and Environmental laws (concept)
15. Indian Boiler Regulations and Codes and Standards
Candidates must be familiar with the IBR 1950 and relevant national and international codes governing boiler safety and quality.
- Indian Boiler Regulations (IBR), 1950: purpose, structure, scope; provisions on materials, design, construction, fittings, mountings, welding, hydraulic testing, inspection and certification
- Boiler-quality materials and forms (IBR-approved)
- National and international codes: BIS/IS codes; ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code; EN/PED and ISO standards (e.g. ISO 16528)
- Boiler Operation Engineer framework and competency/certification of operating personnel
16. Central and State Boiler Rules and Administrative Framework
This topic specifically covers the Gujarat-specific boiler rules and the role of the state boiler inspection department.
- State Boiler Rules (Gujarat Boiler Rules, 1966); State Economiser Rules (Gujarat Economiser Rules, 1968)
- Boiler Operation Engineer Rules, 2025; Boiler Operation Attendant Rules, 2025: scope, key provisions, registration, inspection, fees, competency certificates, duties of owners and operators
- Structure, powers and duties of the State Boiler Inspection Department
- Functions and responsibilities of the Assistant Director (Boiler) and the inspection cadre
- Documentation, certification workflow and grievance/appeal mechanisms
17. Current Trends and Recent Developments
Candidates should stay updated with the latest developments in all the above technical and regulatory fields, including new policies, technology advancements, and legislative changes.
How to Download the GPSC Assistant Director Boiler Syllabus 2026 PDF
The official and updated syllabus PDF for Advt No. 40/2026-27 has been released by GPSC. Candidates can download it directly from the official GPSC website. The revised syllabus, updated on 24th June 2026, contains amendments to Part 2 (Concern Subject).
- Visit the official GPSC website: gpsc.gujarat.gov.in
- Go to the "Advertisements" or "Notifications" section
- Search for Advertisement No. 40/2026-27
- Download the updated syllabus PDF
GPSC Assistant Director Boiler 2026 - Preparation Tips
To score well in the GPSC Assistant Director Boiler exam, candidates should adopt a structured and strategic preparation approach covering both general studies and the technical subject paper.
- Master the Boilers Act, 2025: This new legislation (effective from 1 May 2025) is a high-priority topic. Read its six chapters carefully along with related Gujarat State Rules.
- Focus on IBR 1950 and Boiler Safety: The Indian Boiler Regulations are a recurring focus in this exam. Study all clauses related to design, inspection, and certification.
- Revise General Studies (Part 1) in Gujarati: Part 1 covers Gujarat-centric history, polity, and economy. Use GPSC-standard reference books in Gujarati.
- Practice Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer: These engineering fundamentals are tested conceptually - focus on understanding over derivations, as the syllabus explicitly notes.
- Stay updated on Current Affairs: Follow recent developments in boiler technology, emission norms, and energy policy in India.
- Refer to ASME, BIS, and EN Codes: Know the purpose and applicability of major boiler codes at the conceptual level.
