For over 30 years, " Civil Engineering: Conventional and Objective Type " by R.S. Khurmi
and J.K. Gupta has remained a foundational resource for civil engineering students and competitive exam aspirants. Published by S. Chand Publishing, it is widely used for preparing for exams like GATE, UPSC, IES, and SSC-JE. Key Features
Comprehensive Chapters: The latest editions typically feature 17 chapters covering every major concept in civil engineering.
Extensive Question Bank: Contains over 5,000 objective questions with helpful hints for practice.
Visual Support: Includes more than 1,000 graphs and figures to illustrate theoretical concepts.
Dual Approach: Combines concise theory (conventional) with a vast collection of multiple-choice questions (objective). Core Topics Covered The book covers a wide spectrum of essential subjects: Engineering Mechanics & Strength of Materials Hydraulics, Fluid Mechanics, and Hydraulic Machines Surveying & Building Materials Irrigation, Highway, and Railway Engineering Soil Mechanics & Foundations Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) and Steel Structure Design Concrete Technology & Construction Management Availability and Purchase
While many students search for PDFs, the book is officially available in several formats: R.S. Khurmi's Civil Engineering Essentials | PDF - Scribd
How to evaluate a PDF you find online
- Check front matter: look for title page, edition, publisher, ISBN, authorship statement.
- Verify table of contents against known textbooks you trust.
- Inspect references and code citations (IS, BS, Eurocode, AASHTO) and their publication years.
- Spot-check worked problems against established sources for numerical accuracy.
- Confirm figures, units, and notation consistency.
- Beware of documents that combine multiple copyrighted works—these may be unauthorized reproductions.
Step 2: Subject-wise Slicing
Do not read the book cover to cover. Instead:
- Week 1: Only solve Strength of Materials.
- Week 2: Only solve Soil Mechanics.
- Week 3: Only solve Fluid Mechanics.
Step 4: Use the "Wrong Answer" Journal
Every time you flag a question (especially those with lengthy solutions by J.K. Gupta), copy it into a physical notebook. Revise only those wrong answers the day before your exam.
Where to Get the Official Civil Engineering PDF
If you want the digital version legally, here are the best options:
3. KopyKitab and Other Indian Digital Stores
Websites like KopyKitab, SnatchBooks, or Wonderslate often feature DRM-protected versions of the Khurmi & Gupta book. These are frequently cheaper than international stores and are tailored for Indian competitive exams.
Limitations to Consider
While the book is exceptional for competitive exams, it is important to note that it is not a replacement for standard reference books (like those by Gere & Timoshenko for Mechanics or Punmia for Soil Mechanics) when it comes to deep conceptual understanding or semester exam preparations. The theory is summarized; students requiring in-depth derivations and complex case studies may need supplementary reading.
Why This Book is a Bestseller in Civil Engineering
The full title of the book is often "Civil Engineering: Through Objective Type Questions" by S. Chand Publishing. R.S. Khurmi (primarily known for Mechanical Engineering) teamed up with J.K. Gupta to create a Civil Engineering tome that bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and practical problem-solving.
2. Amazon Kindle
You can purchase the Kindle edition. While Kindle is great for novels, keep in mind that large engineering diagrams and equations often scale poorly on basic e-ink Kindles. Use the Kindle Cloud Reader or Tablet App for the best experience.