Civil Engineering Interview Questions – Guide for Indian Candidates

Civil engineering deals with the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of buildings, roads, dams, bridges, water supply systems, and other infrastructure.

Key branches include: Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Management, and Surveying.

Cement is a binding material. Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water. Cement is one component of concrete.

Reinforcement, usually steel bars, helps concrete handle tensile stress. It improves the durability and structural strength of concrete structures.

It is the ratio of the weight of water to the weight of cement in a concrete mix. A lower ratio increases strength but reduces workability. Ideal values are between 0.4 and 0.5.

The slump test measures the workability of fresh concrete. A higher slump means the concrete is more fluid and workable.

According to IS 456:2000:
OPC: Minimum 7 days
PPC: Minimum 10 days
In dry and hot weather: Up to 14 days

Common grades:
M20: 1:1.5:3
M25: 1:1:2 Higher grades are used in special structural applications.

Dead Load: Permanent weight of structural components.
Live Load: Temporary loads like furniture, people, and vehicles.

Shear force causes a section to slide over the other.
Bending moment causes the beam to bend or flex.

Shallow foundations are less than 3 meters deep (e.g., isolated footings).
Deep foundations are more than 3 meters deep (e.g., pile foundations). Used when surface soil is weak.

Types include gravity, cantilever, anchored, and mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls. They prevent soil erosion and support vertical or near-vertical grade changes.

It involves studying soil and rock properties before designing foundations. It helps avoid settlement issues and structural failures.

BBS: Detailed list of reinforcement bars used in RCC construction.
Lap length: The overlap between two rebars. Usually 60 times the diameter in tension zones.

Bleeding: Water rises to the surface due to excess water.
Honeycombing: Voids in concrete due to poor compaction or improper mix.

Standard brick size is 190 mm × 90 mm × 90 mm (without mortar).

Research the company’s projects and values. Show how your skills match their goals.

Challenges include managing project cost, environmental regulations, safety standards, and skilled manpower shortages.

Use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), conduct daily toolbox talks, carry out risk assessments, and follow safety norms.

Explain your role, the objective, technical challenges, and the outcome. Highlight teamwork and problem-solving skills.

AutoCAD, STAAD Pro, ETABS, MS Project, Revit, Primavera, and BIM tools are commonly used.

Start with survey and data collection, load calculations, design drawings, approvals, site execution, and testing.

Smart construction using Artificial Intelligence, Building Information Modelling (BIM), use of drones, 3D printing, and sustainable building materials.

Use of recycled materials, rainwater harvesting, solar power integration, green roofs, and energy-efficient designs.

IS Codes ensure quality, safety, and compliance with Indian construction laws. Common codes include:
IS 456: Concrete design
IS 1893: Earthquake resistance
IS 875: Load calculations
IRC codes for roads and highways

Focus on core subjects, practical knowledge, site experience, and IS Codes. Practice answering technical and HR questions.

Yes. They test your problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss real or hypothetical site issues.

Yes. Learn AutoCAD, STAAD Pro, Revit, MS Project, and other tools commonly used in civil engineering jobs.

Stay calm. Politely say you are not sure but are willing to learn. Do not guess randomly.

Yes. PSU interviews are more academic and technical. Private companies may focus more on practical knowledge and communication.