IOE Entrance Preparation: Complete Guide to BE Engineering Exam 2026
Complete IOE entrance preparation guide for BE engineering in Nepal. Syllabus, best books, preparation institutes, study plan, and free online mock tests.
Jul 5, 2026 9 min read 15 views
IOE Entrance Preparation: Complete Guide to BE Engineering Exam
The Institute of Engineering (IOE) entrance exam is the gateway to engineering education in Nepal. Conducted by Tribhuvan University's IOE, it's the most competitive engineering entrance in the country — over 15,000 candidates compete for ~1,800 seats across TU-affiliated engineering colleges. This comprehensive IOE entrance preparation guide covers everything from syllabus and books to study plans and mock tests.
IOE Entrance Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|--------|-------------|
| Conducted by | Institute of Engineering (IOE), TU |
| Frequency | Once per year (Bhadra–Ashwin) |
| Eligibility | +2 Science (or equivalent) with PCM |
| Exam pattern | 140 MCQs, 3 hours, 140 marks |
| Pass mark | 40% (56 marks) |
| Negative marking | None |
| Sections | Physics (40), Chemistry (40), Math (40), English (20) |
IOE Syllabus Breakdown
Physics (40 Questions)
The Physics section is the most scoring for well-prepared students:
Mechanics (~30%)
Kinematics and dynamics
Newton's laws of motion
Work, energy, and power
Rotational motion
Gravitation
Fluid mechanics
Electricity & Magnetism (~25%)
Electrostatics (Coulomb's law, electric field, potential)
Current electricity (Ohm's law, circuits)
Magnetic effects of current
Electromagnetic induction
AC circuits
Optics (~15%)
Reflection and refraction
Lenses and mirrors
Interference and diffraction
Optical instruments
Modern Physics (~10%)
Atomic structure
Nuclear physics
Semiconductors and diodes
Photoelectric effect
Thermodynamics & Waves (~20%)
Heat and temperature
Laws of thermodynamics
Wave motion
Sound waves
Chemistry (40 Questions)
Physical Chemistry (~35%)
Atomic structure
Chemical bonding
Thermodynamics
Chemical equilibrium
Electrochemistry
Mole concept and stoichiometry
Organic Chemistry (~30%)
Hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes)
Functional groups (alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids)
Reaction mechanisms
Biomolecules
Polymers
Inorganic Chemistry (~35%)
Periodic table and periodicity
s-block and p-block elements
d-block and f-block elements
Coordination compounds
Qualitative analysis
Mathematics (40 Questions)
Math is the highest-weightage section and often the differentiator:
Algebra (~25%)
Quadratic equations
Sequences and series
Complex numbers
Permutations and combinations
Binomial theorem
Matrices and determinants
Calculus (~30%)
Limits and continuity
Differentiation
Application of derivatives
Integration
Application of integration
Differential equations
Coordinate Geometry (~15%)
Straight lines
Circles
Conic sections (parabola, ellipse, hyperbola)
Trigonometry (~15%)
Trigonometric ratios and identities
Inverse trigonometric functions
Properties of triangles
Vectors and 3D Geometry (~15%)
Vector algebra
Scalar and vector products
Lines and planes in 3D
English (20 Questions)
Often underestimated but crucial:
Grammar (tenses, articles, prepositions, voice)
Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms)
Sentence correction
Reading comprehension
Para jumbles
Best Books for IOE Preparation
Physics
HC Verma — Concepts of Physics (Vol 1 & 2) — best conceptual book
Resnick, Halliday, Walker — for deeper understanding
IE Irodov — for advanced problem-solving (optional)
NEB Physics textbook — for syllabus coverage
Chemistry
NCERT Chemistry (Class 11–12) — foundation
Morrison & Boyd — Organic Chemistry reference
JD Lee — Inorganic Chemistry reference
Peter Atkins — Physical Chemistry reference
Mathematics
RD Sharma — comprehensive coverage
ML Khanna — IIT-level problems
Thomas' Calculus — for calculus
SL Loney — Coordinate Geometry and Trigonometry
English
Wren & Martin — grammar
Word Power Made Easy — vocabulary
IOE Preparation Institutes in Nepal
Top Preparation Institutes
Namuna College of Engineering — established, experienced faculty
VIBRANT Educational Foundation — strong Physics and Chemistry
PEA (Professional Engineering Academy) — good all-rounder
Not taking mock tests — knowledge without practice = failure
Cramming without understanding — IOE tests concepts, not memorization
Spending too much time on one subject — balance is key
Not managing exam time — 140 questions in 180 minutes requires strategy
Skipping rest — burnout destroys performance
FAQ
How do I start IOE preparation?
Start with the NEB +2 syllabus. Use HC Verma for Physics, NCERT for Chemistry, RD Sharma for Math. Take free IOE mock tests weekly to track progress.
How many marks do I need for Pulchowk?
For Pulchowk Campus, aim for 100+ out of 140. Computer Engineering requires 110+, Civil Engineering requires 95+.
Which is the best IOE preparation institute?
Namuna, VIBRANT, and PEA are the most popular and have good track records. Choose based on location, batch size, and budget.
Can I prepare for IOE at home?
Yes, with discipline. Use standard books (HC Verma, NCERT, RD Sharma), watch YouTube tutorials, and take free IOE mock tests regularly.
How many hours should I study for IOE?
6–10 hours daily for 4–6 months is ideal. Quality matters more than quantity — focused study beats distracted study.
Is IOE easier than JEE (India)?
IOE is generally considered easier than JEE Main, but harder than state-level engineering entrances in India. The syllabus is similar but the question pattern differs.
