Can I appear in the Civil Engineering optional subject exam if I have not completed my graduation yet?

Yes, you can appear in the Civil Engineering optional subject exam even if you have not completed your graduation yet. The eligibility criteria for appearing in the UPSC Civil Services Examination are as follows:

1. Nationality:
- You must be a citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A subject of Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

2. Age Limit:
- You must be at least 21 years old and not more than 32 years old as of August 1 of the exam year. There are age relaxations for certain categories, such as SC/ST and OBC candidates.

3. Educational Qualification:
- You must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. There is no specific requirement for the subject of graduation.

4. Attempts:
- The number of attempts allowed for the Civil Services Examination varies based on the category you belong to. For general category candidates, it is six attempts, while for OBC candidates, it is nine attempts. SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts until the upper age limit.

Given the eligibility criteria, you can appear for the Civil Engineering optional subject exam if you meet the age limit and other requirements, even if you have not completed your graduation yet. However, it is important to note that the optional subject carries only a certain weightage in the exam, and the overall performance in all the papers plays a significant role in the final selection.

It is advisable to thoroughly prepare for the examination by studying the relevant subjects and topics related to Civil Engineering. There are various resources available, including textbooks, online courses, and practice papers that can help you in your preparation. Additionally, joining coaching institutes or taking guidance from experienced mentors can also be beneficial.

In conclusion, you can appear in the Civil Engineering optional subject exam for the UPSC Civil Services Examination even if you have not completed your graduation yet. However, it is essential to meet the other eligibility criteria, such as age limit and nationality.