UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 offers 474 vacancies. UPSC has released the official notification. Candidates can check details and apply online for UPSC ESE 2026 through the official portal.
Short Brief:
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 is your gateway to a prestigious career in Group-A Central Government services. This exam opens opportunities in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering UPSC ESE 2026. Candidates can apply online using the official portal and participate in a transparent selection process including Preliminary, Main, and Interview stages. Key supporting information such as UPSC ESE 2026 Eligibility Criteria, UPSC ESE 2026 Age Limit, UPSC ESE 2026 Educational Qualification, UPSC ESE 2026 Application Fee, and UPSC ESE 2026 Exam Pattern are covered for applicants.
Post Details of UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced a total of 474 vacancies through the UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026. The vacancies are distributed across the following engineering categories
Category I: Civil Engineering
Posts and Services recruited through the Civil Engineering stream include:
Central Engineering Service
Central Engineering Service (Roads), Group-A (Civil Engineering Posts)
Survey of India Group ‘A’ Service
Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) (Civil) in Border Roads Engineering Service
AEE (QS&C) in MES Surveyor Cadre
Central Water Engineering (Group ‘A’) Service
Indian Skill Development Service
Indian Railway Management Service (Civil) and Indian Railway Management Service (Stores) (Civil Engineering Posts)
Category II: Mechanical Engineering
Posts and Services recruited through the Mechanical Engineering stream include:
Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) in GSI Engineering Service Gr ‘A’
Indian Naval Material Management Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts)
Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service / SSO-II (Mechanical)
AEE (Electrical and Mechanical) in Border Roads Engineering Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts)
Indian Skill Development Service
Indian Enterprises Development Service / Assistant Director Grade-I & Grade-II (Mechanical Trade)
Indian Railway Management Service (Mechanical) and Indian Railway Management Service (Stores) (Mechanical Engineering Posts)
AEE Gr ‘A’ (Mechanical Engineering Posts) in Corps of EME, Min of Defence
Category III: Electrical Engineering
Posts and Services recruited through the Electrical Engineering stream include:
Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service (Electrical Engineering Posts)
Indian Naval Material Management Service (Electrical Engineering Posts)
Central Power Engineering Service Gr ‘A’ (Electrical Engineering Posts)
Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service / SSO-II (Electrical)
Indian Skill Development Service
Indian Enterprises Development Service / Assistant Director Grade-I & Grade-II (Electrical Trade)
Indian Railway Management Service (Electrical) and Indian Railway Management Service (Stores) (Electrical Engineering Posts)
AEE Gr ‘A’ (Electrical Engineering Posts) in Corps of EME, Min of Defence
Category IV: Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
Posts and Services recruited through the Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering stream include:
Indian Radio Regulatory Service Gr ‘A’
Indian Telecommunications Service Gr ‘A’
Indian Naval Material Management Service (Electronics and Telecom Engineering Posts)
Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service / SSO-II (Electronics & Tele)
Indian Skill Development Service
Junior Telecom Officer Gr ‘B’
Indian Enterprises Development Service / Assistant Director Grade-I & Grade-II (Electronics Trade)
Indian Railway Management Service (Signal & Telecommunication) and Indian Railway Management Service (Stores) (S & T Engg. Posts)
AEE Gr ‘A’ (Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering Posts) in Corps of EME, Min of Defence.
These vacancies include 26 seats reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) as per government rules.
Important Dates In UPSC ESE 2026 Notification
Notification Release Date: 26th September 2025
Last Date to Apply: 16th October 2025
Preliminary Exam (Stage-I): 8th February 2026
Main Exam & Interview: To be announced
e-Admit Card Availability: Last working day of the week preceding exam
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026
The eligibility criteria for UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 include age limits, nationality, and educational qualifications for aspirants across disciplines.
Educational Qualification
To be eligible to apply for the Engineering Services Examination, a candidate must possess, at a minimum, one of the following qualifications:
Core Requirements (Must Possess One)
Engineering Degree: A degree in Engineering from a University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India, or another institution recognized as equivalent.
IE (India): A pass in Sections A and B of the Institution Examinations of the Institution of Engineers (India).
IETE: A pass in the Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India).
Aeronautical Society: A pass in the Associate Membership Examination Parts II and III/Sections A and B of the Aeronautical Society of India.
IERE: A pass in the Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Radio Engineers, London, held after November 1959.
Foreign Qualification: An Engineering degree/diploma obtained from a foreign University/College/Institution recognized by the Government for this purpose.
Special Qualification Requirement
For a few specific posts, such as those in the Indian Naval Armament Service (Electronics Engg. Posts) or the Indian Radio Regulatory Service Group ‘A’, an alternative qualification is also accepted:
A candidate may hold an Sc. degree or its equivalent with special subjects such as Wireless Communication Electronics, Radio Physics, or Radio Engineering.
Important Eligibility Notes
Awaiting Results: Candidates who have appeared for their final year qualifying examination and are waiting for results may apply. However, they must furnish proof of passing the final examination during the Personality Test/Interview stage to remain eligible.
Validity Constraint (Post May 31, 2013): Degrees or certificates obtained from the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India) and the Aeronautical Society of India by taking admission after May 31, 2013, will not be admissible for this examination. Eligibility for those who obtained a degree from the Institution of Engineers (India) after taking admission post May 31, 2013, is currently subject to Government decision.
Age Limit
Minimum: 21 years
Maximum (General): 30 years
Age relaxation: SC/ST (+5 years), OBC (+3 years), PwBD (+10 years), Ex-servicemen as per rules, certain Govt employees up to 35 years
Application Fee
General & OBC: ₹200
Exempted: Female, SC/ST, PwBD
Payment via SBI Net Banking, Debit/Credit Cards, UPI
Nationality
Indian citizens, or candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and PIO/OCI categories
Salary and Benefits for UPSC ESE
Basic Pay (Entry Level): The starting basic pay is ₹56,100 per month (Pay Level 10, 7th CPC).
In-Hand Salary: The gross salary, including allowances, typically ranges from ₹85,000 to ₹1,00,000+ per month, with the final in-hand amount varying based on the city of posting.
Major Allowances & Perks: IES officers are entitled to significant benefits, including:
Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA).
Subsidized Government Accommodation.
Medical Benefits (CGHS).
Official Vehicle (depending on rank/post) and Staff Support.
Lifetime Pension (under NPS).
Career Growth: Promotions are regular, with senior posts (like Chief Engineer or equivalent) reaching a basic pay of ₹1,82,200 to ₹2,50,000 per month.
Selection Process Of UPSC ESE Notification
Stage I: Preliminary Examination (500 Marks)
This is the initial, objective-type examination used to screen candidates for the Main Examination.
Format: Consists of two Objective Type (Multiple Choice Question) papers.
Paper I: General Studies and Engineering Aptitude (200 Marks).
Paper II: Engineering Discipline Specific (300 Marks).
Duration: 2 hours for Paper I and 3 hours for Paper II.
Qualifying Rule: The marks obtained in this stage are counted toward the final rank. Candidates must qualify in this stage to be eligible for the Main Examination.
Negative Marking: A penalty of one-third (1/3rd) of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for every incorrect answer.
Stage II: Main Examination (600 Marks)
Candidates who qualify in Stage I are admitted to the Main Examination.
Format: Consists of two Conventional Type (Essay)
Paper I: Engineering Discipline Specific (300 Marks).
Paper II: Engineering Discipline Specific (300 Marks).
Duration: 3 hours for each paper.
Language: Must be answered in English.
Qualifying Rule: The marks obtained in this stage are counted toward the final rank. Only candidates declared qualified in this stage will be called for the Personality Test.
Stage III: Personality Test (200 Marks)
This is the final stage, an interview, conducted for candidates who qualify in the Main Examination.
Maximum Marks:200
Assessment: The board assesses the candidate’s capacity for leadership, intellectual curiosity, initiative, social qualities, tact, and integrity of character.
Rule: There are no minimum qualifying marks prescribed for the Personality Test.
Final Merit
The final order of merit is determined by the total marks obtained by candidates in Stage I (Preliminary), Stage II (Main), and Stage III (Personality Test). The maximum total marks are 1300 (500 + 600 + 200).
How to Apply for UPSC ESE 2026
Step 1: Access the New Online Portal
Navigate to the official UPSC application website.
UPSC has introduced a new Online Application Portal. You must use this new portal for registration and submitting your application. The old One Time Registration (OTR) module is no longer applicable.
Step 2: Account Creation and Universal Registration (URN)
The new portal has four modules, and you must complete the first three common modules afresh, regardless of any past registration with UPSC:
Account Creation: Create a new applicant account on the portal.
Universal Registration: Generate your Universal Registration Number (URN).
Common Application Form (CAF): Fill out the common details required for all UPSC examinations.
It is strongly advised to use your Aadhaar Card as an ID document for easy, effortless, and seamless registration.
Step 3: Examination Specific Application
Once you have completed the common modules (Account, URN, CAF), you will proceed to the fourth module, which is specific to the Engineering Services Examination:
Log in to the portal using your URN.
Select the Engineering Services Examination, 2026
Fill in the specific details required for this examination, such as your chosen engineering discipline (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics & Telecommunication).
Upload all required documents as instructed by the portal.
Step 4: Submission and Final Confirmation
Fee Payment: Pay the application fee, if applicable (fee exemptions apply to female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates).
Review: Carefully review all the details filled in the application form before final submission.
Final Submission: Submit the form online. A confirmation page will be generated.
Additional Information of UPSC ESE 2026 Notification
The UPSC ESE 2026 Notification has been officially released for engineering graduates aiming for a career in central services. This notification provides a complete overview of vacancies, eligibility requirements, application procedure, and exam structure. Candidates can check UPSC ESE 2026 Apply Online, exam dates, and detailed syllabus in the official document. The notification ensures transparency and fairness while selecting candidates for positions in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication UPSC ESE 2026 disciplines. Interested candidates should carefully review the UPSC ESE 2026 Official Notification PDF before applying.
Job Responsibilities of UPSC ESE 2026 Selected Candidates
Designing, planning, and supervising engineering projects in government departments.
Executing duties in Central Engineering Services, Indian Railway Management Service, Border Roads, and other Group-A services.
Ensuring quality standards, safety compliance, and timely completion of projects.
Maintaining technical documentation, project reports, and performance records.
Collaborating with teams to implement advanced engineering solutions.
UPSC ESE 2026 Official Notification PDF & Apply Online
Why Join UPSC
Joining UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 offers a unique opportunity to serve the nation while advancing your engineering career. With exposure to large-scale projects, you gain professional experience, social recognition, and personal growth.
Opportunity for Service
Work in Indian Railway Management Service, Central Water Engineering Service, Border Roads, and Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service.
Job Stability and Security
Central Government positions provide long-term stability and structured promotions.
Social Impact
Contribute to infrastructure development, national projects, and public welfare initiatives
Syllabus & Exam Pattern Of UPSC ESE 2026
Prelims: Paper I – General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (200 marks, 2 hrs) Paper II – Engineering Discipline (300 marks, 3 hrs)
Mains: Paper I & II – Engineering Discipline (300 marks each, 3 hrs)
The ESE is conducted in three compulsory stages, with a total score of 1300 marks being considered for the final merit list.
Stage I: Preliminary Examination (500 Marks)
This is a screening stage consisting of two Objective Type (Multiple Choice Question) papers. Only candidates who qualify in this stage proceed to the Mains.
Paper I (200 Marks): This paper is on General Studies and Engineering Aptitude and is common to candidates from all four engineering disciplines. The duration is 2 hours.
Paper II (300 Marks): This paper is Discipline Specific (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering). The duration is 3 hours.
Key Rules for Prelims:
A penalty of one-third (1/3rd) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
Calculators are not permitted.
Answers must be marked on the OMR sheet using a black ball pen only.
Stage II: Main Examination (600 Marks)
This stage consists of two Conventional Type (Essay) papers, focusing deeply on the chosen engineering discipline.
Paper I (300 Marks): Engineering Discipline Specific.
Paper II (300 Marks): Engineering Discipline Specific.
Each paper has a duration of 3 hours.
Answers must be written in English.
Battery-operated pocket calculators of the “non-programmable” type are permitted for these conventional papers.
Stage III: Personality Test (200 Marks)
This is an interview stage for candidates who qualify in the Main Examination. The focus is not just on academic knowledge but on assessing the candidate’s overall suitability for public service. This includes leadership, initiative, social qualities, intellectual curiosity, and integrity of character. There are no minimum qualifying marks for the Personality Test.
The syllabus is set at the level of a recognized Engineering Degree Examination. The content for the Stage I, Paper II (Objective) and the Stage II, Papers I & II (Conventional) is derived from the same core topics for each respective discipline.
1. General Studies and Engineering Aptitude Syllabus (Common to All)
This paper covers ten main areas of study to test a candidate’s general awareness and aptitude relevant to the engineering profession:
Current issues of national and international importance.
Engineering Aptitude (Logical reasoning and analytical ability).
Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Analysis.
General Principles of Design, Drawing, and Safety.
Standards and Quality practices.
Basics of Energy and Environment.
Basics of Project Management.
Basics of Material Science and Engineering.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Ethics and values in the Engineering profession.
2. Engineering Discipline Specific Syllabus
Candidates must select one of the following four engineering categories:
Civil Engineering: Core topics include Building Materials, Solid Mechanics, Structural Analysis, Design of Steel and Concrete Structures, Construction Practice, Flow of Fluids, Hydrology and Water Resources, Environmental Engineering, Geo-technical Engineering, and Transportation Engineering.
Mechanical Engineering: Core topics include Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, IC Engines, Refrigeration and Air conditioning, Turbo Machinery, Power Plant Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Machine Design, Manufacturing, Industrial and Maintenance Engineering, and Mechatronics.
Electrical Engineering: Core topics include Electrical Materials, Electric Circuits and Fields, Measurements, Computer Fundamentals, Basic Electronics, Analog and Digital Electronics, Systems and Signal Processing, Control Systems, Electrical Machines, Power Systems, and Power Electronics and Drives.
Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering: Core topics include Basic Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Measurements and Instrumentation, Network Theory, Analog and Digital Circuits, Communication Systems (Analog and Digital), Control Systems, Computer Organization, and Electro Magnetics
Prepare today for UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 using official resources, previous year papers, and structured preparation guides. Download UPSC ESE 2026 Official Notification PDF, check UPSC ESE 2026 Exam Centres, and apply online before the last date. Stay updated with UPSC ESE 2026 Admit Card Download, Result Announcement, Answer Key, and Cut Off Marks.
Important Links of UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026
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FAQs Of UPSC ESE Exam 2026
What is the exam date of UPSC ESE 2026 and how many vacancies are announced?
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 has been announced with a total of 474 vacancies, including 26 seats for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). The Preliminary Exam (Stage-I) is scheduled for 8 February 2026. The Main Exam and Interview dates will be announced later on the official UPSC website. Candidates should apply early and check the official notification to plan their preparation effectively.
What is the UPSC ESE 2026 syllabus and exam pattern for Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics branches?
The UPSC ESE 2026 syllabus covers both general studies & engineering aptitude and the specific engineering discipline of the candidate:
Preliminary Exam (Objective type) – 500 marks:
Paper I: General Studies & Engineering Aptitude – 200 marks, 2 hours
Create a new account on the UPSC portal and generate a Universal Registration Number (URN).
Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF).
Complete the exam-specific form for UPSC ESE 2026.
Upload a recent passport-size photo and signature.
Pay the application fee online (₹200 for General/OBC; SC/ST/Female/PwBD are exempt).
The last date to apply is 16 October 2025 (6:00 PM). Applications submitted after this will not be accepted
What are the eligibility criteria, age limit, and qualification required for UPSC ESE 2026?
To appear for UPSC ESE 2026, candidates must meet these eligibility criteria:
Educational Qualification:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunication) from a recognized university.
Alternative qualifications like Sections A & B of Institution of Engineers (India), Graduate Membership of Institution of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers, or Associate Membership of Aeronautical Society of India are also accepted.
Age Limit (as on 1 Jan 2026):
Minimum: 21 years, Maximum (General): 30 years
Relaxations: SC/ST (+5 yrs), OBC (+3 yrs), PwBD (+10 yrs), Ex-servicemen as per rules, certain Govt employees up to 35 yrs
Nationality: Indian citizens or citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and PIO/OCI categories
Where can I download the UPSC ESE 2026 Notification PDF and syllabus in English & Hindi?
The UPSC ESE 2026 Official Notification PDF is available for download:
Candidates should refer to these official documents for accurate and detailed information about the exam structure, eligibility, and application process
