The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) annually to recruit engineers for various technical positions in the Government of India. The ESE 2026 is scheduled to be notified on 17th September 2025. The examination aims to fill vacancies in the Indian Engineering Services (IES) across multiple engineering disciplines.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 17th September 2025 |
| Online Application Start | 17th September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 7th October 2025 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 8th February 2026 |
| Main Exam Date | 21st June 2026 |
| Interview/Personality Test | To be announced |
Note: All dates are tentative and subject to change. Please refer to the official UPSC notification for the most accurate information.
📝 Examination Structure
The ESE 2026 will consist of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
- Paper I: General Studies and Engineering Aptitude
- Paper II: Engineering Discipline-specific (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunication)
- Main Examination (Conventional Type)
- Paper I: Engineering Discipline-specific (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunication)
- Paper II: Engineering Discipline-specific (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunication)
- Personality Test (Interview)
- Conducted for candidates who qualify the Main Examination.
📚 Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
- Age Limit: 21 to 30 years as of 1st January 2026. Age relaxation is applicable as per government norms.
- Educational Qualification: A degree in Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Physical Standards: Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards set by the UPSC.
💰 Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates will be appointed in various engineering services under the Government of India. The pay scale for these positions is generally in the range of ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month, as per the 7th Central Pay Commission. Additional allowances such as House Rent Allowance (HRA), Dearness Allowance (DA), and Transport Allowance (TA) are also provided.
📝 Application Process
- Online Registration: Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in and register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Application Form: Fill in the application form with personal, educational, and professional details.
- Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of recent passport-sized photograph, signature, and relevant documents.
- Application Fee: The application fee is ₹200 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. No fee is required for SC/ST/PwBD and female candidates. Payment can be made online through net banking, credit/debit cards.
- Submission: Review the application form for accuracy and submit it. Take a printout for future reference.
📌 Tips for Preparation
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus for each paper.
- Time Management: Allocate specific time slots for each subject and stick to the schedule.
- Practice Previous Papers: Solve previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current affairs, especially in the field of engineering and technology.
- Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to assess your preparation and improve time management skills.
🔗 Useful Links
Conclusion
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 presents a prestigious opportunity for engineering graduates to serve in various technical positions in the Government of India. With careful planning, dedicated preparation, and a strategic approach, candidates can enhance their chances of success in this highly competitive examination.