UPSC has released the Engineering Services Exam (ESE) 2026 notification for 474 vacancies in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical & Electronics branches. Check eligibility, exam date, application fee, and apply online before 16 October 2025.
Advertising No.* – 02/2026 ENGG. (Dated 26.09.2025)
Introduction:
UPSC has announced the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 for recruitment to various Group A/B engineering posts in the Government of India. Candidates with engineering degrees can apply online. The exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary, Main, and Personality Test.
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UPSC Engineering Services Exam 2026-Overview:
organization name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
post name | Engineering Services (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunication) |
post type | Group A/B Services under Central Government |
application mode | Online |
application fees | ₹200/- (SC/ST/PwBD/Female exempted) |
no of vacancies | Approx. 474 (including 26 for PwBD). |
education qualification | Degree in Engineering from recognized University/Institution. (Certain equivalent qualifications also accepted – see notification). |
selection process | * Preliminary Exam (Objective) * Main Exam (Conventional) * Personality Test (Interview) |
age limit( as on 01.01.2026) | 21 to 30 years(born between 02.01.1996 and 01.01.2005). Age relaxation as per rules (SC/ST, OBC, PwBD, Govt. Servants, etc.). |
salary | As per 7th CPC – Pay Level-10 and above depending on the service/post. |
UPSC Engineering Services Exam 2026- Important Dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 26 September 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 26 September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 16 October 2025 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release (Prelims) | Last week of January 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 8 February 2026 |
| Main Exam Date | To be announced after Prelims result |
| Personality Test / Interview | After Main Exam result |
UPSC Engineering Services Exam 2026-Exam Pattern
Stage I: Preliminary Exam
- Paper I (General Studies & Engineering Aptitude) – 200 Marks
- Paper II (Engineering Discipline) – 300 Marks
- Objective type, 2 hours + 3 hours
Stage II: Main Exam
- Paper I (Engineering Discipline) – 300 Marks
- Paper II (Engineering Discipline) – 300 Marks
- Conventional type
Stage III: Personality Test
- 200 Marks
Total Marks: 1300
UPSC Engineering Services Exam 2026-Important Direct Links:
UPSC Engineering Services Exam 2026-How To Prepare:
The UPSC Engineering Services Exam (ESE) is one of the toughest engineering recruitment exams in India. It demands a mix of concept clarity, problem-solving ability, and consistent practice. Here’s a structured preparation plan:
1. Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus
- Go through the UPSC ESE 2026 syllabus carefully.
- Note the three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test.
- Identify weightage of subjects – General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (GS + EA) is crucial for Prelims.
2. Build Strong Fundamentals
- Refer to standard textbooks (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics based on your stream).
- Focus on conceptual clarity rather than rote learning.
- NCERT basics + standard engineering books (like RS Khurmi, PK Nag, A. Chand) are highly recommended.
3. Make Short Notes
- Prepare summary notes for formulas, definitions, and important concepts.
- Keep a separate notebook for General Studies (GS) topics like current affairs, environment, ICT, and ethics.
4. Practice Previous Year Papers
- Solve at least 10 years of ESE previous papers.
- Analyze the trend of questions – many concepts are repeated.
- Practice with a timer to improve speed & accuracy.
5. Mock Tests & Revision
- Take online mock tests regularly for both Prelims & Mains.
- Revise short notes weekly to retain formulas & concepts.
- Work on weak areas highlighted in test analysis.
6. Prepare for Personality Test
- Improve communication skills and confidence.
- Revise engineering basics – questions in interviews often test your fundamentals.
- Stay updated with latest engineering developments and government policies.
7. Time Management & Consistency
- Dedicate 6–8 hours daily for preparation.
- Break down study hours into subject slots + GS + answer writing practice.
- Avoid burnout – take short breaks to maintain focus.
8. Reference Books
- General Studies & Engineering Aptitude – Made Easy/IES Master notes
- Previous Years’ ESE Question Papers
- Standard Engineering Textbooks (Civil, Mech, Elec, E&T)
UPSC Engineering Services Exam 2026 How To Apply:
1. Visit [www.upsconline.nic.in](https://www.upsconline.nic.in).
2. Create an account and generate Universal Registration Number (URN).
3. Fill Common Application Form (CAF).
4. Upload documents (photo, signature, ID proof, certificates).
5. Pay application fee online.
6. Submit and take printout of application.
UPSC Engineering Services Exam 2026-FAQs:
*Q1. What is the last date to apply for ESE 2026?*
Ans. 16th October 2025 (6:00 PM).
*Q2. How many vacancies are announced for ESE 2026?*
Ans. Around 474 including reserved seats.
*Q3. What is the age limit for ESE 2026?*
Ans. 21 to 30 years as on 1 January 2026 (relaxations available).
*Q4. What is the exam date for prelims?*
Ans. 8th February 2026.
*Q5. Is there any application fee exemption?*
Ans. Yes, SC/ST, PwBD, and Female candidates are exempted.
- For more updates, stay connected with www.sarkarimission.in