UPSC ESE 2026 Notification Out for 474 Engineering Services Posts
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026. This prestigious national-level exam offers approximately 474 vacancies across four major engineering disciplines: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication. The notification was published on 26th September 2025, and the online application window is open until 16th October 2025.
Overview of UPSC ESE 2026 Notification
| Exam Name | Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Vacancies | 474 (Approximate) |
| Disciplines | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunication |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Dates | 26th September to 16th October 2025 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 8th February 2026 |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, Personality Test |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
Vacancy Distribution
The total number of vacancies is subject to change. Out of the 474 posts, 26 are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). The distribution across disciplines is as follows:
| Category | Engineering Discipline |
|---|---|
| Category I | Civil Engineering |
| Category II | Mechanical Engineering |
| Category III | Electrical Engineering |
| Category IV | Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering |
Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
- Citizen of India
- Subject of Nepal/Bhutan
- Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962
- Person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries
2. Age Limit (as on 01/01/2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwBD: 10 years
3. Educational Qualification
- Engineering degree from a recognized university, or
- Passed Sections A and B of the Institution of Engineers (India), or
- Equivalent qualification recognized by the Government
Application Process
Candidates must apply online via upsconline.nic.in. The process includes:
- Creating a UPSC account
- Generating a Universal Registration Number (URN)
- Filling the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Completing the exam-specific form
Application Fee: ₹200/-
Fee Exemption: Female candidates and candidates from SC/ST/PwBD categories
Selection Process
The UPSC ESE 2026 Notification selection involves three stages:
- Preliminary Exam – Objective Type (500 marks)
- Main Exam – Conventional Type (600 marks)
- Personality Test – Interview (200 marks)
Exam Pattern
Stage-I: Preliminary Exam
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies & Engineering Aptitude | 2 Hours | 200 |
| Paper-II | Engineering Discipline | 3 Hours | 300 |
Stage-II: Main Exam
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Engineering Discipline | 3 Hours | 300 |
| Paper-II | Engineering Discipline | 3 Hours | 300 |
Stage-III: Personality Test
Marks: 200
Syllabus Highlights
General Studies & Engineering Aptitude
- Current national/international issues
- Engineering aptitude
- Mathematics and logical reasoning
- Design, energy, and environment
- Project management and ethics
Discipline-Specific Papers
The syllabus for Paper-I and Paper-II in both Prelims and Mains is based on the standard engineering curriculum for the respective disciplines.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 26th September 2025 |
| Online Application Start | 26th September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16th October 2025 (6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam | 8th February 2026 |
| Main Exam | To be notified |
| Admit Card Release | A week before the exam |
How to Prepare for UPSC ESE 2026
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly
- Refer to standard engineering.
Important Links:-
| Apply Online | Click here |
| Download Notification | Click here |
| Official Website | Click here |
| Join Whatsapp | Click here |
| Join Telegram | Click here |
UPSC ESE 2026 Salary Structure
Selected candidates through UPSC ESE 2026 are appointed to Group A and Group B engineering posts in various central government departments. The salary structure is highly attractive and includes multiple allowances and benefits.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹56,100 per month (Level 10 as per 7th CPC) |
| Grade Pay | ₹5,400 (included in Level 10) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Approximately 42% of Basic Pay |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Varies by city (8% to 24%) |
| Transport Allowance | ₹3,600 to ₹7,200 + DA |
| Gross Monthly Salary | ₹80,000 to ₹1,20,000 (approximate) |
Additional Benefits:
- Medical facilities for self and dependents
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Gratuity and Pension under NPS
- Job security and career growth through promotions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):UPSC ESE 2026 Notification
1. What is UPSC ESE?
UPSC ESE stands for Union Public Service Commission Engineering Services Examination. It is conducted annually to recruit engineers for various technical posts in the Government of India.
2. How many vacancies are announced for UPSC ESE 2026?
Approximately 474 vacancies have been announced across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication disciplines.
3. What is the age limit for UPSC ESE 2026?
Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age as on 1st January 2026. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories.
4. What is the educational qualification required?
A degree in engineering from a recognized university or equivalent qualification approved by the Government of India.
5. What is the selection process?
The selection process includes three stages: Preliminary Exam (Objective), Main Exam (Conventional), and Personality Test (Interview).
6. What is the application fee?
₹200 for general candidates. Female candidates and those belonging to SC/ST/PwBD categories are exempted from paying the fee.
7. Where can I apply for UPSC ESE 2026?
Applications must be submitted online through the official UPSC portal: upsconline.nic.in
8. When will the Preliminary Exam be held?
The Preliminary Exam is scheduled for 8th February 2026.
9. Is there any negative marking in the exam?
Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers in the objective-type papers.
10. Can final year engineering students apply?
Yes, provided they can produce the required qualification documents before the final selection stage.
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