The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) has released its engineering services examination (ESE) calendar for 2026 which is now available online. In addition, companies can begin their preparations for this challenging technical exam as the ESE is one of the most competitive exams available in India. The ESE is commonly called “UPSC ESE” or “IES” which stands for “Indian Engineering Services”. The ESE provides engineers from different fields, such as civil, electrical, mechanical, and electronics & telecommunication, to be placed into positions of great distinction in various Indian government departments, such as the railways, central water, iof factories, and central engineering services. The exam draws thousands of candidates each year from many disciplines across the country.
With challenging stages and a rigorous selection process, ESE 2026 promises excellent career prospects and government service stability. This article covers exam dates, eligibility criteria, detailed exam pattern, salary structure, and FAQs you must know before applying.
UPSC ESE 2026 : Important Dates ( Calendar Out )
UPSC has published the official Exam Calendar 2026, and candidates can now start marking their calendars. Below are the important dates announced :
| Event | Date |
| UPSC ESE 2026 Notification Release | 10th September 2025 (Expected) |
| Application Form Start Date | 10th September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30th September 2025 |
| ESE 2026 Stage-I (Preliminary) Exam | 18th January 2026 |
| Prelims Answer Key Release | Late January 2026 |
| ESE 2026 Stage-II (Mains) Exam | 26th April 2026 |
| Personality Test/Interview | July–August 2026 |
| Final Result Declaration | October 2026 |
These dates are indicative based on the official UPSC calendar and notifications. Candidates should regularly check the UPSC website for updates.
What Is UPSC ESE ?
UPSC Engineering Services Examination ( ESE ) is a national level exam conducted by UPSC every year to recruit engineering graduates into Group A and Group B posts in various departments of the Government of India.
Through ESE, candidates are appointed to positions such as :
· Assistant Executive Engineer ( AEE )
· Junior Time Scale ( JTS ) Officer
· Assistant Engineer
· Section Officer
These officers play a key role in infrastructure development, public works, transportation systems, defense projects, and energy sectors.
UPSC ESE 2026 : Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold :
· A Bachelor ’ s degree in Engineering ( B.E./B.Tech. ) from a recognized university in one of the following disciplines :
· Civil Engineering
· Mechanical Engineering
· Electrical Engineering
· Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Final year students are eligible to apply provisionally, provided they complete their engineering degree before the interview stage.
Age Limit
· Minimum Age: 21 years
· Maximum Age: 30 years
Age relaxation is applicable as per Government of India norms for reserved categories.
UPSC ESE 2026 : Exam Pattern
UPSC ESE is conducted in three stages :
1. Stage-I – Preliminary Examination
2. Stage-II – Main Examination
3. Stage-III – Personality Test (Interview)
Stage-I ( Preliminary ) Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
| Paper-I | General Studies & Engineering Aptitude | 200 | 2 hrs |
| Paper-II | Engineering Discipline (Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics) | 300 | 3 hrs |
Total Marks : 500 | Negative Marking : 0.33 marks per wrong answer
Stage-II ( Main ) Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
| Paper-I | Engineering Discipline | 300 | 3 hrs |
| Paper-II | Engineering Discipline | 300 | 3 hrs |
| Paper-III | Engineering Discipline | 200 | 2 hrs |
Total Marks : 800 | Negative Marking : 0.33 marks per wrong answer
Stage-III ( Personality Test )
· Interview / Personality Test: 200 marks
· Candidates qualifying in the mains exam are called for the interview.
UPSC ESE Syllabus Highlights
Although detailed syllabus for each stage varies, the major subjects include :
· General Studies & Engineering Aptitude: Ethics, environment, engineering mathematics, reasoning, current affairs.
· Technical Papers: Core engineering subjects as per the candidate ’ s discipline ( Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics ).
A thorough study plan and past year question paper analysis are essential due to the depth and breadth of topics tested.
Selection Process of UPSC ESE 2026
The UPSC ESE selection process consists of :
- Preliminary Exam
- Main Exam
- Personality Test
- Final Merit List
The final merit list is prepared based on marks scored in the Main Examination and Personality Test. Preliminary marks are only qualifying in nature for screening purposes.
UPSC ESE 2026 : Salary & Perks
Candidates selected through ESE are appointed as Group A Officers under various departments. They receive attractive pay, allowances & benefits under the 7th Central Pay Commission.
Salary Structure
| Component | Details |
| Pay Scale | Level-10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) |
| Starting Salary (Approx.) | ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000 per month |
| Benefits | DA, HRA, TA, Pension, Medical, etc. |
Besides salary, officers enjoy benefits like housing, medical facilities, leave travel concessions, retirement benefits, professional allowances, and more.
Preparation Strategy for UPSC ESE 2026
ESE preparation demands a disciplined plan owing to its vast technical syllabus and competitive nature. Here are key tips :
· Understand the complete syllabus and exam pattern
· Create a long-term study plan
· Focus on core technical subjects
· Practice previous year UPSC ESE papers
· Take mock tests regularly
· Revise consistently and identify weak areas
Career Growth After UPSC ESE
After selection, ESE officers have excellent scope for career enhancement. Their career trajectory includes promotions to :
· Senior Manager
· Chief Engineer
· Director
· Head of Department / Project
· Joint Secretary (in some cadres)
Officers may also get central deputation opportunities and foreign training.
FAQs – UPSC ESE ( Engineering Services Exam ) 2026
Q1. When is UPSC ESE 2026 Preliminary scheduled ?
UPSC ESE 2026 Prelims is scheduled for 18th January 2026.
Q2. What is the application start date for ESE 2026 ?
Online applications are expected to begin on 10th September 2025.
Q3. How many stages are in UPSC ESE 2026 ?
There are three stages : Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test.
Q4. Can final year engineering students apply ?
Yes, final year candidates are eligible provisionally.
Q5. Is there negative marking in the UPSC ESE exam ?
Yes, there is negative marking for wrong answers in objective papers.
Q6. What disciplines are eligible for UPSC ESE ?
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering.
Q7. What is the salary of ESE officers ?
Starting salary ranges between ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000 ( approx. ) plus allowances.Q8. How many marks is the interview worth ?
The Personality Test is worth 200 marks.
