The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026. A total of 474 vacancies are available under Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering disciplines. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official UPSC portal.
If you are preparing for UPSC ESE 2026, this article will guide you through the eligibility, exam pattern, selection process, age limit, important dates, application process, and official links.
Overview of UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026
Exam Name: UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026
Total Vacancies: 474 posts
Disciplines:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Mode of Application: Online
Official Website: upsc.gov.in
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC ESE 2026
Age Limit (as on 1st January 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
Candidate must have been born between 2nd January 1996 and 1st January 2005.
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwBD: 10 years
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must possess any one of the following:
- Engineering Degree from a recognized university.
- Passed Sections A & B of Institution of Engineers (India).
- Degree/Diploma in Engineering from a recognized foreign university.
- Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers (India).
- Associate Membership Examination of the Aeronautical Society of India.
- Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics & Radio Engineers, London (after November 1959).
Special Qualifications:
- Indian Naval Armament Service (Electronics): M.Sc. with Wireless Communication, Electronics, Radio Physics, or Radio Engineering.
- Indian Radio Regulatory Service (Group ‘A’): M.Sc. with Physics, Electronics, Telecommunication, or Radio Communication.
Application Fee for UPSC ESE 2026
- General/OBC Candidates: ₹200/-
- Female/SC/ST/PwBD Candidates: Nil
Payment Mode: Debit/Credit Card, RuPay, or SBI Internet Banking.
UPSC ESE 2026 Selection Process
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 will be conducted in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
- Main Examination (Conventional Type)
- Personality Test / Interview
Only candidates who qualify the Prelims will be allowed to appear for the Mains, and shortlisted candidates from Mains will be called for the Interview.
UPSC ESE 2026 Exam Pattern
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
Paper I – General Studies and Engineering Aptitude
Duration: 2 hours
Marks: 200
Paper II – Engineering Discipline (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics & Telecommunication)
Duration: 3 hours
Marks: 300
Total Marks: 500
Negative Marking: Yes (1/3rd for each wrong answer)
Stage 2: Main Examination (Conventional Type)
Paper I – Engineering Discipline (Descriptive)
Duration: 3 hours
Marks: 300
Paper II – Engineering Discipline (Descriptive)
Duration: 3 hours
Marks: 300
Total Marks: 600
Stage 3: Personality Test / Interview
Marks: 200
Candidates will be assessed on leadership, communication, technical knowledge, and overall personality.
Final Selection
- Prelims (500 marks) + Mains (600 marks) + Personality Test (200 marks) = 1300 marks
- The final merit list will be prepared based on the aggregate marks obtained in all three stages.
How to Apply Online for UPSC Engineering Services Exam 2026?
Candidates can apply online at the UPSC official portal
. Follow these steps:
- Visit the UPSC recruitment portal.
- Scroll down to the Important Web-Links section.
- Click on Online Application Form.
- Fill in all required details (personal, educational, etc.).
- Upload scanned photograph, signature, and documents.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
Important Dates for UPSC ESE 2026
- Starting Date to Apply Online: 26th September 2025
- Last Date to Apply Online: 16th October 2025 (till 6:00 PM)
Important Links for UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026
👉 Online Application Form – Click Here
👉 Official Notification – Click Here
👉 UPSC Official Website – Click Here
FAQs on UPSC ESE 2026
Q1. How many vacancies are announced in UPSC ESE 2026?
A total of 474 vacancies have been announced.
Q2. What is the exam pattern for UPSC Engineering Services 2026?
The exam is conducted in three stages – Prelims (500 marks), Mains (600 marks), and Interview (200 marks).
Q3. What is the last date to apply for UPSC ESE 2026?
The last date to apply is 16th October 2025 (6:00 PM).
Q4. What is the minimum qualification required for UPSC ESE 2026?
Candidates must have an Engineering Degree or equivalent qualifications as per the notification.
Q5. Is there negative marking in UPSC ESE Prelims 2026?
Yes, 1/3rd mark will be deducted for each wrong answer in the objective test.
Conclusion
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 is one of the most prestigious exams for engineers in India. With 474 vacancies, this recruitment offers opportunities in multiple engineering disciplines. The exam will be conducted in three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Interview, making it crucial for aspirants to prepare with a clear strategy.
👉 Candidates are advised to apply online before 16th October 2025 and start preparing early with the latest syllabus, previous year papers, and standard textbooks.
