UPSC ESE 2026 Union Public Service Commission has officially released all major updates related to the Engineering Services Examination 2026. The application process for UPSC ESE 2026 has already concluded, and candidates are now preparing for the upcoming examination stages.
The Prelims Admit Card for UPSC ESE 2026 was issued on 30 January 2026 through the official website. Candidates must download the admit card and carry a printed copy along with valid identity documents to the examination centre. The Preliminary Examination is scheduled to be conducted on Sunday, 8 February 2026, while the Main Examination will take place on 21 June 2026.
UPSC ESE 2026 Overview Table
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Advertisement Number | 02/2026 |
| Examination Purpose | Recruitment of Engineers for Central Government Services |
| Posts Offered | Engineering Services Officers Grade A and other managerial roles |
| Total Vacancies | 474 |
| Engineering Disciplines | Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering |
| Examination Frequency | Conducted once every year |
| Mode of Examination | Offline pen and paper based |
| Selection Stages | Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, Personality Test |
| Notification Release Date | 26 September 2025 |
| Online Application Period | 26 September 2025 to 16 October 2025 |
| Prelims Admit Card Release | 30 January 2026 |
| Prelims Examination Date | 8 February 2026 |
| Mains Examination Date | 21 June 2026 |
| Question Type | Objective in Prelims, Descriptive in Mains |
| Total Marks | Prelims 500 Marks, Mains 600 Marks, Interview 200 Marks |
| Negative Marking | One third marks deducted for incorrect answers in Prelims |
| Educational Qualification | BE or BTech in relevant engineering discipline or equivalent |
| Age Limit | Minimum 21 Years and Maximum 30 Years |
| Age Relaxation | Applicable for reserved categories as per rules |
| Application Fee | Rs. 200 for UR OBC EWS categories |
| Fee Exemption | SC ST PWD Ex Servicemen and Female candidates |
| Pay Level | Level 10 as per 7th Central Pay Commission |
| Entry Level Basic Pay | Rs. 56,100 per month |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
The Prelims schedule was earlier announced on 6 November 2025. The examination will be conducted in two sessions, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Detailed instructions regarding reporting time, exam-day rules, and permitted items will be provided by UPSC separately.
UPSC ESE 2026 Examination Schedule
The complete timetable for UPSC ESE 2026 has been published. Candidates should strictly adhere to the official dates to avoid missing any stage of the selection process.
| Examination Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | 8 February 2026 |
| Main Examination | 21 June 2026 |
UPSC ESE 2026 Notification Overview
The UPSC ESE 2026 Notification was released on 26 September 2025. It invites applications from eligible engineering graduates for recruitment to prestigious Group A and Group B technical posts under various central government departments.
The selection process consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Personality Test
The notification outlines complete information regarding vacancies, eligibility requirements, application procedure, and examination structure.
UPSC ESE 2026 Exam Summary
The Engineering Services Examination is conducted to recruit engineers for Grade A level positions in multiple technical disciplines. The examination evaluates candidates on general studies, engineering aptitude, and core technical subjects relevant to their discipline.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC ESE 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Advertisement Number | 02/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 474 |
| Disciplines | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics and Telecommunication |
| Examination Mode | Offline |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Qualification Required | BE or BTech in relevant discipline |
| Age Limit | 21 to 30 years |
| Application Fee | Rs. 200 for UR OBC EWS |
| Pay Level | Level 10 under 7th CPC |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC ESE 2026 Important Dates
Candidates must keep track of all essential dates to ensure timely participation in each phase of the examination.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 26 September 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 26 September 2025 |
| Application Closing Date | 16 October 2025 |
| Prelims Admit Card Release | 30 January 2026 |
| Prelims Examination | 8 February 2026 |
| Prelims Answer Key | February 2026 |
| Prelims Result | To be notified |
| Main Examination | 21 June 2026 |
| Main Result | To be notified |
| Personality Test | To be notified |
UPSC ESE 2026 Vacancies
A total of 474 vacancies have been announced for the Engineering Services Examination 2026 across various engineering disciplines as mentioned in the official notification.
RRB Group D Notification 2026 Important Notice for Candidates
UPSC ESE 2026 Application Process
The application process for UPSC ESE 2026 was conducted entirely online through the official UPSC portal. The registration window was open from 26 September to 16 October 2025.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC website and access the Engineering Services Examination application link
- Log in using the One Time Registration credentials
- Fill in personal, academic, and experience-related details
- Upload the required photograph and signature
- Pay the application fee as applicable
- Submit the form and download the confirmation for future reference
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| UR OBC EWS | Rs. 200 |
| SC ST PWD Ex-Servicemen Female | Exempted |
UPSC ESE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a BE or BTech degree in the relevant engineering discipline or possess equivalent qualifications recognized by the Government of India, such as Sections A and B of the Institution of Engineers India.
Age Limit
Applicants must be between 21 and 30 years of age. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government norms.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 Years |
| SC ST | 5 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 Years |
| ECOs SSCOs | 5 Years |
| Defence Personnel Disabled in Operations | 3 Years |
| Persons with Disability | 10 Years |
Nationality
Candidates must be Indian citizens or fall under other categories specified in the official notification.
UPSC ESE 2026 Exam Pattern
Preliminary Examination
The Prelims stage consists of two objective-type papers with a total of 500 marks. One third marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies and Engineering Aptitude | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | Discipline Specific Engineering Subject | 300 | 3 Hours |
Main Examination
The Main Examination is descriptive in nature and consists of two papers from the selected discipline.
| Paper | Discipline | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Relevant Engineering Discipline | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Paper II | Relevant Engineering Discipline | 300 | 3 Hours |
Personality Test
Candidates who qualify the written stages are called for a Personality Test carrying 200 marks.
UPSC ESE 2026 Salary Structure
Candidates selected through UPSC ESE are appointed at Level 10 under the 7th Central Pay Commission.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | Rs. 15,600 to 39,100 |
| Grade Pay | Rs. 5,400 |
| Entry Level Basic Pay | Rs. 56,100 |
UPSC ESE 2026 Preparation Strategy
The Engineering Services Examination requires long-term and disciplined preparation. Candidates should adopt a structured approach to cover both technical and non-technical components.
Preparation Guidelines
- Begin preparation well in advance as the syllabus is extensive
- Gain complete clarity of the syllabus and examination pattern
- Create a balanced study plan covering all subjects
- Focus strongly on core engineering disciplines
- Use standard textbooks and reliable coaching material
- Practice previous year question papers regularly
- Revise topics on a weekly basis to ensure retention
Conclusion
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 is a highly competitive and prestigious recruitment process for engineering graduates aspiring to secure top technical positions in central government departments. With the Preliminary Examination scheduled for 8 February 2026 and the Main Examination on 21 June 2026, candidates must strictly follow the official timeline and ensure timely preparation for each stage of the selection process.
A clear understanding of the exam pattern, eligibility criteria, important dates, and syllabus is essential to perform well in this examination. Since the selection process involves multiple stages, consistent preparation, regular revision, and focused practice of both technical and general studies subjects play a crucial role in achieving success.
Candidates are advised to rely on authentic study resources, practice previous year question papers, and follow a structured study plan to enhance accuracy and time management. Staying updated with official announcements from the Union Public Service Commission and adhering to exam-day guidelines will help candidates navigate the examination process smoothly and confidently.
FAQs – UPSC ESE 2026
Q1. When will the UPSC ESE 2026 Preliminary Examination be conducted
The UPSC ESE 2026 Preliminary Examination is scheduled to be held on 8 February 2026 Sunday.
Q2. Has the UPSC ESE 2026 Prelims Admit Card been released
Yes, the Prelims Admit Card for UPSC ESE 2026 was released on 30 January 2026 on the official website of the Union Public Service Commission.
Q3. What is the date of the UPSC ESE 2026 Main Examination
The Main Examination for UPSC ESE 2026 will be conducted on 21 June 2026.
Q4. What is the total number of vacancies in UPSC ESE 2026
A total of 474 vacancies have been announced for the Engineering Services Examination 2026.
Author: Priya SharmaHi, I’m Priya – a content writer with a few years of experience in the education sector. I specialize in providing accurate and helpful updates on admit cards, results, job vacancies, and other education-related topics. My goal is to deliver clear and trustworthy information that truly helps students stay informed.