UPSC ESE Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 480 Engineering Services Posts

Overview of UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially issued the notification for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026. This national-level recruitment drive aims to fill approximately 480 vacancies across critical Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ engineering cadres in various departments of the Government of India[cite: 1], including the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), Central Water Engineering Service, Indian Defence Service of Engineers (IDSE), and Central Public Works Department (CPWD).

Engineers holding degrees in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering can submit their applications online starting September 16, 2026. The registration window closes on October 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

UPSC ESE Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights

Important Dates & Exam Schedule

• Online Application Start Date: September 16, 2026
• Online Application Last Date: October 6, 2026 (6:00 PM)
• Stage-I Preliminary Exam Date: January 31, 2027
• Stage-II Mains Exam Date: June 18, 2027

Discipline-Wise Engineering Categories

The vacancies are distributed across four main engineering categories:

1. Category I: Civil EngineeringIncludes Central Engineering Service, Central Engineering Service (Roads), Survey of India Group ‘A’ Service, Border Roads Engineering Service (BRES), Central Water Engineering Service, Indian Defence Service of Engineers (IDSE), and Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS-Civil).
2. Category II: Mechanical EngineeringIncludes Geological Survey of India (GSI) Engineering Service, Indian Naval Material Management Service, Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service, BRES (E&M), Indian Skill Development Service (ISDS), IDSE, and IRMS (Mechanical).
3. Category III: Electrical EngineeringIncludes Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service, Central Power Engineering Service, Indian Naval Material Management Service, ISDS, IDSE, and IRMS (Electrical).
4. Category IV: Electronics & Telecommunication EngineeringIncludes Indian Telecommunication Service (ITS), Junior Telecom Officer (JTO Group ‘B’), Indian Naval Armament Service, ISDS, and related administrative posts.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech) in the relevant discipline from a recognized University or Institute. Candidates appearing for their final degree examinations are eligible to apply provisionally, provided they show proof of passing before appearing for the Stage-III Interview.

2. Age Limits (As of January 1, 2027)

• Minimum Age: 21 Years
• Maximum Age: 30 Years (Candidates must be born between January 2, 1997, and January 1, 2006)

Age Relaxation Table

Salary Structure and Career Progression

Appointed candidates enter at Pay Level 10 under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) matrix.

• Pay Level: Level 10
• Basic Pay Scale: ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500
• Starting Basic Pay: ₹56,100 per month
• Gross Salary (approx.): ₹80,000 – ₹95,000 per month (depending on post location / HRA class)
• In-Hand Salary (approx.): ₹68,000 – ₹78,000 per month (after statutory deductions)

Promotional Scale Hierarchy

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The UPSC ESE selection process is conducted across three sequential stages totaling 1300 Marks:

Stage-I: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type – 500 Marks)

• Paper 1: General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (2 Hours) – 200 Marks
• Paper 2: Discipline-Specific Engineering Paper (3 Hours) – 300 Marks
• Note: There is a negative marking penalty of 1/3rd (0.33) of the marks for each incorrect objective question. Calculators are prohibited in Stage-I.

Stage-II: Main Examination (Conventional/Descriptive – 600 Marks)

• Paper 1: Discipline-Specific Technical Subject (3 Hours) – 300 Marks
• Paper 2: Discipline-Specific Technical Subject (3 Hours) – 300 Marks
• Note: Non-programmable battery-operated pocket calculators are permitted during Stage-II.

Stage-III: Personality Test / Interview (200 Marks)

Candidates who qualify through Stage-I and Stage-II are called for a personal interview assessing technical competence, leadership qualities, integrity, and administrative suitability.

Application Fee & Payment Mode

• General / OBC / EWS Male Candidates: ₹200
• Female, SC, ST, and PwBD Candidates: Fully Exempted (Nil)
• Payment Methods: Online via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online

1. Visit the official UPSC portal at www.upsc.gov.in or the direct portal at upsconline.nic.in.
2. Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if you are a new user. Existing users can log in directly using their registered credentials.
3. Navigate to “Active Examinations” and select Engineering Services Examination 2026.
4. Fill out personal details, academic qualifications, and job discipline preferences accurately.
5. Upload scanned copies of required documents including matriculation certificate, official government photo ID, signature (in black ink), and live photo capture.
6. Pay the application fee of ₹200 (if applicable) using standard online payment gateways.
7. Review all submitted details carefully and submit the form.
8. Download and print the final acknowledgment application form for future reference.

Official Links

• Official Notification PDF: Download UPSC ESE Notification PDF
• Online Application Portal: Apply Online Link
• Official Website: www.upsc.gov.in