UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 Notification – Dates, Vacancies, Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Strategy

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Engineering Services Examination (ESE/IES) 2026 notification. This is one of the most prestigious competitive exams in India, providing engineering graduates an opportunity to join top government engineering services in Group A and B posts.

In this blog, we cover everything about UPSC ESE 2026—including notification details, important dates, vacancies, eligibility, exam pattern, salary, and preparation strategy.

What is UPSC ESE / IES?

The Engineering Services Examination (ESE), also known as Indian Engineering Services (IES), is conducted annually by UPSC. Through this exam, engineers are recruited into various government departments such as:

• Indian Railways
• Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
• Border Roads Organisation
• Central Water Engineering
• Ministry of Defence, Power, Telecommunications, etc.

Successful candidates enjoy not just a high salary but also prestige, authority, and career security.
 

UPSC ESE 2026 Key Highlights

Important Dates (Exam Calendar)

Vacancy Distribution

The UPSC ESE 2026 offers 474 vacancies across four major engineering disciplines.

(The detailed branch-wise distribution will be available in the official PDF notification.)

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• A degree in Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) from a recognized university OR
• Equivalent qualifications such as AMIE, IETE, or membership of professional institutions recognized by the Government of India.

Age Limit (as on 1 Jan 2026)

• Minimum: 21 years
• Maximum: 30 years
• Relaxations:
  • OBC – 3 years
  • SC/ST – 5 years
  • PwD – 10 years

Nationality

• Indian citizen OR
• Subject of Nepal/Bhutan OR
• Tibetan refugee (before 1962) OR
• Person of Indian origin migrated from select countries with intent to permanently settle in India.

Exam Pattern

The exam is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

(A) Preliminary Exam (Objective Type)

• Objective type, OMR-based
• Negative marking: 1/3 mark deduction per wrong answer

(B) Main Exam (Descriptive)

• Conventional (descriptive) papers
• Tests depth of technical knowledge, clarity, and presentation

(C) Personality Test (Interview)

• Marks: 200
• Focuses on technical knowledge, leadership, decision-making, communication, and suitability for public service.

Final Merit

Selection Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prelims (500 marks)

        ↓

Step 2: Mains (600 marks)

        ↓

Step 3: Personality Test (200 marks)

        ↓

Final Merit (based on 1300 marks)

✔                         Prelims                             →          Screening test
✔                         Mains                 →          Major weightage in merit
✔                         Interview          →          Final selection

Salary & Perks

• Pay Scale: Level 10, 7th Pay Commission
• Basic Pay: ₹56,100 + DA + HRA + TA
• In-hand Salary: ₹80,000 – ₹90,000 (approx.)
• Perks & Benefits:
  • Government accommodation
  • Medical facilities
  • Travel allowances
  • Pension and retirement benefits
  • Career progression to senior engineering and administrative posts

How to Apply

1. Visit upsc.gov.in
2. Register through One-Time Registration (OTR)
3. Fill in application details carefully
4. Upload scanned photograph, signature, and documents
5. Pay fee (if applicable) via online modes
6. Submit application and download confirmation receipt

10. Preparation Strategy for UPSC ESE 2026

Step 1: Prelims Strategy

• Focus on GS & Engineering Aptitude (ethics, ICT, environment, current affairs).
• Solve PYQs (Previous Years’ Questions).
• Take timed mock tests.

Step 2: Mains Strategy

• Write answers regularly.
• Practice diagrams, flowcharts, and derivations.
• Focus on concept clarity + presentation.

Step 3: Interview Strategy

• Stay updated on government schemes, policies, engineering developments.
• Work on soft skills & communication.
• Practice through mock interviews.

Time Allocation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can final-year engineering students apply for ESE 2026?
👉 Yes, but proof of degree completion must be submitted before the deadline.

Q2. Is there any attempt limit for UPSC ESE?
👉 No attempt limit. Only age criteria (21–30 years) apply.

Q3. Is Prelims only qualifying or counted in final merit?
👉 Prelims is qualifying + screening. Final merit = Mains + Interview.

Q4. What is the exam medium?
👉 English only (for both Prelims & Mains).

Q5. Is there negative marking in Prelims?
👉 Yes, 1/3rd mark deduction for wrong answers.

Q6. How many vacancies are there in 2026?
👉 474 vacancies across four engineering branches.

Q7. What is the starting salary of an ESE officer?
👉 ~₹80,000–₹90,000 per month (in-hand with allowances).

Q8. Which departments recruit through ESE?
👉 Railways, CPWD, BRO, Defence, Power, Telecom, Central Water Engineering, etc.

Q9. Do ESE officers get fast promotions?
👉 Yes, structured promotions lead to posts like Chief Engineer, Additional Secretary, etc.

Q10. Can foreign nationals apply?
👉 No, only Indian citizens (with some exceptions for Nepal, Bhutan, etc.).

The UPSC ESE 2026 exam is a golden opportunity for engineers aspiring to serve the nation in high-ranking technical positions. With 474 vacancies, the competition will be fierce, but systematic preparation and smart strategy can lead to success.

👉 Start your preparation early, follow a stage-wise approach, and stay updated with UPSC announcements.