UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026

UPSC ESE 2026 Notification Released: 474 Vacancies Open for Engineering Graduates – Apply Now!

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially unveiled the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 notification, igniting excitement among aspiring engineers nationwide. With 474 prestigious Group A and B posts up for grabs, this could be your gateway to a rewarding career in India’s top government departments.

UPSC ESE 2026, Engineering Services Exam notification, ESE prelims date 2026, IES eligibility criteria, and UPSC engineering vacancies 2026 top the search charts today, as thousands gear up for this high-stakes opportunity. From Delhi’s coaching hubs to Chennai’s tech corridors, candidates are diving into prep strategies, making this a must-watch for engineering grads eyeing stability and impact.

Overview: What Is the UPSC ESE 2026?

The Engineering Services Examination, commonly known as ESE or IES (Indian Engineering Services), is UPSC’s flagship recruitment drive for technical roles in ministries like Railways, Power, and Telecommunications. It targets engineers in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication branches, offering Class-1 Gazetted Officer positions with salaries starting at ₹56,100 under the 7th Pay Commission.

Launched on September 26, 2025, the notification PDF details everything from vacancies to scheme of exams. Unlike the Civil Services Exam, ESE emphasizes technical prowess alongside general aptitude, attracting over 2 lakh applicants annually. This year’s edition promises a rigorous yet fair process, with reservations for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD candidates as per government norms.

Key Dates: Mark Your Calendar for ESE 2026

Timing is everything in competitive exams, and UPSC has laid out a clear timeline to help you plan. Here’s the essential schedule straight from the official calendar:

Note: Admit cards for Prelims drop around January 2026, downloadable from upsc.gov.in. Missing the October 16 deadline means waiting another year—act fast!

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for UPSC ESE 2026?

UPSC keeps eligibility straightforward yet stringent to ensure quality talent. Aspiring candidates must meet these basics:

• Nationality: Indian citizen, or subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee (pre-1962) with intent to settle in India.
• Age Limit: 21-30 years as of January 1, 2026 (born between January 2, 1996, and January 1, 2005). Relaxations: 3 years for OBC, 5 for SC/ST, 10 for PwD, and up to 7 for ex-servicemen.
• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) from a recognized university/AICTE-approved institute. Final-year students can apply provisionally, but must submit proof by Mains. Branches: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunication.

No attempt limit exists, but you must clear all stages within age eligibility. Pro tip: Double-check your docs during One-Time Registration (OTR) to avoid rejections.

Vacancies Breakdown: 474 Opportunities Across Branches

UPSC announced 474 vacancies—a slight dip from last year’s 495—spread across four disciplines. These posts include roles like Assistant Executive Engineer in CPWD, Indian Railways, and Border Roads Organization. Category-wise split ensures inclusivity:

Data sourced from the official notification. Expect minor adjustments post-exam based on reservations.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online

Applying for ESE 2026 is digital and user-friendly via UPSC’s portal. Fee: ₹200 for General/OBC/EWS (exempt for females/SC/ST/PwD). Here’s how:

1. Head to upsc.gov.in and click “Apply Online” under “Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026.”
2. Register via OTR if new—provide name, DOB, photo (20-300 KB), signature (10-200 KB).
3. Fill Part-I (personal details) and Part-II (posts, education, fee payment via net banking/card).
4. Upload scanned docs and submit by October 16, 2025. Print confirmation for records.

Corrections allowed till October 23, 2025, but OTR fields are final. Track status on the site.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Gear Up for Success

ESE 2026 follows a three-stage format: Prelims (500 marks, objective), Mains (600 marks, descriptive), and Interview (200 marks). Total: 1,300 marks.

• Prelims (Feb 8, 2026): Paper-I (General Studies & Engineering Aptitude, 200 marks, 2 hrs); Paper-II (Engineering Discipline, 300 marks, 3 hrs).
• Mains (June 28, 2026): Two papers per discipline (300 marks each, 3 hrs).
• Interview: Assesses personality and technical knowledge.

Syllabus highlights: GS covers ethics, environment, IT; discipline-specific dives into core subjects like structural analysis (Civil) or thermodynamics (Mechanical). Download the detailed PDF from the notification for branch-wise breakdowns.

Preparation tips from toppers: Focus on NCERT basics, solve 10+ years’ papers, and join mock tests. Apps like Testbook offer free mocks.

UPSC ESE 2026, Engineering Services Exam notification, ESE prelims date 2026, IES eligibility criteria, and UPSC engineering vacancies 2026 keep buzzing, as forums light up with strategy shares and doubt-clearing threads.

In summary, the UPSC ESE 2026 notification opens doors to elite engineering careers with 474 vacancies and a structured path ahead—Prelims in February, Mains in June. With applications closing October 16, now’s the time to apply and strategize; success awaits those who blend technical depth with consistent effort, potentially shaping India’s infrastructure for years to come.

By Sam Michael
September 30, 2025

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