🚀 UPSC ESE Recruitment 2026 Notification – Apply Online for 474 Posts
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026, which notifies a total of 474 vacancies across four branches: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering. The ESE is one of the best recruitment examinations in India from the perspective of an engineering profession aspirant who is looking for Group-A level jobs in the Govt of India.
The article presents all the important aspects if you are planning to apply for UPSC ESE 2026 - overview, important dates, eligibility, application fee, age limit, salary, vacancy details, brief exam pattern, syllabus, and FAQs.
📑 Overview of UPSC ESE Recruitment 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Board | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 |
| Vacancies | 474 Posts |
| Application Start Date | 26 September 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 16 October 2025 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 08 February 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online at upsconline.nic.in |
| Salary | ₹55,000 – ₹90,000/month (approx., as per 7th CPC) |
| Selection Process | Prelims + Mains + Interview (Personality Test) |
💰 Application Fee – UPSC ESE 2026
💳 Application Fee Details
-
General / OBC / EWS: ₹200/-
-
SC/ST/PwBD Candidates: Nil
-
Female Candidates: Nil
✅ Candidates can pay the fee online via Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking or offline via SBI challan.
🗓️ Important Dates – UPSC Engineering Services Exam 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 26 September 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 26 September 2025 |
| Application End Date | 16 October 2025 |
| ESE Prelims Exam | 08 February 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | To be Announced |
| Admit Card Release (Prelims) | To be Announced |
| Final Result | To be Announced |
⏰ Tip: Don’t wait till the last date — apply early to avoid server issues.
🎯 Age Limit – UPSC ESE 2026
🔹 Minimum Age: 21 years
🔹 Maximum Age: 30 years (as on 1 January 2026)
📝 Age Relaxation (as per Govt. Rules):
-
SC/ST: 5 years
-
OBC: 3 years
-
PwBD: 10 years
-
Ex-servicemen/Defence Personnel: As per norms
🎓 Educational Qualification – UPSC ESE 2026
🎓 Educational Qualification – UPSC ESE 2026
- At least one of the following must apply to candidates:
- A degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution.
- Sections A & B of the Institution of Engineers (India) have been passed.
- A degree/diploma in Engineering from a foreign University/Institution recognized by the Government.
- Passed the Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India).
- The Associate Membership Examination (Parts II and III/Sections A and B) of the Aeronautical Society of India.
- The Graduate Membership Examination of the I6ttgv nstitution of Electronics and Radio Engineers, London (after November 1959).
💡 Important Note: Final year students who qualify in advance of the deadline of the application can apply as per the eligibility mentioned above.
🧑💻 Vacancy Details – UPSC ESE 2026
The UPSC ESE 2026 encompasses four principle branches of engineering:
1️⃣ Civil Engineering (Category I)
Available positions include:
• Central Engineering Service
• Central Water Engineering Group A
• Indian Railway Management Service (Civil)
• Survey of India Group A Service
• AEE (Civil) Border Roads Engineering Service
and more.
2️⃣ Mechanical Engineering (Category II)
Available positions include:
• AEE in GSI Engineering Service
• Indian Naval Material Management Service
• Indian Railway Management Services (Mechanical)
• Indian Enterprises Development Service (Mechanical)
and more.
3️⃣ Electrical Engineering (Category III)
Available positions include:
• Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service
• Indian Naval Material Management Service (Electrical)
• Indian Railway Management Service (Electrical)
• Indian Enterprises Development Service (Electrical)
and more.
4️⃣ Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering (Category IV)
Available positions include:
• Indian Radio Regulatory Service
• Indian Telecommunications Service
• Indian Railway Management Service (Signal & Telecom)
• Junior Telecom Officer Gr ‘B’
and more.
💼 Total Number of Posts: 474
💵 Salary Structure – UPSC ESE 2026
UPSC ESE officers are placed in Group ‘A’ services with attractive pay scales:
| Grade/Level | Pay Scale (₹) | Grade Pay (₹) | Typical In-Hand (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Level (Entry) | 15,600 – 39,100 | 5,400 | 55,000 – 65,000 |
| Senior Scale (After 5–6 years) | 15,600 – 39,100 | 6,600 | Higher with promotions |
| Selection Grade/Chief Engineer | 37,400 – 67,000 | 8,700 | Higher with promotions |
| Apex/Cabinet Secretary Grade | 80,000–90,000 (Fixed) | N/A | Top-level posts |
💡 Perks & Benefits: DA, HRA, TA, Pension, LTC, Medical Facilities, and other central govt benefits.
📝 UPSC ESE 2026 Selection Process
The recruitment involves three stages:
-
Preliminary Exam (Objective)
-
Main Exam (Descriptive)
-
Personality Test / Interview
Candidates must clear each stage to progress to the next.
📝 UPSC ESE 2026 Exam Pattern
Prelims Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies & Engineering Aptitude | 200 | 2 hours | 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer |
| Paper II | Chosen Engineering Discipline | 300 | 3 hours | 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer |
| Total | 500 |
Mains Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Chosen Engineering Discipline (Descriptive) | 300 | 3 hours |
| Paper II | Chosen Engineering Discipline (Descriptive) | 300 | 3 hours |
| Total | 600 |
Personality Test / Interview
-
Marks: 200
-
No negative marking
Grand Total: 1300 Marks
📚 UPSC ESE 2026 Syllabus Overview
- Common Topics (Prelims Paper I):
- Engineering Mathematics and Aptitude
- Reasoning, Ethics, Safety
- Project Management & Standards
- ICT, Energy, Environment
- Current Issues of National & International Relevance
- Technical Paper (Prelims Paper II + Mains Papers I & II):
- Branch-specific topics from:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
📄 Note: See Official UPSC ESE Notification URL for a detailed syllabus.
📝 How to Apply Online for UPSC ESE 2026
Simply follow these steps below:
1️⃣ Visit official website upsconline.nic.in.
2️⃣ Click on "Engineering Services Examination 2026" Apply Online Link.
3️⃣ Fill out personal, educational, and communication details.
4️⃣ Upload necessary documents (Photo, Signature, ID proof).
5️⃣ Pay application fee online/offline.
6️⃣ Apply the application and print for your reference confirmation page.
📝 Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC ESE 2026 Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Online | upsconline.nic.in |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. What is the number of posts released for UPSC ESE 2026?
A. The total vacancies for the UPSC Engineering Services Exam 2026 is 474.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for UPSC ESE 2026?
A. The last date to apply online is 16 October 2025.
Q3. Who can apply for UPSC ESE 2026?
A. Any candidates with Engineering Degree (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical/E&T) or any equivalent qualification given in notification can apply.
Q4. What is the application fee for UPSC ESE 2026?
A. For General/OBC/EWS male candidates - ₹200; SC/ST/PwBD/Female candidates - Nil.
Q5. When will UPSC ESE 2026 Prelims be conducted?
A. The prelims exam will be conducted on 8 February 2026.
Q6. What is the salary of UPSC ESE officers?
A. On entering the job the in-hand salary is from ₹55,000–65,000 per month along with Annuity and allowances.
Q7. How do I download the UPSC ESE 2026 syllabus?