The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) Recruitment 2026 notification, opening a golden opportunity for engineers across India. With 474 posts available across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication branches, this is your chance to secure a stable and high-paying government job under one of India’s most prestigious institutions.
The online application process has already begun on 26th September 2025 and will continue until 16th October 2025. Candidates who have completed their Diploma, Engineering Degree, or M.Sc and meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply online through the official UPSC website at upsconline.nic.in.
UPSC ESE 2026 – Vacancy & Category Details
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 offers 474 vacancies divided into four main categories:
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Civil Engineering
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Central Engineering Service
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Border Roads Engineering Service (AEE Civil)
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Survey of India Group ‘A’ Service
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Indian Railway Management Service (Civil)
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And other central services
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Mechanical Engineering
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AEE in GSI Engineering Service
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Indian Naval Material Management Service
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Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service
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Indian Railway Management Services (Mechanical)
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IEDS Mechanical Trade Posts
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Electrical Engineering
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Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service
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Indian Railway Management Service (Electrical)
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Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service (Electrical)
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IEDS Electrical Trade Posts
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Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
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Indian Telecommunications Service
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Indian Radio Regulatory Service
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Junior Telecom Officer Gr ‘B’
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Indian Railway Management Service (Signal & Telecommunication)
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IEDS Electronics Trade
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This variety ensures opportunities for engineers across multiple streams to join central services and build a rewarding career.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification:
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Degree in Engineering from a recognized Indian University or deemed university.
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Passed Sections A and B of the Institution of Engineers (India) Examination.
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Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India).
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Associate Membership Examination Parts II and III of the Aeronautical Society of India.
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Degree/diploma from a foreign University recognized by the Government.
Age Limit:
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Minimum: 21 years
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Maximum: 30 years
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Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules:
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SC/ST: +5 years
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OBC: +3 years
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PwBD: +10 years
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Application Fee:
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General/OBC/EWS: ₹200
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SC/ST/PwBD/Female: Nil
Salary & Pay Structure
UPSC Engineering Services posts offer highly competitive pay scales under the 7th Pay Commission, starting from ₹55,135 to ₹64,749 per month for entry-level posts. With promotions and career growth, employees can reach:
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Selection Grade/Chief Engineer: ₹37,400 – 67,000 + GP 8,700
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Super Time Grade/Additional GM: ₹37,400 – 67,000 + GP 8,700
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Apex/Cabinet Secretary Grade: ₹80,000 – 90,000 (Fixed)
In addition to basic pay, UPSC ESE officers receive allowances and benefits, making this one of the most lucrative government engineering careers.
UPSC ESE 2026 – Selection Process
The selection process is multi-stage, designed to evaluate both technical expertise and general aptitude:
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Preliminary Exam (Objective Type)
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Paper I: General Studies & Engineering Aptitude – 200 marks
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Paper II: Engineering Discipline (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecom) – 300 marks
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Negative marking: 1/3 for incorrect answers
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Main Exam (Descriptive Type)
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Paper I & Paper II: Chosen Engineering Discipline – 300 marks each
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No negative marking
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Personality Test / Interview – 200 marks
The total marks for final selection are 1300, ensuring a fair assessment of both technical knowledge and personality traits.
Exam Dates – Mark Your Calendar
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 26-09-2025 |
| Online Application Start | 26-09-2025 |
| Application End Date | 16-10-2025 |
| ESE Prelims Exam | 08-02-2026 |
| Mains Exam | To be announced |
| Interview | To be announced |
| Final Result Declaration | To be announced |
Candidates are advised to start preparing immediately, as UPSC ESE is one of the toughest competitive exams in India, with a rigorous selection process.
UPSC ESE 2026 Syllabus Overview
Prelims Paper I (General Studies & Engineering Aptitude)
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Engineering Mathematics, Reasoning & Aptitude
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Ethics, Safety, and Society
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Project Management, Design Basics, Standards
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ICT, Energy & Environment, Material Science
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Current Issues (National & International)
Prelims Paper II & Mains Papers I & II (Technical)
Branch-wise syllabus includes:
Civil Engineering: Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Transportation Engineering
Mechanical Engineering: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Manufacturing, Design of Machines
Electrical Engineering: Electrical Circuits, Machines, Power Systems, Control Systems, Power Electronics
Electronics & Telecom: Analog/Digital Electronics, Signal Processing, Telecommunications, Computer Fundamentals
Candidates must refer to the official UPSC notification PDF for detailed topic lists for each branch.
How to Apply Online
Follow these steps to submit your UPSC ESE 2026 application:
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Visit upsconline.nic.in or upsc.gov.in
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Check the official notification PDF thoroughly.
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Click on “Apply Online” and fill the Engineering Services Examination 2026 form.
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Upload necessary documents (photograph, signature, and certificates).
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Pay the application fee (if applicable).
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Print the confirmation page and fee receipt for reference.
Remember, the last date is 16th October 2025, and no applications will be accepted afterward.
Why UPSC ESE is a Dream Job
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Prestige: Working with UPSC central services gives unmatched recognition and respect in society.
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Career Growth: Clear promotions from junior to apex levels.
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Salary & Benefits: Competitive pay with allowances and perks under the 7th Pay Commission.
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Diverse Opportunities: Work across Railways, Defence, Border Roads, Central Engineering Services, Telecom, and more.
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Job Security: Stable government employment with long-term benefits.
Important Links
Conclusion:
The UPSC ESE Recruitment 2026 is a once-a-year opportunity for engineers to step into prestigious government roles with excellent pay and career growth. With 474 posts available across multiple engineering streams, the competition will be intense. Candidates should apply online before 16th October 2025 and start rigorous preparation immediately. Don’t miss your chance to become part of India’s elite engineering services cadre!
