The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026, announcing 474 vacancies across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication engineering disciplines. This is one of the most prestigious examinations in India for engineering graduates who aspire to join various Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ services under the Government of India. The application process is completely online and is open from 26th September 2025 to 16th October 2025 at upsconline.nic.in.
This recruitment is crucial as the UPSC ESE recruits engineers for key positions in technical and managerial roles across ministries, departments, railways, defense, power, and more. For aspirants with an engineering degree or equivalent qualifications, this is a career-defining opportunity offering a secure job, excellent salary, and immense respect in government services.
UPSC ESE Recruitment 2026 Summary
Here’s a quick snapshot of the important details regarding the UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 |
| Posts | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering |
| Total Vacancies | 474 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Notification Date | 26 September 2025 |
| Application Start | 26 September 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 16 October 2025 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 8 February 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Vacancy and Post Details
The 474 vacancies under UPSC ESE 2026 are divided among four major engineering categories. Each category covers multiple services and cadres in different government departments.
- Category I – Civil Engineering
- Central Engineering Service
- Border Roads Engineering Service (AEE Civil)
- Survey of India Group ‘A’
- Central Water Engineering Service
- Indian Railway Management Service (Civil)
- MES Surveyor Cadre (AEE QS&C)
- And more
- Category II – Mechanical Engineering
- Indian Naval Material Management Service
- Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service
- Border Roads Engineering Service (Mechanical)
- Indian Railway Management Service (Mechanical)
- Corps of EME (AEE Mechanical)
- Indian Skill Development Service
- And more
- Category III – Electrical Engineering
- Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service
- Central Power Engineering Service
- Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service
- Indian Railway Management Service (Electrical)
- Corps of EME (Electrical)
- Indian Skill Development Service
- Category IV – Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
- Indian Radio Regulatory Service
- Indian Telecommunications Service
- Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service (Electronics)
- Junior Telecom Officer Group B
- Indian Railway Management Service (S&T)
- Corps of EME (Electronics & Telecommunication)
These posts are spread across several ministries and central government departments, ensuring opportunities for candidates in multiple technical domains.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC ESE 2026
The eligibility conditions are set as per UPSC norms to ensure only qualified and skilled candidates apply.
Educational Qualification:
Candidates must have a degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution. Equivalent qualifications include:
- Passed Sections A and B of the Institution of Engineers (India).
- Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India).
- Associate Membership Examination Parts II & III / Sections A & B of the Aeronautical Society of India.
- Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Radio Engineers (London).
- M.Sc. degree or diploma in relevant engineering subjects in certain cases.
Age Limit (as on 1 January 2026):
- Minimum: 21 years
- Maximum: 30 years
- Age relaxation: SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), PwBD (10 years), Ex-servicemen as per govt. rules.
This makes the exam accessible to a wide range of candidates with strong academic and technical backgrounds.
Salary / Pay Scale for UPSC ESE Officers
The UPSC ESE offers one of the best pay scales among engineering jobs in India. Salaries are based on 7th Pay Commission pay matrix.
- Entry Level (Assistant Executive Engineer / AEE): ₹15,600 – ₹39,100 + Grade Pay ₹5,400 (approx. ₹55,000 – ₹65,000/month).
- Senior Scale (after 5–6 years): Grade Pay ₹6,600 with higher allowances.
- Junior Administrative Grade (10+ years): Grade Pay ₹7,600.
- Chief Engineer / Selection Grade: ₹37,400 – ₹67,000 + Grade Pay ₹8,700.
- Apex / Cabinet Secretary Level: ₹80,000 – ₹90,000 (fixed).
Apart from salary, candidates receive perks such as DA, HRA, Travel Allowance, pension benefits, and government accommodation.
Selection Process for UPSC ESE 2026
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination has a three-stage selection process:
- Preliminary Exam
- Paper I: General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (200 marks, 2 hrs)
- Paper II: Engineering Discipline (300 marks, 3 hrs)
- Objective-type questions with negative marking (1/3rd mark deducted per wrong answer).
- Main Exam
- Paper I: Engineering Discipline (Descriptive, 300 marks, 3 hrs)
- Paper II: Engineering Discipline (Descriptive, 300 marks, 3 hrs).
- Personality Test (Interview)
- 200 marks.
Final Merit is calculated based on the combined score of Prelims (500), Mains (600), and Interview (200) = 1300 marks total.
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Application Process for UPSC ESE 2026
The application is online only through upsconline.nic.in. Follow the steps below:
- Visit UPSC Website: Go to upsconline.nic.in.
- Register: Complete the One Time Registration (OTR).
- Fill Form: Select Engineering Services Examination 2026, enter details carefully.
- Upload Documents: Photograph, signature, and ID proof in prescribed format.
- Pay Fee: ₹200 for General/OBC/EWS (SC/ST/PwBD/Female exempted). Payment via online or SBI challan.
- Submit & Print: Review all details before final submission and keep a hard copy for reference.
Tips for Applicants:
- Start application early to avoid server issues near the deadline.
- Use a valid email ID and phone number for communication.
- Keep scanned documents ready in required size and format.
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Important Links for UPSC ESE 2026
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Apply Online | upsconline.nic.in |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
Always read the official notification carefully before applying to avoid mistakes.
FAQs on UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026
The last date to apply online is 16th October 2025.
A total of 474 vacancies are available across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication disciplines.
The Prelims exam is scheduled for 8th February 2026.
General/OBC/EWS candidates must pay ₹200. SC/ST, PwBD, and Female candidates are exempt.
Candidates must be 21–30 years as of 1 January 2026.
It consists of Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test (Interview).
The entry-level salary is around ₹55,000 – ₹65,000 per month, with steady promotions and benefits under the 7th CPC.
