UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026: Notification, Eligibility, Vacancies & Apply Online
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026, also known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES) Exam. This prestigious national-level recruitment exam will be conducted on 8th February 2026 for filling approximately 474 Group-A and Group-B engineering posts across the Government of India.
This exam recruits engineers in the fields of Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering for top technical positions across central ministries and departments.
✨ UPSC ESE 2026 – Highlights
Exam Name UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026
Conducting Body Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Total Vacancies Approx. 474 Posts (including PwBD – 26)
Exam Date 8 February 2026
Application Dates 26 Sept 2025 to 16 Oct 2025
Post Type Group A & Group B Officer Posts
Disciplines Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunication
Mode of Application Online
Official Website https://upsconline.nic.in
🔧 Services / Cadres Under UPSC ESE 2026
UPSC recruits engineers into these major departments:
Category I – Civil Engineering
Central Engineering Service (Civil)
Central Engineering Service (Roads), Group-A
Survey of India Group ‘A’ Service
AEE (Civil) – Border Roads Engineering Service
AEE (QS&C) – MES Surveyor Cadre
Central Water Engineering (Group ‘A’) Service
Indian Skill Development Service
Indian Railway Management Service (Civil)
IRMS (Stores) – CE Posts
Category II – Mechanical Engineering
AEE – GSI Engineering Service
Indian Naval Material Management Service (Mechanical)
Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service (Mechanical)
AEE (E&M) – Border Roads Engineering Service
Indian Skill Development Service
Indian Railway Management Service (Mechanical)
IRMS (Stores) – Mechanical Posts
Indian Enterprise Development Service – AD Grade I & II (Mechanical)
AEE Gr ‘A’ – Corps of EME
Category III – Electrical Engineering
Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service
Indian Naval Material Management Service (Electrical)
Central Power Engineering Service
Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service (Electrical)
Indian Skill Development Service
Indian Enterprise Development Service – AD Grade I & II (Electrical)
Indian Railway Management Service (Electrical)
IRMS (Stores) – Electrical
AEE Gr ‘A’ – Corps of EME
Category IV – Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Indian Radio Regulatory Service
Indian Telecommunication Service
Indian Naval Material Management Service (Electronics & Telecom)
Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service (Electronics & Tele)
Indian Skill Development Service
Junior Telecom Officer (JTO) Grade B
IEDS – AD Grade I & II (Electronics)
Indian Railway Management Service (Signal & Telecommunication)
IRMS (Stores) – S&T Engineering Posts
AEE Gr ‘A’ – Corps of EME
🎓 UPSC ESE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (as of 01/01/2026)
Minimum Age: 21 years
Maximum Age: 30 years
Age Relaxation:
SC/ST: +5 years
OBC: +3 years
PwBD: +10 years
Other relaxations as per UPSC rules
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have:
✔ An Engineering Degree (BE/B.Tech) or equivalent
OR
✔ Passed Sections A & B of Institution of Engineers (India)
OR
✔ Graduate Membership Examination of IETE
OR
✔ AMIE (Aero) — Aeronautical Society of India
OR
✔ Graduate Membership – Institution of Electronics & Radio Engineers, London
For certain posts (Naval Armament Service / WPC Wing):
M.Sc. in Electronics, Radio Physics, Wireless Communication, or Radio Engineering is acceptable.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the physical fitness standards as per UPSC regulations.
📦 UPSC ESE 2026 Vacancy
Total Vacancies: 474 Posts (Approx.)
PwBD Vacancies: 26 Posts
Final vacancy details will be released in the official notification.
💰 Application Fee
General/OBC/EWS: ₹200/-
SC/ST/PwBD/Female: No Fee
Payment Options:
SBI Cash Deposit
Net Banking (SBI)
Visa/Master/RuPay Debit/Credit Cards
📝 How to Apply for UPSC ESE 2026?
Eligible candidates must apply online through the UPSC official portal.
👉 Steps to Apply:
- Visit https://upsconline.nic.in
- Click on “Engineering Services Examination 2026”
- Register with basic details
- Fill the complete application form
- Upload photo & signature
- Pay the application fee
- Submit the form and download your application
Note:
Applications cannot be withdrawn after submission.
📚 Exam Pattern of UPSC ESE 2026
Stage 1 – Preliminary Exam (Objective)
Paper 1: General Studies & Engineering Aptitude
Paper 2: Engineering Discipline
Stage 2 – Main Exam (Descriptive)
Two papers of respective engineering discipline
Stage 3 – Personality Test (Interview)
200 marks
🔗 Important Links
Description Link
Apply Online (Active from 26 Sept 2025) https://upsconline.nic.in
Official Notification To be released soon
UPSC Website https://upsc.gov.in
📌 Final Note
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 is one of India’s toughest and most respected engineering recruitment exams. With more than 474 vacancies, this is a golden opportunity for engineers aiming for a high-ranking government career.
Aspirants are advised to begin preparation early and follow the official schedule closely.
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