The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Engineering Services Examination (ESE), also known as Indian Engineering Services (IES), to recruit engineers for technical and managerial roles in various central government departments. These posts demand not only strong technical knowledge but also administrative ability. The UPSC ESE Recruitment 2026 notification is out, offering engineers a rare chance to enter prestigious services. This article gives you a step-by-step, easy-to-read guide covering all essential details — vacancy, eligibility, selection process, salary, and more — so you can apply with confidence.
Vacancy Details
| Post / Discipline | Total Vacancies | Educational Qualification Required |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | — (part of total) | Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent |
| Mechanical Engineering | — | Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent |
| Electrical Engineering | — | Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent |
| Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering | — | Degree in E & TC / Electronics / Communication or equivalent |
| Total (All Streams Combined) | 474 | Engineering degree or equivalent (see eligibility section) |
UPSC has announced 474 vacancies across the four engineering disciplines for ESE 2026.
Job Role and Responsibilities
Selected candidates serve as Engineering Services officers in central government departments like Central Water Engineering, Border Roads, Indian Railways, Indian Telecommunications, Defence, etc. Their roles may include:
- Planning, designing, and executing public infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, water systems)
- Maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation of electrical / mechanical systems
- Implementing and supervising engineering works in remote or strategic zones
- Technical assessments, feasibility studies, audits, and inspections
- Coordinating with contractors, government agencies, and stakeholders
- Ensuring compliance with standards, regulations, safety norms, and environmental laws
- Administrative tasks including budgeting, resource allocation, reporting
Eligibility Criteria
Education
- Must hold a degree in Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech / equivalent) in relevant streams (Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics & Telecommunication).
- Alternatively, candidates who have cleared Section A & B of the Institution of Engineers (India) or equivalent membership examinations may also be eligible as per UPSC rules.
Age
- Minimum age: 21 years
- Maximum age: 30 years (as on 1 January 2026)
- Age relaxations as per government norms:
• SC / ST: +5 years
• OBC (Non-Creamy layer): +3 years
• Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD): +10 years
• Ex-servicemen and other categories as per UPSC rules
Experience
- No prior work experience is required. Fresh graduates are eligible.
Nationality
- The candidate should be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal / Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with intention of permanent settlement, or a person of Indian origin settled in certain countries, per UPSC rules.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the UPSC official website and navigate to “Examinations / Apply Online” section.
- Download and read the official ESE 2026 notification to understand every detail.
- Click on the “Apply Online for ESE 2026” link.
- Register via One Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC portal if not already registered.
- Log in and fill the application form: personal details, educational qualifications, discipline choice, etc.
- Upload required documents (photograph, signature, identity proof) in prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee (where applicable).
- Review all entries carefully and submit the application.
- Print a copy of the submitted form and fee receipt for records.
- Keep tracking the UPSC portal for further updates regarding admit cards, exam schedule, results.
Salary & Benefits
Selected engineers start at Level 10 in the Pay Matrix under 7th Pay Commission. They receive:
- Basic pay along with Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or government accommodation
- Transport allowance, medical benefits, leave, pension, etc.
- Advancements allow moving to higher grades like Level 11, 12, and above, depending on performance and seniority.
Career Growth & Opportunities
As an ESE officer, you have a structured promotional ladder:
- After initial years, you can move into senior engineering / managerial roles (Senior Time Scale, Junior Administrative Grade, etc.)
- Opportunities to specialize in policy, project management, technical audits, research or leadership tracks
- Opportunities for deputation abroad, inter-government assignments, or work in premier organizations
- Skills & credentials gained make you eligible for diverse leadership roles in government bodies
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 26 September 2025 |
| Start Date for Online Application | 26 September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16 October 2025 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 8 February 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | 21 June 2026 |
Why Apply
This is one of India’s most prestigious engineering examinations. By qualifying ESE, you get:
- A chance to serve the nation with technical expertise
- Stable and respected central government career
- Excellent pay, allowances and perks
- Opportunities for growth, authority, and policy influence
- Recognition among top engineering professionals
FAQs
- How many vacancies are there in ESE 2026?
474 total posts across civil, mechanical, electrical, electronics & telecommunication branches. - Can final-year engineering students apply?
Generally no — candidates must have completed their engineering degree or equivalent at time of application (unless notification explicitly allows). - What is the age limit and relaxation?
Age range is 21–30 years as on 1 Jan 2026; relaxations for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD and ex-servicemen as per rules. - What is the selection process?
Three stages: Preliminary (objective), Mains (descriptive), and Personality Test / Interview. - What is the application fee?
General / OBC: ₹200; SC / ST / PwBD / Female aspirants: exempted (no fee). - Will there be negative marking?
Yes, in the Preliminary stage for objective type questions, negative marking is applied as per UPSC scheme. - When will the final result be declared?
After completion of all stages (Prelims, Mains, Interview). The schedule will be published on the UPSC website.
Conclusion
If you are an engineering graduate aiming for a challenging, prestigious, and impactful career, UPSC ESE Recruitment 2026 is your gateway. With 474 vacancies, this exam opens doors to elite technical services across the country. Ensure you satisfy all eligibility criteria, submit your application between 26 September and 16 October 2025, and prepare rigorously for the three stages of selection. Stay updated on UPSC’s official site and best of luck with your journey to becoming an IES officer.