UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026: Apply Now for 474 Engineer Officer Posts

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched one of the most prestigious recruitment drives of the year – the UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026

With approximately 474 vacancies across four engineering streams, this is your chance to secure a powerful, rewarding career in services like Indian Railway Management Service, Central Engineering Service, Indian Defence Service of Engineers, and more.

Organization Overview: UPSC

UPSC ESE 2026: Important Dates

Mark these crucial dates in your calendar to ensure you don’t miss any deadline.

Pro Tip: The UPSC has a brand-new online application portal. All candidates must register afresh. Do not wait for the last day to avoid technical glitches and server rush.

Download Full Official Notification Pdf

Download Official UPSC ESE 2026 Notification PDF Here
Direct Link to Apply Online

Vacancy Breakdown: Category-Wise Details

The UPSC has announced approximately 474 vacancies for the Engineering Services Examination 2026. This includes 26 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

The exact category-wise vacancy distribution will be announced by the UPSC later. The number of vacancies is liable to change.

Eligibility Criteria: for UPSC ESE 2026

To apply for UPSC ESE 2026, you must meet the following criteria.

A. Nationality

A candidate must be either:

• A citizen of India, or
• A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before Jan 1, 1962, or
• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanent settlement.

B. Educational Qualification (As of 16.10.2025)

C. Age Limit (As of 01.01.2026)

You must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 30 years. This means you must be born not earlier than 2nd January, 1996 and not later than 1st January, 2005.

Age Relaxation

Application Fee: Category-Wise Structure

The application fee is nominal. Check your category to know the exact amount.

Fee can be paid online via SBI net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.

Salary and Benefits: for UPSC ESE 2026

Selected candidates will be placed in Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ services with an attractive salary under the 7th Central Pay Commission.

Syllabus & Exam Pattern: for UPSC ESE 2026

The UPSC ESE is conducted in three stages. Understanding the pattern is key to cracking it.

Stage I: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)

Negative Marking: Yes, 1/3rd (0.33) marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.

Stage II: Main Examination (Conventional Type)

Stage III: Personality Test

Final Merit: Marks of (Prelims + Mains + Interview) will be considered for the final ranking.

Detailed Syllabus Overview

The syllabus for each discipline (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, E&T) is extensive and of engineering degree level. Key areas include:

• Paper I (Common): Current national/international issues, Engineering Aptitude, Maths, Design, Safety, Energy, Environment, Project Management, Ethics.
• Discipline-Specific Papers: Cover the entire breadth of the respective engineering branch. For example, Civil Engineering includes Building Materials, Solid Mechanics, Structural Analysis, Design of Structures, Fluid Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering, etc.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps carefully to submit your application for UPSC ESE 2026 on the new portal.

1. Step 1: Visit the Official Website
   Go to https://upsconline.nic.in.
2. Step 2: New Registration (Universal Registration Number – URN)
   Click on “New Registration”. Fill in basic details like name, date of birth, mobile number, and email to generate a lifetime Universal Registration Number (URN).
3. Step 3: Log In and Fill Common Application Form (CAF)
   Use your URN and password to log in. Complete the three common modules with personal, educational, and communication details.
4. Step 4: Fill Exam-Specific Form (ESE 2026)
   After the CAF, proceed to the fourth module – the “Exam Specific Form” for ESE 2026. Select your engineering discipline and examination center.
5. Step 5: Upload Scanned Documents
   Upload your recent photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
   • Photograph: JPEG, 20 KB – 50 KB
   • Signature: JPEG, 10 KB – 20 KB
6. Step 6: Pay the Application Fee
   If applicable, proceed to pay the ₹200 fee online. Women/SC/ST/PwBD candidates can skip this step.
7. Step 7: Review, Submit, and Print
   Review your entire application thoroughly. Submit the form and download/save the final confirmation page. No changes are allowed after submission.

Important Links forUPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026

Keep this table handy for all essential links.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC ESE 2026?

The last date to apply online is 16th October 2025.

2. How many vacancies are there in UPSC ESE 2026?

There are approximately 474 vacancies announced for UPSC ESE 2026.

3. What is the age limit for the general category?

A general category candidate must be between 21 to 30 years as of 1st January 2026.

4. Is the UPSC ESE application fee refundable?

No, the application fee once paid is not refundable under any circumstances.

5. Can final year engineering students apply?

Yes, final year students can apply provisionally. However, they must submit proof of passing the requisite qualification before the Personality Test.

6. What is the new application process for UPSC?

UPSC has introduced a new 4-module portal: Account Creation, Universal Registration (URN), Common Application Form (CAF), and Exam-Specific Form. All candidates must register afresh.

7. How many attempts are allowed for UPSC ESE?

There is no fixed number of attempts. The restriction is based on the age limit, which varies by category.

8. Which engineering disciplines are included?

The four disciplines are: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering.

9. Is there negative marking in the prelims?

Yes, there is a penalty of 1/3rd (0.33) marks for every wrong answer in the objective papers.

10. What is the salary of a UPSC ESE officer?

The approximate in-hand salary for a newly recruited ESE officer ranges from ₹65,000 to ₹75,000 per month, including all allowances.