The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has just released the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) Recruitment 2026 notification, sparking excitement among engineering graduates and diploma holders across India. With 474 prestigious posts open in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication branches, this is an unmissable chance for ambitious engineers to secure a high-paying, stable government job under one of India’s most respected institutions.
The online application portal opened on 26th September 2025 and will remain active until 16th October 2025. Eligible candidates can apply directly through the official UPSC website at upsconline.nic.in.
UPSC ESE 2026 – Vacancy & Branch-wise Details
The UPSC ESE 2026 offers opportunities across multiple prestigious services, ensuring engineers from various disciplines can find roles aligned with their expertise:
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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Other Central Services
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
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
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
This diversity of postings ensures engineers from all streams can access central government opportunities and embark on a rewarding career path.
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 & 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 & 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 relaxations as per government norms:
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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 & Benefits
UPSC ESE officers enjoy highly competitive salaries under the 7th Pay Commission:
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Entry-level: ₹55,135 – ₹64,749 per month
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Promotion opportunities:
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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)
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In addition to basic pay, allowances and benefits make this one of the most lucrative engineering careers in India.
UPSC ESE 2026 – Selection Process
The selection process is rigorous, designed to assess both technical proficiency and personality:
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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 – 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 & II: Engineering Discipline – 300 marks each
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No negative marking
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Personality Test / Interview – 200 marks
Total marks: 1300, ensuring a fair evaluation of knowledge and aptitude.
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 | To be announced |
Candidates should start preparation immediately as UPSC ESE is widely regarded as one of India’s toughest competitive exams.
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
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Civil Engineering: Structural, Geotechnical, Environmental, Transportation Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Manufacturing, Machine Design
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Electrical Engineering: Circuits, Machines, Power Systems, Control Systems, Power Electronics
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Electronics & Telecom: Analog/Digital Electronics, Signal Processing, Telecommunications, Computer Fundamentals
Candidates should refer to the official UPSC notification PDF for a complete list of topics.
How to Apply Online
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Visit upsconline.nic.in
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Download and read the official notification thoroughly
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Click on “Apply Online” for UPSC ESE 2026
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Fill the application form with correct details
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Upload scanned documents (photograph, signature, certificates)
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Pay the application fee (if applicable)
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Print confirmation page and receipt for reference
Deadline: 16th October 2025. No late applications will be accepted.
Why UPSC ESE is a Dream Job
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Prestige: Work in central government engineering services with societal respect
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Career Growth: Clear promotions from junior officer to apex levels
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Salary & Benefits: Competitive pay with allowances under 7th Pay Commission
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Diverse Opportunities: Railways, Defence, Border Roads, Telecom, Central Engineering Services
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Job Security: Stable government employment with long-term benefits
Important Links
💡 Pro Tip: Start your preparation now and focus on technical subjects and current affairs. UPSC ESE is highly competitive, and early preparation could make the difference between success and a missed opportunity.
Don’t wait! Apply online before 16th October 2025 and take the first step toward a prestigious and rewarding engineering career with UPSC!
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