UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 – Everything You Need to Know
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 notification on 26 September 2025. This exam offers prestigious Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ engineering posts in top Central Government departments like the Indian Railways, CPWD, CWC, and Defence Services.
📅 Important Dates
| Notification Released | 26 September 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 26 September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16 October 2025 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Prelims Exam Date | 8 February 2026 |
📍 Apply Online | 📜 Official Website
🧭 New Online Application System
UPSC has launched a new online portal with four modules:
- Account Creation
- Universal Registration Number (URN)
- Common Application Form (CAF)
- Exam-Specific Form
Note: The old One Time Registration (OTR) system has been discontinued. All candidates must register afresh.
🧑💼 Total Vacancies: 474
A total of 474 posts are expected to be filled, including 26 vacancies for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Indian citizen or as defined in the UPSC rules.
- Age Limit: 21–30 years as of 1 January 2026 (Born between 2 Jan 1996 and 1 Jan 2005). Age relaxation applicable for reserved categories.
- Educational Qualification: Degree in Engineering from a recognized University or equivalent qualification (AMIE, IETE, etc., under specified conditions).
💵 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200 |
| Female / SC / ST / PwBD | Exempted |
Payment can be made via SBI branch, Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking. Fee once paid is non-refundable.
⚙️ UPSC ESE 2026 Exam Pattern
- Stage 1 – Preliminary Exam: Objective type, 500 marks.
- Stage 2 – Main Exam: Conventional type, 600 marks.
- Stage 3 – Personality Test: 200 marks.
Final selection will be based on marks obtained in all three stages.
🧠 Exam Centers
Exams will be conducted in major cities across India including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Patna and others. Centers are allotted on a first-apply-first-serve basis.
📸 Important Instructions
- Upload a recent photograph (within 10 days of application start date).
- Use black ball pen only in objective papers.
- Electronic devices (mobiles, smartwatches, etc.) are strictly prohibited.
- Report at least 30 minutes before exam time — late entry not allowed.
📞 Helpdesk
For assistance regarding registration or application process:
- Helpline: 011-24041001 (10:00 AM – 5:30 PM, working days)
- Website: upsconline.nic.in
🏁 Conclusion
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 offers engineers an opportunity to serve in elite services such as:
- Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS)
- Central Engineering Service (CES)
- Central Water Engineering Service (CWES)
- Indian Naval Material Management Service (INMMS)
Don’t miss the chance! Apply before 16 October 2025 and start preparing today.