Full Information about UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2025

1. Introduction

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) holds a special test every year called the Engineering Services Examination, or ESE. This is a big, country-wide exam for engineers who want to work for the Government of India. If you are an engineering graduate, this exam is a direct way to get a very good job in what are called Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ positions. These jobs are in different government departments and ministries. Getting a job as an Indian Engineering Services (IES) officer is something many people dream of. This is because it is a secure job with a good salary, and it gives you a chance to help build our country. IES officers work on important projects related to the nation’s roads, technology, and making life better for people.

The ESE is held for four main types of engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication. The selection process is very tough. It is made to find people who not only know a lot about engineering but are also good at thinking, solving problems, and can be good leaders. The work of an IES officer changes from day to day. It can involve making plans and rules, or it can mean actually building and managing big national projects. 

2. Important Dates

Here are all the important dates for the UPSC ESE: 

3. Vacancy Details

For the Engineering Services Examination in 2025, there are about 474 jobs available. Out of these, 26 jobs are specially reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). This number can change later if the government needs more or fewer people.

The jobs are in four main engineering groups:

• Category I: Civil Engineering
• Category II: Mechanical Engineering
• Category III: Electrical Engineering
• Category IV: Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering

4. Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the ESE 2026, you must meet the rules set by UPSC for who can apply. 

Nationality

A candidate must be one of the following:

• A citizen of India, or
• A subject of Nepal, or
• A subject of Bhutan, or
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, to live here permanently, or
• A person of Indian origin who has moved from countries like Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or some East African countries to live in India permanently.
  • Candidates who are not citizens of India must have an eligibility certificate from the Government of India.

Age Limit (as of January 1, 2026)

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 21 years old.
• Maximum Age: You must not be more than 30 years old.
  • This means you must have been born between January 2, 1996, and January 1, 2005.

Age Relaxation: For some candidates, the maximum age limit can be increased. This is called age relaxation.

Educational Qualification

You must have one of the following educational qualifications to apply:

• A Degree in Engineering from a university that is recognized by the government.
• Passed Sections A and B of the Institution Examinations of the Institution of Engineers (India).
• An engineering degree or diploma from a foreign university or college that is recognized by the Government of India.
• Passed the Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India).

5. Application Fee and Process

Application Fee

• The fee for the application is ₹200 (Rupees Two Hundred only).
• Female candidates, and candidates from SC, ST, and PwBD categories do not have to pay any fee.
• Payment Methods: You can pay the fee in two ways:
  1. By depositing cash at any branch of the State Bank of India (SBI).
  2. By using online payment methods like Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking.

Application Process

1. Visit the UPSC online application website at https://upsconline.nic.in.
2. You will need to create an account on the new portal and get a Universal Registration Number (URN). This is a one-time process.
3. The application has different parts. You will need to fill in your personal details, educational qualifications, and choose your examination center.
4. You will need to upload a recent photograph and your signature. The photograph should not be more than 10 days old when you apply.
5. Pay the application fee using one of the methods mentioned above.
6. After filling in all the details and paying the fee, you can submit your application. Make sure you check all the details carefully before submitting, as you cannot make changes later.

6. Salary

IES officers are given Group ‘A’ positions in the government, which come with a very good salary. The salary structure is based on the government’s pay scale rules. Along with the basic salary, officers also get many benefits and allowances like a Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA). While the exact starting salary can vary, it is very attractive and increases with promotions and years of service. This makes a career in IES not only prestigious but also financially rewarding, providing a stable and comfortable life.

7. Selection Process

The selection of candidates for the ESE is done in three stages. You must pass each stage to go to the next one.

• Stage I: Preliminary Examination: This is the first stage. It is an objective-type test (with multiple-choice questions). The marks from this stage are counted for the final merit list.
• Stage II: Main Examination: If you pass the Preliminary exam, you can appear for the Main exam. This is a written exam with descriptive, long-form answers.
• Stage III: Personality Test (Interview): Candidates who pass the Main exam are called for a Personality Test, which is like an interview. This stage checks your personality, leadership, and qualities for the job.

The final result is made by adding the marks from all three stages (Preliminary + Main + Interview).

8. Exam Pattern

Stage I: Preliminary Examination Pattern (Objective Type)

This exam has two papers and is for a total of 500 marks.

• Negative Marking: For every wrong answer in the objective papers, one-third (1/3rd) of the marks for that question will be cut.

Stage II: Main Examination Pattern 

This exam also has two papers, both focus on your specific engineering branch, for a total of 600 marks.

Stage III: Personality Test

The personality test or interview carries 200 marks.

9. Syllabus

Paper-I: General Studies and Engineering Aptitude (Common Syllabus)

1. Current issues of national and international importance.
2. Engineering Aptitude (Logical reasoning and Analytical ability).
3. Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Analysis.
4. General Principles of Design, Drawing, Importance of Safety.
5. Standards and Quality practices.
6. Basics of Energy and Environment.
7. Basics of Project Management.
8. Basics of Material Science and Engineering.
9. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
10. Ethics and values in the Engineering profession.

Paper-II: Engineering Discipline Syllabus

The syllabus for Paper-II is different for each engineering branch. It covers all the core subjects of that branch. For example:

• Civil Engineering: Building Materials, Solid Mechanics, Structural Analysis, Design of Steel and Concrete Structures, Construction, Fluid Mechanics, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Surveying, and Transportation Engineering.
• Mechanical Engineering: Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, IC Engines, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Turbo Machinery, Power Plant Engineering, Renewable Energy, Engineering Mechanics, Engineering Materials, Mechanisms and Machines, Design, Manufacturing, and Mechatronics.
• Electrical Engineering: Engineering Mathematics, Electrical Materials, Electric Circuits and Fields, Electrical and Electronic Measurements, Computer Fundamentals, Basic Electronics, Analog and Digital Electronics, Systems and Signal Processing, Control Systems, Electrical Machines, Power Systems, and Power Electronics.
• Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering: Basic Electronics, Basic Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Electronic Measurements, Network Theory, Analog and Digital Circuits, Communication Systems, Control Systems, Computer Organization, Electromagnetics, and other advanced topics.

10. Preparation Tips

• First, go through the entire syllabus carefully. Know what you need to study.
• Create a realistic timetable. Give enough time to all subjects.
• Make your basic concepts very strong. This is a very important exam, and a strong foundation will help.
• Practice with old question papers to understand the exam pattern and the types of questions asked.
• Regularly take mock tests to check your speed and accuracy. This will help you manage your time during the actual exam.
• Keep revising what you have studied. Revision is key to remembering things.
• Eat good food, get enough sleep, and do some exercise to keep your mind and body fresh.

11. Admit Card

The Admit Card (or hall ticket) is a very important document that you must have to enter the examination hall.

• The UPSC will issue an e-Admit Card on its official website (https://www.upsc.gov.in). You will need to download it from the website.
• The admit card is usually available for download about one week before the examination date.
• After downloading, check all the details on your admit card carefully, like your name, roll number, and exam center. If there is any mistake, contact the UPSC immediately.

12. Result

The final result of the ESE is declared by the UPSC after all three stages of the examination are complete.

• The final merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained in the Preliminary Exam (Stage-I), Main Exam (Stage-II), and the Personality Test (Stage-III).
• The results are published on the official UPSC website.
• Based on your rank in the final merit list and the preferences you have given for different services/posts, you will be allotted a service. Your medical fitness is also considered before the final appointment.