The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026, offering approximately 474 vacancies for engineering graduates to secure prestigious Group ‘A’/’B’ posts in various government departments. This is an excellent opportunity for engineers to join esteemed sectors like Railways, Central Public Works Department, and Border Roads Organisation with a competitive salary under Level 10 of the Pay Matrix. The online application window is open from September 26, 2025, to October 16, 2025. Below is a detailed guide covering vacancies, eligibility, salary, and application process.
Key Highlights of UPSC ESE 2026
- Post Names: Group ‘A’/’B’ Services/Posts
- Total Vacancies: ~474 (including 26 reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities)
- Salary/Pay Scale: Level 10 (7th CPC)
- Job Location: Across India
- Application Period: September 26, 2025, to October 16, 2025 (6:00 PM)
- Application Mode: Online
The UPSC ESE is a flagship examination conducted annually to recruit engineers for technical and managerial roles in key government sectors.
UPSC ESE 2026 Vacancy Details
The 474 tentative vacancies are categorized across four engineering disciplines:
- Category I: Civil Engineering
- Category II: Mechanical Engineering
- Category III: Electrical Engineering
- Category IV: Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
Educational Qualification
Candidates should have one of the following:
- A Degree in Engineering from a recognized university in India.
- A degree/diploma from a foreign university/college recognized by the Government of India.
- Passed Sections A and B of the Institution Examinations of the Institution of Engineers (India).
- Passed Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India).
- Passed Associate Membership Examination Parts II and III/Sections A and B of the Aeronautical Society of India.
- Note: Final-year students awaiting results may apply but must provide proof of passing before the Personality Test.
Age Limit (as of January 1, 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
- Eligible Birth Dates: January 2, 1996, to January 1, 2005
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: Up to 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Up to 3 years
- Defence Services Personnel (disabled in operations): Up to 3 years
- Ex-servicemen: Up to 5 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Up to 10 years
Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates will be appointed to Group ‘A’/’B’ posts under Level 10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, with a starting basic pay of ₹56,100 per month. The total in-hand salary is enhanced by allowances:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): ~50% of basic pay (₹28,050, revised biannually).
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Up to 30% of basic pay (₹16,830 in metro cities).
- Transport Allowance (TA): Covers commuting expenses.
- Other Benefits: Medical facilities, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), Gratuity, and National Pension System (NPS).
The gross monthly salary can exceed ₹1,00,000, making this a financially rewarding career.
Selection Process
The UPSC ESE 2026 selection process consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective Type):
- Paper-I: General Studies and Engineering Aptitude (2 hours, 200 marks)
- Paper-II: Engineering Discipline Specific (3 hours, 300 marks)
- Total: 500 marks
- Note: Negative marking applies (one-third marks deducted per wrong answer).
- Main Examination (Conventional Type):
- Paper-I: Engineering Discipline Specific (3 hours, 300 marks)
- Paper-II: Engineering Discipline Specific (3 hours, 300 marks)
- Total: 600 marks
- Personality Test (Interview):
- Assesses leadership, intellectual curiosity, and character (200 marks).
- Final merit is based on combined marks from all stages.
How to Apply Online
Follow these steps to apply for UPSC ESE 2026:
- Visit the UPSC online portal: upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete one-time registration to generate a Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Log in and fill the Common Application Form (CAF) with personal, educational, and contact details.
- Complete the Exam Specific Form for ESE 2026, selecting your engineering discipline and exam center.
- Upload required documents:
- Photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN Card, etc.)
- Scanned photograph and signature (20–300 KB, .jpg format)
- Matriculation certificate (for date of birth)
- Pay the application fee via debit/credit card or net banking.
- Review and submit the application.
- Download and print the submitted form for records.
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: September 26, 2025
- Application Last Date: October 16, 2025 (6:00 PM)
- Preliminary Exam Date: February 8, 2026
Application Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹200/- |
| Female/SC/ST/PwBD | Exempted |
Essential Links
- Official Notification: Download Here
- Apply Online: Apply Now
- Official Website: Visit Now
- Join WhatsApp Channel: Click Here
- Join Telegram Channel: Click Here
The UPSC ESE 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity to contribute to India’s development while enjoying a rewarding career. Read the official notification carefully and apply before the deadline. Best of luck!