UPSC ESE 2026 (IES): Notification Out, Apply Online, Exam Date, Syllabus, Vacancy
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 Notification on 26 September 2025. Candidates aspiring for prestigious Group A & B engineering services under the Central Government can now apply online for UPSC IES 2026 through the official portal upsc.gov.in.
The UPSC ESE 2026 Prelims Exam will be conducted on Sunday, 8 February 2026. Interested candidates must carefully check eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, and vacancy details before applying.
🔹 UPSC IES 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE/IES) |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Cycle | 2026 |
| Notification Date | 26 September 2025 |
| Application Dates | 26 Sept – 16 Oct 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 474 |
| Exam Stages | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Salary Range | ₹15,600 – ₹39,100 (7th Pay Commission) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
📅 UPSC ESE 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 26 September 2025 |
| Apply Online Start | 26 September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16 October 2025 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 8 February 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | To be announced |
| Interview | After Mains Result |
🏗️ UPSC ESE Vacancy 2026 (Branch-wise)
A total of 474 vacancies are announced across the following engineering disciplines:
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Civil Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering
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Electrical Engineering
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Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
👉 Post-wise vacancy breakup will be released separately by UPSC.
🏢 UPSC IES Posts & Services 2026
The UPSC ESE recruits engineers into prestigious services such as:
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Central Engineering Services
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Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS)
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Border Roads Engineering Service
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Indian Defence Service of Engineers
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Indian Naval Armament Service
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Indian Naval Material Management Service
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Central Water Engineering Service
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Indian Skill Development Service
📝 UPSC ESE Apply Online 2026 – Steps
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One Time Registration (OTR) on UPSC website
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Fill UPSC IES Online Application Form
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Upload photograph, signature & photo ID
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Pay application fee
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Submit form & download confirmation page
🔗 Apply at: upsc.gov.in
💳 UPSC IES Application Fee 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | NIL |
Payment modes: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, SBI Challan
✅ UPSC ESE Eligibility Criteria 2026
🔹 Nationality
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Indian Citizen / Nepal / Bhutan / Tibetan Refugee / PIO
🔹 Age Limit
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21 to 30 years (as on 1 August 2026)
🔹 Educational Qualification
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BE / B.Tech in relevant engineering stream
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OR equivalent qualifications recognized by UPSC
🧪 UPSC ESE Selection Process 2026
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Preliminary Examination – Objective Type (500 Marks)
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Mains Examination – Descriptive Papers (600 Marks)
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Personality Test (Interview) – 200 Marks
📌 Final selection based on combined marks of Mains + Interview.
📘 UPSC ESE Exam Pattern 2026
Prelims Exam
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I – GS & Engineering Aptitude | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II – Engineering Discipline | 300 | 3 Hours |
Mains Exam
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I (Engineering Subject) | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Paper II (Engineering Subject) | 300 | 3 Hours |
📚 UPSC ESE Syllabus 2026
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Prelims:
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General Studies & Engineering Aptitude
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Engineering Discipline (CE / ME / EE / E&T)
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-
Mains:
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Two descriptive papers from chosen engineering stream
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👉 Download UPSC IES Syllabus PDF for detailed topics.
💰 UPSC IES Salary 2026
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Basic Pay: ₹15,600 – ₹39,100
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In-Hand Salary: ~₹64,749 per month
Allowances Include:
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Dearness Allowance (DA)
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HRA or Government Quarters
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Travel Allowance
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Medical Facilities
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Official Vehicle & Staff
🎯 UPSC ESE Preparation Tips
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Build strong fundamentals from NCERT & standard books
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Practice UPSC ESE Previous Year Papers
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Attempt mock tests regularly
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Maintain revision notes
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Focus equally on GS & engineering subjects
📌 UPSC ESE Admit Card 2026
UPSC will release Prelims & Mains Admit Cards separately on upsc.gov.in. Candidates must carry:
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Printed Admit Card
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Valid Photo ID Proof