The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 notification on September 26, 2025. This highly anticipated exam opens doors to prestigious Group A and B engineering positions in various government departments across India.
Important Dates for UPSC ESE 2026
Candidates aspiring to appear for the UPSC ESE 2026 should note the crucial deadlines ahead. The online application process began on September 26, 2025, and will continue until October 16, 2025. The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for February 8, 2026. The dates for the Mains examination and Personality Test will be announced later to help aspirants plan effectively.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | September 26, 2025 |
| Application Start | September 26, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | October 16, 2025 |
| Preliminary Exam | February 8, 2026 |
| Mains Exam | To be announced |
| Personality Test/Interview | To be announced |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC ESE 2026
Candidates must meet specific qualifications to apply for the exam:
- Educational Qualification: A degree in engineering (B.E./B.Tech.) from a recognized university in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics & Telecommunication streams is mandatory. M.Sc. degrees in relevant fields like Electronics, Physics, or Wireless Communication are also accepted for certain posts. Professional certifications from recognized bodies like IEI, IETE, and AMAeSI are considered equivalent as per UPSC rules.
- Age Limit: The age range for candidates is between 21 and 30 years as of January 1, 2026. Relaxations are applicable for reserved categories—5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and 10 years for persons with disabilities. Additional relaxations are available for government servants, defense personnel, and ex-servicemen in line with UPSC regulations.
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens, with provisions for Nepalese, Bhutanese citizens, Tibetan refugees settled before 1962, and Persons of Indian Origin as defined by UPSC norms.
Click here for Official Notification PDF
Application Process Overview
The UPSC ESE 2026 application is exclusively online via the official UPSC portal. The process involves:
- Registration with personal details.
- Filling out the application form.
- Uploading a recent photograph and signature.
- Payment of the application fee through various digital modes.
- Final review and submission.
UPSC IES 2026 Online Application Link
Candidates must double-check all details before submitting as any mistake may disqualify them. Upon successful application, candidates should save a printout for future reference.
This year, UPSC has announced 474 vacancies across engineering disciplines, making it a significant recruitment drive for engineering graduates aiming for government service.