UPSC & Central Govt · Updated October 2026
UPSC ESE ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
Administered by the UPSC, the Engineering Services Examination recruits Class-I technical officers for CPWD, Central Water Engineering, Border Roads, Defence Service of Engineers, and central ministries. It features an objective Preliminary stage, a conventional engineering Mains, and a technical Personality Test.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- UPSC
Start for free with UPSC ESE syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
UPSC ESE exam overview and highlights
About UPSC ESE
The Engineering Services Examination (ESE), also called the IES exam, is conducted by UPSC to recruit engineers for Group A and Group B technical services of the Government of India. It is held for four disciplines: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. Selection involves an objective preliminary stage, a conventional main stage and a personality test.
The examination process for UPSC ESE comprises 3 stages: Prelims (Stage I), followed by Mains (Stage II), followed by Personality Test (Stage III). The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — General Studies and Engineering Aptitude, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Prelims marks (500) and Mains marks (600) are both carried forward; candidates shortlisted after Mains appear for the Personality Test (200). Final merit is out of 1300, followed by document verification and medical examination.
Key subjects
- General Studies and Engineering Aptitude
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
What clearing UPSC ESE leads to
- Indian Railway Service of Engineers and other railway technical services
- Central Engineering Service (CPWD)
- Military Engineer Services
- Central Water Engineering Service
- Indian Telecommunication Service and other Group A and B technical posts
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances
Quick facts
- Full name
- UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
- Conducting body
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Exam mode
- Offline (OMR sheet for Prelims, pen and paper for Mains)
- Languages
- English only
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (4 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in Prelims; none in Mains
- Official website
- upsc.gov.in
UPSC ESE — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of UPSC ESE conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC ESE — UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Category | UPSC & Central Govt |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notification in September; Prelims in February; Mains in June; personality tests from September or October; final result late in the year |
| Mode of Application | Online on upsc.gov.in through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (OMR sheet for Prelims, pen and paper for Mains) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English only |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (4 Papers Total): Prelims (Stage I) → Mains (Stage II) → Personality Test (Stage III) |
| Negative Marking | One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in Prelims; none in Mains |
| Selection / Merit Process | Prelims marks (500) and Mains marks (600) are both carried forward; candidates shortlisted after Mains appear for the Personality Test (200). Final merit is out of 1300, followed by document verification and medical examination. |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in engineering from a recognised university, or equivalent such as AMIE; final year students may apply |
| Age Limit | 21 to 30 years on 1 January of the exam year for the general category, with the usual relaxations |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Around 2 lakh applicants for a few hundred posts across the four engineering branches |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
UPSC ESE exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for UPSC ESE. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official UPSC website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC ESE Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Notification in September; Prelims in February; Mains in June; personality tests from September or October; final result late in the year | Once a year |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| UPSC ESE — Prelims (Stage I) | Notification in September; Prelims in February; Mains in June; personality tests from September or October; final result late in the year | Offline (OMR sheet for Prelims, pen and paper for Mains) |
| UPSC ESE — Mains (Stage II) | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- Around 2 lakh applicants for a few hundred posts across the four engineering branches. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official UPSC ESE recruitment advertisement published by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Standard UPSC examination fee norms apply (typically ₹100 to ₹200 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates; Female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are fully exempted from payment of the application fee).
How to apply online for UPSC ESE
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit upsc.gov.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on upsc.gov.in through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the UPSC ESE application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English only), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final UPSC ESE Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
UPSC ESE eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for UPSC ESE must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by UPSC.
Educational qualification
Degree in engineering from a recognised university, or equivalent such as AMIE; final year students may apply.
Age limit & relaxations
21 to 30 years on 1 January of the exam year for the general category, with the usual relaxations.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizen, with certain exceptions as in other UPSC exams.
Other conditions & standards
Candidates must meet the medical standards prescribed for the service.
UPSC ESE — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
UPSC ESE selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in Prelims; none in Mains. Selection & Merit Weightage: Prelims marks (500) and Mains marks (600) are both carried forward; candidates shortlisted after Mains appear for the Personality Test (200). Final merit is out of 1300, followed by document verification and medical examination.
Stage 1: Prelims (Stage I)
Offline (OMR sheet) • 2 Papers (Paper I: General Studies and Engineering Aptitude, Paper II: Engineering discipline) • 250 Questions • 500 Total Marks • Duration: 2 hours • Two objective papers, one common General Studies and Engineering Aptitude paper and one discipline paper.
Two objective papers, one common General Studies and Engineering Aptitude paper and one discipline paper. Prelims marks are added to the final merit.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Paper I: General Studies and Engineering Aptitude 100 200 2 hours Paper II: Engineering discipline 150 300 3 hours Stage 2: Mains (Stage II)
Descriptive, pen and paper • 2 Papers (Paper I: Engineering discipline, Paper II: Engineering discipline) • 600 Total Marks • Duration: 3 hours • Two conventional (descriptive) papers in the chosen engineering discipline, totalling 600 marks.
Two conventional (descriptive) papers in the chosen engineering discipline, totalling 600 marks.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Paper I: Engineering discipline Varies 300 3 hours Paper II: Engineering discipline Varies 300 3 hours Stage 3: Personality Test (Stage III)
In person • An interview of 200 marks.
An interview of 200 marks. Final merit is based on all three stages, a total of 1300 marks.
Stage 4: Document Verification, Medical Fitness & Final Cadre/Post Allotment
In-person verification by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) • Original academic, age, category & domicile certificates • Medical fitness examination & final merit allocation
Candidates shortlisted in the final merit list undergo thorough verification of original educational, age, category and domicile certificates followed by a prescribed medical fitness examination before appointment letters and cadre/department allotments are issued.
UPSC ESE subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
General Studies and Engineering Aptitude — Part I (Current issues of national and)
- Current issues of national and international importance
- Engineering aptitude: logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Engineering mathematics and numerical analysis
- Design, drawing and safety
- Standards and quality practices
General Studies and Engineering Aptitude — Part II (Energy and environment)
- Energy and environment
- Basics of project management
- Material science and engineering
- Information and communication technologies
- Ethics and values in the engineering profession
Civil Engineering — Part I (Building materials and construction)
- Building materials and construction
- Solid mechanics and structural analysis
- Design of steel and concrete structures
- Fluid mechanics and hydraulic machines
Civil Engineering — Part II (Geotechnical engineering)
- Geotechnical engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Transportation engineering and surveying
Mechanical Engineering — Part I (Thermodynamics and heat transfer)
- Thermodynamics and heat transfer
- IC engines, refrigeration and air conditioning
- Fluid mechanics and turbo machinery
- Engineering mechanics and strength of materials
Mechanical Engineering — Part II (Theory of machines and machine design)
- Theory of machines and machine design
- Manufacturing and industrial engineering
- Mechatronics and robotics
Electrical Engineering: Electric circuits and fields & Electrical materials and measurements
- Electric circuits and fields
- Electrical materials and measurements
- Analog and digital electronics
- Electrical machines
- Power systems and protection
- Control systems
- Power electronics and drives
Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
- Basic electronics and electronic devices
- Network theory and signals and systems
- Analog and digital circuits
- Control systems
- Communication systems and electromagnetics
- Microprocessors and computer organisation
- Advanced electronics and communication
UPSC ESE salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances. Appointments under Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Union Public Service Commission (UPSC))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
UPSC ESE cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases stage-wise and category-wise UPSC ESE cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
UPSC ESE — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
Because UPSC ESE is evaluated on a uniform single-session paper scale under one-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in Prelims; none in Mains, raw score accuracy directly determines your rank on the official merit list.
Factors Determining UPSC ESE Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the UPSC ESE cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
UPSC ESE admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
UPSC ESE Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official UPSC ESE Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on upsc.gov.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the UPSC ESE e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
UPSC ESE Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on upsc.gov.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
UPSC ESE Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declares the UPSC ESE result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on upsc.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official UPSC ESE Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
UPSC ESE mock tests
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UPSC ESE Full Mock Test 1
Prelims (Stage I) · 100 questions · 2 hours
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UPSC ESE Full Mock Test 2
Prelims (Stage I) · 100 questions · 2 hours
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UPSC ESE Full Mock Test 3
Prelims (Stage I) · 100 questions · 2 hours
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UPSC ESE Full Mock Test 4
Prelims (Stage I) · 100 questions · 2 hours
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UPSC ESE Full Mock Test 5
Prelims (Stage I) · 100 questions · 2 hours
UPSC ESE previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all UPSC ESE previous year papers by year
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Recent UPSC ESE question papers
Included on the Free plan with step-by-step solutions
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Complete 10-year UPSC ESE paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
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Predicted questions for UPSC ESE
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for UPSC ESE
- Revise core undergraduate subjects with standard textbooks because the discipline papers test fundamentals in depth.
- Give dedicated time to the General Studies and Engineering Aptitude paper; it is common to all branches and often decides the Prelims cut-off.
- Practice conventional answer writing with neat diagrams, units and step-wise derivations for Mains.
- Solve previous years' ESE objective and conventional papers to see which topics are repeated.
- Keep a formula notebook for quick revision in the last month before each stage.
- Read the official UPSC ESE notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
UPSC ESE FAQs
Which branches are eligible for UPSC ESE?
ESE is held for Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. Candidates from allied branches may apply under the discipline closest to their degree as permitted by the notification.
Is there negative marking in ESE?
Yes, one-third of the marks of a question are deducted for each wrong answer in the objective Prelims papers. The conventional Mains papers have no negative marking.
What is the age limit for ESE?
Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years on 1 January of the exam year. Upper age relaxation applies for reserved categories and certain government servants.
Are ESE Prelims marks counted in the final result?
Yes, unlike the Civil Services Examination, ESE Prelims marks (500) are added to Mains (600) and the interview (200) for a total of 1300 marks.
How many attempts are allowed in ESE?
There is no fixed attempt limit; a candidate can appear as long as they satisfy the age limit.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for UPSC ESE?
UPSC ESE is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) across 3 stages: Prelims (Stage I) → Mains (Stage II) → Personality Test (Stage III). Prelims marks (500) and Mains marks (600) are both carried forward; candidates shortlisted after Mains appear for the Personality Test (200). Final merit is out of 1300, followed by document verification and medical examination.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for UPSC ESE?
Educational Qualification: Degree in engineering from a recognised university, or equivalent such as AMIE; final year students may apply. Age Limit: 21 to 30 years on 1 January of the exam year for the general category, with the usual relaxations.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing UPSC ESE?
Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances.
When is the UPSC ESE notification released and how can I apply online?
UPSC ESE is held once a year (Notification in September; Prelims in February; Mains in June; personality tests from September or October; final result late in the year). Online on upsc.gov.in through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal.
Where can I practice free UPSC ESE mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select UPSC ESE as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General Studies and Engineering Aptitude, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact UPSC ESE pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for UPSC ESE on SmartRank?
Select UPSC ESE as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General Studies and Engineering Aptitude, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact UPSC ESE pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.