UPSC IES (Engineering Services) Prelims
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UPSC IES PRELIMS 2026: LATEST UPDATE
The UPSC Engineering Services (ESE/IES) Preliminary Examination 2026 was conducted on 08 February 2026 in two shifts. The official notification for UPSC ESE 2026 was released on 26 September 2025, announcing a total of 474 vacancies. Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination scheduled on 21 June 2026.
Overview
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination (IES/ESE) is a national-level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit engineering graduates for prestigious Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ posts in various departments of the Government of India. The examination is conducted annually for four major engineering branches: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication.
The selection process consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination (objective), Main Examination (conventional/descriptive), and Personality Test (Interview). Candidates who qualify both Prelims and Mains are called for the final interview stage, which involves strict evaluation of technical knowledge, personality, and decision-making ability.
Exam Details
Exam Name: Indian Engineering Services (IES)
Conducting Authority: UPSC
Exam Level: National
Purpose: Recruitment to Group A & B engineering posts
Exam Date (Prelims): 08 February 2026
Official Website: upsc.gov.in
Important Dates
The UPSC ESE 2026 notification was issued on 26 September 2025, and the application window remained open until 16 October 2025. The Preliminary Examination was conducted on 08 February 2026, and the Main Examination is scheduled for 21 June 2026.
Vacancy Details
The total number of vacancies is approximately 474, including 26 vacancies for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). Reservations are applicable for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD categories as per Government of India rules. The number of vacancies is tentative and may change.
The vacancies are distributed across Group A and Group B services under four engineering categories. Allocation to services is based on merit rank, candidate preference, medical fitness, and availability of vacancies.
Major participating services include:
Central Engineering Services
Central Water Engineering Service
Border Roads Engineering Service
Indian Railway Management Service
Central Power Engineering Service
Indian Telecommunication Service
Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service
Indian Naval Material Management Service
Indian Skill Development Service
Indian Enterprises Development Service
Candidates can apply for only one engineering discipline.
Salary Structure
Selected candidates join as Assistant Executive Engineer/Assistant Director under the Junior Time Scale, with a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month and an approximate gross salary of around ₹85,000 per month.
Career progression:
Junior Time Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
Senior Time Scale (3–5 years): ₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700
Junior Administrative Grade (10–15 years): ₹1,23,100 – ₹2,15,900
Senior Administrative Grade: ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200
Higher Administrative Grades up to ₹2,25,000
Additional benefits include HRA or government accommodation, DA, CGHS medical facilities, transport allowance, pension (NPS), leave travel allowance, gratuity, children education allowance, official vehicle (in certain posts), laptop and communication reimbursements.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality: Candidate must be an Indian citizen or meet eligibility conditions for Nepal/Bhutan subjects, Tibetan refugees, or persons of Indian origin from specified countries (subject to Government certification).
Age Limit:
Minimum: 21 years
Maximum: 30 years (as on 01 January 2026)
Age Relaxation:
SC/ST: 5 years
OBC: 3 years
PwBD: 10 years (additional for reserved categories)
Ex-servicemen/Government employees: As per UPSC rules
There is no limit on the number of attempts, subject to age eligibility.
Educational Qualification:
A degree in Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent qualifications such as AMIE or other approved professional certifications. Certain posts in Electronics may also accept relevant M.Sc. degrees.
Medical Fitness:
Candidates recommended for final selection must pass a medical examination as per UPSC standards.
Exam Pattern
The ESE 2026 examination is conducted in three stages with a total of 1300 marks.
Stage I – Preliminary Examination (Objective)
Paper I: General Studies & Engineering Aptitude – 200 marks (2 hours)
Paper II: Engineering Discipline – 300 marks (3 hours)
Total: 500 marks
Negative marking: 1/3 mark for wrong answers
About 6–7 times the vacancies qualify for Mains
Stage II – Main Examination (Descriptive)
Two papers of the engineering discipline
300 marks each
Duration: 3 hours per paper
Total: 600 marks
Stage III – Personality Test (Interview)
Marks: 200
Final merit is based on Prelims + Mains + Interview.
Important points:
Question papers are in English only
Calculators allowed only in Mains
Up to 5% marks may be deducted for poor handwriting
PwBD candidates are eligible for scribe and extra time as per rules
Exam Syllabus
The examination covers four engineering disciplines: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication.
Prelims Paper I (Common for all):
Current issues of national and international importance
Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Analysis
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Engineering design and safety
Quality standards and practices
Energy, environment and climate change
Project management and material science
ICT tools and engineering applications
Engineering ethics and professional values
Prelims Paper II and Mains:
Discipline-specific subjects covering core engineering topics at graduate level, with emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Selection Process
The selection process includes:
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Screening)
Stage 2: Main Examination (Descriptive, marks counted)
Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
Final selection is based on combined marks of Mains and Interview, and allocation to services depends on rank, preference, and vacancies.
How to Apply
Applications were submitted online through upsconline.nic.in. The application window for ESE 2026 was open from 26 September to 16 October 2025.
Steps included:
Registration and URN generation
Filling Common Application Form
Selecting engineering discipline and exam centre
Uploading photograph, signature, and ID
Fee payment (₹200 for General/OBC/EWS; exempt for SC/ST/Female/PwBD)
Exam Centres
The Preliminary Examination is conducted across major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Bhopal, and many other locations. The Main Examination is conducted at selected centres only. Final centre details are mentioned in the admit card.
Admit Card
The admit card is released online on the UPSC website approximately one week before the examination. Candidates must download and print it and carry a valid photo ID to the exam centre. Entry without admit card is not permitted.
Result
UPSC releases results stage-wise on its official website in PDF format. Candidates can check their roll number to confirm qualification for the next stage. Detailed marks and cut-offs are released after the final result. Mains-qualified candidates must submit the Detailed Application Form (DAF), and final candidates are called for the interview.
Important Links
Official Website: upsc.gov.in
Official Notification: Available on the UPSC website
Overview
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination (IES/ESE) is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the recruitment of engineering graduates into prestigious government services. The examination is held every year for four major engineering disciplines: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication.
The selection process is conducted in stages to shortlist candidates for final appointment. The Preliminary Examination is objective in nature, while the Main Examination is conventional (descriptive). Candidates who qualify both stages are called for the final Personality Test/Interview, which is considered the most critical phase due to its comprehensive and strict evaluation of technical knowledge, decision-making ability, and personality traits.
Exam Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Full Name | Indian Engineering Services (IES) |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Purpose | Recruitment to Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ engineering posts in Government of India |
| Exam Level | National |
| Application Mode | Offline/Online as per notification |
| Prelims Exam Date | 08 February 2026 |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility conditions for ESE/IES 2026 are defined in the official UPSC notification. Admission at every stage is provisional and subject to verification of original documents after the Personality Test.
Nationality
A candidate must be:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
A Tibetan refugee who migrated to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement, or
A person of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, East African nations, or Vietnam for permanent settlement.
Candidates belonging to non-Indian categories must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
Age Limit (as on 01 January 2026)
Minimum Age: 21 years
Maximum Age: 30 years
Date of birth should fall between 02 January 1996 and 01 January 2005.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years (additional as per category) |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 years |
| Disabled Defence Personnel | Up to 3–8 years |
| Government Employees (specific cases) | Up to 5–7 years |
Important points:
Age is calculated strictly as per the date mentioned in the notification.
Date of birth must match the Matriculation certificate.
No change in date of birth is allowed later.
There is no restriction on the number of attempts, provided age criteria are met.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess one of the following:
Engineering degree from a recognized university, or
AMIE (Sections A & B), or
Equivalent engineering qualification recognized by the Government, or
Membership examinations from recognized engineering institutions (IEI, IETE, Aeronautical Society, etc.).
For certain Electronics posts such as Indian Naval Armament Service, an M.Sc. in relevant subjects may also be accepted.
Medical & Physical Standards
Candidates recommended for final selection must undergo a medical examination. The Medical Board’s decision is final. Applicants must meet the physical standards prescribed in the official rules published in the Gazette of India.
Exam Pattern
The Engineering Services Examination is conducted in three stages, carrying a total of 1300 marks.
Stage I – Preliminary Examination (Objective)
Paper I: General Studies & Engineering Aptitude – 200 marks (2 hours)
Paper II: Engineering Discipline – 300 marks (3 hours)
Total: 500 marks
Negative marking: 1/3 marks for each wrong answer
Around 6–7 times the number of vacancies qualify for Mains.
Stage II – Main Examination (Descriptive)
Two papers of the chosen engineering discipline
300 marks each
Duration: 3 hours per paper
Total: 600 marks
Stage III – Personality Test (Interview)
Marks: 200
Duration: Approximately 20–30 minutes
Candidates shortlisted are about twice the number of vacancies.
Final Merit
Final ranking is based on the combined marks of:
Preliminary Examination
Main Examination
Personality Test
Service allocation depends on rank, candidate preference, medical fitness, and available vacancies.
Important Examination Guidelines
Question papers are available only in English.
Negative marking applies only in Prelims.
Calculators are allowed only in the Main Examination (non-programmable).
PwBD candidates may avail scribe and compensatory time as per rules.
Up to 5% marks may be deducted in Mains for illegible handwriting.
Use of SI units is mandatory where applicable.
Any mark revealing candidate identity may lead to penalty.
Exam Syllabus
The syllabus is designed at the level of an engineering graduate and tests both conceptual understanding and practical application.
Common Paper (Prelims – General Studies & Engineering Aptitude)
Topics include:
Current issues of national and international importance
Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Analysis
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Engineering design, drawing, and safety
Standards and quality practices
Energy, environment, and climate change
Project management
Material science fundamentals
ICT applications in engineering
Engineering ethics and professional values
Discipline-Specific Papers
Both Prelims Paper II and the Mains Examination cover core subjects of the selected branch:
Civil Engineering: Structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, transportation, hydrology, construction management, surveying, and materials.
Mechanical Engineering: Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, IC engines, manufacturing, machine design, industrial engineering, robotics, and power plants.
Electrical Engineering: Electrical machines, power systems, control systems, measurements, circuits, power electronics, and signal processing.
Electronics & Telecommunication: Analog and digital electronics, communication systems, control systems, microprocessors, electromagnetic theory, VLSI, and networking.
There are no practical examinations, and questions are designed to assess analytical ability and engineering application skills.
Selection Process
The UPSC Engineering Services selection process consists of three stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
Objective type screening test. Candidates scoring above the cut-off qualify for the Mains.
Stage 2: Main Examination
Descriptive papers evaluating technical depth, problem-solving ability, and conceptual clarity. Marks are counted for final merit.
Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
Conducted by UPSC to assess technical knowledge, communication skills, leadership qualities, decision-making ability, and overall personality.
Final Selection
The final merit list is prepared based on the combined performance in the Main Examination and Interview. Candidates are allotted services such as IRMS, CPWD, BRO, Central Engineering Services, etc., based on rank, preferences, and vacancy availability.
EXAM SYLLABUS
The exam covers four categories: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering. The syllabus for Stage-I (Preliminary) Paper-I (General Studies and Engineering Aptitude) is common to all. Stage-I Paper-II and Stage-II (Main) Papers I & II are discipline-specific, with the content combined across both Main papers (as they are conventional/descriptive).
PAPER I
The syllabus for IES PRELIMS Paper I Examination is given below :
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
General Studies and Engineering Aptitude | Current issues of national and international importance relating to social, economic and industrial development | 100 Q |
Engineering Aptitude covering Logical reasoning and Analytical ability | ||
Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Analysis | ||
General Principles of Design, Drawing, Importance of Safety | ||
Standards and Quality practices in production, construction, maintenance and services | ||
Basics of Energy and Environment: Conservation environmental pollution and degradation, Climate Change, Environmental impact assessment | ||
Basics of Project Management & Basics of Material Science and Engineering | ||
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) based tools and their applications in Engineering such as networking, governance and technology-based education | ||
Ethics and values in the Engineering profession |
SYLLABUS FOR IES PRELIMS EXAM PAPER Il
For Civil Engineering
Topic | Topic Description | Weightage |
Flow of Fluids, Hydraulic | (a) Fluid Mechanics, Open Channel Flow, Pipe Flow: | 150 Q |
(b) Hydraulic Machines and Hydro power : | ||
Hydrology and | Hydrological cycle, Ground water hydrology, Well hydrology and related data analysis; Streams and their gauging; River morphology; Flood, drought and their management; Capacity of Reservoirs | |
Water Resources Engineering : Multipurpose uses of Water, River basins and their potential; Irrigation systems, water demand assessment; Resources – storages and their yields; Water logging, canal and drainage design, Gravity dams, falls, weirs, Energy dissipaters, barrage Distribution works, Cross drainage works and head-works and their design; Concepts in canal design, construction & maintenance; River training, measurement and analysis of rainfall | ||
Environmental Engineering | (a) Water Supply Engineering: | |
(b) Waste Water Engineering: | ||
(c) Solid Waste Management: | ||
(d) Air, Noise pollution and Ecology: | ||
Geo-technical Engineering and Foundation Engineering | (a) Geo-technical Engineering: | |
(b) Foundation Engineering: | ||
Surveying and Geology | (a) Surveying: | |
(b) Geology- | ||
Transportation Engineering | Highways – | |
Tunneling – Alignment, methods of construction, disposal of muck, drainage, lighting and ventilation. | ||
Railways Systems – | ||
Harbours – | ||
Airports – |
For Mechanical Engineering
Topic | Topic Description | Weightage |
Engineering Mechanics | Basic Crystallography, Alloys and Phase diagrams, Heat Treatment, Ferrous and Non Ferrous Metals, Non metallic materials, Basics of Nano-materials, Mechanical Properties and Testing, Corrosion prevention and control | 150 Q |
Engineering Materials | Thermodynamic systems and processes; properties of pure substance; Zeroth, First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics; Entropy, Irreversibility and availability; analysis of thermodynamic cycles related to energy conversion: Rankine, Otto, Diesel and Dual Cycles; ideal and real gases; compressibility factor; Gas mixtures. | |
Mechanisms and Machines | Types of Kinematics Pair, Mobility, Inversions, Kinematic Analysis, Velocity and Acceleration Analysis of Planar Mechanisms, CAMs with uniform acceleration and retardation, cycloidal motion, oscillating followers; Vibrations –Free and forced vibration of undamped and damped SDOF systems, Transmissibility Ratio, Vibration Isolation, Critical Speed of Shafts. Gears – Geometry of tooth profiles, Law of gearing, Involute profile, Interference, Helical, Spiral and Worm Gears, Gear Trains- Simple, compound and Epicyclic; Dynamic Analysis – Slider – crank mechanisms, turning moment computations, balancing of Revolving & Reciprocating masses, Gyroscopes –Effect of Gyroscopic couple on automobiles, ships and aircrafts, Governors. | |
Design of Machine Elements | Design for static and dynamic loading; failure theories; fatigue strength and the S-N diagram; principles of the design of machine elements such as riveted, welded and bolted joints. Shafts, Spur gears, rolling and sliding contact bearings, Brakes and clutches, flywheels | |
Manufacturing ,Industrial and Maintenance Engineering | Metal casting-Metal forming, Metal Joining, Machining and machine tool operations, Limits, fits and tolerances, Metrology and inspection, computer Integrated manufacturing, FMS, Production planning and Control, Inventory control and operations research – CPM-PERT. Failure concepts and characteristics-Reliability, Failure analysis, Machine Vibration, Data acquisition, Fault Detection, Vibration Monitoring, Field Balancing of Rotors, Noise Monitoring, Wear and Debris Analysis, Signature Analysis, NDT Techniques in Condition Monitoring | |
Mechatronics and Robotics | Microprocessors and Microcontrollers: Architecture, programming, I/O, Computer interfacing, Programmable logic controller. Sensors and actuators, Piezoelectric accelerometer, Hall effect sensor, Optical Encoder, Resolver, Inductosyn, Pneumatic and Hydraulic actuators, stepper motor, Control Systems- Mathematical modeling of Physical systems, control signals, controllability and observability. Robotics, Robot Classification, Robot Specification, notation; Direct and Inverse Kinematics; Homogeneous Coordinates and Arm Equation of four Axis SCARA Robot. |
For Electrical Engineering
Topic | Topic Description | Weightage |
Analog and Digital Electronics | Operational amplifiers – characteristics and applications, combinational and sequential logic circuits, multiplexers, multi- vibrators, sample and hold circuits, A/D and D/A converters, basics of filter circuits and applications, simple active filters; Microprocessor basics- interfaces and applications, basics of linear integrated circuits; Analog communication basics, Modulation and de-modulation, noise and bandwidth, transmitters and receivers, signal to noise ratio, digital communication basics, sampling, quantizing, coding, frequency and time domain multiplexing, power line carrier communication systems. | 150 Q |
Systems and Signal Processing | Representation of continuous and discrete-time signals, shifting and scaling operations, linear, time-invariant and causal systems, Fourier series representation of continuous periodic signals, sampling theorem, Fourier and Laplace transforms, Z transforms, Discrete Fourier transform, FFT, linear convolution, discrete cosine transform, FIR filter, IIR filter, bilinear transformation | |
Control Systems | Principles of feedback, transfer function, block diagrams and signal flow graphs, steady-state errors, transforms and their applications; Routh-hurwitz criterion, Nyquist techniques, Bode plots, root loci, lag, lead and lead-lag compensation, stability analysis, transient and frequency response analysis, state space model, state transition matrix, controllability and observability, linear state variable feedback, PID and industrial controllers. | |
Electrical Machines | Single phase transformers, three phase transformers- connections, parallel operation, auto-transformer, energy conversion principles, DC machines – types, windings, generator characteristics, armature reaction and commutation, starting and speed control of motors, Induction motors – principles, types, performance characteristics, starting and speed control, Synchronous machines – performance, regulation, parallel operation of generators, motor starting, characteristics and applications, servo and stepper motors | |
Power Systems | Basic power generation concepts, steam, gas and water turbines, transmission line models and performance, cable performance, insulation, corona and radio interference, power factor correction, symmetrical components, fault analysis, principles of protection systems, basics of solid state relays and digital protection; Circuit breakers, Radial and ring-main distribution systems, Matrix representation of power systems, load flow analysis, voltage control and economic operation, System stability concepts, Swing curves and equal area criterion. HVDC transmission and FACTS concepts, Concepts of power system dynamics, distributed generation, solar and wind power, smart grid concepts, environmental implications, fundamentals of power economics | |
Power Electronics | Semiconductor power diodes, transistors, thyristors, triacs, GTOs, MOSFETs and IGBTs – static characteristics and principles of operation, triggering circuits, phase control rectifiers, bridge converters – fully controlled and half controlled, principles of choppers and inverters, basis concepts of adjustable speed DC and AC drives, DC-DC switched mode converters, DC-AC switched mode converters, resonant converters, high frequency inductors and transformers, power supplies |
For Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Topic | Topic Description | Weightage |
Analog and Digital Communication Systems | Random signals, noise, probability theory, information theory; Analog versus digital communication & applications: Systems- AM, FM, transmitters/receivers, theory/practice/ standards, SNR comparison; Digital communication basics: Sampling, quantizing, coding, PCM, DPCM, multiplexing-audio/video; Digital modulation: ASK, FSK, PSK; Multiple access: TDMA, FDMA, CDMA; Optical communication: fibre optics, theory, practice/standards | 150 Q |
Control Systems | Classification of signals and systems; Application of signal and system theory; System realization; Transforms& their applications; Signal flow graphs, Routh-Hurwitz criteria, root loci, Nyquist/Bode plots; Feedback systems-open &close loop types, stability analysis, steady state, transient and frequency response analysis; Design of control systems, compensators, elements of lead/lag compensation, PID and industrial controllers | |
Computer Organization and Architecture | Basic architecture, CPU, I/O organisation, memory organisation, peripheral devices, trends; Hardware /software issues; Data representation& Programming; Operating systems-basics, processes, characteristics, applications; Memory management, virtual memory, file systems, protection & security; Data bases, different types, characteristics and design; Transactions and concurrency control; Elements of programming languages, typical examples. | |
Electro Magnetics | Elements of vector calculus, Maxwell’s equations-basic concepts; Gauss’, Stokes’ theorems; Wave propagation through different media; Transmission Lines-different types, basics, Smith’s chart, impedance matching/transformation, S- parameters, pulse excitation, uses; Waveguides?basics, rectangular types, modes, cut-off frequency, dispersion, dielectric types; Antennas-radiation pattern, monopoles/dipoles, gain, arrays-active/passive, theory, uses. | |
Advanced | VLSI technology: Processing, lithography, interconnects, packaging, testing; VLSI design: Principles, MUX/ROM/PLA-based design, Moore & Mealy circuit design; Pipeline concepts & functions; Design for testability, examples; DSP: Discrete time signals/systems, uses; Digital filters: FIR/IIR types, design, speech/audio/radar signal processing uses; Microprocessors & microcontrollers, basics, interrupts, DMA, instruction sets, interfacing; Controllers & uses; Embedded systems | |
Advanced Communication Topics | Communication networks: Principles /practices /technologies /uses /OSI model/security; Basic packet multiplexed streams/scheduling; Cellular networks, types, analysis, protocols (TCP/TCPIP); Microwave & satellite communication: Terrestrial/space type LOS systems, block schematics link calculations, system design; Communication satellites, orbits, characteristics, systems, uses; Fibre-optic communication systems, block schematics, link calculations, system design |
EXAM PATTERN
The ESE 2026 is conducted in three stages: Preliminary (Stage I), Main (Stage II), and Personality Test (Stage III). The exam is for recruitment to Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering categories. The total marks are 1300 (500 for Prelims + 600 for Mains + 200 for Interview).
The Preliminary Exam is scheduled for 8 February 2026 (objective type). Qualifiers proceed to Mains (conventional type, tentative date around June 2026), followed by the Personality Test for shortlisted candidates.
Stage I: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
Purpose: Screening test. Marks count for final merit.
Format: Two papers with multiple-choice questions (4 options each).
Total Marks: 500
Duration: Paper-I: 2 hours; Paper-II: 3 hours.
Qualification Ratio: About 6-7 times the vacancies are admitted to Mains.
Minimum Qualifying: Separate cut-offs for Paper-I and Paper-II.
Category | Paper | Subject | Duration | Max Marks |
All Categories (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics & Telecom) | Paper-I | General Studies and Engineering Aptitude (Common) | 2 hours | 200 |
Civil Engineering | Paper-II | Civil Engineering | 3 hours | 300 |
Mechanical Engineering | Paper-II | Mechanical Engineering | 3 hours | 300 |
Electrical Engineering | Paper-II | Electrical Engineering | 3 hours | 300 |
| Paper-II | Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering | 3 hours | 300 |
Total | – | – | 5 hours | 500 |
Stage II: Main Examination (Conventional Type)
Purpose: In-depth assessment. Answers in essay/descriptive format.
Format: Two papers (candidates write in their own hand; no scribe unless PwBD-eligible).
Total Marks: 600
Duration: 3 hours per paper (6 hours total).
Venue: Limited centres
Category | Paper | Subject | Duration | Max Marks |
Civil Engineering | Paper-I | Civil Engineering | 3 hours | 300 |
Paper-II | Civil Engineering | 3 hours | 300 | |
Mechanical Engineering | Paper-I | Mechanical Engineering | 3 hours | 300 |
Paper-II | Mechanical Engineering | 3 hours | 300 | |
Electrical Engineering | Paper-I | Electrical Engineering | 3 hours | 300 |
Paper-II | Electrical Engineering | 3 hours | 300 | |
Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering | Paper-I | Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering | 3 hours | 300 |
Paper-II | Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering | 3 hours | 300 | |
Total | 6 hours | 600 |
Stage-III: Personality Test (Interview)
Marks: 200 (no minimum qualifying marks).
Purpose: Assess leadership, initiative, intellectual curiosity, tact, social qualities, mental/physical energy, practical application, and integrity.
Shortlisting: About twice the vacancies, based on Prelims + Mains marks.
Format: Oral interview by UPSC board. No fixed duration, but typically 20-30 minutes.
Final Merit: Based on total marks (Prelims + Mains + Interview). Allocation to services/posts (e.g., IRMS, Central Engineering Service) per rank, preferences, and vacancies.
Important Points
Language: Question papers are in English only. Answers for conventional papers must be in English.
Negative Marking (Prelims only): 1/3rd of the marks deducted for each wrong answer. No penalty for unanswered questions. Multiple answers are treated as wrong.
Qualifying Criteria: Minimum marks fixed by UPSC for each stage. Prelims marks count towards the final merit.
Number of Candidates: About 6-7 times the vacancies (474) qualify for Mains. For the Interview, about twice the vacancies.
Scribe & Compensatory Time for PwBD: Allowed under specific conditions (e.g., 20 minutes extra per hour for Low Vision or other eligible disabilities; see Official Notification in Appendix IV to VI).
Handwriting & Presentation: Up to 5% deduction in Mains for illegible handwriting. Credit for orderly, effective expression with economy of words.
Calculators: Permitted only for Mains (battery-operated, non-programmable). Not allowed in Prelims.
SI Units: Used where required; standard tables/charts provided in exam hall.
Irrelevant Content: Penalty if answer scripts contain marks/signs revealing identity.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Candidates willing to apply for Indian Engineering Services (IES) Examination are required to fulfil certain conditions to be eligible for it. The candidate who does not satisfy the Eligibility criteria like Age, Minimum educational qualification etc., their candidature shall be rejected by the authorities. The criteria for eligibility Indian Engineering Services (IES) are decided by the conduction body itself. The candidate’s eligibility for Indian Engineering Services (IES) Examination is based on the fulfilment of the following conditions:-
1. Nationality
2. Age Limit & Relaxations
3. Educational Qualifications
4. Medical Examination
5. Physical Standards
Nationality
A candidate must be either:-
1. a citizen of India; or
2. a subject of Nepal; or
3. a subject of Bhutan; or
4. a Tibetan refugee who came over to India, before the 1st January 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India; or
5. a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (2), (3), (4) & (5) above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issues by the Government of India.
Note :- A candidate in whose case a certificate of eligibility is necessary, may be admitted to the examination, but the offer of appointment may be given only after the necessary eligibility certificate has been issued to him/her by the Government of India.
Age limit (as on 01 January 2026)
1. A candidate for this examination must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 30 years .
2. The upper age limit of 30 Years will be relaxable upto 35 years in the case of Government servants of the following categories, if they are employed in a Department/ Office under the control of any of the authorities mentioned in the Column 1 below and apply for admission to the examination for all or any of the Service(s)/ Post(s) mentioned in the Column 2, for which they are otherwise eligible.
3. A candidate who holds substantively a permanent post in the particular Department/ Office concerned. This relaxation will not be admissible to the probationer appointed against a permanent post in the Department/ Office during the period of his probation. However, this relaxation will admissible to the probationer so appointed provided he/she already retains a lien on a permanent post in Department/ Office under the control of any of the authorities mentioned in Column 1 below.
4. A candidate who has been continuously in a temporary service on a regular basis in the particular Department/ Office for at least 3 years on the Department/Office under the control of the authorities mentioned in the below table:
Column 1 | Column 2 |
Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) | I.R.S.E/I.R.S.M.E/I.R.S.E.E./I.R.S.S.E./I.R.S.S. |
Central Public Works Department | C.E.S. Group ‘A’, CE&MES Gr ‘A’ |
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways | Central Engineering Service (Roads) Gr. ‘A’ |
Ministry of Communication, Deptt. of Telecommunication | Indian Radio Regulatory Service Group ‘A’ Indian Telecommunication Service Group ‘A’, J.T.O. (G.C.S. Gr. ‘B’) |
Min of Defence, Deptt. of Defence Production, Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance | Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service (DAQAS)Gr ‘A’ |
Min of Science and Technology, Deptt. of Science and Technology | Survey of India Gr ‘A’ Service |
Geological Survey of India | Assistant Executive Engineer Gr ‘A’ |
Border Roads Organisation | BRES Gr. ‘A’ |
Indian Navy | Indian Naval Armament Service, Asstt. Naval Store Officer Grade-I |
Military Engineer Services | Indian Defence Service of Engineers (lDSE) Group ‘A’ AEE(QS&C) in Military Engineer Service (MES) Surveyor Cadre |
Min of Jal Shakti, Deptt. of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Central Water Commission | Central Water Engineering Group-A Service |
Central Electricity Authority | CPES Gr ‘A’ & CPES Gr ‘B’. |
Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship | Indian Skill Development Service |
Relaxation in upper age limit
Category | Years |
Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe | 5 Years |
Other Backward Classes | 3 Years |
Candidate who has ordinarily been domiciled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir during the period from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 1989 | 5 Years |
Defence Services Personnel disabled in operations during hostilities with any foreign country or in a disturbed area, and released as a consequence thereof. | Maximum of 3 years |
Ex-servicemen, including Commissioned Officers and ECOs/ SSCOs who have rendered at least five years Military Service as on August 1 | Maximum of 5 years |
(a) blindness & low vision, | Maximum of 10 years |
Educational Qualification
For admission to the examination, a candidate must have –
1. Educational Institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as Universities under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956
OR
2. Passed Sections A and B of the Institution Examinations of the Institution of Engineers (India)
OR
3. Obtained a degree/diploma in Engineering from such foreign University/ College/ Institution and under such conditions as may be recognised by the Government for the purpose from time to time
OR
4. Passed Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India)
OR
5. Passed Associate Membership Examination Parts II and III/ Sections A and B of the Aeronautical Society of India.
OR
6. Passed Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Radio Engineers, London held after November 1959
Provided that a candidate for the post of Indian Naval Armament Services (Electronics Engineering Posts) and Indian Radio Regulatory Services Group ‘A’ may possess any of the above qualifications or qualifications mentioned below namely:-
For Indian Naval Armament Services (Electronics Engg. Posts)
M.Sc. degree or its equivalent with Wireless Communication Electronics, Radio Physics or Radio Engineering as special subject.
For Indian Radio Regulatory Service Group ‘A’
M.Sc. degree or its equivalent with Wireless Communication Electronics, Radio Physics or Radio Engineering as a subject or Master’s Degree in Science with Physics and Radio Communication or Electronics or Telecommunication as a special subject.
INDIAN ENGINEERING SERVICES (IES) MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Candidates finally recommended by the Commission on the basis of Engineering Services Examination, shall be required to undergo medical examination.
1. Every candidate, on being finally recommended by Commission will be required to undergo medical examination as and when so decided by the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) irrespective of the fact that he/she has appeared for such medical examination in the past and found fit/unfit on the basis of earlier examination.
2. The medical examination will be conducted at various Railway Hospitals under Ministry of Railways (Railway Board). The findings of the Railways Medical Board will be taken as final and binding for all allotment purposes.
UPSC INDIAN ENGINEERING SERVICES (IES) PHYSICAL STANDARDS
The Minimum standards, without which candidate cannot be accepted are as follows :-
For Height and Chest
Name of Services | Height | Chest girth fully expanded | Expansion |
Railway Engineering Service (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Signal), Central Engineering Service Group A, CES (Roads), Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service Group A in the C.P.W.D. Military Engineer services (IDSE) CWES, BRES. Gr. ‘A’ in Border Roads Organisation. | |||
For Male Candidates | 152 cm | 84 cm | 5 cm |
For Female Candidates | 150 cm | 79 cm | 5 cm |
For distant and near vision with or without glasses
Service | Distant Vision | Near Vision | ||
Better Eye | Worse Eye | Better Eye | Worse Eye | |
A. Technical | ||||
Railway Engineering Service | 6/6 or 6/9 | 6/12 or 6/9 | J/ I | J/ II |
Central Engineering Service Group A, Central Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Service Group A Central Water Engineering Service GroupA, Central Power Engineering Service Group A and Group ‘B’ Central Engineering Service (Roads), Group A Engineer Gr. ‘A’ in the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing/ Monitoring Organisation Indian Telecommunication Service Gr. ‘A’, J.T.O Gr. B Assistant Executive Engineer, in P&T Building works (Gr. ‘A’) Service Indian Naval Armament Service. Indian Naval Stores Officer Indian Ordnance Factories Service Group A. | 6/6 or 6/9 | 6/12 or 6/9 | J/ I | J/ II |
Assistant Executive Engineer (Group ‘A’) in theCorps of EME or or Military Engineer Service Group ‘A’. (IDSE), BRES Gr. ‘A’ in Border Roads Organisation | 6/6 or 6/9 | 6/18 or 6/9 | J/ I | J/ II |
B. Non-Technical | ||||
Indian Railway Stores Service, Indian Supply Service. Group ‘A’ | 6/9 | 6/2 | J/ I | J/ II |
Note
1. In respect of the Technical Service mentioned at A above, the total amount of myopia (including the cylinder) shall not exceed—4,00 D. Total amount of Hypermetropia (including the cylinder) shall not exceed+400D.
2. In every case of myopia funds examination should be carried out and the results recorded. In the event of any pathological condition being present which is likely to be progressive and affect the efficiency of the candidate, he shall be declared unfit.
3. Radial Keratotomy/Laser Correction etc. shall be considered as a disqualification for appointment in Railway Technical Services (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics). Permitted correction for conforming to prescribed visual standards is spectacles only.
For Colour perception
Grade | Higher Grade of colour perception | Lower Grade of colour perception |
Distance between the lamp and the candidate | 16 feet | 16 feet |
Size of aperture | 1.3 mm | 1.3 mm |
Time of exposure | 5 seconds | 5 seconds |
Note:- For the Railway Engineering Services (Civil, Electrical, Signal and Mechanical) and other service-connected with the safety of the public, a Higher grade of colour vision is essential but for others lower grade of colour, vision should be considered sufficient.
IMPORTANT DATES
For the UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE/IES) 2026, the notification was issued on 26 September 2025, and the application window remained open until 16 October 2025. The Preliminary examination was held on 8 February 2026, while the Main examination is scheduled for 21 June 2026.
Events | Date |
UPSC ESE Notification 2026 | 26 September 2025 |
Last Date to Apply Online | 16 October 2025 |
UPSC ESE Prelims Exam Date 2024 | 08 February 2026 |
UPSC ESE Mains Exam Date 2024 | 21 June 2026 |