UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE / IES) 2026: Official Notification, Pattern, Syllabus & Mock Tests
The Engineering Services Examination (ESE), popularly known as Indian Engineering Services (IES), is conducted annually by UPSC to recruit engineers into Group A and Group B technical services of the Government of India across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication disciplines.
Examination Overview
The Engineering Services Examination (ESE), popularly known as Indian Engineering Services (IES), is conducted annually by UPSC to recruit engineers into Group A and Group B technical services of the Government of India across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication disciplines.
| Exam Name | UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE / IES) |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Mode of Examination | Computer Based Test (CBT) / Written Examination |
| Language of Exam | English, Hindi & State Regional Languages |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in/ ↗ |
Important Dates & Events
Timeline confirmed from official notices issued by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
| Event / Milestone | Important Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | September (Annual) |
| Preliminary Examination | February (Annual) |
| Mains Conventional Exam | June (Annual) |
| Personality Test / Interview | September - October |
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Stage-I: Preliminary Objective Examination (Paper-I: General Studies & Engineering Aptitude, 200 Marks, 2 Hours; Paper-II: Discipline Specific Engineering, 300 Marks, 3 Hours). Stage-II: Mains Conventional Written Examination (2 Papers, 300 Marks each, 3 Hours each). Stage-III: Personality Test (Interview, 200 Marks). Negative marking in Prelims is 0.33.
| Examination Parameter | Scheme Details | Remarks / Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| Question Format | Multiple Choice Questions (Objective MCQs) | 4 or 5 options per question |
| Evaluation Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) / Offline OMR Sheet | Centralized Evaluation System |
| Negative Marking Scheme | Standard 1/3rd or 1/4th negative deduction | Penalized for incorrect responses |
| Language Medium | Bilingual (English & Hindi) + Regional State Languages | Language toggle available in CBT |
| Normalization | Equipercentile or Percentile method across shifts | Multi-shift normalization applied |
Selection Process & Stages
Candidate progression through sequential recruitment tiers:
Preliminary / Tier 1 Examination
Comprehensive objective screening test covering core aptitude, reasoning, general knowledge and language skills.
Mains / Tier 2 / Skill Test
Advanced written assessment or post-specific technical/descriptive examination determining the final merit order.
Document Verification & Medical
Scrutiny of original certificates, category credentials, age proofs and required medical fitness examination.
Eligibility Criteria (Age & Educational Qualification)
Degree in Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech) in relevant discipline (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics & Telecommunication) from a recognized university. Age Limit: 21 to 30 years as of 1st January of the examination year, with statutory age relaxations for SC/ST (5 yrs), OBC (3 yrs), and PwD.
| Parameter | Eligibility Condition | Relaxation Norms |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Criteria | Degree in Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech) in relevant discipline (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics & Telecommunication) from a recognized university. Age Limit: 21 to 30 years as of 1st January of the examination year, with statutory age relaxations for SC/ST (5 yrs), OBC (3 yrs), and PwD. | Recognized Board / University required |
| Age Requirement | As specified in official notification (General Category) | SC/ST: +5 Years | OBC: +3 Years | PwD: +10 Years |
| Citizenship | Citizen of India | Subject of Nepal/Bhutan as per Central/State rules |
| Language Proficiency | Regional / English & Hindi working knowledge | Applicable as per State / National jurisdiction |
Detailed Syllabus by Subject
Paper-I: Current issues, Engineering Ethics, Project Management, Environmental Studies, ICT, Material Science. Paper-II: Core Engineering discipline subjects according to UPSC syllabus.
📖 General Studies & Current Affairs
- Current National & International Events
- Indian History & Freedom Struggle
- Indian & World Geography
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Indian Polity, Constitution & Governance
- Basic Economic Concepts & Budget Highlights
🔢 Quantitative & Numerical Aptitude
- Simplification, Number System, HCF & LCM
- Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time, Speed & Distance, Time & Work
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar & Pie Charts)
🧩 Reasoning & Mental Ability
- Analogies, Classification & Series Completion
- Coding-Decoding & Blood Relations
- Direction Sense Test & Ranking Order
- Syllogisms, Statements & Assumptions
- Non-Verbal Reasoning & Figure Counting
📝 Language Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension Passages
- Vocabulary, Synonyms & Antonyms
- Grammar, Error Spotting & Sentence Correction
- Cloze Test, Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitutions & Spelling Check
Preparation Strategy & Cut-Off Trends
Historical scoring benchmarks and safe score targets for UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE / IES) based on competitive trends:
| Category | Safe Target Percentage | Preparation Focus | Benchmark Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 75% - 82% | Speed + Negative Control in Reasoning & Quant | 90%+ Accuracy |
| OBC / EWS | 70% - 76% | High Scoring in Current Affairs & Language | 88%+ Accuracy |
| SC / ST | 62% - 70% | Syllabus Coverage & Previous Year Papers | 85%+ Accuracy |
| PwD / Ex-SM | 55% - 65% | Sectional Cut-Off clearance + Accuracy | 82%+ Accuracy |
Official Mock Test Series & CBT Practice
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Start Free Starter Mock 1 →2027 Official Practice Series & Question Bank
2027 CYCLE READYTargeted subject-wise and topic-wise practice series for UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE / IES). Featuring expected question predictions, pattern mastery, and instant step-by-step CBT solutions.
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