Okay, deep breath. The UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 is officially live. If you’re someone who dreams of making it into India’s top government engineering posts — the kind your relatives brag about before you’ve even cleared prelims — this is your shot.
UPSC ESE Recruitment 2025
We’re talking about 474 vacancies for Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ positions in serious departments like Railways, CPWD, and CWC. It’s prestigious. It’s competitive. And yes, it’s intense. So if you’re serious (and slightly masochistic), here’s everything you need to know — without the robotic brochure-speak.
Overview of UPSC ESE Recruitment
| Exam Name | UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 474 |
| Mode of Application | Online (because it’s 2025, not 1997) |
| Application Start Date | 26th September, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16th October, 2025 |
| Salary | Honestly? Pretty good. Check the official PDF for nerd-level breakdowns. |
| Who Can Apply? | Indian nationals who meet the age and degree criteria. No rocket science here. |
Why People Obsess Over This Exam?
For real — ESE is kind of a big deal. It’s not just another exam; it’s a legit ticket to an elite class of engineers working in departments that actually run the country’s infrastructure. If you’re into the idea of building bridges (literally) and making policies instead of memes, this one’s for you.
Also Check:- TATA Steel Recruitment
Important Dates
Because missing deadlines is only cool in college, not here.
| Event | Date |
| Official Notification Release | 26th September, 2025 |
| Application Window Opens | 26th September, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16th October, 2025 |
Application Fees
Applying to ESE doesn’t cost much (unless you count the cost of stress, caffeine, and therapy). Here’s what UPSC asks for:
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹200
- SC/ST/PwD/Female: You get a free pass (literally – no fee!)
Vacancy 2025
UPSC hasn’t released a discipline-wise breakdown yet, but rest assured – these 474 posts are spread across core engineering branches like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics.
Translation: If you’re from one of the Big Four, you’re in the race.
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Age Limit
If you’re between 21 to 30 years old as of 1st January 2026, congrats — you’re eligible.
Born in the wrong year? of. That’s tough. But there are age relaxations for reserved categories, so do check the full details in the official notification.
What You Need in Your Academic Arsenal?
- A degree in Engineering from a recognized university (duh)
- Or have cleared Sections A and B of the Institution of Engineers (India)
Basically, if you’ve done the grind and come out with a degree or equivalent, you’re good to go.
Selection Process
This is not one of those one-and-done exams. Nope. The ESE selection process is a three-stage gladiator match that looks like this:
- Preliminary Exam (Objective – 500 marks): Think fast, think clear.
- Main Exam (Conventional – 600 marks): No MCQs to save you here. Time to actually know your stuff.
- Personality Test (Interview – 200 marks): Where they test your brains, confidence, and whether you can survive a panel of poker-faced officers.
TL;DR: It’s tough. It’s long. But worth it? Absolutely.
Also Check:- Bihar BSSC Inter Level Recruitment
How to Apply for UPSC ESE Recruitment 2025?
So, you’re sold. You want in. Great. Here’s how to actually apply without rage-quitting halfway through:
Step 1: Register on UPSC’s ORA Portal
Go to upsconline.nic.in. Find the Engineering Services Exam link, and hit “New Registration.” Fill in your basic details — name, DOB, email, etc. This gives you your login ID. Don’t lose it!
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
Once logged in, fill out the form carefully. Double-check your spellings, upload a decent photo (not that one from 2015), and make sure your documents are legible.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
Use net banking, UPI, or card — just make sure the payment goes through. Take a screenshot or print the receipt because you know how “technical glitches” love to show up later.
Step 4: Final Submission
Click submit, download the confirmation PDF, and don’t close the tab before it’s done. That’s a rookie mistake. Keep the PDF safe for future reference (read: exam hall ticket drama).
Final Thoughts
Here’s the thing. UPSC ESE isn’t for the faint-hearted. The competition is brutal, the syllabus is massive, and there will be days when you question every life decision that brought you here. But if you pull it off — you land not just a job, but a career that commands respect, job security, and a real shot at shaping how things work in this country.
And hey, if not this year, there’s always next. But if you’re eligible now, don’t overthink it. Just apply. The worst that happens? You get some solid exam experience. The best? You change your life.
FAQ’S About UPSC ESE Recruitment
What is the last date to apply for UPSC ESE 2026?
The last date to submit your online application for UPSC ESE 2026 is 16th October, 2025.
How many vacancies are available under UPSC ESE 2026?
There are a total of 474 vacancies announced across various engineering disciplines.
Who is eligible to apply for the UPSC ESE 2026 exam?
Indian citizens with a degree in engineering and aged between 21 to 30 years as of 1st January 2026 can apply.
What is the application fee for UPSC ESE 2026?
The application fee is ₹200 for general candidates, while SC/ST, females, and PwD candidates are exempted.