UPSC ESE 2026 Notification – 474 Vacancies, Apply Online
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Examination Notice No. 02/2026-ENGG. the official Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 notification . This prestigious recruitment drive offers 474 vacancies across engineering disciplines, including 26 posts reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). Candidates aspiring for central government engineering jobs can now apply online through the new Universal Registration and Common Application Form (CAF) system.
UPSC ESE 2026 Prelims Result Out
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 Prelims Result has been officially released on 26 February 2026. Candidates who appeared in the exam held on 8 February 2026 can now check whether they are qualified for the Mains Examination. The shortlisted candidates will move to the next stage, which is the ESE 2026 Main Examination scheduled on 21 June 2026 (Sunday).
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Download Result | Download Prelims Result |
| Prelims Exam Date | 8 February 2026 |
| Prelims Result Release | 26 February 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | 21 June 2026 (Sunday) |
| Mains Admit Card | ~ 1 week before exam |
🏛️ UPSC ESE 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification Date | 26 September 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 474 |
| Application Mode | Online (URN + CAF + Exam Form) |
| Last Date to Apply | 16 October 2025 (6:00 PM) |
| Exam Date (Prelims) | 8 February 2026 |
🧾 UPSC ESE 2026 Vacancy
The UPSC ESE 2026 notification announces a total of 474 vacancies, including 26 reserved posts for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). These vacancies cover multiple engineering services under the central government, offering opportunities in different technical streams.
| Discipline / Service | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 199 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 85 |
| Electrical Engineering | 72 |
| Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering | 118 |
| PwBD Reservation (across disciplines) | 26 |
| Total Vacancies | 474 |
🔗 Important Links – UPSC ESE 2026
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Download Here |
| Apply Online | upsconline.nic.in |
| UPSC Website | upsc.gov.in |
💰 UPSC ESE 2026 Salary
The UPSC ESE 2026 salary structure is one of the biggest attractions for engineering aspirants. As per the official notification, candidates selected through the Engineering Services Examination will be placed in Pay Matrix Level 10 under the 7th CPC, which means a starting basic pay of ₹56,100 per month.
Perks and allowances include:
Dearness Allowance (DA)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Transport Allowance
Medical Facilities
Pension Benefits under NPS
This makes UPSC ESE officers’ salary packages highly attractive and one of the biggest reasons aspirants target this exam.
| Component | Approx. Salary(₹) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Level 10) | 56,100 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA ~ 50%) | 28,050 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA ~ 27%) | 15,147 |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | 7,200 |
| Other Allowances (Medical, etc.) | 2,500 |
| Gross Salary (Approx.) | ₹ 1,09,000/month |
🎓 UPSC ESE 2026 Eligibility
The UPSC ESE 2026 eligibility criteria outline the academic and age requirements candidates must fulfill before applying. Meeting these conditions is essential for successful registration.
🔹 Educational Qualification
Must hold a degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.
Equivalent qualifications as approved in the rules are also valid.
⏳ Age Limit
Minimum Age: 21 years
Maximum Age: 30 years (as on 1 January 2026)
Relaxations available for SC/ST, OBC, EWS, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen as per UPSC guidelines.
📝 UPSC ESE 2026 Selection Process
The UPSC ESE 2026 selection process evaluates candidates across knowledge, technical depth, and personality traits. It is conducted in three stages, each carrying significant weight in the final merit list.
🔹 Stage I – Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
Works as the screening test.
Multiple-choice questions from General Studies, Aptitude, and the chosen engineering discipline.
✍️ Stage II – Main Examination (Conventional Type)
Two descriptive papers on the engineering branch selected.
Focuses on technical depth and analytical approach.
🎯 Stage III – Personality Test / Interview
For candidates who qualify the written exams.
Judges leadership, problem-solving skills, and suitability for government engineering roles.
🏆 Final Merit is prepared on the combined marks of Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
📚 UPSC ESE 2026 Exam Pattern
The UPSC ESE 2026 exam structure is divided into three stages. Each stage is carefully designed to test general aptitude, technical depth, and personality traits. Here’s a clear breakdown:
🧩 Stage I – Preliminary Examination (8 February 2026)
Two objective-type papers
Paper I: General Studies & Engineering Aptitude – 200 marks, 2 hours
Paper II: Engineering Discipline-specific – 300 marks, 3 hours
📖 Stage II – Main Examination
Two descriptive papers in the chosen engineering stream
Paper I & II: 300 marks each, 3 hours each
🎤 Stage III – Personality Test
Interview carrying 200 marks
Focuses on leadership, decision-making, and suitability for engineering services
🏅 Final Merit is prepared by combining marks of Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
📅 Important Dates – UPSC ESE 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 26 September 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 26 September 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 16 October 2025 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 8 February 2026 |
🖊️ How to Apply for UPSC ESE 2026
The UPSC ESE 2026 application process has been shifted to a new online system that uses the Universal Registration Number (URN) and Common Application Form (CAF). Following the correct steps is crucial, as no edits are allowed once the form is submitted.
Create Account on UPSC portal.
Complete Common Application Form (CAF).
Fill Examination-Specific Form for ESE 2026.
Upload recent passport-size photo (≤10 days old) and signature.
Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Submit the form and download the confirmation.
⚠️ Important: Once submitted, no changes are allowed in URN, CAF, or exam form.
💵 UPSC ESE 2026 Application Fee
The application fee for UPSC ESE 2026 varies by category. General and OBC candidates must pay ₹200, while several categories are completely exempted. UPSC allows multiple digital and offline payment modes for convenience.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹200 |
| Female / SC / ST / PwBD | Exempted |
📂 Documents Required for UPSC ESE 2026
Before filling out the UPSC ESE 2026 application form, candidates must keep scanned copies of documents in the correct format and size.
Passport-size Photograph (recent, ≤10 days old)
Signature
Matriculation / 10th Certificate (DOB proof)
Engineering Degree Certificate / Marksheet
Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS as applicable, issued on/after 01.04.2025)
PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
Identity Proof (Aadhaar recommended)
🏆 Final Word UPSC ESE 2026 Recruitment
The UPSC ESE 2026 recruitment offers an incredible opportunity for engineers to join top central government services. With 474 vacancies announced, competition will be intense. Aspirants must carefully complete their application using the new URN + CAF system, prepare strategically for all three stages, and ensure all documents are ready in advance. View Webstory : ESE 2026 Recruitment
✨ Wishing all candidates the very best for the UPSC ESE 2026 journey – may your hard work and dedication bring success!
❓ UPSC ESE 2026 FAQs
The official UPSC ESE 2026 notification announces 474 vacancies, including 26 reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
The UPSC ESE 2026 preliminary exam is scheduled for 8 February 2026, as per the official notification.
Candidates selected through UPSC ESE 2026 are appointed in Level 10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, with an initial salary of about ₹56,100/month plus allowances.
The recruitment includes three stages – Prelims (objective), Mains (descriptive), and Personality Test (interview). Final merit is based on combined performance.
Yes, out of 474 vacancies, 26 posts are reserved for candidates belonging to PwBD categories as specified in the notification.
The prelims consist of General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (Paper I) and Engineering Discipline-specific Paper (Paper II).
The mains has two descriptive papers of 300 marks each, focused on the candidate’s engineering discipline, with 3 hours duration per paper.
The personality test is an interview carrying 200 marks, assessing communication, awareness, leadership, and professional suitability.