UPSC Engineering Services Examination (UPSC ESE)
Quick facts
| Conducted by | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Exam level | National |
| How often | Once a year |
| Mode | Offline |
| Qualification | B.E./B.Tech (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecom) |
| Age limit | 21 – 3 years |
| Age relaxation | OBC:3, SC:5, ST:5, PwBD:10 |
| Official website | upsc.gov.in |
Age counted on 1 January of the exam year.
Overview
The Engineering Services Examination (ESE / IES) recruits Group A engineers for the Railways, Central Public Works Department, Military Engineer Services, Central Water Engineering, telecom and other technical services of the Government of India.
Eligibility
- Education: an engineering degree (B.E./B.Tech) or equivalent, or an M.Sc. with specified subjects for some posts. Final-year students can apply.
- Age: 21 to 30 years (General), with usual relaxations.
- Branches: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication.
Exam pattern & syllabus
| Stage | Papers | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims (objective) | General Studies & Engineering Aptitude + Engineering discipline paper | 200 + 300 |
| Mains (conventional) | Two engineering discipline papers | 300 + 300 |
| Personality test | Interview | 200 |
Final merit is based on all three stages (1,300 marks).
How to prepare
- Cover your core subjects deeply – the same base serves GATE, ESE and state AE exams.
- Prepare the General Studies paper separately: engineering maths, aptitude, current affairs, ethics, environment and project management.
- Practise numericals and conventional (descriptive) answers for mains.
- Solve at least 10 years of previous papers.
Latest UPSC ESE updates
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Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare for GATE and ESE together?
Yes. The technical syllabus overlaps heavily. Add General Studies for ESE prelims and answer-writing practice for mains.
Please note: eligibility, age limits and exam pattern change from year to year. This page gives general guidance only; the official notification for each year is final.