The UPSC IES (Engineering Services Examination) is the premier gateway for engineers to join the Government of India as Class-I (Group A) officers. Administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this exam recruits technical leaders for pivotal organizations like Indian Railways, CPWD, MES, and the Border Roads Organisation.
If you are an engineering graduate aiming for a prestigious career with high job security, authoritative power, and a lucrative salary, the UPSC IES Exam is your target. This guide covers everything you need to know about the UPSC IES notification, exam dates, eligibility, syllabus, and the latest 7th Pay Commission salary details for the 2026 cycle.
- What is UPSC IES (ESE)?
- UPSC IES Notification & Important Dates (2026)
- UPSC IES Eligibility Criteria
- UPSC IES Salary Structure (7th Pay Commission)
- UPSC IES Exam Pattern & Selection Process
- UPSC IES Syllabus: High-Yield Topics
- UPSC IES Admit Card & Answer Key Details
- Job Profile & Departments
- Preparation Strategy: How to Crack UPSC IES 2026?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 1. What is the full form of IES in UPSC?
- 2. What is the UPSC IES Salary per month in 2026?
- 3. Is there negative marking in the UPSC IES exam?
- 4. Can final year students apply for UPSC IES 2026?
- 5. How many attempts are allowed for the UPSC IES exam?
- 6. Which is better: GATE or IES?
What is UPSC IES (ESE)?
The Engineering Services Examination (ESE), popularly known as IES (Indian Engineering Services), is an annual competitive examination conducted by the UPSC. It selects officers for technical and managerial posts in the Government of India.
Selected candidates are posted as Assistant Executive Engineers in various Ministries and Departments under four broad engineering branches:
- Civil Engineering (CE)
- Mechanical Engineering (ME)
- Electrical Engineering (EE)
- Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering (E&T)
Why is the UPSC IES Exam Important?
Unlike other recruitment exams, IES officers are techno-bureaucrats. They not only handle technical projects but also administrative and policy-making responsibilities. It is widely considered the toughest and most prestigious exam for engineers in India.
UPSC IES Notification & Important Dates (2026)
Staying updated with the UPSC IES exam date is critical for your preparation timeline. The official calendar for 2026 has been released, and candidates must adhere to the following schedule.
UPSC IES 2026 Exam Schedule
| Event | Date | Status |
| Notification Release Date | September 26, 2025 | Released |
| Application Window | Sept 26 – Oct 16, 2025 | Closed |
| UPSC IES Admit Card (Prelims) | Mid-January 2026 | Upcoming |
| UPSC IES Prelims Exam Date | February 8, 2026 (Sunday) | Scheduled |
| UPSC IES Mains Exam Date | June 21, 2026 (Sunday) | Scheduled |
| Personality Test (Interview) | September – October 2026 | Tentative |
Note: The UPSC IES Notification is the official document containing vacancy details, exam centers, and policy changes. Always download the PDF from the official website (upsc.gov.in) for authentic verification.
UPSC IES Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must rigorously self-check their eligibility. The UPSC IES eligibility rules are strict regarding age, nationality, and education.
1. UPSC IES Age Limit (As on Jan 1, 2026)
The age criteria are calculated as of January 1st of the exam year.
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 30 Years
Category-Wise Age Relaxations:
| Category | Upper Age Limit | Relaxation Period |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 30 Years | Nil |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 33 Years | +3 Years |
| SC / ST | 35 Years | +5 Years |
| PwBD (Benchmark Disability) | 40 Years | +10 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 35 Years | +5 Years |
| Govt. Servants (Dept.) | 35 Years | +5 Years |
(Tip: If your 31st birthday falls on or before Jan 1, 2026, you are ineligible unless you belong to a reserved category.)
2. Educational Qualifications
Candidates must hold a degree in engineering from a recognized university.
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Accepted Degrees: B.E. / B.Tech / B.Sc (Engg).
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Equivalent Qualifications: Passes in Sections A & B of the Institution of Engineers (India) (AMIE), or Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India).
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Final Year Students: You are eligible to apply for the UPSC IES Exam, provided you can submit proof of passing your degree before the detailed application form (DAF) submission for the Mains stage.
3. Nationality
A candidate must be either:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee (who came to India before Jan 1, 1962), or
- A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) from specified countries (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, etc.) with the intention of permanent settlement.
UPSC IES Salary Structure (7th Pay Commission)
One of the most frequently asked questions is about the UPSC IES Salary. IES officers enjoy a “Group A” gazetted status with a lucrative pay package and government perks.
Entry-Level Pay Scale (Junior Time Scale)
Upon joining, an IES officer is placed in Level 10 of the Pay Matrix.
- Basic Pay: ₹56,100
- Grade Pay: ₹5,400 (Pre-revised)
- Dearness Allowance (DA): ~50% of Basic (Variable, currently trending high)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): 27% (X City), 18% (Y City), 9% (Z City)
- Transport Allowance (TA): Fixed rates + DA component.
Estimated Monthly In-Hand Salary:
| Component | Amount (Approx for Class X City) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹56,100 |
| DA (Assumed 50%) | ₹28,050 |
| HRA (27%) | ₹15,147 |
| Transport Allowance | ₹7,200 |
| Gross Salary | ~₹1,06,497 |
| Deductions (NPS/Tax) | ~₹10,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Net In-Hand Salary | ~₹90,000 – ₹94,000 |
Perks & Allowances
Apart from the UPSC IES Salary, officers receive:
- Official Residence: Government bungalows or flats (Type-IV/V).
- Medical Facility: CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) coverage for self and family.
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC): For travel within India.
- Official Vehicle: Depending on the post and department.
- Pension: Under the National Pension System (NPS).
UPSC IES Exam Pattern & Selection Process
The selection process comprises three distinct stages. Understanding the UPSC IES exam pattern is vital for strategy.
Stage I: Preliminary Examination (500 Marks)
- Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Negative Marking: Yes (1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers).
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper-I | General Studies & Engineering Aptitude | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper-II | Engineering Discipline (CE/ME/EE/ET) | 150 | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Total | 250 | 500 |
Note on Paper-I: This paper is common for all branches. It covers current issues, engineering ethics, mathematics, reasoning, project management, and energy/environment.
Stage II: Mains Examination (600 Marks)
- Mode: Offline (Written/Descriptive)
- Type: Conventional (Theory + Numerical)
- Requirement: Only Prelims-qualified candidates appear here.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
| Paper-I | Discipline Specific (Theory) | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-II | Discipline Specific (Application) | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Total | 600 |
Stage III: Personality Test (200 Marks)
Also known as the Interview. The board assesses leadership potential, mental alertness, clear thinking, and integrity.
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Grand Total for Merit: 1300 Marks (500 + 600 + 200).
UPSC IES Syllabus: High-Yield Topics
The UPSC IES syllabus is vast. A smart preparation strategy involves focusing on high-weightage subjects. Below is a breakdown of key topics per branch.
| Branch | Paper I Key Topics | Paper II Key Topics |
| GS & Aptitude (Common) |
• Engineering Mathematics & Numerical Analysis • Project Management (PERT/CPM) • Design, Drawing & Safety Standards |
• Energy & Environment • ICT & Ethics in Engineering • Material Science Basics |
| Civil Engineering (CE) |
• Building Materials • Solid Mechanics & Structural Analysis • Design of Steel & Concrete Structures • Construction Planning |
• Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulic Machines • Hydrology & Environmental Engg • Geo-technical Engg • Surveying & Transportation |
| Mechanical Engineering (ME) |
• Fluid Mechanics & Thermodynamics • Heat Transfer • IC Engines & Refrigeration • Power Plant Engineering |
• Theory of Machines & Machine Design • Strength of Materials • Manufacturing Processes • Mechatronics & Robotics |
| Electrical Engineering (EE) |
• Engineering Mathematics • Electrical Materials • Electric Circuits & Fields • Electrical & Electronic Measurements |
• Analog & Digital Electronics • Systems & Signal Processing • Power Systems & Control Systems • Power Electronics & Drives |
| Electronics & Telecom (E&T) |
• Basic Electronics & Materials Science • Electronic Measurements • Network Theory • Analog & Digital Circuits |
• Analog & Digital Communication • Computer Organization • Electromagnetics • Advanced Electronics (VLSI/DSP) |
UPSC IES Admit Card & Answer Key Details
How to Download the UPSC IES Admit Card
The UPSC IES Admit Card is the most crucial document for entry into the exam hall. It is usually released three weeks prior to the exam date.
- Visit the official website: upsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the “Admit Cards” section.
- Click on “E-Admit Card for Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026″.
- Enter your Registration ID or Roll Number.
- Download and print the PDF. Ensure the photo and signature are clear.
UPSC IES Answer Key
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Unofficial Keys: Coaching institutes release tentative keys within hours of the exam. These are good for a rough score estimate.
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Official Key: The UPSC releases the official UPSC IES Answer Key only after the final result declaration (usually after the interviews are over). This key is final and binding.
Job Profile & Departments
What does an IES officer actually do? The job profile varies by department but generally involves technical supervision, project execution, and administration.
| Department | Role & Responsibilities |
| Indian Railways | Manages the technical backbone of the rail network, including Tracks, Locomotives, Signaling, Power supply, and Telecommunication. |
| CPWD | Executes massive infrastructure projects like government buildings, roads, and bridges; maintains central government assets. |
| MES (Military Engineer Services) | Provides rear-line engineering support to the Armed Forces, including infrastructure, barracks, roads, and utilities. |
| BRO (Border Roads Org) | Constructs and maintains roads in difficult border terrains, high altitudes, and strategic locations. |
| Central Water Commission | Manages water resources, flood control, irrigation planning, and dam safety across the nation. |
Preparation Strategy: How to Crack UPSC IES 2026?
With only a few months left for the 2026 cycle, here is a focused strategy:
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Decode the PYQs (Previous Year Questions): Download UPSC IES previous year papers for the last 10 years. 60-70% of concepts in the technical papers are repetitive.
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Master General Studies (Paper-I): Many engineers ignore this. Scoring 100+ in GS can be the difference between selection and rejection. Focus on Math and Reasoning first (they are high accuracy), then move to Project Management and Ethics.
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Formula Notebook: Create a separate notebook for formulas. Review this every single morning. The Prelims is a speed-based exam; you cannot afford to derive formulas in the hall.
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Test Series Analysis: Don’t just give tests. Analyze them. If you make a calculation error, write it down. If you missed a concept, read that chapter again.
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Health & Vision: Ensure your medical fitness. Get a pre-exam eye checkup to ensure you meet the visual standards mentioned in the notification Appendix.
Conclusion
The UPSC IES 2026 is more than just an exam; it is a pathway to serving the nation through technical excellence. While the syllabus is vast and the competition fierce, a disciplined approach focusing on high-yield topics, consistent revision of previous year papers, and a clear understanding of the exam pattern will set you apart.
Start your preparation today. Ensure your documents are in order for the eligibility check, keep an eye on the mid-January 2026 date for your Admit Card, and aim for a high score in the Prelims to secure your cushion for the Mains.
Ready to start? Download the previous year’s question papers and take your first mock test today to benchmark your current standing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the full form of IES in UPSC?
IES stands for Indian Engineering Services. It is officially referred to as the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) by the UPSC. It is the administrative civil service that meets the technical and managerial needs of the Government of India.
2. What is the UPSC IES Salary per month in 2026?
An entry-level IES officer (Junior Time Scale) receives a gross monthly salary of approximately ₹1,06,000 (in Class X cities). After deductions, the in-hand salary is around ₹90,000. The pay scale follows Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
3. Is there negative marking in the UPSC IES exam?
Yes. In the Objective Type Question Papers (Prelims), there is a penalty for wrong answers. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question are deducted as a penalty. There is no negative marking in the Mains (Descriptive) exam.
4. Can final year students apply for UPSC IES 2026?
Yes, final-year engineering students are eligible to apply. However, they must produce proof of passing the requisite engineering degree examination before the detailed application form (DAF) submission for the Mains stage.
5. How many attempts are allowed for the UPSC IES exam?
Unlike the Civil Services Exam (CSE), there is no fixed limit on the number of attempts for the Engineering Services Examination. You can attempt the exam as many times as you wish, provided you fall within the age limit of 21 to 30 years (plus relaxations for reserved categories).
6. Which is better: GATE or IES?
It depends on your career goals. Here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | IES (ESE) | GATE |
| Primary Goal | Recruitment as Class-I Govt Officer | M.Tech/PhD Admissions or PSU Jobs |
| Role Type | Techno-Bureaucrat (Admin + Tech) | Core Technical / Research |
| Selection Criteria | Prelims + Mains + Interview | Single Objective Exam |
| Competition | Extremely High (Limited Seats) | High (But many colleges/PSUs available) |
| Verdict | For public admin & management roles | For research, higher studies, or corporate tech roles |