Quick Answer: The UPSC IES Exam Notification 2026 was released on 26 September 2025 for approximately 474 engineering vacancies. The Preliminary Examination was conducted on 8 February 2026, while the Main Examination took place on 21 June 2026. The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, Personality Test and medical assessment.
The UPSC IES Exam Notification 2026 was released for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026, popularly known as the Indian Engineering Services examination. UPSC issued the notification on 26 September 2025 for approximately 474 vacancies across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering.
The application window closed on 16 October 2025. The Preliminary Examination was held on 8 February 2026, followed by the Main Examination on 21 June 2026. The Personality Test process is scheduled to begin from 21 September 2026.
Clarification: UPSC officially calls this examination the Engineering Services Examination. Many candidates search for it as UPSC IES or Indian Engineering Services. It is different from the Indian Economic Service Examination, which is meant for eligible postgraduate Economics candidates.
UPSC IES 2026 Notification: Latest Status
The UPSC IES 2026 application process has closed. Candidates should be careful while reading older pages that still display “apply now” messages or describe the 2026 examination as an upcoming event.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification released | 26 September 2025 | Completed |
| Application started | 26 September 2025 | Completed |
| Last date to apply | 16 October 2025 | Closed |
| Preliminary Examination | 8 February 2026 | Completed |
| Preliminary result | 26 February 2026 | Released |
| Main Examination | 21 June 2026 | Completed |
| Main written result | 24 July 2026 | Released |
| Personality Test | From 21 September 2026 | Scheduled |
| Final result | To be announced | Awaited |
The official UPSC Engineering Services Preliminary Examination 2026 page records the notification date, application deadline and Preliminary Examination date.
Candidates preparing for the next cycle should use the 2026 notification as a reference for the examination structure, syllabus, eligibility conditions and application process. The next notification may contain changes, so the latest UPSC notice must always be treated as the final authority.
What Is the UPSC IES/ESE Examination?
The Engineering Services Examination is a national-level recruitment examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for technical engineering posts in the Central Government.
The examination is popularly called UPSC IES because successful candidates may enter Indian Engineering Services and related technical services. Depending on their engineering branch, rank, preferences and available posts, candidates may be considered for technical roles associated with railways, defence, telecommunications, power, roads, water resources and other government departments.
The four main engineering categories are:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
Is UPSC IES the Same as UPSC ESE?
For engineering candidates, UPSC IES and UPSC ESE usually refer to the same examination. ESE is the official name used by UPSC, while IES is the commonly searched term.
This examination should not be confused with the Indian Economic Service Examination. The Indian Economic Service has separate educational requirements, subjects, vacancies and selection rules.
UPSC IES 2026 Important Dates
The following table covers the major UPSC IES 2026 dates:
| Examination event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification date | 26 September 2025 |
| Application start date | 26 September 2025 |
| Last date to apply | 16 October 2025, 6:00 PM |
| Preliminary Examination | 8 February 2026 |
| Preliminary result | 26 February 2026 |
| Main Examination | 21 June 2026 |
| Main written result | 24 July 2026 |
| Personality Test | From 21 September 2026 |
| Final result | To be announced |
UPSC IES 2026 Exam Date
The UPSC IES 2026 Preliminary Examination was conducted on 8 February 2026. The Main Examination was held on 21 June 2026.
The Personality Test schedule was issued separately for candidates who qualified in the written stages. Candidates should check the official UPSC Main Examination page and the official Personality Test schedule for later-stage updates.
UPSC IES 2026 Vacancy
The UPSC IES 2026 notification announced approximately 474 vacancies. The number is subject to confirmation by the concerned ministries and departments.
The vacancies cover these engineering categories:
| Engineering category | Included in ESE 2026 |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | Yes |
| Mechanical Engineering | Yes |
| Electrical Engineering | Yes |
| Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering | Yes |
The notification also lists different Group A and Group B services and posts. The actual allocation depends on the engineering discipline, merit rank, preferences, reservation rules and vacancies available at the time of appointment.
Candidates should avoid copying branch-wise numbers from an old coaching page without checking the official notification. Some websites combine ESE services with other railway or technical service allocations, which may make the table difficult to interpret.
UPSC IES 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates had to meet nationality, age, educational qualification and medical requirements to apply for UPSC IES 2026.
Nationality
A candidate generally had to be:
- A citizen of India.
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan.
- A Tibetan refugee covered by the conditions in the official rules.
- A person of Indian origin from specified countries who intends to settle permanently in India.
Candidates requiring an eligibility certificate must obtain it from the Government of India according to the conditions in the notification.
Age Limit
The standard age requirement for UPSC IES 2026 was:
- Minimum age: 21 years.
- Maximum age: 30 years.
- Age calculation date: 1 January 2026.
Relaxation may be available to eligible candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, PwBD and other categories covered by government rules. Additional conditions may apply to government employees and ex-servicemen.
The candidate’s date of birth must match the accepted documents. An incorrect age claim can lead to cancellation of candidature at a later stage.
Educational Qualification
The main educational requirement was an eligible engineering qualification in the relevant discipline.
Candidates generally needed:
- A degree in Engineering from a recognised university or institution.
- An accepted equivalent qualification listed in the official rules.
- A recognised professional qualification mentioned in the notification, where applicable.
The engineering branch must match the discipline selected in the application. Candidates with a Civil Engineering qualification should check the Civil Engineering requirements, while Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics & Telecommunication candidates should verify their own branch conditions.
Final-year engineering students may be eligible subject to the document and qualification conditions stated in the notification. They must provide proof of passing when required by UPSC.
Medical Standards
Candidates recommended for appointment may have to pass a medical examination. Certain services may also have specific physical or functional requirements.
Candidates applying under PwBD provisions should read the functional classification and physical requirements in the official annexures. Medical fitness can affect final appointment even after a candidate qualifies in the written examination and Personality Test.
UPSC IES 2026 Exam Pattern
The UPSC IES exam pattern has three stages:
- Preliminary Examination.
- Main Examination.
- Personality Test.
| Stage | Examination type | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | Objective | 500 |
| Main Examination | Descriptive | 600 |
| Personality Test | Interview/personality assessment | 200 |
UPSC IES Preliminary Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies and Engineering Aptitude | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper II | Relevant engineering discipline | 300 | 3 hours |
| Total | 500 | 5 hours |
Paper I is common to all branches. It includes engineering aptitude, reasoning, mathematics, current affairs, environment, project management, ethics and information technology.
Paper II tests the candidate’s selected engineering discipline. The Preliminary Examination is objective and includes negative marking for incorrect answers as prescribed by UPSC.
UPSC IES Main Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Technical paper from the selected branch | 300 | 3 hours |
| Paper II | Technical paper from the selected branch | 300 | 3 hours |
| Total | 600 | 6 hours |
The Main Examination is descriptive. Candidates must explain concepts, solve technical problems, present calculations and write answers within the prescribed time.
Multiple-choice practice alone is not enough for Mains. Candidates should practise diagrams, derivations, numerical solutions and structured technical explanations.
UPSC IES Personality Test
The Personality Test carries 200 marks. It may assess:
- Technical understanding.
- Professional awareness.
- Communication ability.
- Decision-making.
- Leadership qualities.
- Public-service suitability.
- Awareness of infrastructure, technology and government policy.
The interview may include questions about the candidate’s engineering branch, academic projects, work experience, current affairs and reasons for choosing Engineering Services.
UPSC IES 2026 Syllabus
The UPSC IES syllabus includes common General Studies and Engineering Aptitude topics along with branch-specific technical subjects.
General Studies and Engineering Aptitude
The common syllabus includes:
- Current issues related to national and international affairs.
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
- Engineering mathematics.
- Design principles and safety standards.
- Engineering materials.
- Energy and environmental concerns.
- Information and communication technology.
- Project management.
- Professional ethics.
- Sustainable development.
Civil Engineering Syllabus
The main Civil Engineering areas include:
- Building materials and construction.
- Strength of materials.
- Structural analysis.
- Concrete and steel structure design.
- Geotechnical engineering.
- Fluid mechanics.
- Hydrology and irrigation.
- Environmental engineering.
- Transportation engineering.
- Surveying.
Mechanical Engineering Syllabus
The Mechanical Engineering syllabus covers:
- Engineering mechanics.
- Strength of materials.
- Thermodynamics.
- Fluid mechanics.
- Heat transfer.
- Theory of machines.
- Machine design.
- Manufacturing and production.
- Industrial engineering.
- Engineering materials.
Electrical Engineering Syllabus
Important Electrical Engineering areas include:
- Circuit theory.
- Electrical machines.
- Power systems.
- Control systems.
- Power electronics.
- Measurements and instrumentation.
- Electrical materials.
- Analog and digital electronics.
- Microprocessors.
- Communication fundamentals.
Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Syllabus
The Electronics and Telecommunication syllabus includes:
- Electronic devices and circuits.
- Digital electronics.
- Network theory.
- Signals and systems.
- Communication systems.
- Electromagnetic theory.
- Control systems.
- Microprocessors and microcontrollers.
- Microwave engineering.
- Optical communication.
Candidates should download the official UPSC IES/ESE 2026 notification PDF before finalising their preparation plan.
UPSC IES Selection Process
The UPSC IES selection process follows this route:
Prelims → Mains → Personality Test → Medical Examination → Final Merit and Service Allocation
Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination acts as a screening stage. Candidates must meet the prescribed cut-off to become eligible for the Main Examination.
Main Examination
The Main Examination includes two descriptive technical papers. It tests subject knowledge, analytical ability, written presentation and problem-solving accuracy.
Personality Test
Candidates who qualify in Mains are called for a 200-mark Personality Test. The board may assess technical awareness, communication skills, judgement and suitability for government service.
Final Merit
Preliminary marks are used for screening. Final merit is prepared mainly from the Main Examination and Personality Test, subject to the official rules, medical fitness, candidate preferences and available vacancies.
UPSC IES Salary and Job Profile
Many Group A engineering services begin at Pay Level 10, with a starting basic pay of â‚ą56,100 per month under the Central Government pay structure.
UPSC IES In-Hand Salary
After adding applicable Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance or accommodation benefits, Transport Allowance and other allowances, the initial gross salary is higher than the basic pay.
After NPS contributions, income tax and other deductions, the initial in-hand salary may generally range from â‚ą75,000 to â‚ą85,000 per month for many Level 10 postings.
This is an indicative estimate, not a fixed UPSC figure. Actual in-hand salary depends on:
- City of posting.
- Current DA and HRA rates.
- Government accommodation.
- Transport allowance.
- NPS contribution.
- Income tax.
- Department and service allocation.
The starting basic pay can be checked against the Department of Expenditure’s 7th CPC orders.
UPSC IES Allowances and Benefits
Depending on the post and location, officers may receive:
- Dearness Allowance.
- House Rent Allowance or government accommodation.
- Transport Allowance.
- Medical facilities.
- Leave benefits.
- Leave Travel Concession.
- NPS and retirement benefits.
- Location-specific allowances.
UPSC IES Job Profile
An Engineering Services officer may work on:
- Technical project planning.
- Infrastructure supervision.
- Quality control.
- Contract and safety management.
- Public works and engineering maintenance.
- Government programme implementation.
- Technical reporting and policy support.
Career progression differs between services and departments. Promotion can lead to senior technical and administrative responsibilities.
How to Apply for UPSC IES
The UPSC IES 2026 application window has closed. Future candidates can follow these steps when the next application form becomes available:
- Visit the official UPSC application portal.
- Complete One-Time Registration.
- Log in and select Engineering Services Examination.
- Enter personal and educational details.
- Select the relevant engineering discipline.
- Choose the examination centre.
- Upload the photograph, signature and required documents.
- Pay the applicable fee.
- Submit the application form.
- Download the confirmation page.
The ESE 2026 application fee was â‚ą200 for candidates required to pay the fee. Female, SC, ST and PwBD candidates received exemptions subject to the conditions in the official notification.
Verified Facts for Aspirants
The following facts are supported by primary UPSC sources:
- The official UPSC page records the notification date as 26 September 2025, the application deadline as 16 October 2025, and the Preliminary Examination date as 8 February 2026.
- The official notification states that approximately 474 vacancies were expected.
- The Main Examination was conducted on 21 June 2026, and UPSC later issued notices for candidates shortlisted for the Personality Test.
Candidates should rely on the official UPSC examination page when dates or vacancy details differ across third-party websites.
A Practical Framework for Reading Any UPSC Notification
Use this four-step process:
1. Check the deadline
Confirm the closing date and exact time. A saved form is not the same as a successfully submitted application.
2. Match your qualification
Compare your degree title, branch and subjects with the official eligibility wording.
3. Separate screening from final merit
Understand which papers qualify you for the next stage and which marks affect final ranking.
4. Review documents and medical rules
Check category certificates, age documents, disability certificates and service-specific medical requirements before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UPSC IES Exam Notification 2026 release date?
The UPSC IES Exam Notification 2026 was released on 26 September 2025. UPSC published it under the official name Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026. Applications were accepted from 26 September to 16 October 2025, and the Preliminary Examination was conducted on 8 February 2026.
What was the UPSC IES 2026 Exam Date?
The UPSC IES 2026 Preliminary Examination was held on 8 February 2026, while the Main Examination was conducted on 21 June 2026. The Personality Test process is scheduled separately for candidates who qualified in the written stages of the Engineering Services Examination.
How many vacancies were announced under UPSC IES 2026 Notification?
The UPSC IES 2026 Notification announced approximately 474 vacancies across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering categories. The final allocation can vary by department, category, service requirements and government confirmation.
What is the UPSC IES 2026 Eligibility?
UPSC IES 2026 eligibility required an accepted engineering qualification in the relevant discipline along with the prescribed nationality, age and medical conditions. The standard age range was 21 to 30 years as on 1 January 2026, subject to permitted category-based relaxations.
What is included in the UPSC IES 2026 Syllabus?
The UPSC IES 2026 Syllabus includes General Studies and Engineering Aptitude in the Preliminary Examination and branch-specific technical subjects in Prelims and Mains. The technical topics differ for Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering candidates.
What is the UPSC IES Salary after selection?
Many Group A engineering services begin at Pay Level 10 with a starting basic pay of â‚ą56,100 per month. The initial in-hand UPSC IES salary may generally be around â‚ą75,000 to â‚ą85,000, depending on allowances, posting location, accommodation, NPS contribution and tax deductions.