UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) — Eligibility, Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Engineering Services Examination (ESE), also known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES), is a national-level competitive exam for recruitment into various technical and managerial positions in the Government of India. It is a highly prestigious examination for engineering graduates, opening doors to careers in departments like the Indian Railways, Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Border Roads Organisation, and more. The examination is structured to test the comprehensive technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities of candidates through a rigorous three-stage process: a Preliminary Exam, a Main Exam, and a Personality Test.
📌 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
A candidate must be one of the following:
- A citizen of India
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or certain East African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Age Limit
The age eligibility is calculated as of January 1st of the examination year.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 21 | 30 | - |
| OBC | 21 | 33 | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 21 | 35 | 5 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) | 21 | 40 | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 21 | 35 | 5 years |
Educational Qualification
A candidate must have at least one of the following qualifications:
- A degree in Engineering from a university recognized by the Government of India.
- Passed Sections A and B of the Institution Examinations of the Institution of Engineers (India).
- Obtained a degree/diploma in Engineering from a foreign university/college that is recognized in India.
- Passed Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India).
Candidates who are in their final year of their engineering degree program are also eligible to apply.
✍️ Exam Syllabus & Pattern ⚙️
The ESE is conducted for the following four engineering disciplines:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Stage I — Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
This stage is for screening and shortlisting candidates for the Main Examination. Total marks are 500.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies and Engineering Aptitude (Common to all candidates) | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper-II | Specific Engineering Discipline (Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / E&T) | 300 | 3 hours |
Syllabus for Paper-I (General Studies and Engineering Aptitude):
- Current issues of national and international importance relating to social, economic, and industrial development.
- Engineering Aptitude covering Logical reasoning and Analytical ability.
- Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Analysis.
- General Principles of Design, Drawing, and the Importance of Safety.
- Standards and Quality practices in production, construction, maintenance, and services.
- Basics of Energy and Environment: Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation.
- Basics of Project Management.
- Basics of Material Science and Engineering.
- Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) based tools and their applications in engineering.
- Ethics and Values in the Engineering profession.
Stage II — Main Examination (Conventional/Descriptive Type)
Only candidates who qualify the Preliminary Exam are eligible to appear for the Mains. Total marks are 600.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Specific Engineering Discipline (Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / E&T) | 300 | 3 hours |
| Paper-II | Specific Engineering Discipline (Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / E&T) | 300 | 3 hours |
Both papers in the Main Examination cover the entire syllabus of the chosen engineering branch in a descriptive, in-depth format, requiring detailed written answers.
Stage III — Personality Test (Interview)
| Total Marks | 200 |
|---|---|
| Evaluation Areas | The interview assesses a candidate's leadership qualities, initiative, intellectual curiosity, mental and physical energy, and other qualities suitable for a career in engineering services. |
👉 Note
- The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination (Stage II) and the Personality Test (Stage III), for a total of 800 marks.
- For full official syllabus & eligibility, refer to UPSC official notification.
☞ Tip for Aspirants: Always refer to the latest official notification for syllabus and eligibility details as they may change year to year.