UPSC ESE 2026 Exam Calendar: Key Dates You Shouldn’t Miss - ACE Academy

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 on September 17, 2025. This is one of the most prestigious examinations in India for engineering graduates aspiring to serve in various technical and managerial roles in the government sector.

Whether you’re targeting Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering, staying updated with the key dates and exam phases is crucial. Here’s everything you need to know about ESE 2026!

ESE 2026: Important Dates

Application Dates

Notification Release & Start of Application: September 17, 2025
Last Date to Apply: October 7, 2025 (till 6:00 PM)

Examination Dates

Preliminary Examination: February 8, 2026 (Sunday)
Main Examination: June 21, 2026 (Sunday)

Aspirants are advised to complete their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

ESE 2026 Vacancies

For the ESE 2026 cycle, UPSC has announced a total of 457 vacancies, distributed as follows:

Indian Engineering Services (IES) – 232 Posts

Branch-wise breakdown:

Civil Engineering: 90 posts
Mechanical Engineering: 20 posts
Electrical Engineering: 42 posts
Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering: 80 posts

Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) – 225 Posts

Includes vacancies across:

Civil
Mechanical
Electrical
Stores
S&T (Signal & Telecommunication)

ESE Exam Pattern: Three-Stage Selection Process

The ESE is conducted in three stages, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of candidates:

1. Preliminary Examination (Stage I)

Objective-type paper
General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (Paper I)
Subject-Specific Paper (Paper II)

2. Main Examination (Stage II)

Conventional (written) papers
Paper I and Paper II based on chosen engineering discipline

3. Personality Test (Stage III)

Personal interview to assess leadership qualities, decision-making, and communication skills

Why ESE is a Prestigious Career Path

Selected candidates are appointed as Class I officers in various departments under the Government of India, including:

Indian Railways
Central Water Engineering
Central Engineering Services
Military Engineering Services
Border Roads Organisation
Geological Survey of India, and more

They play a crucial role in planning, design, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure.

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Final Thoughts

The UPSC ESE 2026 is your gateway to a distinguished engineering career in the government sector. With the exam dates now official, it’s time to plan your preparation smartly and stay focused.