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UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2025: Eligibility, Syllabus, and Exam Details

UPSC ESE Introduction

 

The UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE), is a prominent national-level test administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. It is intended to attract engineers for critical technical positions in various government agencies and organisations. These positions are essential to the country's infrastructure development, encompassing railways, power, telecommunications, defence, and public works. The ESE is very competitive, recruiting engineering graduates from all across the country since it provides stable and valued employment in the public sector.

UPSC ESE Eligibility Criteria

Category

Eligibility

UPSC ESE Nationality Eligibility

  • A citizen of India

  • A native of Nepal

  • A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before the 1st January, 1962/

  • A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

UPSC ESE Educational Qualification

  • Engineering Degree from a recognised Institute.

UPSC ESE Age Limit

  • 21 to 30 years for General Category

  • 21 to 33 years for OBC

  • 21 to 35 years for SC/ST

  • 21 to 35 years for Government Servants*

UPSC ESE Number of Attempts

  • There is no attempt limit in UPSC ESE

UPSC ESE Reservation Policies

Category

UPSC Reservation Quota

Schedule Caste

15%

Schedule Tribes

7.50%

Other Backward Classes

25%

Economically Weaker Section

10%

Persons With Benchmark Disabilities

4%

 

UPSC ESE Exam Important Dates

Events

Dates

UPSC ESE Registration Start

18/09/2024

UPSC ESE Registration End

22/11/2024

UPSC ESE Preliminary Exam

08/06/2025 (Sunday)

UPSC ESE Main Exam

10/08/2025 (Sunday)

UPSC ESE Interview

To be announced

**dates might change**

UPSC ESE Services

 

Category 1 - Civil Engineering

 

Group-A Services/Posts

 

  • Central Engineering Service (Civil)
  • Central Engineering Service (Roads), Group-A (Civil Engineering Posts).
  • Survey of India Group 'A' Service.
  • *AEE (Civil) in Border Roads Engineering Service.
  • Indian Defence Service of Engineers.
  • AEE (QS&C) in MES Surveyor Cadre.
  • Indian Skill Development Service.
  • Central Water Engineering (Group ‘A’) Service

 

Category 2 - Mechanical Engineering

 

Group-A/B Services/Posts

 

  • Indian Defence Service of Engineers.
  • Indian Naval Armament Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts).
  • Central Power Engineering Service Gr 'A'(Mechanical Engineering Posts)
  • Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service/SSO-II (Mechanical).
  • AEE ( Elect & Mech) in Border Roads Engineering Service.
  • Indian Naval Material Management Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts)
  • Indian Skill Development Service

 

Category 3 - Electrical Engineering

 

Group-A/B Services/Posts

 

  • Indian Defence Service of Engineers.
  • Indian Naval Material Management Service (Electrical Engineering Posts)
  • Indian Naval Armament Service (Electrical Engineering Posts)
  • Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service/SSO-II (Electrical).
  • Central Power Engineering Service Gr ‘A’ (Electrical Engineering Posts).
  • Indian Skill Development Service.
  • IEDS/Assistant Director Grade-I (IEDS) Electrical Trade
  • IEDS/Assistant Director Grade-II (IEDS) Electrical Trade

 

Category 4 - Electronics And Telecommunication Engineering

 

Group-A/B Services/Posts

 

  • Indian Telecommunication Service Gr ‘A’.
  • Central Power Engineering Service Gr ‘A’ (Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering Posts).
  • Indian Naval Armament Service (Electronics and Telecom Engineering Posts).
  • Indian Naval Material Management Service (Electronics and Telecom Engineering Posts)
  • Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service/SSO-II (Electronics & Tele).
  • Indian Skill Development Service.
  • Indian Radio Regulatory Service Gr ‘A’
  • IEDS/Assistant Director Grade-I(IEDS) Electronics Trade
  • IEDS/Assistant Director Grade-II(IEDS) Electronics Trade

 

UPSC ESE Selection Process

Stage Name

Nature

Total Marks

Purpose

UPSC ESE Preliminary Examination

Marks included in the merit list

500

Selected candidates are to appear for UPSC ESE Main Examination.

UPSC ESE Main Examination

Marks included in the merit list

600

2 papers of Engineering (conventional type papers)

UPSC ESE Personality Test

Scores considered for merit list

200

Evaluation of leadership skills, communication skills, spontaneous decision making etc.

UPSC ESE Registration Process

 

  1. Visit the official website https://upsconline.nic.in or https://upsc.gov.in.

 

  1. Click Apply Online Link on the right-side panel on the home page.

 

  1. Click on the Online Application for Various Examinations, then click on Online Application for various examinations of UPSC.

 

  1. Click on the registration link, then important instructions to fill the online application form are displayed on the screen.

 

  1. After reading the instructions, click ‘Yes’ Then candidates are asked to fill in personal details such as Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Father’s Name, Nationality, Address, etc in registration.

 

  1. After filling up the personal details, fill up the educational qualification and contact details.

 

  1. As a next step, candidates have to fill in photo identity details, the number of attempts, marks obtained in graduation level, centre for prelims exam details.

 

  1. After these details are filled in, the candidates can preview the details and can edit the application at this stage, if needed. Candidates are not allowed to edit the application after the final submission of the application.

 

  1. After previewing, click submit. The candidate will get the registration ID after completing the registration. RID is Registration ID, which is generated by the system when the applicant completes registration of his application. Candidates should note down the RID for future references.

UPSC ESE Application Process

  1. Use the registration ID got after completion of registration and proceed to fill up the application.

  2. Log on again using the RID, date of birth details to continue the application.

  3. In this part, the candidates have to pay the application fees of Rs 200/- for General Candidates using online mode or offline mode/ Pay by Cash mode through SBI Challan.

  4. Select the prelims exam centre.

  5. Candidates have to upload all the required documents.

  • Photograph in JPG format - 20 KB to 300 KB
  • Signature in JPG format - 20 KB to 300 KB
  • Photo ID in PDF format - 20 KB to 300 KB

  1. Click Upload after uploading all the documents in the prescribed size format.

  2. A final declaration appears on the screen after step 6, check the box and submit the application.

  3. After the final submission, a confirmation message for completion of the application is received on the registered mobile number and email address. This way, the candidates can make sure they have completed and submitted the application.

 

UPSC ESE Exam Procedure

The UPSC ESE Selection Process involves 3 stages - Preliminary, Mains, and Interview

 

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Papers)

 

Stage-1

Paper Type

Duration

Marks

Paper-1

General Studies And Engineering Aptitude

02 Hours

200

Paper-2

Engineering Discipline (CE/ ME/ EE/ E&T)

03 Hours

300

 Total Marks

500

 

Stage 2: Main Examination (Conventional Papers)

 

Stage 2

Paper Type

Duration

Marks

Paper 1

Engineering Discipline (CE/ ME/ EE/ E&T)

03 Hours

300

Paper 2

Engineering Discipline (CE/ ME/ EE/ E&T)

03 Hours

300

Total Marks (Main)

600

Total Marks (Mains + Prelim)

1100

 

Stage 3: Personality Test

 

Stage 3

Marks

Personality Test

200

Stage 1 + Stage 2 + Stage 3

1300

UPSC ESE Preliminary Syllabus

 

  • 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, Importance of Safety.

  • Standards and Quality practices in production, construction, maintenance and services.

  • Basics of Energy and Environment: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, Climate Change, Environmental impact assessment.

  • Basics of Project Management.

  • Basics of Material Science and Engineering.

  • Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) based tools and their applications in Engineering such as networking, e-governance and technology based education.

  • Ethics and values in the Engineering profession.

UPSC ESE Mains Syllabus

 

Click here to download the full syllabus of UPSC Engineering Service Examination.

UPSC ESE Test Centres

 

UPSC ESE Preliminary Exam Centres:

Agartala

Thiruvananthapuram

Panaji (Goa)

Jammu

Dehradun

Aizawl

Nagpur

Srinagar

Jaipur

Cuttack

Ahmedabad

Shimla

Mumbai

Itanagar

Chennai

Vishakhapatnam

Aligarh

Raipur

Kohima

Dispur (Guwahati)

Bangalore

Udaipur

Port Blair

Tirupati

Kochi (Cochin)

Dharwad

Prayagraj (Allahabad)

Patna

Jorhat

Delhi

Bhopal

Ranchi

Bareilly

Hyderabad

Lucknow

Sambalpur

Chandigarh

Imphal

Madurai

Shillong

Gangtok

Kolkata

 

UPSC ESE Mains Exam Centre:

 

Ahmedabad

Chandigarh

Dispur(Guwahati)

Lucknow

Shillong

Aizawl

Chennai

Hyderabad

Mumbai

Shimla

Prayagraj (Allahabad)

Cuttack

Jaipur

Patna

Thiruvananthapuram

Bangalore

Dehradun

Jammu

Raipur

Vishakhapatnam

Bhopal

Delhi

Kolkata

Ranchi

UPSC ESE Books

Engineering Specific books for UPSC ESE:

 

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exam by R.S Aggrawal

Strengths of materials by Stephen Timoshenko

A Textbook of Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines by R.K Bansal

Thermodynamics - An Engineering Approach by Cengel and Boles

Modern Power System Analysis by Nagrath and Kothari

Digital Logic And Computer Design By M. Morris Mano

Microelectronic Circuits by Sedra and Smith

 

 

Other Books for UPSC ESE Preparation:

India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra

A Brief History of Modern India (2018-2019) Book by Rajiv Ahir

Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania

History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra

Indian Polity by M Laxmikanth

Environment Ecology By Majid Hussain

Indian Geography by D. R. Khullar

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UPSC ESE Previous Year Question Papers

UPSC ESE Question Paper 2024

UPSC ESE Prelims General Studies and Engineering Aptitude 2024

UPSC ESE Prelims Civil Engineering 2024

UPSC ESE Prelims Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering

UPSC ESE Prelims Electrical Engineering 2024

UPSC ESE Prelims Mechanical Engineering 2024

UPSC ESE Main Civil Engineering Paper 1 2024

UPSC ESE Main Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Paper 1 2024

UPSC ESE Main Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Paper 2 2024

UPSC ESE Main Mechanical Engineering Paper 1 2024

UPSC ESE Main Mechanical Engineering Paper 2 2024

UPSC ESE Main Electrical Engineering Paper 1 2024

UPSC ESE Main Electrical Engineering Paper 2 2024

UPSC ESE Main Civil Engineering Paper 2 2024

-

UPSC ESE Question Paper 2023

UPSC ESE Prelims General Studies and Engineering Aptitude 2023

UPSC ESE Prelims Civil Engineering 2023

UPSC ESE Prelims Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering 2023

UPSC ESE Prelims Electrical Engineering 2023

UPSC ESE Prelims Mechanical Engineering 2023

UPSC ESE Main Civil Engineering Paper 1 2023

UPSC ESE Main Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Paper 1 2023

UPSC ESE Main Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Paper 2 2023

UPSC ESE Main Mechanical Engineering Paper 1 2023

UPSC ESE Main Mechanical Engineering Paper 2 2023

UPSC ESE Main Electrical Engineering Paper 1 2023

UPSC ESE Main Electrical Engineering Paper 2 2023

UPSC ESE Main Civil Engineering Paper 2 2023

-

UPSC ESE Question Paper 2022

UPSC ESE Prelims General Studies and Engineering Aptitude 2022

UPSC ESE Prelims Civil Engineering 2022

UPSC ESE Prelims Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering 2022

UPSC ESE Prelims Electrical Engineering 2022

UPSC ESE Prelims Mechanical Engineering 2022

UPSC ESE Main Civil Engineering Paper 1 2022

UPSC ESE Main Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Paper 1 2022

UPSC ESE Main Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Paper 2 2022

UPSC ESE Main Mechanical Engineering Paper 1 2022

UPSC ESE Main Mechanical Engineering Paper 2 2022

UPSC ESE Main Electrical Engineering Paper 1 2022

UPSC ESE Main Electrical Engineering Paper 2 2022

UPSC ESE Main Civil Engineering Paper 2 2022

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UPSC ESE Question Paper 2021

UPSC ESE Prelims General Studies and Engineering Aptitude 2021

UPSC ESE Prelims Civil Engineering 2021

UPSC ESE Prelims Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering 2021

UPSC ESE Prelims Electrical Engineering 2021

UPSC ESE Prelims Mechanical Engineering 2021

UPSC ESE Main Civil Engineering Paper 1 2021

UPSC ESE Main Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Paper 1 2021

UPSC ESE Main Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Paper 2 2021

UPSC ESE Main Mechanical Engineering Paper 1 2021

UPSC ESE Main Mechanical Engineering Paper 2 2021

UPSC ESE Main Electrical Engineering Paper 1 2021

UPSC ESE Main Electrical Engineering Paper 2 2021

UPSC ESE Main Civil Engineering Paper 2 2021

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UPSC ESE Question Paper 2020

UPSC ESE Prelims General Studies and Engineering Aptitude 2020

UPSC ESE Prelims Civil Engineering 2020

UPSC ESE Prelims Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering 2020

UPSC ESE Prelims Electrical Engineering 2020

UPSC ESE Prelims Mechanical Engineering 2020

UPSC ESE Main Civil Engineering Paper 1 2020

UPSC ESE Main Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Paper 1 2020

UPSC ESE Main Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Paper 2 2020

UPSC ESE Main Mechanical Engineering Paper 1 2020

UPSC ESE Main Mechanical Engineering Paper 2 2020

UPSC ESE Main Electrical Engineering Paper 1 2020

UPSC ESE Main Electrical Engineering Paper 2 2020

UPSC ESE Main Civil Engineering Paper 2 2020

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UPSC ESE Mock Test Practice Apps

  • 'IES or ESE Exam Preparation'
  • Unacademy
  • GATE/ESE-Online Test Series app offered by Made Easy
  • Kreatryx
  • EduGorilla

 

UPSC ESE Preparation Strategies

  1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

 

  • Exam Pattern: 2 papers of Prelims Exam, 2 Exams for Mains and Interview.

  • Types of questions: Objective in prelims and Conventional in Mains.

 

  1. Create a Study Plan

 

  • Allocate specific times for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Set daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
  • Include regular breaks to avoid burnout.

 

  1. Use Quality Study Material

 

  • Refer to B.Tech Books.
  • Use online resources and apps like BYJU'S, Unacademy, and Adda 24/7
  • Practice with previous years’ UPSC papers and mock tests.

 

  1. Refer to standard books

  • Use online resources and apps like BYJU'S, Made Easy, Kreatryx, EduGorilla.
  • Practice with previous years’ UPSC papers and mock tests.

  1. Join Coaching Classes (if needed)

  • Consider joining reputed coaching institutes.

 

  1. Regular Practice and Mock Tests

  • Take regular mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
  • Analyse your performance in each mock test to identify areas of improvement.
  • Practise sectional tests to strengthen specific areas.

 

  1. Time Management

  • Practice managing time effectively during your study sessions and mock tests.
  • Focus on speed and accuracy.
  • Develop strategies for time allocation in each section during the exam.

 

  1. Work on Weak Areas

  • Identify and focus on your weak areas.
  • Seek help from mentors, teachers, or peers if you find certain topics challenging.

 

  1. Stay Updated

  • Keep yourself updated with current affairs.
  • Read newspapers, magazines, and online articles regularly.

 

 

  1. Best Coaching Centres in India for UPSC ESE

 

  • Made Easy
  • Engineers Institute of India (EII)
  • The GATE Academy
  • Vajiram and Ravi
  • IES Master
  • Testbook

 

UPSC ESE Online Practice

The following are the online website which give online mock test, coaching and materials for UPSC preparation:

 

  • Made Easy
  • Engineers Institute of India (EII)
  • The GATE Academy
  • Vajiram and Ravi
  • IES Master
  • Testbook

 

UPSC ESE Youtube Channels

UPSC ESE Coaching Centres in India

The Following are the best coaching centres for UPSC in India:

 

  • Made Easy
  • Engineers Institute of India (EII)
  • The GATE Academy
  • Vajiram and Ravi
  • IES Master
  • Testbook

 

UPSC ESE Success Stories

Shivam Dwivedi resides in Mahta Village, Bhanda district, Uttar Pradesh. His father works as a farmer, and his mother is a housewife. He studied hard and pursued engineering after graduating from Class 12 with honours. He aimed to pass the IIT JEE exam, but he could not. However, he received enough scores to pass the National Institute of Technology (NIT). After graduating from college, Shivam took the power department's recruiting exam. He passed the exam and was selected for the position of SDO. But he intended to reach for the stars and improve his standing. Shivam decided to take the UPSC ESE Exam while still working in his current profession and taking a leave of absence. He used to spend 8 hours per day studying. He devised a study strategy and diligently followed it. He also focused on time management. His hard work and perseverance paid off when he was selected for the UPSC ESE 2023. Shivam owed his accomplishments to both his parents and God.

UPSC ESE Interview Preparation

 

  1. Understand the Interview Format:

 

  • The UPSC interview will analyse your personality, leadership skills, and analytical abilities.
  • It is not a retest of your knowledge; the interview panel has reviewed your written exam results.
  • The interview typically lasts 20-30 minutes, and you will be asked questions about your background, Hobbies, Current Events, and Engineering.

 

  1. Engineering and General Knowledge:

 

  • Keep up with current events, particularly those relating to your optional subject and home state.
  • Read newspapers and magazines and watch news shows regularly.
  • Brush up your engineering skills and concepts.

 

  1. Develop Clear Communication Skills:

 

  • Practise speaking fluently and clearly.
  • Pay attention to your body language and keep eye contact with the panel.
  • Answer enquiries politely and respectfully.

 

  1. Interview Etiquette:

 

  • Dress adequately in formal clothing.
  • Be on time; arrive at the place well in advance.
  • Please greet the panel pleasantly and wait for them to welcome you to sit.
  • Maintain a pleasant attitude during the interview.

 

  1. Prepare for Common Questions:

 

  • Prepare to answer questions about your abilities, shortcomings, accomplishments, failures, and motivations for joining the civil service.
  • Prepare a well-thought-out response to the query, "Tell me about yourself."

 

  1. Optional Subject Knowledge:

 

  • Brush your knowledge of your optional subject and be prepared for questions in that area.

 

  1. Stay Calm and Composed:

 

  • It's expected to be worried before an interview, but try to remain composed.
  • If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and pay close attention to the panellists' questions.
  • Be yourself. The interview panel is interested in getting to know you as an individual, so be honest and trustworthy with yourself.

 

UPSC ESE Cut Off 2025 Expected

UPSC ESE Final Cut Off 2024

Branch

Category

Cut Off Marks [Out of 1300]

Civil Engineering

General

691

EWS

641

OBC

667

SC

576

ST

626

Mechanical Engineering

General

725

EWS

702

OBC

701

SC

658

ST

491

Electrical Engineering

General

655

EWS

632

OBC

625

SC

601

ST

568

Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering

General

546

EWS

461

OBC

545

SC

426

ST

389

UPSC ESE Scorecard Analysis

UPSC ESE FAQs

 

  1. Is ESE and UPSC the same?
    The UPSC Engineering Services Exam (ESE), also known as UPSC IES (Indian Engineering Services), recruits officers to meet the country's technical and engineering needs.

  1. What is the ESE exam salary?
    Indian Engineering Officers join as Assistant Executive Engineers or Assistant Directors at the Junior Time Scale, with a basic salary of Rs. 56,100/—per month and a net salary of around Rs. 85,000/—per month.

  1. Who is eligible for UPSC ESE?
    A degree in Engineering from a recognised university or institution. Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years old. Age relaxation is applicable for specific categories as per government norms.

  1. Is ESE tougher than GATE?
    ESE is more complex than GATE due to its vast syllabus and level of competition.

  1. How many attempts are there in ESE?
    There are NO attempt limits for the ESE exam.

  1. Is there a negative marking in ESE?
    Yes, there will be a negative marking of 1/3 Mark for each wrong answer.

  1. Is ESE a class 1 officer?
    Yes, ESE is a class 1 officer rank.

  1. What is the highest post of ESE?
    The highest rank in the ESE is Managing Director or Chairperson. An officer is promoted to managing director after 34 years of service.