Overview
Exam Name: Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
Also Known As: Indian Engineering Services (IES)
Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Frequency: Annually
Level: National
Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper Based)
Selection Process:
Preliminary Exam
Main Exam
Personality Test (Interview)
Posts Offered: Group A/B services in various technical departments like:
Indian Railways
Central Engineering Services
Central Water Engineering
Central Power Engineering
Indian Telecommunication Service, etc.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
Citizen of India, or
Subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
Tibetan refugee (came before 1st January 1962), or
Person of Indian origin migrated from specific countries with intention of permanent settlement.
2. Age Limit (as of 1st January of exam year)
Minimum: 21 years
Maximum: 30 years
Age relaxation available for SC/ST/OBC, ex-servicemen, and other reserved categories.
3. Educational Qualification
A degree in Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) from a recognized university OR
Passed Sections A and B of the Institution Examinations of the Institution of Engineers (India).
4. Medical Examination
Candidates must pass a medical test conducted by the railway medical authorities after the personality test.
Engineering Disciplines (Branches)
The exam is conducted in four categories:
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
Exam Pattern
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
Paper I – General Studies and Engineering Aptitude
Duration: 2 hours
Marks: 200
Paper II – Engineering Discipline (specific to the stream)
Duration: 3 hours
Marks: 300
Total Marks: 500
Stage 2: Main Examination (Conventional Type)
Paper I – Engineering Discipline I (Subjective)
Duration: 3 hours
Marks: 300
Paper II – Engineering Discipline II (Subjective)
Duration: 3 hours
Marks: 300
Total Marks: 600
Stage 3: Personality Test
Interview/Personality Test: 200 Marks
Final Selection Based on: Total marks out of 1300 (500 Prelims + 600 Mains + 200 Interview)
Syllabus
General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (Prelims Paper I) includes:
Current issues of national and international importance
Engineering Aptitude (logical reasoning and analytical ability)
Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Analysis
General Principles of Design, Drawing, and Safety
Standards and Quality Practices
Basics of Energy and Environment
Basics of Project Management
Ethics and Values in Engineering Profession
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Technical Syllabus:
Varies for each discipline (CE, ME, EE, E&T). Covers core undergraduate topics from engineering degrees.
Application Process
Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in
Application Mode: Online
Application Period: Generally opens in September each year
Fee: ₹200 (General/OBC); exempted for SC/ST/PwD/Female
Preparation Tips
Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern Thoroughly
Use Standard Textbooks and Reference Materials
Practice Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests
Focus on Time Management – especially for Prelims
Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Build Conceptual Clarity, especially for Mains (descriptive)