The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2027 notification under Examination Notice No. 02/2027-ENGG.
UPSC states that the examination is expected to fill approximately 480 vacancies, including 19 vacancies for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
Online applications are open from 16 September 2026 to 6 October 2026 at 6:00 PM. The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 31 January 2027, while the Main Examination is scheduled for 18 June 2027.
Vacancy note: UPSC describes the vacancy count as approximately 480 and states that the number is liable to alteration.
UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2027 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam | Engineering Services Examination 2027 |
| Conducting body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notice No. | 02/2027-ENGG. |
| Notification date | 16 September 2026 |
| Expected vacancies | Approximately 480 |
| PwBD vacancies included | 19 |
| Application mode | Online |
| Application starts | 16 September 2026 |
| Last date | 6 October 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Preliminary Examination | 31 January 2027 |
| Main Examination | 18 June 2027 |
| Selection stages | Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, Personality Test / Interview |
| Job location | Across India |
Engineering Categories
| Category | Discipline |
|---|---|
| Category I | Civil Engineering |
| Category II | Mechanical Engineering |
| Category III | Electrical Engineering |
| Category IV | Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering |
The participating services and posts span multiple Central Government departments and organisations, including engineering services under railways, defence, telecommunications, power, water resources and other participating departments.
Educational Qualification
For most candidates, the core qualification is an Engineering Degree from a recognised university or institution.
UPSC also recognises specified equivalent professional examinations and qualifications.
For limited services or posts in Electronics-related categories, specified M.Sc. or equivalent qualifications in subjects such as Wireless Communication, Electronics, Radio Physics, Radio Engineering or Telecommunication may also be accepted under the notification.
Candidates relying on an equivalent or alternative qualification route should check the exact eligibility conditions in the official UPSC notification before applying.
Age Limit
Candidates must generally be 21 to 30 years old as on 1 January 2027.
UPSC states that a candidate must have been born not earlier than 2 January 1997 and not later than 1 January 2006, subject to applicable age relaxation.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification date | 16 September 2026 |
| Online application starts | 16 September 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 6 October 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Preliminary Examination | 31 January 2027 |
| Main Examination | 18 June 2027 |
| Personality Test / Interview | To be announced |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS male candidates | ₹200 |
| Female candidates | Nil |
| SC | Nil |
| ST | Nil |
| PwBD | Nil |
Selection Process
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination is conducted in three stages.
| Stage | Examination | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Preliminary Examination | 500 |
| Stage II | Main Examination | 600 |
| Stage III | Personality Test / Interview | 200 |
| Total used for final ranking | 1300 |
Stage I — Preliminary Examination
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies and Engineering Aptitude | 2 hours | 200 |
| Paper II | Engineering discipline-specific paper | 3 hours | 300 |
| Total | 500 |
Wrong answers in the objective papers attract one-third negative marking for the marks assigned to that question.
Stage II — Main Examination
| Paper | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Paper I | 3 hours | 300 |
| Engineering Paper II | 3 hours | 300 |
| Total | 600 |
Stage III — Personality Test
The Personality Test / Interview carries 200 marks.
The notification does not specify minimum qualifying marks for the Personality Test.
Vacancy Details
UPSC states that approximately 480 vacancies are expected through ESE 2027.
The figure includes 19 PwBD vacancies:
- 11 vacancies for the specified Locomotor Disability categories
- 6 vacancies for Hard of Hearing
- 1 vacancy for Low Vision
- 1 vacancy for SLD and MD
The vacancy figure is approximate and may change.
How to Apply
- Visit the UPSC Online Application Portal.
- Complete or verify the Universal Registration Number (URN) profile.
- Complete the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Open the examination-specific module for Engineering Services Examination 2027.
- Select the correct engineering category.
- Enter the required personal, educational and category details.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and supporting documents.
- Pay the ₹200 application fee if applicable.
- Review all entered information carefully before final submission.
- Submit the application before 6 October 2026 at 6:00 PM.
- Save the application number and submitted application for future reference.
Important Links
| Link | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Official UPSC ESE 2027 Page | Exam dates and official notification |
| Official ESE 2027 Notification PDF | Complete eligibility, services and examination rules |
| UPSC Online Application Portal | Online application |
| UPSC Official Website | Commission website |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in UPSC ESE 2027?
UPSC states that the examination is expected to fill approximately 480 vacancies. The final vacancy figure may change.
Which engineering disciplines are covered?
The examination covers Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering.
What qualification is required?
The primary qualification is an Engineering Degree. The notification also recognises certain specified equivalent and alternative qualifications for eligible services and posts.
What is the age limit?
Candidates must generally be 21 to 30 years old as on 1 January 2027, subject to applicable relaxation.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date for online application is 6 October 2026 at 6:00 PM.
When is the Preliminary Examination?
The UPSC ESE Preliminary Examination 2027 is scheduled for 31 January 2027.
When is the Main Examination?
The Main Examination is scheduled for 18 June 2027.
What is the application fee?
The application fee is ₹200 for candidates who are not exempt. Female, SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempt.
What is the selection process?
Selection involves the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test / Interview.
How many marks are used for the final ranking?
The three stages together carry a total of 1300 marks.