UPSC ESE 2027: Approx 480 Vacancies, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Salary & Important Dates

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2027 notification, also known as UPSC IES 2027, under Examination Notice No. 02/2027-ENGG. The examination is conducted for recruitment to Group A and Group B engineering posts under the Government of India.

The notification was released on 16 September 2026, and the online application process began the same day. The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 31 January 2027, followed by the Main Examination on 18 June 2027.

UPSC ESE 2027: Overview

The number of advertised vacancies is subject to increase or decrease according to the recruitment notification.

UPSC ESE Vacancy 2027

UPSC has announced approximately 480 vacancies, including 19 posts reserved for PwBD candidates, across four engineering categories:

• Category I: Civil Engineering

• Category II: Mechanical Engineering

• Category III: Electrical Engineering

• Category IV: Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering

Candidates can apply for only one engineering category out of the four available, and this choice is final and cannot be changed after submission. Candidates appearing at a centre or in a discipline different from what is indicated on their e-Admit Card will not have their papers evaluated.

UPSC ESE Eligibility 2027

Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold an Engineering degree from a recognized university or institution, or another qualification specifically accepted under the Engineering Services Examination rules, in the relevant discipline.

IETE and Aeronautical Society of India degrees obtained through admission after 31 May 2013 are not valid for ESE 2027, as per a Delhi High Court ruling. Institution of Engineers (India) AMIE eligibility remains subject to a pending Delhi High Court matter. Candidates should verify their qualification carefully before applying.

Nationality

Candidates must be Indian citizens. Certain categories of foreign nationals, including Tibetan refugees and persons of Indian origin from specified countries, may also be eligible subject to additional UPSC conditions.

Age Limit

Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age as on 1 January 2027 – born not earlier than 2 January 1997 and not later than 1 January 2006.

There is no restriction on the number of attempts for ESE, as long as the candidate satisfies the age criteria on each occasion.

UPSC ESE Salary 2027

Selected candidates are recruited at Pay Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission.

The prescribed pay scale is:

₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (basic pay)

After adding Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance and Transport Allowance, the total gross salary at entry level typically ranges from approximately ₹80,000 to ₹1,10,000 per month, depending on the posting city. This is the pay scale and should not be confused with the final in-hand salary, because applicable allowances and deductions will affect the actual amount received.

Selected candidates typically begin as Assistant Executive Engineer, Assistant Director or Assistant Divisional Engineer, or an equivalent post, with career progression to senior roles such as Chief Engineer, Director General and Member of Board.

UPSC ESE Exam Pattern 2027

The examination is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test (Interview). Each stage is eliminatory, and candidates must clear each stage to proceed to the next.

Stage I: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)

Both papers are objective type (multiple choice), conducted on a single day. Marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are used only for shortlisting candidates for the Main Examination and are not counted in the final merit list.

Stage II: Main Examination (Conventional Type)

Both Main papers are descriptive/conventional type, requiring diagrams, derivations and applied problem solving. Answers must be written in English.

Stage III: Personality Test (Interview)

Candidates who qualify the Main Examination are called for the Personality Test, which carries 200 marks and assesses leadership, initiative, social qualities and integrity.

Marking Scheme

• Preliminary Examination: 1/3 mark deducted for each incorrect answer

• Unattempted questions carry no penalty

• Final merit is based on Main Examination (600) + Personality Test (200) = 800 marks

The negative marking in the Preliminary stage makes accuracy important, since Prelims marks are used only for shortlisting.

UPSC ESE Selection Process 2027

The recruitment process includes:

1. Preliminary Examination (500 marks, for shortlisting only)

2. Main Examination (600 marks)

3. Personality Test / Interview (200 marks)

4. Document Verification

5. Medical Examination

Final selection and rank are determined by the combined score of the Main Examination and Personality Test. Candidates finally recommended by UPSC must undergo the prescribed medical examination, and the Medical Board's findings are treated as final for allotment purposes.

UPSC ESE Application Fee 2027

No fee exemption is available to OBC/EWS candidates solely on the basis of those categories. The fee can be paid online via net banking, Visa/Mastercard/RuPay credit or debit cards, or UPI. Applications submitted without the prescribed fee, where payment is required, can be rejected. No fee refund or application withdrawal is permitted after submission.

Important Dates

How to Apply for UPSC ESE 2027

The application process is conducted online through the UPSC application portal.

Step 1: Account Creation

Create an account on the official UPSC application portal, upsconline.nic.in.

Step 2: Universal Registration Number (URN)

Complete the one-time Universal Registration Number (URN) process, if not already registered.

Step 3: Fill the Common Application Form (CAF)

Enter personal, educational and other required information in the Common Application Form.

Step 4: Select Engineering Category

Choose one engineering category out of Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics & Telecommunication. This choice is final.

Step 5: Upload Documents

Upload the photograph, signature and other documents according to the prescribed requirements.

Step 6: Pay the Fee

Pay the applicable application fee online, where applicable.

Step 7: Submit and Save

Check all details carefully, submit the application, and keep a copy of the confirmation page and payment receipt for future reference.

Documents Required

• Recent photograph

• Signature

• Engineering degree certificate and marksheets

• Date of birth proof (Matriculation/Secondary certificate)

• Category certificate, where applicable

• PwBD certificate, where applicable

• Other documents required by the notification

Preparation for UPSC ESE Exam

Preliminary Examination

Focus on General Studies and Engineering Aptitude for Paper I, and core concepts of your chosen engineering discipline for Paper II. The Paper II syllabus overlaps significantly with GATE, so GATE preparation can be leveraged for ESE as well.

Main Examination

Since the Main papers are descriptive, practice diagrams, derivations and applied problem solving rather than relying only on objective-style revision. Depth of conceptual understanding matters more than recall.

Personality Test

The interview is not a technical quiz. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their background, current affairs and engineering domain with clarity and confidence, since the board evaluates leadership, initiative and integrity.

Important Points for Candidates

• Approximately 480 vacancies have been announced, including 19 PwBD posts.

• Vacancies are spread across four engineering categories: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication.

• Candidates can apply for only one category, and the choice cannot be changed later.

• The application process started on 16 September 2026.

• The last date to apply is 6 October 2026, 6:00 PM.

• The Preliminary Examination will be held on 31 January 2027.

• The Main Examination will be held on 18 June 2027.

• The Preliminary Examination has 500 marks and is used only for shortlisting.

• The Main Examination has 600 marks, and the Personality Test has 200 marks.

• Final merit is based on 800 marks (Main + Personality Test).

• Negative marking of 1/3 mark applies in the Preliminary Examination.

• The post carries Pay Level 10, with a pay scale of ₹56,100–₹1,77,500.

• The age limit is 21 to 30 years as on 1 January 2027.

• The application fee is ₹200 for UR/OBC/EWS male candidates; Female, SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempted.

FAQs

How many vacancies are available in UPSC ESE 2027?

Approximately 480 vacancies are expected, including 19 PwBD posts, across four engineering categories. The number is liable to alteration.

When did the application process start?

The application process started on 16 September 2026.

What is the last date to apply?

The last date to apply is 6 October 2026, 6:00 PM.

When is the UPSC ESE 2027 Preliminary Exam?

The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 31 January 2027.

When is the Main Examination?

The Main Examination is scheduled for 18 June 2027.

Is there negative marking?

Yes, in the Preliminary Examination. One-third (1/3) mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.

What is the salary?

Selected candidates are placed at Pay Level 10, with a pay scale of ₹56,100–₹1,77,500.

What is the application fee?

The fee is ₹200 for UR/OBC/EWS male candidates. Female candidates, SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempted.

What is the age limit?

Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age as on 1 January 2027, with category-wise relaxations applicable.

Conclusion

The UPSC ESE 2027 notification has opened approximately 480 Group A and Group B engineering vacancies across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering categories.

Eligible engineering graduates should complete their application before 6 October 2026, 6:00 PM. The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 31 January 2027, followed by the Main Examination on 18 June 2027.

Candidates should carefully check the official notification for detailed eligibility conditions and discipline-specific requirements before submitting the application.

Apply Here

Apply for UPSC ESE 2027 (Engineering Services Examination)