UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 Exam Date Announced: Check Schedule, Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility & Preparation Strategy
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the timetable for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) Preliminary Stage (Stage-1) for the year 2026. Aspiring engineers who aim to secure Group-A positions in various technical departments of the Government of India can now gear their preparation according to the finalized UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 Exam Date.
As per the official schedule, the UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 will be conducted on February 8, 2026 (Sunday). The examination will consist of two papers held in two separate sessions, and candidates must appear for both papers to qualify for the next stage.
This article covers complete details of the UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 Exam Date, exam pattern, eligibility, syllabus structure, vacancy expectations, and preparation strategy.
What is UPSC ESE (Engineering Services Examination)?
UPSC conducts the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) every year to recruit engineers for technical and managerial roles in major departments and PSUs of the Government of India. These officers work in departments such as:
- Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
- Central Water Commission
- Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
- Military Engineer Services (MES)
- Railways
- Indian Telecommunication Service (ITS)
- Central Power Engineering Services
- Geological Survey of India
- Naval Armament Service, and many others
Selected candidates are appointed as Class-1 Gazetted Officers, making this exam one of the most prestigious competitive exams for engineering graduates.
✅ UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 Exam Date — Official Schedule
| Paper | Subject | Timing | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies & Engineering Aptitude | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM | 200 Marks |
| Paper-II | Engineering Discipline (CE / ME / EE / ECE) | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 300 Marks |
➡️ Total Marks (Prelims): 500
➡️ Mode of Exam: Offline (OMR-Based)
➡️ Exam Date: February 8, 2026
➡️ Day: Sunday
Candidates qualifying the Prelims will be eligible for the Mains Examination (Stage-2), followed by Personality Test/Interview (Stage-3).
Branches / Engineering Disciplines under UPSC ESE 2026
The exam is conducted only for the following 4 engineering streams:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
Candidates must select one discipline and prepare for the Paper-II accordingly.
UPSC ESE 2026 Selection Process
The complete selection process consists of three stages:
| Stage | Examination | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Stage-I | Preliminary Exam (Objective) | 500 |
| Stage-II | Mains Exam (Conventional / Descriptive) | 600 |
| Stage-III | Personality Test / Interview | 200 |
✅ Total Marks = 1300
UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 Exam Pattern – Detailed
Paper-I: General Studies & Engineering Aptitude
- Common for all branches
- Focuses on reasoning, engineering aptitude, current affairs, ethics, project management, energy & environment, etc.
Paper-II: Technical Subject
- Based on the chosen engineering specialization (CE / ME / EE / ECE)
- Questions range from conceptual fundamentals to applied engineering problems.
Negative Marking
- 1/3rd marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.
UPSC ESE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Candidate must be either:
- Indian Citizen, or
- Subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
- Other permissible categories (as per UPSC rules)
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
- Final-year students can apply (proof of completion required before Mains).
Age Limit
- 21 to 30 years as of January 1, 2026.
- Relaxation:
- SC/ST: +5 years
- OBC (NCL): +3 years
- PWD: +10 years
UPSC ESE 2026 Expected Vacancies
Vacancies vary every year. Based on trends, the expected vacancies range between 150–350 seats across various engineering services.
A large number of aspirants apply every year, making the competition extremely high.
Syllabus Overview (High Level)
Paper-I (Common for All):
- Current affairs related to engineering field
- Standards & quality practices
- Engineering mathematics & numerical analysis
- Ethics & governance
- Project management & safety
- ICT & latest technologies
Paper-II (Discipline Specific):
- Based on core topics of selected engineering discipline (CE / ME / EE / ECE)
A full syllabus PDF can be downloaded from the UPSC website.
🎯 How to Prepare for UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 – Strategy
1. Understand the Pattern Thoroughly
Know what to study — and what not to.
2. Prioritize Paper-I (GS & Aptitude)
Many aspirants ignore Paper-I, but it is often the ranking-deciding factor.
3. Master Technical Basics
Concept clarity > memorization.
4. Practice Previous Year Papers (Past 10 Years Recommended)
This builds accuracy and speed.
5. Attempt Mock Tests
Simulate full-day Prelims (both papers same day) to build stamina and mental endurance.
🕒 3-Month Revision Plan (Ideal for Prelims)
| Month | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | GS + Core basics + Previous Years Mapping |
| Month 2 | Advanced technical concepts + Practice MCQs |
| Month 3 | Intensive mock tests + Paper-wise revision |
🔗 Official Link
Candidates can check and download the official exam timetable from:
👉 www.upsc.gov.in
Conclusion
The announcement of the UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 Exam Date provides clarity for aspirants to align their preparation in a disciplined manner. With just months left, serious candidates should now revise strategically, focus on speed & accuracy, and solve full-length mock papers to improve overall performance.
With proper planning, consistency, and high-quality practice — securing a top rank in ESE is absolutely achievable.
