Opening
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued an important notice regarding the e-Admission Certificate (Admit Card) for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026. The admit card will be made available on the UPSC website for download and will not be sent by post.
Candidates must apply and complete the online process on the new UPSC Online Application Portal within the prescribed dates and keep their login details ready to download the e-Admit Card.
Post Details Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 |
| Category | Admit Card |
| Status | To be available on UPSC website |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 26/09/2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 16/10/2025 |
| Last Date / Time | 16/10/2025 (06:00 PM) |
| Preliminary (Stage-I) Exam Date | 08/02/2026 |
| Admit Card Availability | Last working day of the preceding week of the exam date |
Admit Card Details
- UPSC will issue the e-Admission Certificate (e-Admit Card) on the last working day of the preceding week of the examination date.
- The e-Admit Card will be available for download on UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in).
- No admit card will be sent by post.
- For downloading the e-Admit Card, candidates should keep their vital parameters ready such as:
- RID (Registration ID) & Date of Birth, or
- Roll Number (if received) & Date of Birth / Father’s Name
- If a candidate does not receive / cannot download the e-Admit Card 3 days before the exam, they should immediately contact UPSC.
Exam Day Instructions (As per Notice)
- Reach the exam venue at least 30 minutes before the start of each session.
- Mobile phones, smart watches, pen drives, Bluetooth devices, cameras, and any electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited (even in switched-off mode).
- For Objective Type papers, candidates must use black ball pen only on OMR sheet.
- Any mistake in encoding/filling details in OMR (especially Roll Number and Test Booklet Series code) can lead to rejection of the answer sheet.
Exam Pattern (ESE 2026)
Stage-I (Preliminary / Objective)
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies & Engineering Aptitude | 2 Hours | 200 |
| Paper-II | Engineering Discipline (CE / ME / EE / E&T) | 3 Hours | 300 |
| Total | 500 |
Negative Marking: For each wrong answer, 1/3rd marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
Stage-II (Main / Conventional)
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Engineering Discipline Paper-I | 3 Hours | 300 |
| Paper-II | Engineering Discipline Paper-II | 3 Hours | 300 |
| Total | 600 |
Stage-III (Personality Test)
| Stage | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|
| Interview / Personality Test | 200 |
Vacancy Information (As per Notice)
The number of vacancies is expected to be approximately 474, including 26 vacancies for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). Vacancies are subject to change.
Helpdesk / Contact
UPSC has provided a dedicated helpline for application-related support during the application window:
- Helpline Number: 011-24041001
- Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (working days)
- Operational During: 26/09/2025 to 16/10/2025
For admit card related issues close to the exam, UPSC facilitation phone numbers mentioned in the notice:
- 011-23381125
- 011-23385271
- 011-23098543
Exam Centres (Stage-I and Stage-II)
UPSC has listed multiple centres for Stage-I (Preliminary) and Stage-II (Main). Candidates should note:
- There is a ceiling on the number of candidates at most centres (except Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata, Nagpur).
- Allotment is first-apply-first-allot.
- No request for change of centre will be entertained.
- Centres and exam dates may be changed at UPSC’s discretion.