The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced that the online application window for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 will close tomorrow. This serves as the final opportunity for eligible candidates to apply for 474 engineering services vacancies across various government departments. Prospective applicants must complete their registration and submit their forms through the official UPSC online portal by the stated deadline.
The ESE, also known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES) Examination, is a highly competitive national-level examination. It recruits engineers for prestigious Group A and Group B civil service positions within the Government of India. These roles are critical for national development, involving infrastructure, power, telecommunications, and defence sectors. The examination selects candidates across four main engineering disciplines: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering.
Application Fee Details
The application fee for the UPSC ESE 2026 is set at INR 200 . This fee is standard for most candidates. However, UPSC provides exemptions for specific categories. Female applicants, along with those belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) categories, are not required to pay any application fee.
Candidates should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before proceeding with the application. This includes educational qualifications and age limits, as specified in the official ESE 2026 notification. Incomplete or incorrect applications may lead to disqualification.
Required Login Information for Application
Once initial registration is complete, candidates will need specific login credentials to access and finalize their UPSC ESE application form. It is essential to keep these details secure and accessible. The required login options are:
- Mobile number, which will be used in conjunction with a One-Time Password (OTP) for verification.
- A Universal Registration Number (URN) coupled with a password, generated during the initial registration phase.
- An Email address, also to be used with a password for secure access.
Choosing a strong and memorable password and keeping login information confidential is a key step in safeguarding the application process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for UPSC ESE 2026 Online
The online application process for the ESE 2026 is structured to guide candidates through several stages. Adhering to these steps ensures a smooth and successful submission:
- Access the Official Portal: Begin by navigating to the designated UPSC online application website, which isupsconline.nic.in. This is the only official platform for submitting your application.
- Create an Account and Generate URN: The first step for new users is to create an account. This process will generate a unique Universal Registration Number (URN). During account creation, applicants must provide details from one valid Photo ID. This can include an Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, PAN card, Passport, Driving Licence, or any other government-issued identification document. This URN is crucial for all future interactions with the application system.
- Complete the Common Application Form (CAF): After generating the URN, candidates proceed to fill out the Common Application Form. If a candidate has previously completed the first three parts of a UPSC registration (e.g., for another examination), they can directly move to Part 4, which is the specific form for the ESE 2026.
- Enter Information, Upload Documents, and Pay Fees: This is a critical stage where all personal, educational, and other relevant details must be accurately entered. Candidates are also required to upload scanned copies of necessary documents, such as photographs and signatures, in the specified format and size. Following this, the application fees (if applicable) must be paid through the provided online payment gateways.
- Review and Final Submission: Before clicking the final submit button, it is mandatory to thoroughly review all the information entered. Any discrepancies or errors should be corrected at this stage. Once satisfied with the accuracy, the application can be submitted online. Candidates should save or print a copy of the submitted application for their records.
Timely submission is critical. Applicants are advised to avoid waiting until the very last hours of the deadline to prevent potential technical issues due to heavy website traffic. The application window is strictly enforced, and no extensions will be granted.