UPSC Engineering Services Exam (ESE/IES) – Complete Guide

1. What is UPSC Engineering Services Exam?

• Conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
• Recruits engineers for Group A & Group B posts in central government departments.
• Known as Engineering Services Examination (ESE) or Indian Engineering Services (IES).
• Covers technical & managerial posts in Railways, CPWD, CWC, Ordnance Factories, Power, Telecom, Defense, etc.
• Stages: Prelims → Mains → Interview → Medical → Allotment.

2. Posts under UPSC ESE (Job List & Salary)

Departments & Cadres

• Indian Railways Service of Engineers (IRSE, IRSEE, IRSME, etc.).
• Central Engineering Services (CES).
• Central Water Engineering Services (CWES).
• Military Engineer Services (MES).
• Indian Telecommunication Service (ITS).
• Central Power Engineering Services (CPES).
• Defence Service of Engineers.
• Border Roads Engineering Service.

Salary Structure 💰

📈 Promotions:
 Junior Engineer → Assistant Executive Engineer → Executive Engineer → Superintending Engineer → Chief Engineer → Director/Joint Secretary.

3. Eligibility Criteria

(a) Nationality

• Citizen of India / subject of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugee, etc.

(b) Age Limit

• 21 – 30 years (General).
• Age relaxation: OBC (+3), SC/ST (+5), PwD (+10).

(c) Educational Qualification

• Degree in Engineering (B.E/B.Tech) from a recognized university.
• Final year students eligible.
• Specific streams allowed:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering

(d) Medical Standards

• Must meet UPSC physical/medical fitness requirements.

4. Selection Process

1. Preliminary Exam (Objective).
2. Mains Exam (Descriptive, technical papers).
3. Personality Test (Interview) – 200 marks.
4. Medical Examination.

👉 Final Merit = Prelims + Mains + Interview.

5. Exam Pattern

(a) Preliminary Exam (Objective)

• Paper I: General Studies & Engineering Aptitude – 200 marks, 2 hours.
• Paper II: Engineering Discipline (CE/ME/EE/E&T) – 300 marks, 3 hours.
• Total = 500 marks.

(b) Mains Exam (Descriptive)

• Paper I: Engineering Discipline – 300 marks, 3 hours.
• Paper II: Engineering Discipline – 300 marks, 3 hours.
• Total = 600 marks.

(c) Personality Test

• Interview: 200 marks.

👉 Grand Total = 1300 marks.

6. Syllabus (Overview)

General Studies & Aptitude (Paper I Prelims):

• Current affairs (national & international).
• Engineering aptitude & numerical ability.
• General principles of Design, Drawing, Standards.
• Project management, Material science.
• ICT, Ethics, Safety, Environment.

Technical Subjects (Branch-wise CE/ME/EE/E&T):

• Core engineering topics from undergraduate syllabus.
• Advanced topics + applied engineering.

7. Application Process

1. Visit upsc.gov.in.
2. Register via One Time Registration (OTR).
3. Fill UPSC ESE application form online.
4. Upload documents, photo, signature.
5. Pay application fee:
   • ₹200 (Gen/OBC/EWS).
   • No fee for SC/ST/PwD/Female candidates.

8. Resources & Book Suggestions

• General Studies & Aptitude → Magme’s Guide.
• Technical (Branch-wise) → Standard UG textbooks (PK Nag, R.S. Khurmi, A.K. Jain, etc.).
• Previous Papers → UPSC ESE Solved Papers & Magme Online Portals.
• Current Affairs → The Hindu, Indian Express, Yojana, Kurukshetra & Magme’s 360
• Mock Tests → Magme Online Quiz

9. Summary Table

10. Quick Reference

• What → National-level exam for Class I engineering officers.
• Whom → Engineering graduates (Civil, Mech, EEE, E&T).
• When → Notification in Sept; Exam in Feb (Prelims), June (Mains).
• Where → Apply at upsc.gov.in.
• Why → Top engineering govt. jobs with prestige, perks, and growth.
• Which → Railways, CPWD, Power, Telecom, Defence, Water resources.
• How → Clear Prelims + Mains + Interview with strong technical + GS prep.
• How Much → Fee ₹200; Prep time 1–2 years.

11. Preparation Strategy

Step 1 – Prelims

• Focus on GS + Aptitude + core technical MCQs.
• Solve previous year questions.

Step 2 – Mains

• Write practice for descriptive engineering answers.
• Focus on diagrams, formulas, clarity.

Step 3 – Interview

• Stay updated on technical + current issues.
• Practice communication, leadership, decision-making.

Step 4 – Consistency

• Daily study plan (6–8 hrs).
• Join coaching/test series if needed.

12. Why Choose UPSC ESE/IES Jobs?

• Prestige & Authority → Central govt. Class I officer.
• Salary & Perks → ₹65,000 – ₹2,00,000 + allowances + pension.
• Career Growth → From Assistant Executive Engineer to top govt. engineering posts.
• Service to Nation → Direct role in infrastructure, power, defence, railways.
• Job Security → Lifetime govt. job with promotions.

✅ In short:

• Posts → Group A & B Engineering Officers.
• Salary → ₹65,000 – ₹2,00,000+.
• Selection → Prelims + Mains + Interview.

Best Prep → UG engineering subjects + Aptitude + GS + Writing practice.