The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has opened applications for its Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026, also known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES) examination. This exam is a gateway for engineering graduates to join various government departments and ministries as engineers. Students who want to build a career in government service as engineers must apply online soon. The very last day to submit the application form is October 16, 2025 . This deadline is strict, and applications will close at 6 PM on this date.
UPSC started accepting applications on September 26, 2025 . The official announcement was made on their website, upsc.gov.in. This year, there are 474 job openings for engineers through this examination. Students who meet the necessary eligibility rules can fill out the IES 2026 application form. The first part of the exam, the UPSC IES 2026 Preliminary (Prelims) exam, is scheduled for February 8, 2026 .
Most candidates need to pay an application fee of INR 200 . However, female candidates, Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates, Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates, and Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) candidates do not have to pay any fee. They are exempted from the application charges.
How to Apply for UPSC ESE/IES 2026
Applying for the UPSC ESE/IES 2026 exam involves a few simple steps. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure your application is submitted correctly:
- Step 1: Visit the Application Website. Go to the UPSC online application portal: upsconline.nic.in . This is where you will fill out the form.
- Step 2: Create Your Account. If you are applying for the first time, you must create a new account. You will receive a Universal Registration Number (URN). Keep this number safe.
- Step 3: Provide Photo ID Details. While creating your account and getting your URN, you need to enter details from one valid photo identification document. This can be your Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence , or any other government-issued ID. Ensure the details match your ID.
- Step 4: Fill the Common Application Form (CAF). After setting up your account, fill in the Common Application Form. If you have registered for UPSC exams before and finished the first three parts, you can go directly to Part 4, which is the specific form for ESE/IES 2026.
- Step 5: Enter Information, Upload Documents, and Pay Fees. Carefully fill in all your personal and academic information. Upload scanned copies of required documents like your photo and signature. Then, pay the application fee if it applies to you.
- Step 6: Review and Submit. Before clicking the final submit button, review all the information you have entered. Check for any errors in your details or uploaded documents. Once you are sure everything is correct, submit the form. It is advisable to save or print a copy of your submitted application for your records.
Important Dates and Details for UPSC ESE/IES 2026
Here is a summary of the key dates and other important information for the UPSC ESE/IES 2026 examination:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | September 26, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 16, 2025 (until 6:00 PM) |
| Prelims Exam Date | February 8, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 474 |
| Application Fee | INR 200 (Free for Females, SC, ST, PwBD) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Application Portal | upsconline.nic.in |
Students should apply well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues. Make sure all information is accurate before submitting the form. This is a significant opportunity for those planning a career in government engineering services.
