UPSC ESE 2027 Prelims will be held on 31 January 2027. The Engineering Services (Main) Examination follows on 18 June 2027. The dates are in UPSC’s Examination Notice No. 02/2027-ENGG.
Applications closed on 6 October 2026, so registered candidates should now focus on preparation. See more on our Time Table page.
UPSC ESE 2027: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam | Engineering Services Examination 2027 |
| Notice | No. 02/2027-ENGG |
| Notification Date | 16 September 2026 |
| Application Closed | 6 October 2026 |
| Prelims | 31 January 2027 |
| Mains | 18 June 2027 |
Engineering Categories
| Category | Branch |
|---|---|
| I | Civil Engineering |
| II | Mechanical Engineering |
| III | Electrical Engineering |
| IV | Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering |
Exam Pattern
The exam has three stages: Prelims (objective), Mains (conventional) and Personality Test.
Prelims, for each category:
| Paper | Subject | Time | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies and Engineering Aptitude | 2 hours | 200 |
| Paper II | Engineering Discipline | 3 hours | 300 |
| Total | 500 |
Only those who qualify in the Prelims can sit the Mains.
Eligibility
Age: 21 to 30 years on 1 January 2027, which means born between 2 January 1997 and 1 January 2006. Some government servants get relaxation up to 35 years, as listed in the notice.
Education: a degree in Engineering from a recognised university, or Sections A and B of the Institution of Engineers (India), or another qualification listed in the notice, such as IETE Graduate Membership.
Fee Details
The fee was Rs. 200. Women, SC, ST and PwBD candidates were exempt. OBC and EWS candidates paid the full fee.
Admit Card and Centres
The e-admit card will be released on the UPSC website before the exam. Centres were allotted on a first-apply-first-allot basis, so candidates should check their admit card carefully. A candidate who appears at a different venue will not be allowed to take the exam.
What Candidates Should Do Now
- Keep the URN and application number safe.
- Watch the UPSC website for the e-admit card.
- Plan revision for both papers, giving due time to Paper I, which is common to all branches.
The last point is general advice from us.
Representation on Answer Keys
UPSC’s notice refers to an online representation portal for question papers and provisional answer keys. Candidates should watch for it after the exam.
Vacancies and Services
UPSC expects about 480 vacancies through ESE 2027, including 19 for persons with benchmark disabilities. This number may change. Services include the Central Engineering Service, Indian Railway Management Service, Indian Defence Service of Engineers, Central Water Engineering Service, Central Power Engineering Service and Indian Telecommunications Service, among others listed in the notice.
Negative Marking
UPSC’s notice says that there will be a penalty, or negative marking, for wrong answers in the objective papers. The detailed rule is given in the notice’s appendix. Candidates should avoid blind guessing.
Low Vision and Other Disabilities
The notice advises PwBD candidates in the Blindness category not to apply, as no vacancies are earmarked for them. Low Vision candidates were advised to apply only for posts they are eligible for under the functional classification annexure.
Important Links
| Link | Open |
|---|---|
| ESE 2027 Notification PDF | Click Here |
| UPSC Website | Click Here |
| UPSC Online Portal | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is UPSC ESE 2027 Prelims?
On 31 January 2027.
When is the Mains?
On 18 June 2027.
Can I still apply?
No. The application closed on 6 October 2026.
How many marks is the Prelims?
500, with Paper I for 200 and Paper II for 300.
What is the age limit?
21 to 30 years on 1 January 2027, with relaxation for some groups.