The Engineering Services Examination (ESE), also known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam, is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit engineers for various Group A and B posts under the Government of India. Below are the key details for the upcoming ESE 2026 exam specifically for Civil Engineering aspirants.
📅 Important Dates for ESE 2026
- Notification Release: September 17, 2025
- Application Deadline: October 7, 2025
- Preliminary Exam: February 8, 2026
- Mains Exam: June 21, 2026
📝 ESE 2026 Civil Engineering – Exam Pattern
Stage I – Preliminary Exam (Objective)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies & Engineering Aptitude | 200 | 2 hours | Yes (⅓ mark) |
| Paper II | Civil Engineering | 300 | 3 hours | Yes (⅓ mark) |
Stage II – Mains Exam (Descriptive)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Civil Engineering | 300 | 3 hours |
| Paper II | Civil Engineering | 300 | 3 hours |
Stage III – Personality Test (Interview)
- Marks: 200
- Focus: Personality, communication, domain knowledge
Total Marks for Final Selection: 1300 (500 Prelims + 600 Mains + 200 Interview)
🎯 Preparation Tips for Civil Engineering Aspirants
- Understand the complete syllabus and weightage.
- Focus equally on objective speed and descriptive clarity.
- Revise previous year papers and standard textbooks.
- Join a structured test series for both Prelims and Mains.
- Work on personality and communication for the interview round.
📌 Final Words
The ESE exam offers one of the most prestigious career opportunities for engineers in India. Start your preparation early and maintain consistency. Success in ESE 2026 is achievable with the right strategy and determination!