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UPSC ESE Exam Pattern 2026 - Check Section Wise Paper Pattern Here
UPSC ESE Exam Pattern 2026 - The Commission prescribes the UPSC ESE 2026 exam pattern online in the official notification. Candidates can download the UPSC IES exam pattern 2026 in the form of a pdf file. According to the UPSC ESE exam pattern, candidates have to appear in three stages of the recruitment process such as UPSC ESE prelims, mains and interviews.
This Story also Contains
- UPSC ESE Exam Pattern 2026: Stages
- USPC ESE Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
- USSC IES Mains Exam Pattern 2026
- UPSC ESE 2026 Mains Exam Pattern
- UPSC ESE Exam Pattern 2026 for Interview
- UPSC ESE Marking Scheme 2026
- UPSC ESE Syllabus 2026
- UPSC ESE Mock Test 2026
- UPSC ESE Question Papers 2026
Candidates must go through the detailed UPSC ESE exam pattern to understand the question paper of ESE. For more information regarding the UPSC IES exam pattern 2026, read this article thoroughly.
UPSC ESE Exam Pattern 2026: Stages
The UPSC ESE 2026 exam is conducted for engineering services under the central government. UPSC ESE 2026 exam will be conducted in the following three phases:
UPSC ESE Prelims (Phase 1)
UPSC ESE Mains (Phase 2) and
UPSC ESE Interview (Phase 3)
USPC ESE Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The first stage of UPSC ESE 2026 recruitment is the prelims exam. As per the UPSC ESE 2026 exam pattern, there are two papers. UPSC ESE 2026 Paper I is based on general studies and engineering aptitude whereas the question of Paper II will be based on engineering discipline.
The total duration of the UPSC IES prelims exam is 5 hours and students need to solve 100 questions (2 hours) and 150 multiple choice questions (3 hours) in Paper-1 and Paper-2 respectively. Candidates must check the UPSC ESE 2026 preparation tips for better exam preparation along with ESE prelims exam pattern. The UPSC ESE 2026 prelims exam is qualifying in nature. Candidates can check the details of ESE prelims exam pattern from the below table.
Also check:
UPSC ESE 2026 Prelims Exam Pattern
Papers | No. of Questions | Exam Duration | Maximum Marks |
Paper 1 (General Studies & Engineering Aptitude) | 100 | 2 hours | 200 marks |
Paper 2 (Engineering Discipline) | 150 | 3 hours | 300 marks |
Total | 250 | 5 hours | 500 marks |
USSC IES Mains Exam Pattern 2026
As per the UPSC ESE 2026 exam pattern, the 2nd stage of the recruitment process is the main exam. The UPSC ESE 2026 main exam is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper-based). There are two papers in the main stage. Candidates need to answer 5 out of 8 questions in both papers. As per the ESE mains exam pattern, the total duration of both the paper is six hours and the full marks will be 600. Candidates should keep in mind that the score obtained in the UPSC IES mains exam will be considered for the final selection list. Aspirants can check the ESE mains exam pattern from the below table.
Also check:
UPSC ESE 2026 Mains Exam Pattern
Papers | No. of Questions | Duration of Exam | Maximum Marks |
Paper 1 (Engineering Discipline) | 5 out of 8 Optional Questions | 3 hours | 300 |
Paper 2 (Engineering Discipline) | 5 out of 8 Optional Questions | 3 hours | 300 |
Total | 10 Questions | 6 hours | 600 marks |
UPSC ESE Exam Pattern 2026 for Interview
According to the UPSC IES exam pattern 2026, candidates shortlisted in the main stage are required to appear in the interview round for the final selection. The UPSC IES interview round is also known as the personality test. Candidates will be scored out of 200 marks.
Also read:
UPSC ESE Marking Scheme 2026
As per the UPSC IES exam pattern, at the preliminary stage, candidates ar given two marks for each correct answer whereas one-third of marks are reduced for the incorrect answers. At the UPSC ESE main stage, there will be descriptive-type questions and 60 marks will be given for each correct answer. There is no negative marking. However, 5% of marks might be deducted for illegible handwriting.
UPSC ESE Syllabus 2026
As per the UPSC ESE 2026 syllabus, the Engineering Services Exam is divided into two sections - General Studies and Engineering Aptitude and Engineering Discipline. The UPSC ESE 2026 question paper will include questions from all of the topics from the syllabus, so the candidates should keep that in mind. UPSC ESE 2026 Paper I is generic for everyone whereas Paper two has been divided as per the engineering disciple which are Mechanical Engineering (ME), Electrical Engineering (EE), Civil Engineering and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering.
Also check:
UPSC ESE Mock Test 2026
Candidates preparing for UPSC ESE 2026 exam must attain the online mock tests. The UPSC ESE 2026 mock test will help the students to know the exact exam pattern. They will also get to know about the exam pressure and the environment of the exam hall. At the conclusion of the UPSC IES mock test 2026, candidates will be given the final results. With the help of UPSC ESE 2026 mock tests, candidates can improve their time management, speed, accuracy etc.,
UPSC ESE Question Papers 2026
In order to crack the UPSC ESE exam 2026, candidates should solve the question paper. As part of the UPSC ESE exam preparation 2026, solving the question paper on a regular basis will help you gain accuracy over the concepts. Candidates can evaluate their weaker and stronger sections and prepare accordingly. UPSC ESE exam pattern is provided separately for the prelims and mains.
Related articles:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many papers are there in the UPSC ESE 2026 exam?
A:
According to the UPSC IES exam pattern 2026, there are two papers for the prelims and main stages.
Q: Is the UPSC ESE 2026 exam pattern same for prelims and mains?
A:
No, the UPSC ESE exam pattern for the prelims and main exams is not the same.
Q: What will be the maximum marks of the UPSC ESE mains?
A:
The maximum mark for the UPSC ESE mains exam is 600 marks.
Q: What is the duration of the UPSC ESE prelims exam?
A:
The total duration of UPSC ESE prelims is 5 hours which includes both paper 1 and paper 2.
Q: How can I prepare for the UPSC ESE 2026 exam?
A:
Candidates have to prepare plan based on the UPSC ESE syllabus and exam pattern 2026. They have to manage their time as per the UPSC ESE 2026 syllabus.
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Questions related to UPSC ESE
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to UPSC ESE ?
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Student Preparation for UPSC and GATE:
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Many B.Tech students at Gautam Buddha University (GBU), Noida , prepare for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services (CSE), Engineering Services (ESE), and GATE alongside their studies.
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The university does not have dedicated coaching for UPSC CSE or ESE, but students rely on self-study,
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At Gautam Buddha University (GBU), Greater Noida, students pursuing B.Tech in various disciplines do prepare for government examinations like UPSC CSE, UPSC ESE, and GATE. Here's a general scenario:
Preparation for Government Exams
- *UPSC CSE*: Some students prepare for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE)
Hello,
You cannot give the UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE/IES) with a BSc Engineering degree . Here are the eligibility criteria :
- Educational Qualification: A degree in Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) from a recognized university is mandatory.
- Eligible Streams: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering are accepted.
- BSc Engineering: This
Hello aspirant,
Hope you are doing absolutely great.
So with regard to your query, YES for the ESE (Engineering Service Examination) exam any student who is a graduate of engineering can apply for this exam. If you had graduated from Btech course, then you are eligible for the exam.
Hope
Hello Aspirant,
Eligibility criteria for IES or ESE are
Candidate must have received a degree in Engineering from a university integrated by an act of the central or state legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an act of Parliament or acknowledged as deemed to be universities under
Applications for Admissions are open.
Apply for Online M.Com from Manipal University
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