UPSC ESE Cracking Rate: What Are Your Real Chances in UPSC IES?

UPSC ESE Cracking Rate: What Are Your Real Chances in UPSC IES?

Meghana Mohana KrishnanUpdated on 04 Sep 2025, 05:45 PM IST

UPSC ESE Success Ratio: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Engineering Services Examination (ESE), also known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam, which is one of the most competitive exams in India. Every year, lakhs of engineering graduates aspire to join government services through the UPSC ESE exam. But how many actually succeed in this exam? Let’s analyse the UPSC ESE exam success ratio over the past 10 years.

This Story also Contains

  1. UPSC ESE Success Ratio (2015 to 2025)
  2. UPSC ESE Data Insights
  3. UPSC IES Success Ratio Chart
UPSC ESE Cracking Rate: What Are Your Real Chances in UPSC IES?
UPSC ESE Success Ratio

UPSC ESE Success Ratio (2015 to 2025)

The following table summarises the number of candidates who appeared, the number recommended by UPSC, vacancies, and the success percentage.

UPSC ESE Success Ratio (2015 to 2025)

Year

Candidates Appeared

Candidates Recommended

Vacancies

Success %

2025

TBA

TBA

231

-

2024

TBA

206

251

-

2023

TBA

401

486

-

2022

48,453

213

246

0.44%

2021

52522

222

215

0.42%

2020

117644

343

347

0.29%

2019

148498

550

497

0.37%

2018

173094

579

581

0.33%

2017

154995

548

548

0.35%

2016

87957

660

678

0.75%

2015

92817

480

481

0.52%

Also Read -

UPSC ESE Data Insights

Extremely low success ratio: The success percentage has consistently remained below 1%, which means less than 1 out of every 100 candidates clears the exam.

Decline in applicants in recent years: Between 2015 and 2018, more than 1.5 lakh candidates appeared annually. Post-2020, the numbers have reduced significantly (e.g., 48,000 in 2022).

Vacancies remain limited: Despite fluctuations in applicants, vacancies remain in the range of 200 to 600 posts, making the exam fiercely competitive.

UPSC ESE data pending: While the final number of candidates who appeared is yet to be announced, the recommended candidates are already declared. The UPSC ESE 2025 exam is ongoing, and the candidates are expecting their Mains result.

UPSC IES Success Ratio Chart

The trend chart shows the UPSC ESE success ratio from 2015 to 2022.

1756978078247

It visually highlights how the ratio has consistently remained below 1%, peaking in 2016 and then gradually stabilising around the 0.3 to 0.4% range.

Also Read -

Why is the UPSC ESE Success Ratio So Low?

  • High Competition: Engineering graduates from across India apply, creating massive competition.

  • Multi-stage Selection: The exam includes Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test, filtering candidates at each stage.

  • Limited Vacancies: With only a few hundred posts against lakhs of aspirants, the ratio remains small.

The UPSC ESE is not just about knowledge, but also time management, strategy, and consistency. Since the success ratio is under 1%, aspirants must prepare smartly, focusing on previous year papers, standard books, and test series. Perseverance is key for many toppers to clear the exam after multiple attempts.

The UPSC IES success ratio highlights the challenging nature of the exam. With less than 1% candidates clearing every year, aspirants need a well-planned study approach and determination. While the numbers may look daunting, consistent effort can place you among the successful few.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where can we check the UPSC Engineering Services Exam pass percentage?
A:

Candidates can know the UPSC ESE pass percentage only after the release of the final result on the official website.

Q: How many UPSC ESE vacancies vs candidates are present every year?
A:

The commission releases fewer than 500 vacancies every year, where more than 1 lakh candidates appear in the exam. 

Q: How many candidates succeed in clearing the UPSC ESE exam?
A:

The Engineering Services Exam success rate is between 0.4 to 0.5 %. 

Q: How many clear UPSC ESE exams?
A:

UPSC selects candidates based on their required vacancies. 

Q: What is the success ratio of UPSC ESE?
A:

The UPSC ESE success ratio is very less and is about 0.4 % as last calculated.

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Questions related to UPSC ESE

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to UPSC ESE ?
  • Student Preparation for UPSC and GATE:

    • 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.

    • The university does not have dedicated coaching for UPSC CSE or ESE, but students rely on self-study, coaching institutes, and online platforms .

    • GATE preparation is more common among students from branches like ECE, EE, and ME , and some faculty members guide students for technical exams.

  • Library and Study Support:

    • GBU has a well-equipped library where students access study materials for UPSC, GATE, and other government exams.

    • Some student groups and societies organize discussions and peer-study groups for civil services aspirants.

  • Placement Scenario at GBU Noida:

    • Placement opportunities at GBU vary based on the branch and industry demand.

    • Companies like TCS, Wipro, Infosys, Capgemini, HCL, and Cognizant visit the campus for IT and engineering-related roles.

    • The average salary package ranges from 3 LPA to 6 LPA , depending on the branch and student performance.

    • Core branches (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical) have relatively lower placement percentages in comparison to CSE and IT , but students opt for government exam preparation.

  • Higher Studies and Research:

    • Some students prefer higher education options such as M.Tech through GATE or MBA through CAT/XAT .

    • A few students also explore research opportunities in IITs and NITs through GATE scores.

  • Conclusion:

    • While GBU Noida does not provide dedicated coaching for UPSC or GATE , students prepare for these exams independently.

    • Placement opportunities are available but highly dependent on skills, internships, and individual efforts.

    • Students interested in government jobs or public sector roles should actively participate in self-study groups, online coaching, and mock tests .

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) alongside their B.Tech studies. However, this requires dedicated effort and time management.

- *UPSC ESE*: Students from engineering disciplines like Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering often prepare for the UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE). GBU's engineering programs can provide a strong foundation for this exam.

- *GATE*: GATE preparation is common among B.Tech students, as it can lead to postgraduate opportunities, PSU jobs, or further education. GBU students often prepare for GATE exams relevant to their disciplines.


University Support

- *Career Counseling*: GBU's career counseling services might offer guidance on competitive exams, resume building, and interview preparation.

- *Academic Foundation*: The university's B.Tech programs provide a solid academic foundation, which can help students prepare for government exams.


Student Initiatives

- *Self-study and online resources*: Many students utilize online resources, study groups, and coaching institutes to prepare for government exams.

- *Time management*: Balancing B.Tech studies with government exam preparation requires effective time management and prioritization.


While GBU doesn't guarantee success in government exams, the university's academic environment and resources can support students in their preparation. Students' dedication, hard work, and strategic planning are crucial to achieving their goals.

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 degree is not equivalent to a B.E./B.Tech. You would need to pursue an M.E./M.Tech or equivalent in a relevant field to become eligible.
  • Consider checking UPSC's official notification for detailed eligibility.

Hope it helps !

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 this helps you!!

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 section-3 of the university grants commission act.

As NMIMS Mumbai is a private deemed university, you are eligible for this exam.

It came to be a deemed university organized under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.

I hope it helps.