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.
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The following table summarises the number of candidates who appeared, the number recommended by UPSC, vacancies, and the success percentage.
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% |
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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.
The trend chart shows the UPSC ESE success ratio from 2015 to 2022.
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.
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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)
Candidates can know the UPSC ESE pass percentage only after the release of the final result on the official website.
The commission releases fewer than 500 vacancies every year, where more than 1 lakh candidates appear in the exam.
The Engineering Services Exam success rate is between 0.4 to 0.5 %.
UPSC selects candidates based on their required vacancies.
The UPSC ESE success ratio is very less and is about 0.4 % as last calculated.
On Question asked by student community
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 :
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.
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