LIVE · Wednesday, 24 June 2026
News

UPSC ESE Syllabus: Know the Full Details

December 24, 2024
By Avish Singh
UPSC ESE Syllabus

UPSC ESE Syllabus: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) to recruit candidates for various engineering posts. The syllabus outlines the subjects and topics required for preparation. Below is a detailed breakdown of the syllabus for different engineering categories.

UPSC ESE Syllabus: Overview

CategoryDetails
Category I: Civil EngineeringPosts include Central Engineering Service (Civil), Survey of India Group ‘A’ Service, etc.
Category II: Mechanical EngineeringEncompasses roles such as Indian Naval Armament Service (Mechanical), Central Power Engineering Service Gr ‘A’, etc.
Category III: Electrical EngineeringCovers positions in Indian Naval Material Management Service (Electrical) and Central Power Engineering Service Gr ‘A’ (Electrical).
Category IV: Electronics & Telecommunication EngineeringInvolves roles in Indian Telecommunication Service Gr ‘A’ and Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service/SSO-II (Electronics & Tele).
UPSC ESE Syllabus
                                                                                              UPSC ESE Syllabus

UPSC ESE Syllabus: Category Details

Civil Engineering (Group-A Services/Posts)

Post
Central Engineering Service (Civil)
Central Engineering Service (Roads), Group-A
Survey of India Group ‘A’ Service
AEE (Civil) in Border Roads Engineering Service
Indian Defence Service of Engineers
AEE (QS&C) in MES Surveyor Cadre
Indian Skill Development Service
Central Water Engineering (Group ‘A’) Service
  • Mechanical Engineering (Group-A/B Services/Posts)
Post
Indian Defence Service of Engineers
Indian Naval Armament Service (Mechanical)
Central Power Engineering Service Gr ‘A’
Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service/SSO-II
AEE (Elect & Mech) in Border Roads Engineering
Indian Naval Material Management Service (Mechanical)
Indian Skill Development Service
  • Electrical Engineering (Group-A/B Services/Posts)
Post
Indian Defence Service of Engineers
Indian Naval Material Management Service (Electrical)
Indian Naval Armament Service (Electrical)
Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service/SSO-II
Central Power Engineering Service Gr ‘A’
Indian Skill Development Service
IEDS/Assistant Director Grade-I (IEDS) Electrical
IEDS/Assistant Director Grade-II (IEDS) Electrical
  • Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering (Group-A/B Services/Posts)
Post
Indian Telecommunication Service Gr ‘A’
Central Power Engineering Service Gr ‘A’
Indian Naval Armament Service (Electronics)
Indian Naval Material Management Service (Electronics)
Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service/SSO-II
Indian Skill Development Service
Indian Radio Regulatory Service Gr ‘A’
IEDS/Assistant Director Grade-I (IEDS) Electronics
IEDS/Assistant Director Grade-II (IEDS) Electronics

Note: Eligibility criteria for transgender candidates for specific posts will be determined as per government decisions.

UPSC ESE Syllabus: Exam Pattern

StageDescription
1. Written ExaminationComprises three stages:
Stage-I: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
Stage-II: Mains Examination (Conventional Type)
Stage-III: Personality Test

UPSC ESE Syllabus: Detailed Stages

Stage-I: Preliminary Examination

  • Format: Two objective type papers
  • Maximum Marks: 500 (Paper I: 200 Marks, Paper II: 300 Marks)
  • Candidates qualifying in this stage proceed to Stage-II.
  • Negative marking applies for incorrect answers.

Stage-II: Mains Examination

  • Format: Two conventional type papers
  • Maximum Marks: 600 (300 Marks each)
  • Candidates are selected based on their performance in both Stage-I and Stage-II.

Stage-III: Personality Test

  • Format: Assessment of personal attributes
  • Maximum Marks: 200
  • Candidates with qualifying marks from previous stages are invited for this stage.

UPSC ESE Syllabus: Exam Details

  • Duration of Papers:
    • Stage-I (Preliminary):
      • Paper I: 2 hours, Paper II: 3 hours
    • Stage-II (Mains):
      • Each paper: 3 hours
CategoryDetails
Category I: CivilGeneral Studies & Engineering Aptitude: 2 hrs, 200 Marks
Civil Engineering: 3 hrs, 300 Marks
Category II: MechanicalGeneral Studies & Engineering Aptitude: 2 hrs, 200 Marks
Mechanical Engineering: 3 hrs, 300 Marks
Category III: ElectricalGeneral Studies & Engineering Aptitude: 2 hrs, 200 Marks
Electrical Engineering: 3 hrs, 300 Marks
Category IV: ElectronicsGeneral Studies & Engineering Aptitude: 2 hrs, 200 Marks
Electronics & Telecommunication: 3 hrs, 300 Marks

UPSC ESE Syllabus: Additional Points:

  • Candidates must write papers in their own handwriting; a scribe is allowed for those with disabilities under specific conditions.
  • Candidates can use battery-operated pocket calculators only for conventional papers.
  • Negative marking will be applied for wrong answers in the preliminary stage.
  • The final ranking will depend on cumulative scores from all stages.

UPSC ESE Syllabus: Important Links

DescriptionLink
Official siteClick Here
For the latest job notifications, stay informed and ahead with Recruitment Officer.
Always verify the official notification before applying!
Avish Singh

About the Author

Avish Singh

Avish Singh, a News Writing Expert and key team member at Recruitment Officer, brings 8 years of experience in education and recruitment, along with 5 years in teaching and blogging, ensuring precise updates in these fields.

Avish Singh

Editor

Avish Singh, a News Writing Expert and key team member at Recruitment Officer, brings 8 years of experience in education and recruitment, along with 5 years in teaching and blogging, ensuring precise updates in these fields.