1. UPSC Engineering Services Recruitment 2025: At a glance

The ESE is a nationwide gateway for engineers aiming at high-responsibility government roles. This national-level exam selects graduates for technical Grade A and B posts across central departments. You will find its scope both broad and consistent year to year.

1.1 What the exam is and who conducts it

The union public service body, called the service commission, runs the test annually. Known in shorthand as UPSC-ese, the process assesses general aptitude and deep technical skill in a single cycle.

1.2 Where successful candidates may serve

Posts recruited through the exam include roles in Indian Railways, the Central Public Works Department, Border Roads, Central Water engineering and Defence organisations.

• You compete in one of four streams: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics & Telecommunication.

• Vacancies are shared discipline-wise and sometimes include special intakes such as IRMS.

• The selection tests both breadth and depth to prepare you for elite technical public roles.

In short, UPSC gives you a reliable pathway into the indian engineering services system, with structured career progression and meaningful national projects awaiting successful candidates.

2. UPSC Engineering Services Recruitment 2025

Start here: the notification gives the key facts you need to plan. It names the release date, advert number and the body that conducts the exam, so you know you are looking at the correct cycle.

2.1 Release date, advertisement number and conducting authority

The notice was issued on 18 September 2024 under Advertisement No. 02/2025 ENGG. The Union Public Service Commission is the conducting authority for this exam.

2.2 Total vacancies and the IRMS addition

The total number of vacancies stands at 457. That includes 232 core posts and a late addition of 225 IRMS seats, which raised the intake significantly for candidates.

2.3 Application window and fee overview

The application window opened on 18 September and closed on 8 October 2024 (6:00 PM). It was reopened from 18 October to 22 November 2024 after IRMS was added.

The fee is Rs. 200 for UR/OBC/EWS; Women, SC, ST and PwBD are exempt.

2.4 Where to find the notification PDF on the official website

You can download the notification PDF from upsc.gov.in. Apply via upsconline.nic.in to avoid unofficial portals and to complete your application securely.

3. UPSC Engineering Services Recruitment 2025: Important Dates

Below is a compact schedule of official milestones to help you set realistic study sprints. The notification was issued on 18 September 2024, opening the window to start your plan for the UPSC exam cycle.

3.1 Notification, application, and edit window timelines

Applications first ran from 18 September to 8 October 2024 and were reopened from 18 October to 22 November 2024 after IRMS was added. Use the edit window (23–29 November 2024) to correct form details and avoid last‑minute stress.

Prelims, mains and personality test schedule context

Prelims are set for 8 June 2025, with admit cards available on the official website from 28 May 2025. Prelims results were published on 20 June 2025. Mains will take place on 10 August 2025, and the personality test follows the mains result.

Plan backwards from these dates. Mark internal milestones for syllabus completion, mocks and document checks so you, as a candidate, stay on track.

4. UPSC Engineering Services Recruitment 2025

Quickly scan the must-know facts below to frame a practical study plan for the coming exam phases.

Main highlights you should know this cycle

Total vacancies: 457 overall — 232 core posts and 225 IRMS seats added later. PwBD reservation is included within the core tally.

Age and fee: The Age limit is 21–30 years. Application fee is Rs. 200 for UR/OBC/EWS; women and reserved categories are exempt.

Stage weightings: The selection has three parts: Prelims (500 marks), Mains (600 marks) and Personality Test (200 marks). Know these numbers to apportion practice time and mocks.

• Key dates: Prelims on 8 June and Mains on 10 August — plan study peaks around these timings.

• Where to act: download the notification from upsc.gov.in and submit forms at upsconline.nic.in.

• Competition note: the IRMS intake widens options but also alters competition dynamics by adding branch-specific seats.

Use these highlights to set a realistic target score, build a branch-specific plan for engineering services and align your revision with the public service commission timelines. Keep your focus on practice, past papers and clear milestones.

5. UPSC Engineering Services Recruitment 2025: Vacancy Details

This section gives a concise split of the posts so you can map an opportunity to your branch.

5.1 Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunication

The total number of vacancies is 457. The core branch total is 232, with an example distribution shown below to guide your planning.

5.2 Indian Railway Management Service intake via ESE

The Indian Railway Management (IRMS) intake adds 225 posts, increasing overall openings substantially. These posts were added by the Indian Railway and are aligned with the UPSC ESE process.

5.3 Reservation note including PwBD seats

Within the core 232, there are 12 PwBD seats. This matters if you are a PwBD candidate or assessing category-wise chances.

• You will use this breakdown to weigh branch choice and prepare targeted mocks for the exam.

• Apply early when windows open — high-demand branches attract intense competition.

6. UPSC Engineering Services Recruitment 2025: Eligibility criteria

Check the key eligibility rules so you confirm you meet the age, education and nationality tests before filling the application form.

6.1 Age limits and relaxations for categories

Your age must be between 21 and 30 years as on 01.01.2025. 

Category relaxations apply: OBC +3 years, SC/ST +5 years, PwBD +10 years. Defence-related relaxations follow the service commission norms.

6.2 Recognised degrees and equivalent qualifications

You need a BE/B.Tech or an equivalent degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Electronics & Telecommunication.

Acceptable equivalents include Sections A & B of the Institution of Engineers (India) and certain recognised professional memberships.

6.3 Nationality requirements

Eligible persons include citizens of India, subjects of Nepal or Bhutan; Tibetan refugees who arrived before 01.01.1962; and persons of Indian origin from specified countries who intend permanent settlement.

• Confirm your date of birth and category for correct age computation for this exam.

• Match your degree to accepted qualifications and gather certificates in advance.

• Prepare nationality and category proofs before you submit the application form to avoid rejection.

7. UPSC Engineering Services Recruitment 2025: Exam pattern and marking scheme

Understand the precise split and timing of each paper so you can tailor practice to what truly matters on exam day. The exam pattern you follow will shape daily drills, mock layouts and time management routines.

7.1 Prelims structure

The prelims comprise two objective papers. Paper I is General Studies & Engineering Aptitude — 200 marks in 2 hours. Paper II is the discipline paper — 300 marks in 3 hours.

Both papers use multiple‑choice questions and carry negative marking. That makes accuracy vital: your guesswork and elimination tactics directly affect scores.

7.2 Mains structure

Mains contains two descriptive papers in your chosen stream. Each paper is 300 marks and lasts 3 hours, giving a total of 600 marks. Answers must show depth, clarity and structured reasoning.

7.3 Weightage, totals and strategy

The Personality Test adds 200 marks; final merit blends prelims, mains and interview totals. Know where points lie and allocate effort accordingly.

• You should practise speed and accuracy for prelims and develop written articulation for mains.

• Simulate time limits in mocks to build stamina and reduce exam‑day errors.

• Include targeted revision for branches like electrical engineering, where technical precision is tested.

8. UPSC Engineering Services Recruitment 2025: Syllabus Overview

This section breaks the syllabus into clear, actionable blocks for GS, aptitude and each discipline.

8.1 General Studies & Engineering Aptitude

The GS paper tests current issues, ethics, project management, quality, safety and ICT basics. You should know the basics of project finance and environmental governance.

Focus on: ethics, risk and safety, standards, basic ICT and contemporary policy topics that link to technical problems.

Branch-specific highlights

• Civil engineering: structures, geotechnics, hydraulics, transportation, environment and construction management.

• Mechanical engineering: thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, manufacturing, design, heat transfer and industrial engineering.

• Electrical engineering: machines, power systems, control, power electronics, measurements and signals.

• Electronics & telecommunication engineering: communications, networks, RF/microwave, analogue & digital electronics, signal processing and control.

For prelims, give priority to frequently tested fundamentals and interdisciplinary links. For main deep concepts, practice derivations, and apply design standards in answers.

Use standard reference books and past year questions to keep the study targeted. Treat past papers as a checklist to fill topic gaps and improve speed for the exam. As a candidate, focus on clear concepts and disciplined practice to convert study into marks.

9. UPSC Engineering Services Recruitment 2025: How to apply online

Start your online submission by completing the One-Time Registration. This mandatory profile saves your basic data for all future use on the official website and prevents repeated entry.

9.1 One-time registration and filling out the application form

After OTR, open the application form and enter personal, educational and category details carefully. Ensure names, dates and category entries match your official ID to avoid later issues.

9.2 Document upload, fee payment and correction window

Upload a correct-size photograph, signature and a valid photo ID as per specifications. Pay the fee of Rs. 200 if you fall under UR/OBC/EWS; Women, SC, ST and PwBD are exempt.

• Retain transaction proof and save a PDF of your final submission.

• Pick exam centres considering travel and familiarity to ease exam day logistics.

• Use the correction window (23–29 November 2024) to fix mistakes after submission.

When you apply upsc ESE or submit an ESA application, follow each step slowly and double-check entries. Doing so helps you, as a candidate, avoid common errors and focus on the exam itself.

10. UPSC Engineering Services Recruitment 2025: Official website links

Make the official websites your first stop: one for information and one for applications, each with a distinct role. Knowing which portal does what saves time and prevents application errors.

upsconline.nic.in vs upsc.gov.in: where to do what

upsc.gov.in is the information portal. Use it to download the notification PDF, check exam notices, admit card updates and final results.

upsconline.nic.in is the application portal. Complete your One Time Registration (OTR) here, upload documents, submit the form and pay the fee.

• Bookmark both sites and check them regularly for corrigenda and timetable updates.

• Download the notification PDF directly from the official website, save it and annotate key sections for quick reference.

• Verify URLs carefully to avoid phishing and unofficial third‑party links; use help desk numbers from the official notice if you face issues.

• Keep your OTR credentials secure and update your profile only as allowed by the service commission rules.

11. UPSC Engineering Services Recruitment 2025: Admit card, exam day guidelines

Before the big day, a short pre‑exam routine helps you arrive calm and prepared. Follow the instructions printed on your hall ticket and plan travel so you reach the centre with time to spare.

Hall ticket download and ID proofs

Download admit cards for prelims and mains from the official website and check all personal details and centre information carefully. Carry a printed admit card and an original, valid photo ID that matches your application.

• Verify name, photograph, signature and reporting time as soon as you download the card.

• Bring an original Aadhaar, Passport or Driving Licence; copies alone are not accepted.

• Arrive early to clear security and biometric checks and to avoid the last‑minute rush.

• Follow instructions on permitted items, dress code and conduct inside the hall.

• If you need PwBD facilities, carry supporting documents and confirm arrangements in advance.

12. UPSC Engineering Services Recruitment 2025: Selection process

Your progression is sequential and marks-driven. First, you must clear the objective prelims to be invited to the mains. Success in the mains then earns a place for the personality test.

Stage-by-stage progression and final merit computation

Prelims: 500 marks across objective papers; accurate answering matters due to negative marking.

Mains: 600 marks from two descriptive papers; depth and clarity of answers count heavily.

Personality Test: 200 marks assessing communication, situational judgement and domain clarity.

The final merit is the aggregate of all three stages. Consistent performance at each step gives you the safest route to a top rank.

Medical and document verification considerations

After the interview, you must complete document checks and medical examinations as per service rules. Keep originals of identity, education, category, PwBD and age proofs aligned with your application entries.

Medical standards vary by cadre; failure to meet them can affect service allocation. Monitor schedules on the official website and plan buffer time for post-interview formalities.

• Clear prelims to reach mains; perform steadily to secure the interview call.

• Prepare for the personality test by practising communication and scenario responses.

• Keep all documents organised and available for verification to avoid delays.

UPSC ESE salary, pay level and perks for IES officers

A clear view of Level 10 pay and typical in‑hand figures will help you plan family and relocation needs. Entry pay sits at Level 10 (7th CPC) with a pay band of Rs. 56,100–1,77,500. Allowances lift the gross and net pay considerably for new officers.

Level 10 pay, allowances and typical in‑hand figures

You start on Level 10 basic pay. Add dearness allowance (DA), house rent allowance (HRA) and travel allowance (TA). These raise the monthly total; a commonly cited gross in‑hand example is near Rs. 64,749, though city class and HRA rates change that number.

Other perks include medical facilities, official accommodation or HRA, leave travel concession and an official vehicle for certain roles. Pension, provident fund and gratuity form the long‑term financial base.

Career trajectory across cadres, including IRMS

Promotion follows a structured scale. Over time, you move from junior field postings to senior technical and managerial posts. You may head divisional units or become a technical director in central agencies.

• Postings span CPWD, Railways and allied cadres; railway management and indian railway management posts offer varied field exposure.

• As you rise, you gain higher pay levels, leadership roles and wider allowances.

• Long‑term benefits include retirement pensions and service gratuities that affect lifetime earnings.

Note: If you are preparing for the UPSC ESE exam, factor pay, postings and long‑term benefits into your career choice. These elements shape both your lifestyle and professional growth as a candidate.

Conclusion

With dates, vacancy numbers and stage details clear, you can convert preparation into progress for the 2025 exam. You know there are 457 vacancies, including the IRMS intake, and that selection runs through prelims, mains and interview. Candidates are advised to use the official portals to apply to the UPSC and to download admit cards and results.

Keep your documents ready and follow a disciplined routine of mocks, past papers and focused revision. You should apply to UPSC only via the official site, treat every mock as data, and stay aligned with public service values. In short, plan steadily and you will be poised to move from application to a rewarding engineering services career.