The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will soon close the application process for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026 , also known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam. Students who wish to apply for this important government engineering job exam must submit their forms online by 6 PM on October 16, 2025 .
This exam is a key pathway for engineering graduates to join various government departments and ministries. It offers a significant opportunity for young engineers across India to secure respected positions in the public sector.
Key Dates for UPSC IES 2026 Application
It is very important for all interested candidates to remember these dates:
- Last date to apply online: October 16, 2025 , till 6 PM
- Application correction window: The exact dates for making changes to the application form will be announced later by UPSC.
Application Fees
The application fee for the UPSC IES 2026 exam varies based on the candidate's category. Check the details below to know if you need to pay a fee:
- For General category candidates: INR 200
- For Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates: INR 200
- For Female candidates: No fee
- For Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates: No fee
- For Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates: No fee
- For Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) candidates: No fee
This fee structure helps ensure that the exam is accessible to a wider range of students, especially those from certain categories.
How to Apply for UPSC IES 2026 Online
Applying for the UPSC IES exam is an online process that requires careful attention to detail. Follow these clear steps to fill out your application form correctly:
- Visit the Official Application Website: First, open your web browser and go to upsconline.nic.in . This is the specific portal where you will complete your application.
- Create Your One-Time Registration (OTR) Account: If you are a new applicant, you must first register for a 'One-Time Registration' (OTR) account. This process will give you a unique 'Universal Registration Number' (URN). This URN will be used for future applications with UPSC.
- Enter Photo ID Details: During the OTR registration, you need to provide details from a valid photo identity card. Make sure to use one of these: Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, Passport, Driving Licence , or any other government-issued ID. Double-check that all details match your ID.
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF): After successfully creating your OTR account and receiving your URN, proceed to fill out the Common Application Form. This form will ask for your basic personal and contact information.
- Access the Exam-Specific Form (Part 4): If you have already completed the OTR and the initial parts of the application, you can directly move to Part 4. This section is specifically designed for the ESE (IES) 2026 exam and will ask for details related to your engineering background.
- Provide Detailed Information and Upload Documents: In Part 4, you will need to enter more detailed information about your educational qualifications, work experience (if any), and other relevant data. You must also upload scanned copies of necessary documents, such as your recent photograph and signature, following the size and format guidelines mentioned on the website.
- Review and Final Submission: Before clicking the final submit button, carefully review all the details you have entered across all parts of the application. Check for any errors or typos. Once you are completely satisfied with the accuracy of your information, click 'Submit' to complete your application.
It is important to remember that all applications must be completed through the official UPSC online portal.
Application Correction Window
The Union Public Service Commission usually provides a facility for candidates to correct certain details in their application forms after the initial submission deadline. However, the specific dates for the UPSC IES 2026 application correction window have not yet been announced.
A crucial point to note is that details entered during the One-Time Registration (OTR) process cannot be changed through this correction facility. Therefore, it is very important to ensure that all OTR details are accurate when you first register.
What is the UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) / IES?
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE), commonly known as IES, is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. This exam recruits engineers for various technical and managerial positions within the central government of India. Candidates holding bachelor's degrees in major engineering branches such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering are eligible to apply.
Succeeding in the IES exam leads to highly respected and stable careers in government service, offering opportunities to contribute to national development through various engineering roles. It is a dream job for many engineering students in India.
Students are advised to regularly visit the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in , for the latest updates, important announcements, and further details regarding the IES 2026 exam.
