The Indian Engineering Services (IES) is one of the most coveted career paths for engineering graduates in India. The Engineering Services Examination (ESE), conducted annually by UPSC, aims to recruit engineers for four main branches: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunications. The UPSC ESE 2024 notification has been issued, with around 251 vacancies to be filled this year. This presents an excellent opportunity for aspiring engineers to secure prestigious roles in various government departments and organizations. The examination consists of two written stages (Prelims and Mains), followed by an interview. Known for its challenging nature and limited openings, the IES is highly esteemed in India. Due to its competitive selection process, IES officers are held in high regard and are responsible for managing and executing tasks across a range of technical and managerial domains.
Frequency- yearly
Mode- Computerised Exam
Exam Pattern
Stage I: Preliminary Examination (Objective Papers)
| STAGE-I | PAPER TYPE | DURATION | MARKS |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAPER-I | GENERAL STUDIES AND ENGINEERING APTITUDE | 02 HOURS | 200 |
| PAPER-II | ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE (CE/ ME/ EE/ E&T) | 03 HOURS | 300 |
| TOTAL MARKS | 500 |
Minimum qualifying marks for each paper will be determined by the commission. Only candidates who pass Stage I will be allowed to appear for Stage II.
Stage II: Main Examination (Conventional Papers)
| STAGE-II | PAPER TYPE | DURATION | MARKS |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAPER-I | ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE (CE/ ME/ EE/ E&T) | 03 HOURS | 300 |
| PAPER-II | ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE (CE/ ME/ EE/ E&T) | 03 HOURS | 300 |
| TOTAL MARKS (MAIN) | 600 |
TOTAL MARKS (MAINS + PRELIM): 1100
Only candidates who qualify both Stage I and Stage II will be eligible for Stage III, the Personality Test (Interview).
Stage III: Personality Test
| STAGE-III | MARKS |
|---|---|
| Personality Test | 200 |
TOTAL MARKS (STAGE I + STAGE II + STAGE III): 1300
Candidates who pass all stages (Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III) will be included in the final list for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE).
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the ESE 2024, candidates must fall into one of the following categories:
For candidates in categories 2, 3, and 4, a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India is required.
Age Limits (As of January 1, 2024)
Candidates must be at least 21 years old and not older than 30 years on January 1, 2024. This means they should have been born between January 2, 1994, and January 1, 2003.
The upper age limit of 30 years is relaxed up to 35 years for government employees in the following categories, provided they are employed in a department/office under the authorities listed below and are applying for eligible services/posts:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| Central Public Works Department | C.E.S. Group ‘A’, CE & MES Gr ‘A’ |
| Ministry of Road Transport and Highways | Central Engineering Service (Roads) Gr. ‘A’ |
| Ministry of Communication, Dept. of Telecommunication | Indian Radio Regulatory Service Group ‘A’ |
| Indian Telecommunication Service Group ‘A’ | |
| J.T.O. (G.C.S. Gr. ‘B’) | |
| Ministry of Defence, Dept. of Defence Production | Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service(DAQAS) Gr ‘A’ |
| Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance | |
| Ministry of Science and Technology, Dept. of Science and Technology | Survey of India Gr ‘A’ Service |
| Geological Survey of India | Assistant Executive Engineer Gr ‘A’ |
| Border Roads Organisation | BRES Gr. ‘A’ |
| Indian Navy | Indian Naval Armament Service, Asstt. Naval Store Officer Grade-I |
| Military Engineer Services | Indian Defence Service of Engineers (IDSE) Group ‘A’ |
| AEE(QS&C) in Military Engineer Service (MES) Surveyor Cadre | |
| Ministry of Jal Shakti, Dept. of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Central Water Commission | Central Water Engineering Group-A Service. |
| Central Electricity Authority | CPES Gr ‘A’ & CPES Gr ‘B’ |
| Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship | Indian Skill Development Service |
Further Relaxations
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
Candidates seeking reservation under EWS must meet the criteria set by the Central Government and possess an Income & Asset Certificate from FY 2022-2023, issued on or after April 1, 2023, but before the closing date of the ESE 2024 application (September 26, 2023).
OBC Candidates
OBC candidates must provide a Non-Creamy Layer certificate based on income for FY 2022-2023, 2021-2022, and 2020-2021, issued on or after April 1, 2023, but before the application closing date.
To be eligible, candidates must have:
Passed the Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Radio Engineers, London, held after November 1959.
Additional Qualifications for Specific Posts