UPSC ESE Eligibility Criteria 2026: The Union Public Service Commission release an official notification for UPSC ESE 2026 to select the most deserving individuals for Engineering Services (Grade A) positions.
The UPSC ESE Eligibility Criteria 2026 will be released by the authorities under the official notification. The eligibility criteria are the basic requirement that must be fulfilled by candidates to apply for UPSC ESE 2026. The UPSC ESE Eligibility Criteria encompasses nationality, educational qualification, and age limit details.
In this article, we have mentioned the detailed eligibility criteria for the UPSC ESE Exam 2026. Candidates are advised to refer to this article to understand the UPSC ESE 2026 Eligibility Criteria in detail.
The UPSC IES Eligibility Criteria will be released officially under the UPSC ESE Notification 2026. The eligibility criteria include age limit, educational qualification, and nationality parameters. Those who satisfy the rigorous eligibility criteria will only be considered for the recruitment process. Candidates must go through the article to learn detailed information on UPSC ESE Eligibility Criteria as prescribed under official notification.
Also, Read: UPSC ESE Syllabus 2026
To be eligible for UPSC ESE 2026, candidates must possess a B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc. in Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and the age limit should range from 21 to 30 years. The key highlights of UPSC ESE Eligibility Criteria 2026 are tabulated below for your reference:
UPSC ESE Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview | |
Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
Name of Exam | Engineering Services Exam 2026 |
Post Name | IES Officers (Grade A) |
Category | Engg Exam |
Selection Process | Prelims | Mains | Interview |
UPSC ESE 2026 Educational Qualification | B.E. / B.Tech. (relevant discipline) |
UPSC 2026 ESE Age Limit | 21 to 30 years |
Official Website | www.upsconline.nic.in |
Also, Read: UPSC ESE Exam Pattern 2026
The UPSC ESE Eligibility Criteria 2026 is the minimum essential requirement to appear for the exam. In order to get a valid candidacy, individuals must fulfill the specific eligibility criteria. Candidates who satisfy the specific eligibility standard will only be allowed to register for this exam. Candidates may get disqualified at any stage of the recruitment if they don't fulfill the desired qualifications:
Applicants must be an Indian Citizen by birth or a migrant from another country to register for the UPSC ESE Exam 2026. Check the UPSC ESE 2026 Nationality details given below:
(a) a citizen of India, or
(b) a subject of Nepal, or
(c) a subject of Bhutan, or
(d) a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before the 1st January, 1962 to permanently settle in India, or
(e) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
The minimum educational qualifications required for UPSC ESE 2026 are as follows:
UPSC ESE Educational Qualification 2026 | |
Cadre |
Minimum Educational Qualification |
For Common Cadre |
BE/B. Tech Degree from any recognized University/Institution established by either an act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as Universities or UGC. A degree/diploma in Engineering from any foreign University/College/Institution and recognized by the Government for the purpose from time to time, OR Aspirants must possess the Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India). Passed Associate Membership exam which is parts II and III/Sections A and B of the Aeronautical Society of India; OR Passed Graduate Membership test of the Institution of Electronics and Radio Engineers, London held after November 1959. |
For Indian Naval Armament Service (Electronics Engineering Posts) |
M.Sc. degree or equivalent with Wireless Communication Electronics, Radio Physics, or Radio Engineering as a special subject. |
For Indian Radio Regulatory Service (Group ‘A’) Posts |
M.Sc. degree or equivalent with Wireless Communication Electronics, Radio Physics, or Radio Engineering as a special subject, OR Master’s Degree in Science with Physics and Radio Communication or Electronics or Telecommunication as a special subject. |
For the UPSC ESE Examination 2026, candidates must attain the age of 21 years and not more than 30 Years (he/she must have been born earlier than 2nd January, 1996 and not later than 1st January, 2005). The calculation of the age limit of applicants will be done as on 1 January 2026. Check the minimum age and upper age limit details for UPSC ESE 2026 from the table below:
UPSC ESE Age Limit 2026 | |
Particulars | Age Limit (as on 01.01.2026) |
Minimum Age Limit | 21 Years |
Maximum Age Limit | 30 Years |
Candidates belonging to reserved categories seek age relaxation benefits in the maximum age limit for UPSC ESE 2026 as per the guidelines of the Government. The category-wise age relaxation is prescribed below:
UPSC ESE Age Relaxation 2026 | |
Category | Age Relaxation |
Unreserved | No Relaxation |
OBC | 3 Years |
SC/ST | 5 Years |
Ex‐Servicemen | 5 Years |
ECOs/ SSCOs | 5 Years |
Defence Services Personnel (disabled in operations during hostilities) | 3 Years |
Handicapped Persons | 10 Years |
Candidates who clear the Prelims, Mains, and Interview phases for the Engineering Services Examination 2026 would have to undergo a medical examination. The medical standards for the post should be as per the requirements of the respective department/organization. Candidates must meet the medical standards in all respects to get a final appointment.
Candidates must be physically fit and healthy according to physical standards for admission to the Engineering Services Examination, 2026 prescribed in Appendix-II of the Rules for the Engineering Services Examination, 2026 published in the Gazette of India Extraordinary dated 06.09.2023.
There are no attempt limits for the UPSC ESE Examination. Candidates who satisfy eligibility norms with respect to educational qualification and age limit may appear for the UPSC ESE many times. The Commission has not made any restrictions on the number of attempts.
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