UPSC ESE 2026 Topper Preference List

UPSC ESE 2026 Topper Preference List: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Engineering Services Examination (ESE) is a highly competitive exam for engineering graduates. UPSC ESE 2026 Topper Preference List has been released on the portal, helping the candidates know the service preferences depending on the engineering discipline for the candidates to apply for the ESE recruitment. The future aspirants can choose the engineering discipline smartly. 

Official Release of ESE 2025 Preference List

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced a new initiative by releasing the official list of service preferences exercised by candidates for the ESE 2025. The Government of India, Ministry of Communication, Department of Telecommunication, has issued the document. 

General Trends in Service Preferences Across Disciplines

 The high preference is for IRMS (Indian Railway Management Service). The introduction of IRMS has significantly increased the number of vacancies in UPSC and has become the top choice for a majority of candidates due to its highly regarded status.

Service Preferences by Engineering Discipline

Service Preferences by Engineering Discipline has been released for the UPSC ESE Exam on the official website. 

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering recorded the highest number of vacancies and the highest number of shortlisted students in ESE 2025. A vast majority of Civil Engineering toppers listed IRMS as their first preference. Central Engineering Service (CES) appeared frequently as a second preference. CES Road was also a common choice for third, or sometimes second, preference. ISDS (Indian Skill Development Service) and IIMS Storage were noted in later preferences.

Mechanical Engineering

The top two All India Rank holders notably chose IIMS Storage, highlighting its perceived value despite generally fewer vacancies in mechanical streams. For the majority of other Mechanical Engineering candidates, IRMS Mechanical was the primary choice.

Electronics Engineering

Similar to other disciplines, IRMS is the first choice for most Electronics Engineering candidates. CEPS and ISDS were also considered by candidates in their preference lists.

Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering

 IRMS SAT is the most preferred option among candidates. Additionally, the Indian Telecommunication Service (ITS) Group A was also a highly chosen service, frequently appearing as a first or second preference for many aspirants.

Full Forms of Key Services

• CES: Central Engineering Service

• ISDS: Indian Skill Development Service. The ISDS was previously considered an "IAS level" post within UPSC, indicating its powerful and influential nature, and is now recruited through ESE.

Future Guidance for ESE Aspirants

The insights gained from the ESE 2025 preference list are invaluable for future ESE aspirants. Understanding the choices made by successful candidates can help in strategizing service selection for upcoming examinations, particularly as preparations for ESE 2027 progress.