UPSC ESE 2027 (Engineering Services Examination) notification was released on 16 September 2026 for 480 vacancies across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering. The starting salary is Rs.56,100 per month (Pay Level-10, 7th CPC). Apply online at upsconline.nic.in before 6 October 2026.
- Exam Name: Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2027 / IES 2027
- Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Notification Number: 02/2027-ENGG
- Total Vacancies: Approximately 480 (including 19 for PwBD)
- Starting Salary: Rs.56,100/month basic pay (Level-10, 7th CPC)
- In-Hand Salary: Approx. Rs.80,000–Rs.1,10,000/month (with DA, HRA, TA)
- Application Start: 16 September 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 6 October 2026 (6:00 PM)
- Prelims Date: 31 January 2027
- Mains Date: 18 June 2027
- Application Fee: Rs.200 (Free for Female / SC / ST / PwBD)
- Age Limit: 21–30 years (as on 1 January 2027)
- Official Website: upsc.gov.in | upsconline.nic.in
- Telegram Notification: Download PDF from Agrijob Telegram
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is UPSC ESE 2027?
- Who Should Apply for UPSC ESE 2027?
- UPSC ESE 2027 Salary and Pay Scale
- Eligibility Criteria for UPSC ESE 2027
- How to Apply Online for UPSC ESE 2027
- UPSC ESE 2027 vs GATE — Key Differences
- Advantages and Disadvantages of UPSC ESE
- Important Terms Related to UPSC ESE 2027
- Important Dates and Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is UPSC ESE 2027 and Why Does It Matter for Engineers?

UPSC ESE 2027 (Engineering Services Examination), also known as IES (Indian Engineering Services), is India’s most prestigious engineering recruitment exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. It recruits engineering graduates into Group A and Group B Gazetted Officer posts across central government departments including Indian Railways, Border Roads, Indian Navy, and the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The 2027 cycle offers approximately 480 vacancies across four engineering disciplines — Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering — making it one of the most opportunity-rich cycles in recent years. Selected candidates join as Assistant Executive Engineers at Pay Level-10 under the 7th Pay Commission.
Unlike GATE (which primarily opens doors to PSU jobs and higher education), UPSC ESE directly appoints you as a Class-I Gazetted Officer, giving you administrative powers, a structured promotion ladder reaching Chief Engineer and Managing Director level, and job security that private sector careers rarely match.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Full Name | Engineering Services Examination 2027 |
| Also Known As | IES 2027 / UPSC ESE 2027 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Advertisement No. | 02/2027-ENGG (Gazette dated 16.09.2026) |
| Exam Type | National Level Competitive Exam |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Stage-I Objective, Stage-II Conventional) |
| Selection Process | Prelims → Mains → Personality Test/Interview |
| Post Level | Group A & Group B Gazetted Officer |
Who Should Apply for UPSC ESE 2027?
UPSC ESE 2027 is designed for engineering graduates who want a prestigious central government career with job security, structured growth, and competitive pay. Here are the ideal candidate profiles:
- 🎓 Fresh B.Tech/B.E. graduates (2024–2026 passouts) in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics & Telecommunication who want immediate government employment as a Gazetted Officer
- 🏛️ GATE aspirants who want an alternative high-value exam that leads directly to Group A officer posts rather than PSU jobs
- 🛤️ Railway and Defence aspirants — IRMS (Railways) and Indian Defence Service of Engineers are among the top services filled through ESE
- 👨💼 Government servants aged up to 35 working in specific departments (CPWD, Border Roads, Railways, Indian Navy, etc.) who qualify for departmental age relaxation
- 🔌 Electrical and Electronics graduates targeting CPWD, Indian Naval Material Management Service, or Central Power Engineering Service
- 🏗️ Civil engineers aiming for Central Engineering Service, Central Water Engineering Service, or Survey of India Group A
- 💼 Final-year engineering students whose degree result is awaited — provisionally eligible to apply and appear in the exam
- ♿ PwBD candidates (Locomotor Disability, Hard of Hearing, Low Vision, SLD) for whom 19 dedicated vacancies are reserved across all four engineering streams
UPSC ESE 2027 Salary, Pay Scale, and Allowances
UPSC ESE officers are among the best-paid technical employees in the central government. Selected candidates join as Assistant Executive Engineers at Pay Level-10 under the 7th Pay Commission, with a starting basic pay of Rs.56,100 per month. When DA, HRA, and transport allowances are added, the total monthly compensation reaches Rs.80,000 to Rs.1,10,000 depending on posting city.
| Pay Component | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Pay Level-10) | Rs.56,100/month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | 50%+ of basic pay |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 8%–27% of basic pay (city-wise) |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | Rs.3,200 + DA on TA |
| Gross Monthly Salary | Rs.80,000–Rs.1,10,000/month |
| In-Hand Salary (after deductions) | Approx. Rs.64,000–Rs.85,000/month |
| Maximum Pay (Level-18, Managing Director) | Rs.2,50,000/month (Cabinet Secretary level) |
Level-Wise UPSC ESE Pay Scale (Career Progression)
| Post / Level | Pay Scale (7th CPC) | Years of Service |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Executive Engineer (Junior Time Scale) | Rs.56,100–Rs.1,77,500 (Level 10) | 0–5 years |
| Executive Engineer (Senior Time Scale) | Rs.67,700–Rs.2,08,700 (Level 11) | 5–10 years |
| Superintending Engineer (JAG) | Rs.78,800–Rs.2,09,200 (Level 12) | 10–20 years |
| Chief Engineer / Additional GM | Rs.1,44,200–Rs.2,18,200 (Level 14) | 20–30 years |
| Managing Director / Chairperson | Rs.2,25,000–Rs.2,50,000 (Level 17–18) | 30–34 years |
Additional non-monetary benefits include government housing (Type III–IV quarters), free medical treatment under CGHS, Leave Travel Concession (LTC) for family travel across India, children’s education allowance up to Rs.27,000/year, and a robust pension under the National Pension System (NPS).
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC ESE 2027 — Who Can Apply?
Before filling the online application, every candidate must confirm they meet all three eligibility pillars: nationality, age limit, and educational qualification. Candidates found ineligible at any stage — including the Personality Test — face cancellation of candidature.
Nationality
- Citizen of India
- Subject of Nepal or Bhutan
- Tibetan refugee settled in India before 1 January 1962
- Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, or East African countries (with eligibility certificate from Government of India)
Age Limit (as on 1 January 2027)
- General / EWS: 21–30 years (Born between 2 January 1997 and 1 January 2006)
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Upper limit relaxed by 3 years (up to age 33)
- SC / ST: Upper limit relaxed by 5 years (up to age 35)
- PwBD: Upper limit relaxed by 10 years (up to age 40)
- Ex-Servicemen: Upper limit relaxed by 5 years
- Government Servants (specific departments): Upper limit relaxed up to 35 years
Educational Qualification
- Engineering degree from a University recognized under UGC Act, 1956
- Passed Sections A and B of Institution of Engineers (India) — IEI (admissions before 31 May 2013 only)
- Engineering degree / diploma from a recognized foreign University
- Graduate Membership Examination of IETE (India) — admissions before 31 May 2013 only
- Passed Associate Membership Examination Parts II and III of Aeronautical Society of India — admissions before 31 May 2013 only
- Final-year students whose result is awaited may apply — admission is provisional
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs.200 |
| Female (All Categories) | Nil (Exempted) |
| SC / ST | Nil (Exempted) |
| PwBD | Nil (Exempted) |
How to Apply Online for UPSC ESE 2027 — Step-by-Step Process
All applications must be submitted exclusively at upsconline.nic.in. No offline mode or alternative portal is accepted. Follow these steps carefully before the 6 October 2026 deadline:
- Create Your Account: Visit upsconline.nic.in → Click “New Registration” → Complete Account Creation with valid email ID and mobile number. You will receive your Universal Registration Number (URN) — retain this permanently.
- Fill the Universal Registration Profile (URN Profile): Enter personal details exactly matching your Matriculation Certificate — name, date of birth, father’s name, mother’s name. Upload your Aadhaar-linked photo ID for seamless verification.
- Complete the Common Application Form (CAF): Upload a clear scanned photograph (20 KB–300 KB, .jpg), upload your signature (signed three times on white paper, black ink), and capture a live photograph as required by the system.
- Fill the Exam-Specific Module (Module 4): Select your engineering discipline (Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics & Telecom — choose only ONE), choose your preferred exam centre, and upload supporting documents (caste certificate, EWS certificate, disability certificate as applicable).
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay Rs.200 via net banking, Visa/Master/RuPay credit/debit card, or UPI. Fee is non-refundable. SC/ST/Female/PwBD candidates proceed without payment.
- Submit and Download: Review all details carefully. Once submitted, no correction is permitted. Note your Application Number (different from URN) and download the acknowledgement. Applications cannot be withdrawn after submission.
Apply before 1 October 2026 — exam centres fill on a first-apply-first-allot basis. Popular centres like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore fill quickly. Waiting until the last day risks being assigned a distant centre. Also ensure your OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate is based on income for FY 2025-26 and issued after 1 April 2026 but before 6 October 2026.
UPSC ESE 2027 vs GATE — Which Is Better for Engineers?
UPSC ESE and GATE are the two most important engineering exams in India, but they serve very different career goals. Understanding the differences helps you decide which exam to prioritize based on your ambitions.
| Parameter | UPSC ESE 2027 | GATE 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | UPSC | IIT / IISc (rotational) |
| Purpose | Direct Group A Officer appointment | M.Tech admissions + PSU jobs |
| Vacancies | 480 (2027 cycle) | Thousands (PSU dependent) |
| Starting Salary | Rs.56,100 basic + allowances | Rs.40,000–Rs.70,000 (PSU-dependent) |
| Exam Stages | 3 (Prelims + Mains + Interview) | 1 (Online exam; PSU has Group Discussion/Interview) |
| Exam Type | Objective + Conventional (descriptive) | Online objective / numerical |
| Job Nature | Gazetted Officer, administrative powers | Technical/managerial in PSU or academic |
| Age Limit | 21–30 years | No upper age limit |
| Syllabus Overlap | 60–70% Paper-II overlap with GATE | — |
| Best For | Aspiring government officers with leadership ambitions | PSU employment or higher education (M.Tech/MS) |
If you are a final-year or recent graduate aged 21–28 who values job security, administrative authority, prestige, and a structured career ladder reaching up to Managing Director level with a government pension, UPSC ESE is the better choice. If your priority is joining a specific company like ONGC, BHEL, or IOCL, or pursuing M.Tech at an IIT, prioritize GATE. Smart candidates prepare for both simultaneously since the technical syllabus overlap is 60–70%.
Advantages and Disadvantages of UPSC ESE 2027
Advantages (Pros)
- Prestigious Group A Officer status — equivalent to IAS/IPS at senior levels with full Gazetted powers
- Highest-paying technical government job — Rs.56,100 basic pay + DA + HRA from day one, reaching Rs.2.5 lakh at top level
- Structured career growth — clear promotion path to AEE → EE → SE → CE → MD over 30–34 years
- Non-monetary perks — government housing, CGHS medical, LTC, children’s education allowance, NPS pension
- Job security — permanent central government employment with no layoff risk
- High impact work — contribute to national infrastructure: railways, water resources, defence, border roads
Disadvantages (Cons)
- Tough 3-stage selection process — Prelims, Mains (conventional/descriptive), and Personality Test require 12–24 months of dedicated preparation
- Narrow age window — must be under 30 years (or 35 for some categories) on 1 January 2027; late starters may miss the window
- Limited vacancies — only 480 posts across four streams for the entire country, making competition intense
- No salary negotiation — fixed pay scales unlike private sector where top performers earn significantly more
Important Terms Related to UPSC ESE 2027
Understanding these key terms will help you navigate the application, exam, and selection process effectively:
- URN (Universal Registration Number): A permanent, lifetime identification number generated when you first register on upsconline.nic.in. It links all your UPSC exam applications. Register only once.
- CAF (Common Application Form): The universal form containing personal details, photograph, and signature — used across all UPSC exams. Must be filled before the Exam-Specific Module.
- Pay Level-10 (7th CPC): The pay matrix level at which IES officers are recruited, with a basic pay of Rs.56,100–Rs.1,77,500 per month. Equivalent to Grade Pay Rs.5,400 in the previous pay commission.
- PwBD (Person with Benchmark Disability): Candidates with at least 40% disability in recognized categories (Locomotor, Low Vision, Hard of Hearing, SLD, Mental Illness) who get 19 reserved vacancies and 10-year age relaxation.
- IES (Indian Engineering Services): The popular name for UPSC ESE; both terms refer to the same recruitment process for central government engineering posts.
- Stage-I (Prelims): Objective-type exam with 500 marks — Paper I (General Studies & Engineering Aptitude, 200 marks, 2 hrs) + Paper II (Engineering Discipline, 300 marks, 3 hrs). Negative marking: 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer.
- Stage-II (Mains): Conventional/descriptive exam with 600 marks — two discipline-specific papers of 300 marks each (3 hours each). Answers must be in English.
- Stage-III (Personality Test): Interview worth 200 marks; assesses leadership, initiative, social qualities, and integrity. Final selection is based on total marks across all three stages.
- Pratibha Setu Portal: UPSC’s public disclosure scheme where non-recommended interview-qualified candidates’ profiles are shared with registered private companies and PSUs for possible employment.
- Face Authentication: Mandatory biometric verification at the examination venue in 2027 — candidates must carry original photo ID to enable this process.
UPSC ESE 2027 — Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Published (Gazette) | 16 September 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 16 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 6 October 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Helpdesk Active Period | 16 Sept 2026 to 6 Oct 2026 (10 AM–5:30 PM, working days) |
| Stage-I Prelims Examination | 31 January 2027 |
| Stage-II Mains Examination | 18 June 2027 |
| Stage-III Personality Test / Interview | To be notified by UPSC |
| Provisional Answer Key Representation Window | 3rd to 7th day after Prelims (5-day window) |
| e-Admit Card (Prelims) | Last working day of week preceding exam date |
Important Links — UPSC ESE 2027
| Link Name | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (UPSC Portal) | upsconline.nic.in |
| Official Notification PDF (UPSC) | upsc.gov.in |
| Download Notification PDF (Telegram) | t.me/agrijob_in/789 |
| UPSC Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| UPSC Helpdesk Phone | 011-24041001 / 011-40303444 |
| UPSC Helpdesk Email | upscsoap@nic.in |
| Agrijob.in Engineering Jobs | agrijob.in |
Conclusion — Should You Apply for UPSC ESE 2027?
UPSC ESE 2027 is a rare and highly valuable opportunity for engineering graduates who want a central government career as a Class-I Gazetted Officer with Rs.56,100 starting pay, structured promotions reaching Managing Director level, and long-term job security. With 480 vacancies announced across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecom streams, this is one of the most competitive yet rewarding engineering exams in India.
The application window is short — just 20 days from 16 September to 6 October 2026. Eligible candidates aged 21–30 years with an engineering degree must apply immediately at upsconline.nic.in, as exam centres are allotted on a first-come basis. Download the official notification PDF from our Telegram channel at t.me/agrijob_in/789 and bookmark this page — we update it every time official data changes.
- UPSC ESE 2027 released on 16 Sept 2026 for 480 vacancies — apply by 6 October 2026 at 6:00 PM
- Starting salary is Rs.56,100/month basic pay; total in-hand Rs.80,000–Rs.1,10,000/month with allowances
- Only 4 engineering streams eligible: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecom — apply for ONE only
- 3-stage selection: Prelims (31 Jan 2027) → Mains (18 Jun 2027) → Personality Test; Paper-II overlaps 60–70% with GATE
- Application fee is just Rs.200; Female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are fully exempted
- Download the official notification PDF directly from Agrijob Telegram and apply without delay
Frequently Asked Questions About UPSC ESE 2027
What is the UPSC ESE 2027 notification date and last date to apply?
The UPSC ESE 2027 (Engineering Services Examination) notification was officially released on 16 September 2026. The last date to submit the online application is 6 October 2026 at 6:00 PM at upsconline.nic.in. The application portal will be disabled after this time and no late applications will be accepted.
How many vacancies are there in UPSC ESE 2027?
UPSC ESE 2027 has announced approximately 480 vacancies across all four engineering categories (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering). Of these, 19 vacancies are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). The exact vacancy count is liable to alteration as per Government of India requirements.
What is the UPSC ESE 2027 salary per month?
UPSC ESE officers are recruited at Pay Level-10 of the 7th Pay Commission with a basic pay of Rs.56,100 per month. After adding Dearness Allowance (50%+ of basic pay), House Rent Allowance, and Transport Allowance, the total gross salary at entry level ranges from Rs.80,000 to Rs.1,10,000 per month, depending on the posting city. The in-hand salary after deductions is approximately Rs.64,000–Rs.85,000.
What is the age limit for UPSC ESE 2027?
Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age as on 1 January 2027 — meaning born not before 2 January 1997 and not after 1 January 2006. The upper age limit is relaxed to 33 for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), 35 for SC/ST and certain government servants, and 40 for PwBD candidates. Ex-servicemen get 5 years’ relaxation.
Can final-year engineering students apply for UPSC ESE 2027?
Yes. Final-year students whose degree result is still awaited are eligible to apply and appear in the UPSC ESE 2027 examination provisionally. However, if they qualify for the Personality Test/Interview, they must submit proof of passing the qualifying engineering examination within the 10-day window UPSC provides after declaring the Mains result. Failure to submit proof within this window results in cancellation of candidature.
What is the exam pattern for UPSC ESE 2027?
The UPSC ESE 2027 has three stages. Stage-I (Prelims) on 31 January 2027 is objective type: Paper-I (General Studies & Engineering Aptitude, 200 marks, 2 hrs) + Paper-II (Engineering Discipline, 300 marks, 3 hrs) = 500 total marks, with 1/3 negative marking. Stage-II (Mains) on 18 June 2027 is conventional/descriptive: two discipline-specific papers of 300 marks each = 600 total marks. Stage-III is a Personality Test/Interview worth 200 marks. Final rank is determined by total marks across all three stages.
How many engineering streams can I apply for in UPSC ESE 2027?
You can apply for only ONE engineering stream out of the four available: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering. Your choice is final and cannot be changed after submission. If you appear at an examination centre or in a discipline other than what is indicated in your e-Admit Card, your papers will not be evaluated and your candidature will be cancelled.
Is there negative marking in UPSC ESE 2027 Prelims?
Yes. UPSC ESE 2027 Stage-I (Prelims) has negative marking. For every incorrect answer, one-third (1/3) of the marks assigned to that question is deducted. Unanswered questions carry no penalty. If a candidate marks more than one response to a question, it is treated as wrong and attracts the same penalty. Use calculators only in Mains (conventional papers) — calculators are strictly prohibited in the objective Stage-I exam.
Where can I download the UPSC ESE 2027 official notification PDF?
The official notification PDF (Advertisement No. 02/2027-ENGG) is available at the UPSC official website upsc.gov.in. You can also download it directly via the Agrijob Telegram channel at t.me/agrijob_in/789. For any application-related queries, contact the UPSC helpdesk at 011-24041001 or email upscsoap@nic.in between 10 AM and 5:30 PM on working days.
What services are recruited through UPSC ESE 2027?
UPSC ESE 2027 recruits for prestigious central government services across four engineering categories. Civil Engineering posts include Central Engineering Service, Indian Defence Service of Engineers, Central Water Engineering Service, Indian Railway Management Service (Civil), Survey of India Group A, and Border Roads Engineering Service. Mechanical Engineering includes Central Power Engineering Service, Indian Naval Material Management Service, and IRMS (Mechanical). Electrical and Electronics & Telecom streams cover Indian Telecom Service Group A, Indian Radio Regulatory Service, Indian Naval Armament Service, and IRMS (Signal & Telecom), among others.
Last Updated: September 2026 | Source: UPSC Official Notification No. 02/2027-ENGG, Gazette of India (Extraordinary) dated 16.09.2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest information on UPSC ESE 2027.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All salary figures, vacancy counts, eligibility criteria, and dates are sourced from the official UPSC notification (No. 02/2027-ENGG). Candidates must verify all details at the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in before applying. Agrijob.in is not responsible for any errors in the official notification or changes made by UPSC after publication of this guide.
