Complete UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) Guide
Your comprehensive resource for UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) – covering eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, preparation strategy, and expert guidance for success in one of India’s most prestigious engineering exams.
4 Stages
Prelims, Mains, Personality Test, Document Verification
4 Disciplines
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunications
6-12 Months
Recommended preparation time for thorough coverage
Prestigious
One of the most sought-after engineering positions in India
ESE Eligibility Criteria
To appear for the UPSC Engineering Services Examination, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria related to nationality, age, and educational qualifications.
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Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
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Age Limit: 21 to 30 years as of January 1 of the examination year. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories as per government rules.
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Number of Attempts: Varies by category – General: 6 attempts, OBC: 9 attempts, SC/ST: Unlimited attempts until age limit.
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Essential Qualification: A degree in Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent. Candidates appearing in the final year of engineering degree can also apply.
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Disciplines: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering.
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Additional Qualifications: A Master’s degree in relevant specialization or passed Sections A and B of the Institution Examinations may also be considered in certain cases.
Note: The above information is based on general eligibility criteria. Candidates are advised to check the official UPSC notification for any updates or changes in the eligibility requirements.
ESE Exam Pattern
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination is conducted in three stages – Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test. Each stage must be cleared to progress to the next.
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Objective Type: Multiple choice questions with four options
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Duration: 2 hours for each paper (4 hours total)
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Negative Marking: ⅓ mark deducted for each wrong answer
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Paper I: General Studies and Engineering Aptitude (200 marks)
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Paper II: Engineering Discipline-specific (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics & Telecommunication) (300 marks)
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Qualifying Marks: Minimum marks required in each paper as decided by UPSC
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Conventional Type: Descriptive papers requiring detailed answers
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Duration: 3 hours for each paper
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Paper I & II: Engineering Discipline-specific (600 marks total)
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Paper I & II: Additional Engineering Discipline-specific papers (600 marks total)
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Total Marks: 1200 marks for Main Examination
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Interview Panel: Conducted by experienced board members
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Assessment Areas: Mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity
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Marks: 200 marks
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Final Selection: Based on combined marks of Main Examination and Personality Test
ESE Syllabus
The UPSC ESE syllabus is comprehensive and covers both general studies and engineering discipline-specific topics. Here’s an overview of the syllabus for all disciplines:
General Studies & Engineering Aptitude
- Current issues of national and international importance
- Engineering Mathematics
- Ethics and values in Engineering profession
- Energy and Environmental issues
- Basics of Project Management
- Basics of Material Science
- Information and Communication Technologies
Civil Engineering
- Building Materials & Construction
- Solid Mechanics & Structural Analysis
- Design of Structures
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
- Thermodynamics & Applications
- IC Engines & Combustion
- Heat Transfer & Refrigeration
- Power Plant Engineering
- Renewable Sources of Energy
- Engineering Mechanics
- Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering
Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Mathematics
- Electric Circuits & Fields
- Electrical Machines
- Power Systems
- Control Systems
- Electrical & Electronic Measurements
- Power Electronics & Drives
Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
- Basic Electronics Engineering
- Materials Science
- Signals and Systems
- Network Theory
- Electromagnetic Theory
- Analog and Digital Circuits
- Communication Systems
Note: This is an overview of the syllabus. Candidates should refer to the detailed official syllabus provided by UPSC for comprehensive understanding of all topics.
Preparation Strategy
A well-planned preparation strategy is crucial for success in UPSC ESE. Here’s a comprehensive approach to help you prepare effectively:
Foundation Phase (Months 1-3)
Understand the complete syllabus and exam pattern. Collect standard textbooks and study materials. Create a realistic study schedule with dedicated time slots for each subject. Focus on building conceptual clarity in fundamental topics.
Core Preparation Phase (Months 4-6)
Deep dive into each subject with detailed study. Make concise notes for quick revision. Start solving previous years’ question papers. Join a test series to evaluate your preparation. Focus on weak areas and strengthen them.
Revision Phase (Months 7-8)
Focus on revision of all subjects multiple times. Practice mock tests under exam conditions. Work on time management and accuracy. Analyze performance in mock tests and improve weak areas. Update notes with important formulas and concepts.
Final Phase (Months 9-10)
Intensive revision of all subjects. Focus on high-yield topics. Practice writing descriptive answers for mains examination. Develop strategies for attempting the exam. Stay updated with current affairs related to engineering and technology.
Pro Tip: Consistency is key in ESE preparation. Regular study of 6-8 hours daily with proper planning can help you crack this examination. Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning.
Recommended Books & Resources
Choosing the right study materials is crucial for effective preparation. Here are some highly recommended books for UPSC ESE:
General Studies & Engineering Aptitude
Comprehensive coverage of all topics with practice questions and previous years’ solved papers.
Civil Engineering Objective & Conventional
Thorough coverage of civil engineering topics with both objective and conventional questions.
Mechanical Engineering for ESE
Standard reference for mechanical engineering concepts with detailed explanations and examples.
Electrical Engineering
Comprehensive coverage of electrical engineering concepts with solved examples and practice problems.
Electronics & Communication Engineering
Extensive coverage of electronics topics with multiple choice questions and detailed solutions.
ESE Previous Years Solved Papers
Collection of previous years’ question papers with detailed solutions and explanations.
Note: While these books are highly recommended, candidates should also refer to standard textbooks from their graduation curriculum for in-depth understanding of concepts.
Online Platforms for Preparation
In addition to traditional study materials, several online platforms offer valuable resources for ESE preparation:
NPTEL
Free online courses from IITs on various engineering subjects. Excellent for building conceptual clarity.
Made Easy
Comprehensive test series and study materials specifically designed for ESE preparation.
Gradeup
Online community with study materials, mock tests, and discussion forums for ESE aspirants.
Unacademy
Live classes and recorded lectures by experienced educators for comprehensive ESE preparation.
BYJU’S Exam Prep
Mobile app with study materials, quizzes, and mock tests for on-the-go preparation.
YouTube Channels
Several educators provide free video lectures on specific ESE topics and problem-solving techniques.
Pro Tip: Combine traditional book study with online resources for a comprehensive preparation strategy. Use online platforms for doubt clearing, mock tests, and accessing updated study materials.
Recommended Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential for covering the vast ESE syllabus effectively. Here’s a recommended study schedule:
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Morning (3 hours): Focus on technical subjects and conceptual topics when the mind is fresh.
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Afternoon (2 hours): Practice numerical problems and objective questions.
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Evening (2-3 hours): Revision of topics covered during the day and current affairs.
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Weekly Plan: Dedicate specific days to specific subjects. Include at least one full-length mock test every weekend.
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Revision Cycle: Revise each topic at least 3-4 times before the examination.
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Technical Subjects (70%): Maximum time should be dedicated to core engineering subjects of your discipline.
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General Studies (20%): Regular study of current affairs, engineering aptitude, and general knowledge.
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Answer Writing Practice (10%): Regular practice of descriptive answer writing for mains examination.
Important: Customize this study plan according to your strengths and weaknesses. Regular revision and mock tests are more important than covering new topics in the final months of preparation.
Cut-off Trends
Understanding previous years’ cut-off trends helps in setting realistic targets and evaluating your preparation level.
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Preliminary Exam: Generally ranges between 45-55% for general category candidates, with variations based on discipline difficulty.
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Main Exam: Cut-off typically ranges between 50-60% for general category candidates.
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Final Selection: Combined score of mains and interview generally around 55-65% for general category.
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Category-wise Relaxation: OBC: 5-7% relaxation, SC/ST: 10-12% relaxation, PH: 5% relaxation.
Note: Cut-off marks vary each year based on factors like difficulty level of the exam, number of vacancies, and number of applicants. These are approximate trends and should be used for reference only.
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