UPSC ESE 2026 – How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)

UPSC ESE 2026

Union Public Service CommissionGraduate (Engineering) hard

UPSC ESE 2026 applications are submitted online at upsconline.nic.in. The process follows the standard UPSC two-part registration system. Candidates must carefully select their engineering branch during Part II as it cannot be changed later.

Step-by-Step Application Process

  • Step 1 – Part I Registration: Visit upsconline.nic.in → Select 'Engineering Services Examination 2026' → Click 'New Registration' → Enter personal details (Name, DOB, Email, Mobile) → Note Registration ID.
  • Step 2 – Part II Registration: Login with Registration ID → Select Engineering Branch (CE / ME / EE / E&T) → Enter educational qualification details → Choose exam centre preferences.
  • Step 3 – Upload Documents: Upload recent passport photograph (40 KB, JPG), signature (40 KB, JPG), and any relevant certificates.
  • Step 4 – Fee Payment: Pay ₹200 fee (General/OBC/EWS) via SBI Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or SBI Cash Challan. SC/ST/Female/PwD are fee-exempted.
  • Step 5 – Final Submission: Review all entries carefully → Submit → Download and print the confirmation page.
  • Step 6 – Mains Application: Shortlisted candidates file a separate Mains application after Prelims result is declared.

Application Fee

CategoryFee
General / OBC / EWS₹200
SC / ST₹0 (Exempted)
PwD (All)₹0 (Exempted)
Female (All categories)₹0 (Exempted)

Critical Checklist Before Applying

  • Confirm your engineering branch matches the degree you hold
  • Keep degree certificate / provisional certificate ready
  • Verify age eligibility (cut-off date: 1st January 2026)
  • Double-check name and DOB to match certificates exactly

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Can I apply for more than one branch in ESE 2026?

No. Candidates can apply for only one engineering branch per ESE cycle. If you apply for CE, all your papers (Prelims Paper-II and Mains) will be Civil Engineering only.

Q.What if I make an error in the application form?

UPSC typically provides a correction window (7–10 days) after the application closure date. Check the official notification for the correction window dates. Certain fields (Name, DOB, Branch) may not be correctable.

Q.Is there any OTR system for ESE like SSC?

ESE uses UPSC's own Part I + Part II registration system (not SSC's OTR). The Registration ID generated in Part I serves as your permanent UPSC profile ID for future exams.

Q.How early should I apply to avoid technical issues?

Apply at least 7–10 days before the deadline. The UPSC portal experiences high traffic near deadlines, which can cause payment failures or submission errors. Early application is strongly recommended.

UPSC ESE 2026 HubOfficial Website

Join UPSC ESE 2026 Telegram

Get instant updates about latest government jobs, results, and admit cards.

/ नवीनतम सरकारी नौकरियों, परिणामों और एडमिट कार्ड की तुरंत अपडेट प्राप्त करें।

Join Telegram Channel

Get Daily Job Alerts

Subscribe to receive notifications about new government job openings, exam dates, and results.