ESE Eligibility
Last verified 31 Jul 2026
UPSC ESE eligibility requires the following. A degree in Engineering from a recognised university, or Sections A and B of the Institution Examinations of the Institution of Engineers (India), or an equivalent recognised qualification. Candidates apply under one of four disciplines: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. The age limit is 21 to 30 years as on 1 January 2026 — born between 2 January 1996 and 1 January 2005.
Educational qualification
A degree in Engineering from a recognised university, or Sections A and B of the Institution Examinations of the Institution of Engineers (India), or an equivalent recognised qualification. Candidates apply under one of four disciplines: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering.
Age limit
21 to 30 years as on 1 January 2026 — born between 2 January 1996 and 1 January 2005.
Age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation in upper age limit |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability | 10 years |
| Defence Services personnel disabled in operations | 3 years |
| Ex-servicemen (commissioned officers and ECOs/SSCOs) | 5 years |
A candidate who belongs to SC, ST or OBC and is also an Ex-serviceman or PwBD candidate is eligible for cumulative relaxation under both heads.
Number of attempts
No limit on attempts within the age window.
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India, or fall within the other categories of nationality set out in the Examination Notice — which for most services include subjects of Nepal and Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962, and persons of Indian origin who have migrated from certain countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.