UPSC ESE (IES) Application Form 2026: Apply Online Process

Indian Engineering Services Exam 2025 ( IES )

DeskCalelnderExam On - 10 Aug '25

Shikha Goyal
Updated on May 15, 2025 16:43 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

UPSC IES Application Form 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the IES 2026 application on September 17, 2025. The Commission will also release the IES 2026 notification on September 17, 2025. The last date to apply for UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 is October 7, 2025. The candidates will be required to fill out the IES online application form on the official website only. The candidates will be required to pay the IES application fee as per their category. The Commission will conduct the IES 2026 Prelims exam on February 8, 2026.

The candidates must refer to the UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 notification to get all the details regarding the IES 2026 online application once it is released.

Q:   What will be the last date to apply for UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 Exam?
A: 

The Union Public Service Commission will release the UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 notification online on September 17, 2025. The Commission provides around 20 days to fill out the IES applications online. The last date to apply for the UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 exam is October 7, 2025.

The Commission will conduct the UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 prelims exam on February 8, 2026.

Q:   How many vacancies are there in IES 2025 Exam?
A: 

The Union Public Service Commission released the IES 2025 notification on September 18, 2024. Along with the notification, the IES 2025 application form was also released. The last date to apply for the IES 2025 is October 8, 2024. The Commission notified 232 vacancies for the IES 2025 exam. 

The Commission will conduct the IES 2025 prelims exam on February 9, 2025.

Q:   Will there be any exemptions for paying the Application Fee in IES 2025 exam?
A: 

Yes, there will be exemptions for paying the application fee for the IES 20245 exam too. Female candidates, SC/ST candidates, and PwD candidates are exempted from paying the application fee, as mentioned in the sources provided.

The candidates belonging to these categories are not required to pay the UPSC IES application fee.

Q:   Can I upload scanned documents for IES application?
A: 

Yes, you can upload scanned documents for the IES application. The required documents include a scanned photograph, signature, and photo ID card in the specified formats as per the guidelines provided in the sources.

The Commission mentiones all the important details related to the IES application in the official notification every year.

Table of content
  • IES 2026 Application
  • IES 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule
  • How to Apply Online for IES 2026 Exam?
  • IES 2026 Application Correction Facility
  • UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 Registration Process
  • IES 2026 Application Form FAQs
IES Logo

IES 2026 Application

Union Public Service Commission will activate the UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 application link online with the release of official notification. The IES 2026 online applications will start on September 17, 2025. The last date to apply for the UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 exam will be October 7, 2025.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What was the application fee for IES 2024 exam?
A: 

The application fee for the IES 2024 exam is INR 200 for general category candidates, while reserved category candidates and female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee, as indicated in the provided sources.

The Commission released the IES 2024 notification online in September 2023. The IES 2025 applications will be released in September 2024.

Q:   Is the IES 2026 application process started?
A: 

No. The Union Public Service Commission has released the official calendar for the 2026. The IES 2026 notification will be released on September 17, 2025. The IES 2026 applications will be filled online only. The candidates should note that the last date to apply online will be October 7, 2025. The UPSC will also provide the IES 2026 application correction facility also.

The Commission will conduct the IES 2026 Prelims exam on February 8, 2026.

Q:   When will the IES 2026 Application process begin?
A: 

As per the official calendar, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the IES 2026 notification on September 17, 2025. The Commission will release the IES 2026 notification online only. The Commission will also activate the IES 2026 applications with the release of official notification. The last date to apply for the IES 2026 exam will be October 7, 2025. 

IES 2026 prelims exam will be conducted on February 8, 2026. The Commission will conduct the IES 2026 exam in online mode as a Computer-Based Exam (CBE).

Q:   What is the last date for IES 2026 applications?
A: 

The Union Public Service Commissionwill release the Engineering Service Exam Notification 2026 on September 17, 2025. The Commission will provide around 20 days to fill out the IES applications. The last date to fill out the IES 2026 application form is October 7, 2025. Candidates must complete the application process within this deadline to be considered for the exam.

The Commission will conduct the IES 2026 prelims exam on February 8, 2026 as per the exam pattern and rules provided in the official exam pattern.

IES 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of IES 2025 exam

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
10 Aug ' 25

UPSC ESE (IES) 2025 Main Exam Day

17 Sep ' 25

UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 Prelims Notification

17 Sep ' 25 - 07 Oct ' 25

UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 Prelims Application Form

08 Feb ' 26

UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 Prelims Exam Date

21 Jun ' 26

UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 Mains Exam Date

DatesPast Exam Dates
08 Jun ' 25

UPSC ESE (IES) 2025 Prelims Exam Day

18 Sep ' 24 - 08 Oct ' 24

UPSC ESE (IES) 2025 Application Dates

23 Jun ' 24

UPSC ESE (IES) 2024 Main Exam Day

IES Logo

How to Apply Online for IES 2026 Exam?

The candidates will be required to login with their One-time Registration(OTR) process. The candidates should note that OTR will be required to fill out the IES 2026 online applications. To apply online, the candidates are required to register themselves with the official website of UPSC (made for this purpose) and apply online for the UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 exam. 

UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 Application

After registration, the candidates need to complete the following steps:

  • Login with the registration credentials at https://upsconline.nic.in/upsc/OTRP/
  • The exam dashboard will appear on the screen

Click on the UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 application link

Most of the details will be auto-generated through the registration form

Upload the Photo Identity Proof

Step 1: Pay IES application fee online (through SBI Net Banking/ debit card/ credit card) or offline (by cash through SBI bank challan) mode.

Category IES 2026 Exam Application Fee
Female/ SC/ ST/ PwBD Nil
All other candidates INR 200

Step 2: Upload scanned images of photograph, signature and photo ID card as per the specifications mentioned below:

Document Dimensions Format, Size & Bit Depth
Photo

Minimum: 350 pixels (Width) X 350 pixels (Height)

Maximum: 1000 pixels (Width) X 1000 pixels (Height)

Format: JPG

Size: 20 KB - 300 KB

Bit Depth: 24 

Signature

Minimum: 350 pixels (Width) X 350 pixels (Height)

Maximum: 1000 pixels (Width) X 1000 pixels (Height)

Format: JPG

Size: 20 KB - 300 KB

Bit Depth: 24 

Photo ID card NA

Format: PDF

Size: 20 KB - 300 KB

Bit Depth: NA

Step 3: Enter the following information in the IES online application form 2025:

Application fee payment details (except for fee-exempted candidates) Selection of examination centre

Step 4: Click on the 'I Agree' button after reading the declaration.

Step 5: On clicking the button, a page with a registration number will be generated. Note down the registration number or take a printout of the page.

IES 2026 Application Form: Important Points

  • It is advisable for candidates to only submit their applications once. However, in case, a candidate submits multiple applications, the one with a higher RID shall be accepted by the commission and the fee paid against one RID shall not be adjusted against any other RID.
  • The applicants must ensure that while filling the application forms, they are providing their valid and active e-mail ID as the commission might use electronic modes of communication while contacting the candidates.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the Educational Qualification Required to apply for IES exam?
A: 

To apply for the IES exam, candidates must meet the following educational qualification criteria:

Candidates must have obtained a degree in engineering from a university incorporated by an act of the central or state legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as universities under section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.

Alternatively, candidates can also qualify by passing Sections A and B of the Institution Examinations of the Institution of Engineers (India) or obtaining a degree/diploma in Engineering from foreign universities recognised by the Government of India.

These educational qualifications are essential for candidates aspiring to appear for the IES exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Q:   What documents are required for IES applications?
A: 

The documents required for IES applications include:

  1. Class 10, 12, and graduation mark sheets.
  2. Recent colored passport-size photograph.
  3. Scanned image of the candidate's signature.
  4. Photo ID in the prescribed format.

These documents need to be scanned in jpg format and uploaded as per the specifications mentioned in the IES notification.

Q:   What are the steps to apply for IES 2026 exam?
A: 

To apply for the IES 2026 exam, candidates need to follow these steps:

  • Visit the official website of UPSC.
  • Click on the Exam Notifications tab.
  • Click on the Apply Online link.
  • Select the link for IES 2026 part-I registration.
  • Read the application form instructions carefully and proceed by clicking on Yes.
  • Fill in all basic information in the part-I application form, including Name, Date of Birth, Category, Gender, Email ID, Contact number, Permanent address, Marital status, Parents' names, Community, and Educational qualification.
  • Once all details are filled in, click on the Continue button.
  • Review all details in the online form carefully and click on Submit.

Candidates should ensure they complete these steps accurately and within the specified timeline to successfully apply for the IES 2026 exam.

Q:   Is Computer Science B.Tech degree eligible for IES?
A: 
Yes, the candidate having a degree in Computer Science can apply for the Engineering Service Exam but they need to choose the engineering branch (from the four options) for appearing in the exam and prepare the syllabus provided in the IES notification.
IES Logo

IES 2026 Application Correction Facility

The Union Public Service Commission will provide the IES 2026 application correction facility for the candidates. The last date for application correction has not been announced in the official calendar. The UPSC One-Time Registration details will not be allowed to change.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the age limit to apply for the IES exam?
A: 

The age limit to apply for the IES exam is between 21 years and 30 years. Candidates must have attained a minimum age of 21 years and should not have exceeded the maximum age of 30 years as of January 1, 2026. Additionally, there are age relaxations provided under the IES exam for different categories:

SC/ST candidates: Up to 5 years.

OBC candidates: Up to 3 years.

Defense Services personnel, disabled in operations: Up to 3 years.

Ex-servicemen including Commissioned Officers: Up to 5 years.

ECOs/SSCOs with military service: Up to 5 years.

Physically handicapped individuals: Up to 10 years

Q:   How many times can a candidate correct their application details for IES 2026 exam?
A: 

Candidates for the IES 2026 exam will be able to correct their application details only once after the last date of application, as mentioned in the provided sources. The Commission will release the UPSC IES 2026 applications on September 17, 2025. The Commission will provide around 20 days for IES application filling process. The Union Public Service Commission will also provide the IES 2026 application correction facility.

Q:   When will the IES 2026 Application Correction Facility Start?
A: 

The Union Public Service Commission has not released the IES 2026 notification. It will be released on September 17, 2025. The Commission will also activate the IES application link with the release of official notification. The last date to apply for the exam will be October 7, 2025. The Commission will also provide the IES application correction facility for a particular time period.

Q:   What is the nationality requirement to apply for IES exam?
A: 

To apply for the IES exam, candidates must meet the following nationality requirements:
The candidate must be either:

  1. A citizen of India.
  2. A subject of Nepal or Bhutan.
  3. A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
  4. A person of Indian origin who migrated from specific countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Candidates falling under categories (2), (3), and (4) need to produce a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India at the time of final allotment

IES Logo

UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 Registration Process

Registration is a pre-requisite for the online application. To fill out the application online, the candidates need to follow the given steps to register themselves.

UPSC ESE (IES) Registration 2026

Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC.

Step 2: Click on the Exam Notifications tab.

Step 3: Click on Apply Online link.

Step 4: Click on the link available for IES 2025 part-I registration.

Step 5: Read the application form instructions carefully and click on Yes.

Step 6: Fill all basic information in the part-I application form such as:

Name Date of birth
Category Gender
Email ID Contact number
Permanent address Marital status
Parents' names Community
Educational qualification -

Step 7: Once all the details are filled in, click on the Continue button. 

Step 8: Check all details in the online form carefully and click on Submit. 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the process to upload documents for IES Application?
A: 

To upload documents for the IES application, candidates need to follow these steps as outlined in the provided sources:
Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC and click on the "UPSC IES/ISS apply online" tab.
Step 2: Complete Part 1 registration by filling in all the required details.
Step 3: Pay the application fee and select the exam center.
Step 4: Upload the required documents in the specified format, including a scanned photograph, signature, and photo ID.
Step 5: Preview the application form and submit it

Q:   Is UPSC registration number required to apply for the IES exam?
A: 

Yes, a UPSC registration number is required to apply for the IES exam, as candidates need to register themselves with the official website of UPSC and obtain a registration number to proceed with the application process, as outlined in the provided sources.

Since the Union Public Service Commission started the one-time registration number, the candidates need to register once and can apply for all the exams for which they are eligible.

Q:   What is the average score of IES results in the past few years?
A: 

The average score of IES results in the past few years varies based on the specific year and category. For example, in the UPSC ESE (IES) 2023 exam, the result recommended 401 candidates out of 486 vacancies, with different cut-off marks for various categories. Similarly, in the UPSC ESE Electronics and Communication Engineering Cut Off for 2024, the final allotment cut-off was 600 for Mains and 200 for the interview, with varying marks for different categories.

The success rate of IES can be determined by the number of candidates selected each year, which fluctuates based on various factors like vacancies and competition.

Q:   Which posts are recruited through IES exam?
A: 

The Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam, also known as the Engineering Services Examination (ESE), recruits engineers for various government posts under different categories. Some of the services/posts recruited through the IES exam include:

Category I - Civil Engineering:

  • Central Water Engineering Group-A Service.
  • Central Electricity Authority.
  • CPES Gr 'A' & CPES Gr 'B'.

Category II - Mechanical Engineering:

  • Central Power Engineering Service Gr ‘B’.
  • Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service/SSO-II.
  • Category III - Electrical Engineering:
  • Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service.
  • Indian Naval Armament Service.
  • Category IV - Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering:
  • Indian Telecommunication Service Gr ‘A’.
  • Indian Naval Material Management Service.

These categories encompass a range of engineering services and posts within the government sector, offering opportunities for engineers in various disciplines to contribute to public service.

IES Logo

IES 2026 Application Form FAQs

The candidates can see here important questions related to the IES application process.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   When will the IES 2026 Application process begin?
A: 

As per the official calendar, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the IES 2026 notification on September 17, 2025. The Commission will release the IES 2026 notification online only. The Commission will also activate the IES 2026 applications with the release of official notification. The last date to apply for the IES 2026 exam will be October 7, 2025. 

IES 2026 prelims exam will be conducted on February 8, 2026. The Commission will conduct the IES 2026 exam in online mode as a Computer-Based Exam (CBE).

Q:   Is there any specific format for uploading documents for IES Application?
A: 

Yes, there is a specific format for uploading documents for the IES application. Candidates need to upload their photograph and signature in JPG format (20-300 KB) and their photo ID proof in PDF format, as outlined in the provided sources.

The Commission mention all these details in the official notification every year and notify any changes in the notification itself.

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IES Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 6 days ago

Candidates are advised to analyze the previous years' cutoff, as it is a part of effective preparation. It also provides insights into the difficulty level of the exam, trends, and also the exam pattern or question pattern. It helps candidates to prioritize their preparation accordingly, set their t

...Read more

M

Manisha Singh

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 6 days ago

It is advised to the candidates to focus on both Prelims and Mains syllabus rigorously. Understanding and mastering the content will not only enhance their understanding but also improve their chances of success in the examination. He or she should practice previous year papers and also go through t

...Read more

C

Chanchal Shekhar

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 6 days ago

In a UPSC IES 2025 exam, candidates can aim for 420 plus total marks or higher (Prelims + Mains + Personality Test) as a General category candidate. It is advised for the candidates to follow a good strategy that will help to gain a strong performance in all three stages.

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

The UPSC ESE/IES 2025 cutoff is determined based on the difficulty level of the exam (prelims and mains), the number of vacancies, previous years' trends, and the overall performance of the candidates. The cutoff marks may vary slightly across categories and branches.

S

Satyendra Garg

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 6 days ago

The Commission will release the UPSC IES 2025 cutoff marks along with the final result. It is expected that the IES 2025 cutoff marks will be released around October-November 2025.

I

Ishita Kaur

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

No, the interview of UPSC IES exam is not qualifying in nature. The number of candidates to be summoned for Personality Test will be about twice the number of vacancies to be filled. The Personality Test will carry 200 marks (with no minimum qualifying marks). Marks obtained by the candidates in the

...Read more

M

Manisha Singh

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

UPSC appoints a panel of experts to conduct the personality test for the IES or ESE examination. The panel includes senior officers and technical experts. The personality test or interview is a crucial stage of the UPSC IES selection process. It is conducted at the UPSC Bhawan in New Delhi.

C

Chanchal Shekhar

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

The commission allocated 200 marks for the UPSC IES 2025 personality test or an interview. This is the third stage, or the final stage, of the UPSC IES exam. The first stage is the preliminary examination, and the second stage is the Mains examination.

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The main purpose of conducting the UPSC IES personality test is to know about the overall personality of the aspirant with certain traits, including mental alertness, critical thinking, leadership qualities, intelligence, honesty, confidence, depth of understanding of several concepts, communication

...Read more

S

Satyendra Garg

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

The UPSC ESE (IES) 2025 Mains exam will be conducted on August 10, 2025 as per the calendar released by the UPSC. Only those candidates who are declared by the Commission to have qualified in the Preliminary Examination in the year will be eligible for admission to the Main Examination of that year

...Read more

I

Ishita Kaur

Beginner-Level 5

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