ESE Exam Pattern 2026: Check IES Prelims and Mains Exam Pattern
UPSC ESE 2026 Exam Pattern is conducted in three stages as Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Prelims is an objective-type test with two papers: General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (Paper I) and Engineering Discipline-specific (Paper II). Candidates clearing Prelims qualify for the Mains exam, which is descriptive and consists of two papers on the chosen engineering discipline. Those shortlisted from the Mains appear for the Personality Test. The combined marks of all three stages, which is 1300, determine the final merit list of UPSC ESE 2026.
UPSC ESE Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
IES 2026 Prelims Exam consists of 2 papers, evaluated on a combined total of 500. Prelims are also conducted in MCQ mode. The 2 Papers of Prelims are listed below:
- Paper 1: General Studies and Engineering Aptitude
- Paper 2: Discipline-specific matters.
Paper 1 pattern and syllabi of all the 4 streams are exactly the same. While the Paper 2 syllabus is different according to the discipline, exam pattern remains almost similar.
Check the table below for IES Prelims 2026 Civil Engineering Exam Pattern:
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Topic | General Studies and Engineering aptitude | Civil Engineering |
| Duration | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Total Mark | 200 | 300 |
Check the table below for IES Prelims 2026 Mechanical Engineering Exam Pattern:
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Topic | General Studies and Engineering Aptitude | Mechanical Engineering |
| Duration | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Total Mark | 200 | 300 |
Check the table below for IES Prelims 2026 Electrical Engineering Exam Pattern:
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Topic | General Studies and Engineering Aptitude | Electrical Engineering |
| Duration | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Total Mark | 200 | 300 |
Check the table below for IES Prelims 2026 Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Exam Pattern:
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Topic | General Studies and Engineering Aptitude | Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering |
| Duration | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Total Mark | 200 | 300 |
Every right answer for all of the streams is awarded one mark. Every wrong answer results in the deduction of ⅓ marks for Paper 1 of IES 2026. Unattempted answers will neither reward nor deduct any marks.
UPSC ESE Mains Exam Pattern 2026
IES Mains Exam Pattern is constructed as 2 papers, evaluated on a combined total of 600 marks. It must be noted that both papers are subject-specific. There is no general paper for IES Mains unlike the Prelims. IES Mains exam is conducted in the offline descriptive mode, with no negative marking.
Check the table below for IES Mains 2026 Civil Engineering Exam Pattern:
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Topic | Civil Engineering | Civil Engineering |
| Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Total Mark | 300 | 300 |
Check the table below for IES Mains 2026 Mechanical Engineering Exam Pattern:
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Topic | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Total Mark | 300 | 300 |
Check the table below for IES Mains 2026 Electrical Engineering Exam Pattern:
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Topic | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Total Mark | 300 | 300 |
Check the table below for IES Mains 2026 Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Exam Pattern:
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Topic | Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering | Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering |
| Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Total Mark | 300 | 300 |
Note: Candidates must note that UPSC have the provision to deduct upto 5 % marks for illegible handwriting.
UPSC ESE Interview 2026
IES 2026 Interview is evaluated on a total of 200 marks. Candidates are tested on traits like communication skills, Engineering practical applications, general knowledge etc. Candidates will be recommended for medical tests after qualifying the interview stage.
The final merit list is calculated as an aggregate of all 3 stages (500+600+200). Candidates can practice IES Mock Tests to familiarise themselves with the Prelims and Main Pattern.
UPSC ESE Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
Ques: Does UPSC ESE have negative marking?
Ans: UPSC ESE has negative marking in the Prelims round. ⅓ of the marks will be deducted for every wrong answer. Mains, however, does not have negative marks.
Ques: Are the prelims marks counted in the final merit list for UPSC ESE?
Ans: Yes, the Prelims marks are counted in the final list of UPSC ESE. The final merit list is a total of prelims, mains and interview marks.
Ques: Is the exam pattern the same for all engineering branches?
Ans: Yes, the pattern is the same across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication. The syllabus, however, is different.
Ques: Can a candidate appear directly for the Mains exam?
Ans: No, only those who qualify the Prelims can appear for the Mains. Similarly, only those who qualify the mains can appear for the interview round.
Ques: Is there any group round for the personality test?
Ans: There is no group round for the personality test of UPSC ESE 2026. Candidates are individually interviewed for traits like confidence and communication skills by a panel of senior experts.
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