The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has rolled out the pre‑admit cards for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026. Candidates who cleared the preliminary round for any of the 474 engineering posts can now download their admit cards to appear for the test scheduled on 8 February 2026. The release comes ahead of the final deadline for fee payment (16 Oct 2025) and marks the last major milestone before the main examination phase.
Recruitment/Exam Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Department/Board | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Engineering Services (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Tele‑communication) |
| Exam Name | UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 |
| Total Vacancy | 474 posts (all Civil Engineering) |
| Category | Admit Card – Preliminary Examination |
| Application Mode | Online (through UPSC portal) |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 26 Sep 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16 Oct 2025 (06 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 16 Oct 2025 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 08 Feb 2026 |
| Pre‑Admit Card Release | 30 Jan 2026 |
| Main Exam (tentative) | As per schedule |
| Result (tentative) | To be announced |
Vacancy & Eligibility Snapshot
- Age Limit: Candidates must be 21‑30 years as on 01 Jan 2026. Age relaxation applies as per government rules.
- Educational Qualification: A B.E./B.Tech or equivalent degree in the relevant engineering discipline (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Tele‑communication). Candidates who are appearing for the final year of the degree may also apply, provided they meet other criteria.
| Post (Engineering Discipline) | Total Posts | Qualification Required |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 474 | B.E./B.Tech (Civil) or equivalent |
| Mechanical Engineering | – | B.E./B.Tech (Mechanical) or equivalent |
| Electrical Engineering | – | B.E./B.Tech (Electrical) or equivalent |
| Electronics & Tele‑communication Engineering | – | B.E./B.Tech (E&TC) or equivalent |
Note: The 474 vacancies are exclusively for the Civil Engineering stream. Other disciplines are listed for reference; no posts are currently advertised for them in this cycle.
How to Download the UPSC ESE 2026 Pre‑Admit Card?
Follow these straightforward steps to obtain your admit card from the official UPSC portal:
- Open the UPSC website – Go to https://www.upsc.gov.in on a desktop or mobile browser.
- Locate the “Latest Notifications” section on the homepage and click the link titled “UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 – Pre‑Admit Card”.
- Enter your credentials – Provide the Registration Number, Date of Birth, and the Captcha as displayed.
- Verify the details – The system will display your personal information and the exam centre assigned to you. Check for any discrepancies.
- Download the PDF – Click the “Download Admit Card” button. The file will be saved in PDF format.
- Print a hard copy – Print the admit card in A4 size (single‑sided) and keep it with a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.) on the day of the exam.
Important: The admit card is non‑transferable. Any alteration or tampering will lead to disqualification.
Important Links
| Link Name | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Download Pre‑Admit Card | Download |
| Download Full Notification | Notification |
| Download Exam Notice | Click here |
| Official UPSC Website | Visit |
| Join WhatsApp Updates | Join Now |
| Join Telegram Channel | Join Now |
Conclusion
The UPSC Engineering Services Examination 2026 pre‑admit cards are now live for the 474 civil engineering vacancies. Candidates must download, verify, and print the admit card promptly to avoid any last‑minute hassles. Always cross‑check the details against the official notification before the exam day.
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to download the UPSC Engineering Services 2026 pre‑admit card?
Ans: The admit card will be available from 30 January 2026. Candidates should download it as soon as possible.
Q2. How many vacancies are offered under UPSC Engineering Services 2026?
Ans: A total of 474 posts have been released, all for the Civil Engineering stream.
Q3. Which website hosts the official UPSC Engineering Services 2026 admit card?
Ans: The admit card can be downloaded from the official UPSC portal: https://www.upsc.gov.in.