UPSC ESE Exam Pattern 2026: Prelims, Mains and Personality Test
UPSC Planner Editorial Team
UPSC Planner Guide
Summary
UPSC ESE exam pattern explained: Preliminary objective papers, conventional Main papers, Personality Test, negative marking and selection stages.
UPSC ESE Exam Pattern 2026: Prelims, Mains and Personality Test
The ESE pattern has Preliminary/Stage-I objective papers, Main/Stage-II conventional engineering papers and a Personality Test. This guide explains the stages, paper types, negative marking, answer-writing expectations and exam-day instructions.
Three selection stages
- Preliminary/Stage-I: objective papers used for shortlisting.
- Main/Stage-II: conventional engineering papers for candidates qualifying the Preliminary stage.
- Personality Test: interview and assessment stage for candidates qualifying the written stages.
Final allocation follows the applicable rules and depends on merit, preferences, vacancies, category conditions and medical fitness.
Preliminary examination
The Preliminary stage has two objective papers: Paper I on General Studies and Engineering Aptitude, and Paper II on the discipline-specific engineering subject selected by the candidate. Check the current notice for exact marks, duration, qualifying conditions and paper details.
Objective papers use an OMR answer sheet and include negative marking for wrong answers. Read the booklet instructions, use only permitted stationery, and fill roll number, booklet series and other details exactly. Encoding errors can make an answer sheet liable for rejection.
Main examination
The Main stage has conventional engineering papers in the selected discipline. Answers should explain principles, show derivations, state assumptions, draw diagrams, use correct units and present complete solutions. Practise handwriting speed, page organisation and multi-part questions under time limits.
Personality Test
Candidates qualifying the written stages are called for the Personality Test. Prepare academic subjects, projects, work experience, home state, engineering developments, safety, sustainability, regulation, public infrastructure and the services linked with your branch. Explain decisions clearly rather than memorising a script.
ESE 2026 facts
The official notice dated 26 September 2025 scheduled Preliminary/Stage-I for 8 February 2026 and reported approximately 474 vacancies, subject to alteration, across four categories. It included PwBD vacancies. Applications used the new UPSC portal with account creation, Universal Registration, Common Application Form and examination-specific form. These facts are cycle-specific and must be updated when a new notice is issued.
Exam-day checklist
Download the e-admission certificate and check venue, reporting time and instructions. Carry the required photo ID and permitted stationery. Reach at least 30 minutes early because the notice states late entry is not allowed. Do not carry mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, cameras, storage media or other prohibited electronics.
For objective papers, verify the question-paper series and roll-number encoding. For conventional papers, start with questions you can answer confidently, allocate time for calculations and review, and keep diagrams readable.
How to improve marks
For Prelims, accuracy and question selection matter more than attempting everything. Track time, avoid low-confidence guesses where negative marking matters, and revise recurring formulae. For Mains, practise complete solutions and presentation. For the Personality Test, connect technical knowledge with public engineering, safety, sustainability and service delivery.
Official links
- ESE 2026 notification
- UPSC previous question papers
- UPSC active examinations
- UPSC online application portal
Always confirm marks, duration, qualifying rules, dates and instructions from the latest UPSC notification.