Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
Overview
The Engineering Services Examination (ESE), also known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES), is a prestigious national-level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit engineers for key technical and managerial posts in the Government of India.
The services cater to critical government functions in sectors like railways, defense, roads, energy, telecommunications, manufacturing, and construction. Selected officers manage large-scale infrastructure and public sector projects, ensuring technological advancement and governance efficiency.
ESE is regarded as one of the toughest technical exams in India, attracting top engineering graduates from IITs, NITs, and state engineering colleges.
Recruiting Body
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Recruiting Exam
Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
Type of Service
Group A — Central Civil Services
Service Domain
Technical and managerial roles in engineering departments
Year of Commencement
1951
Controlling Ministry
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Entry Level Post
Assistant Executive Engineer / Assistant Director
Highest Post
Chairman / Managing Director / Secretary-level positions
Training Academy
IRICEN, IRISET, CPWD Academy & other institutes
Recruitment and Entry
Recruitment to the ESE is through a three-stage competitive examination conducted annually by the UPSC for the following four major engineering disciplines:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Stages of the Examination
- Preliminary Examination (Stage I): Objective-type paper (General Studies & Engineering Aptitude + Discipline Paper)
- Main Examination (Stage II): Conventional (descriptive) papers in the chosen engineering discipline
- Personality Test (Stage III): Conducted by UPSC to assess leadership, decision-making, and communication skills
Candidates qualifying all three stages are appointed to Group A Engineering Services in various departments.
Services / Cadres under ESE
Civil Engineering
- Central Engineering Service (Roads)
- Indian Defence Service of Engineers
- Central Water Engineering Service
- Border Roads Engineering Service
- Indian Ordnance Factories Service (Engineering)
Mechanical Engineering
- Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers
- Indian Ordnance Factories Service
- Central Power Engineering Service
- Border Roads Engineering Service
Electrical Engineering
- Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers
- Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service
- Indian Defence Service (Electrical)
- Central Power Engineering Service
Electronics & Telecommunication
- Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers
- Indian Telecommunication Service
- Indian Radio Regulatory Service
- Defence Electronics Application Service
Career Hierarchy and Designations
| Level | Typical Designation | Equivalent Rank / Role |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | Assistant Executive Engineer / Assistant Director | Entry into Group A |
| Mid-Level | Executive Engineer / Deputy Director | Project / Division Head |
| Senior Level | Superintending Engineer / Director | Zonal / Regional Head |
| Top Level | Chief Engineer / Additional Director General | Departmental Head |
| Apex Level | Engineer-in-Chief / Secretary | Policy and Administrative Head |
Pay Structure and Salary
| Grade | Experience (Approx.) | Designation / Responsibility | Pay Scale (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Time Scale | Entry | Assistant Executive Engineer | ₹56,100 / month |
| Senior Time Scale | 4 years | Executive Engineer / Assistant Director | ₹67,700 – ₹1,18,500 |
| Junior Administrative Grade | 9 years | Superintending Engineer | ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200 |
| Selection Grade | 13 years | Chief Engineer / Director | ₹1,18,500 – ₹2,14,100 |
| Super Time Scale | 16 years | Additional Director General | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 |
| Above Super Time Scale (Apex) | 25+ years | Engineer-in-Chief / Secretary | ₹2,25,000 (fixed) |
Allowances: DA, HRA, TA, and other benefits as per Central Government norms. Salary revisions follow Central Pay Commission recommendations.
Training of ESE Officers
Training is conducted by respective cadre ministries through specialized technical academies to equip officers with technical, managerial, and administrative competence.
Training Phases
- Foundation Course: Conducted at LBSNAA, Mussoorie, or other academies alongside IAS/IPS officers.
- Technical Training: At specific institutes based on cadre/service (e.g., IRICEN–Pune, IRISET–Secunderabad, CPWD Academy–Ghaziabad).
- On-the-Job Training: Officers are posted to projects and field units for practical exposure.
Cadre Management and Posting Policy
ESE officers are appointed to Central Government Departments under respective technical ministries. They may serve on deputation to PSUs, autonomous bodies, or international agencies.
Transfers, promotions, and postings are managed by cadre-controlling authorities such as the Ministry of Railways, Defence, Road Transport, or Power.
Significance of the Engineering Services
The Engineering Services form the technical backbone of India’s governance structure, contributing directly to:
- National infrastructure planning and development
- Defense engineering and logistics
- Power generation and transmission projects
- Public works and road construction
- Telecommunications and electronics modernization
ESE officers play a crucial role in implementing national programs like Bharatmala, Sagarmala, Make in India, Smart Cities, and Digital India.
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