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UPSC ESE Eligibility Criteria, Age Limit and Education Qualification

The UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE), also known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam, is one of the most prestigious exams in India for engineering graduates. The eligibility criteria for the UPSC ESE 2025 are defined by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and candidates must meet the specified age and educational qualifications to be eligible to apply.

Below are the detailed eligibility criteria, including age limit, and educational qualification for UPSC ESE 2025:

UPSC ESE Eligibility Criteria

The UPSC ESE, also known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES) examination, is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It serves as a gateway for engineering graduates to join various engineering services under the Government of India, such as:

  • Indian Railways Service of Engineers (IRSE)
  • Central Engineering Service (CES)
  • Military Engineering Service (MES)
  • Indian Defense Service of Engineers

The examination consists of three stages: Preliminary, Main, and an Interview (Personality Test). Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria to apply for this examination.

UPSC ESE Exam 2025  

Feature Details
Conducting Authority Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Post Name IES Officers (Grade A)
Total Vacancies 457
Educational Qualification BE/B.Tech in relevant engineering disciplines
Age Limit 21-30 years
Application Fees Rs. 200 for UR/OBC/EWS; Nil for SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen/Female
Selection Process Prelims, Mains, Personality Test
Application Reopen Dates November 22, 2024 (6:00 PM)
Prelims Exam Date February 9, 2025
Mains Exam Date June 22, 2025
Official Website upsconline.nic.in

UPSC ESE Eligibility Criteria 2025

A candidate must meet the UPSC IES eligibility requirements 2025 before applying for the test. The candidate would not be reimbursed for their exam fees if they later discovered they were ineligible. The eligibility requirements for the UPSC IES 2025 are based on a variety of criteria, including nationality, educational background, age restriction, etc. Candidates from the reserved categories are also granted a few exceptions to the rules for the higher age restriction.

UPSC IES Eligibility Criteria 2025

UPSC IES exam (Age Limitations)
  • Minimum Age – 21 years
  • Maximum Age – 30 years
UPSC IES exam Educational Qualifications Degree in Engineering
UPSC IES exam Attempts Details No Limitations
Nationality for IES exam Indian
Age relaxations for UPSC IES exam Relaxations are provided based on category and services

UPSC ESE Age Limit

The minimum age limit for the UPSC IES test is 21 years old, while the upper age limit is 30 years, according to the IES Age Limit Criteria.

  • The candidate’s birthdate cannot be between January 01, 1999, and January 02, 1990.
  • Candidates must meet the IES Age Eligibility requirements by January 1, 2020 in order to be considered for IES 2025.
  • Those who have worked for any government agency are eligible for a 5-year age relaxation on the upper age restriction.
  • According to UPSC, any government employee who applies for IES or ESE will receive the age reduction even if they are currently employed in a position that is regarded as belonging to a higher officer cadre.
  • For those who have contractually worked for a government organisation for three years or longer, there is an age relaxation. The contractually based services will be counted through January 1, 2020.
  • Candidates who are from Jammu and Kashmir or who are members of the SC, ST, OBC, PWD, or ex-servicemen will additionally obtain a 5-year age exemption on the maximum age limit.

UPSC ESE Age Limit

Category Upper Age Limit
General/UR 30 years
Other Backward Classes or OBC 33 years
Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe 35 years
Physically Handicapped Candidates 40 years
Jammu & Kashmir Residence
  • General – 35 years
  • OBC – 38 years
  • SC/ST – 40 years
  • PH – 45 years
Disabled servicemen discharged from duty
  • General – 33 years
  • OBC – 36 years
  • SC / ST – 38 years
Ex-serviceman with 5 years duty (5 years of relaxation)
  • General – 35 years
  • OBC – 38 years
  • SC / ST – 40 years

UPSC ESE Education Qualification

Candidates must meet the minimal educational requirements for the exam in order to meet all the eligibility requirements. A degree in engineering from an accredited university is the prerequisite education for taking the UPSC IES exam in 2025. The complete list of requirements for education issued by UPSC for taking the IES examination in 2025 is listed below:

  • Candidates must hold an engineering degree from a school that has been accredited by the Central Government, a State Government, or the University Grants Commission.
  • The Institution of Engineers (India) required candidates to have passed sections A and B of the institution examination.
  • Candidates must hold an engineering degree or diploma from an institution outside of India that has been recognized by the Indian government.
  • Candidates who have passed the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India) Graduate Membership test.
  • Aeronautical Society of India’s Associate Membership Examination Candidate Parts II and III or Section A and B
  • The Graduate Membership Exam of the Institution of Electronics and Radio Engineers, London, administered after November 1959, must have been passed by candidates.

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UPSC ESE Eligibility Criteria FAQs

Who is eligible for IES 2024 eligibility?

Candidates must hold an engineering degree from a recognized institute or university.

What is the educational qualification for ESE 2024?

Passed Graduate Membership Examination of the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India)

What percentage is required for IES eligibility?

There is no minimum percentage of marks set by UPSC based on the IES eligibility.

What is the maximum attempts for IES?

The upper age limit for the UPSC IES exam is 30 years. But UPSC has provided some relaxation to various categories like OBC, SC, ST and PH categories. UPSC has not restricted any number of attempts.

Is IES is equal to IAS?

The IAS is more of a generalist. An IES officer functions in technical areas like roads, railways, manufacturing, defence etc.