Engineering Services Examination
| Acronym | ESE |
|---|---|
| Type | Paper-based standardised test |
| Administrator | Union Public Service Commission |
| Skills tested | |
| Purpose | Recruitment of Engineers |
| Year started | 1923 |
| Duration | Stage I (5 hours) Stage II (6 hours) |
| Score range |
|
| Offered | Once a year |
| Restrictions on attempts | Unlimited until the upper age limit |
| Regions | India |
| Languages | English |
| Annual number of test takers | 350,000 (approx) |
| Prerequisites | B.E. or B.Tech from a recognised university or equivalent |
| Fee | ₹200 (US$2.40) |
| Used by | Government of India |
| Qualification rate | 0.4% |
| Website | upsc |
The Engineering Services Examination (ESE) is a standardized test conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit officers to various engineering services under the Government of India. Held in four categories—Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication, the exam has three stages comprising objective, subjective and personality tests. The Services are also informally known as Indian Engineering Services (IES).
Officers recruited through ESE are mandated to manage and conduct activities in diverse technical fields. Government infrastructure includes railways, roads, defence, manufacturing, inspection, supply, construction, public works, power, and telecommunications. Appointments are made by the President of India.