Everything About UPSC IES (Indian Engineering Services) Exam from Basics – exam pattern, syllabus, job profile, career growth, number of vacancies out, starting salary, preparation strategy, best books, courses, and test series, admit card, result, previous year cut-off analysis, and duration of preparation.
Table of Contents
UPSC IES Exam (Indian Engineering Services) Overview
| Name of Examination | UPSC IES |
| Full-Form of IES | Indian Engineering Services |
| Exam Organised Body | Union Public Service Commision |
| Salary | ₹56,100 |
| Notification release month | September – October |
| Application mode | Union Public Service Commission |
| Qualification | Degree/Diploma in Engineering |
| Age Limit | 21 Years – 30 Years |
| Application Fee | ₹200/- |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains & Interview |
| Official Website | https://www.upsconline.nic.in |
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About UPSC IES Exam
The UPSC IES exam, also known as the Engineering Services Examination (ESE), is a highly competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to various engineering services in the government of India. The exam is conducted in four engineering disciplines – Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have an engineering degree from a recognized university or institution. The exam is held in three stages – Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. Cracking the IES exam opens up a wide range of opportunities in the government sector, and successful candidates are recruited as Class-1 officers in various engineering departments of the government of India. This exam is also known as Engineering Services Examination, UPSC ESE exam.
Vacancy Notification for UPSC IES Exam
The UPSC IES (Indian Engineering Services) exam notification is usually released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) once a year. The notification provides detailed information about the exam, including the number of vacancies available in each engineering discipline, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, application process, and important dates. The notification is generally released in the month of September or October, and the exam is conducted in the following year, usually in January or February. Candidates are advised to regularly check the UPSC website for the latest updates and notifications related to the IES exam.
Number of Vacancies in Engineering Services Examination 2024
The number of vacancies announced every year for the UPSC IES (Indian Engineering Services) exam varies and is dependent on the requirement of the government in various engineering departments. The number of vacancies also differs for each engineering discipline. The exact number of vacancies for the UPSC IES exam is announced in the official notification released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) every year. In general, the total number of vacancies announced for all engineering disciplines combined is around 500-600, but this can vary depending on the government’s requirements.
Job Profile after Selection in UPSC IES Exam
After selection in the UPSC IES (Indian Engineering Services) exam, candidates are recruited as Class-1 officers in various engineering departments of the government of India. The job profile of an IES officer involves designing, constructing, maintaining, and operating various infrastructure projects related to their respective engineering disciplines. They are responsible for planning and executing various engineering projects, ensuring quality standards, managing resources, and ensuring timely completion of projects.
IES officers work in various government departments, such as the Indian Railways, Central Water Commission, Central Public Works Department, Indian Defense Service of Engineers, Indian Ordnance Factories, and others. The job also involves conducting inspections, writing technical reports, and making recommendations to the government on various engineering issues.
Overall, the job profile of an IES officer is challenging and requires a high level of technical expertise and problem-solving skills. It provides an opportunity to work on large-scale engineering projects and contribute to the development of the nation.
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Engineering Services Examination Post after Selection
The UPSC IES (Indian Engineering Services) exam recruits candidates for various Class-1 engineering positions in the government of India.
The posts under UPSC IES include:
- Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE): IRSE officers are responsible for the construction, maintenance, and management of railway infrastructure, including tracks, bridges, stations, and signaling systems.
- Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS): IRSS officers are responsible for the procurement and management of materials, supplies, and equipment required by the Indian Railways.
- Central Engineering Service (CES): CES officers work in various engineering departments of the central government, such as the Central Public Works Department, Department of Telecommunications, and others.
- Military Engineering Services (MES): MES officers are responsible for the construction and maintenance of various defense infrastructure projects, such as airfields, roads, buildings, and other facilities.
- Central Water Engineering (CWE): CWE officers are responsible for the planning, design, and execution of water resources projects, including dams, canals, and irrigation systems.
- Indian Defense Service of Engineers (IDSE): IDSE officers are responsible for the planning, design, and execution of various defense infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, buildings, and airfields.
- Geological Survey of India (GSI): GSI officers are responsible for geological mapping and mineral exploration in India.
- Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS): IOFS officers are responsible for the production, testing, and supply of various defense equipment, including weapons, ammunition, and vehicles.
- Border Roads Engineering Service (BRES): BRES officers are responsible for the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges in border areas, which are crucial for the defense of the country.
- Central Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Service (CEMES): CEMES officers are responsible for the maintenance and repair of various electrical and mechanical equipment used by the government, such as generators, pumps, and air conditioners.
- Indian Supply Service (ISS): ISS officers are responsible for the procurement and supply of various materials and equipment required by the government.
- Indian Telecommunication Service (ITS): ITS officers are responsible for the planning, design, and implementation of various telecommunication projects in India.
These posts are divided into four engineering disciplines, namely Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. Successful candidates are allotted these posts based on their preference and rank in the UPSC IES exam.
The starting salary for a UPSC IES
The starting salary of different posts under UPSC IES varies based on the pay scale and level of the post. As per the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, the starting salaries of some of the posts under UPSC IES are as follows:
- Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE): Rs. 56,100 (Level 10)
- Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS): Rs. 56,100 (Level 10)
- Central Engineering Service (CES): Rs. 56,100 (Level 10)
- Military Engineering Services (MES): Rs. 56,100 (Level 10)
- Central Water Engineering (CWE): Rs. 56,100 (Level 10)
- Indian Defense Service of Engineers (IDSE): Rs. 56,100 (Level 10)
- Geological Survey of India (GSI): Rs. 56,100 (Level 10)
- Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS): Rs. 56,100 (Level 10)
- Border Roads Engineering Service (BRES): Rs. 56,100 (Level 10)
- Central Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Service (CEMES): Rs. 56,100 (Level 10)
- Indian Supply Service (ISS): Rs. 56,100 (Level 10)
- Indian Telecommunication Service (ITS): Rs. 56,100 (Level 10)
It is important to note that these are just the starting salaries, and the salary of an employee increases with time and experience. Additionally, other allowances such as DA, HRA, and medical benefits are also provided.
Career Growth in Engineering Services Examination
Career growth in UPSC IES varies depending on the post and the department the officer is working in. Here are some details about the career growth in UPSC IES for different posts:
- Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE): The career growth for IRSE officers is structured, with several opportunities for professional development and growth. The officer starts as an Assistant Divisional Engineer and progresses to Senior Divisional Engineer, Deputy Chief Engineer, Chief Engineer, and finally Member/Additional Member (Engineering) in the Railway Board.
- Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS): The career growth for IRSS officers is also structured, with several opportunities for professional development and growth. The officer starts as an Assistant Stores Officer and progresses to Senior Divisional Material Manager, Chief Material Manager, and finally Member/Additional Member (Materials Management) in the Railway Board.
- Central Engineering Service (CES): The career growth for CES officers is structured, with several opportunities for professional development and growth. The officer starts as an Assistant Executive Engineer and progresses to Executive Engineer, Chief Engineer, and finally Director General in the Central Public Works Department.
- Military Engineering Services (MES): The career growth for MES officers is also structured, with several opportunities for professional development and growth. The officer starts as a Junior Engineer and progresses to Assistant Garrison Engineer, Garrison Engineer, Chief Engineer, and finally Director General in the Military Engineering Services.
- Central Water Engineering (CWE): The career growth for CWE officers is structured, with several opportunities for professional development and growth. The officer starts as an Assistant Executive Engineer and progresses to Executive Engineer, Superintending Engineer, Chief Engineer, and finally Director General in the Central Water Commission.
- Indian Defense Service of Engineers (IDSE): The career growth for IDSE officers is structured, with several opportunities for professional development and growth. The officer starts as a Junior Engineer and progresses to Assistant Garrison Engineer, Garrison Engineer, Chief Engineer, and finally Director General in the Indian Defense Service of Engineers.
- Geological Survey of India (GSI): The career growth for GSI officers is structured, with several opportunities for professional development and growth. The officer starts as a Junior Geologist and progresses to Senior Geologist, Superintending Geologist, Director, and finally Director General in the Geological Survey of India.
- Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS): The career growth for IOFS officers is structured, with several opportunities for professional development and growth. The officer starts as a Junior Works Manager and progresses to Works Manager, Senior Works Manager, Director, and finally Director General in the Indian Ordnance Factories Service.
- Border Roads Engineering Service (BRES): The career growth for BRES officers is structured, with several opportunities for professional development and growth. The officer starts as a Junior Engineer and progresses to Assistant Executive Engineer, Executive Engineer, Chief Engineer, and finally Director General in the Border Roads Engineering Service.
- Central Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Service (CEMES): The career growth for CEMES officers is structured, with several opportunities for professional development and growth. The officer starts as an Assistant Executive Engineer and progresses to Executive Engineer, Chief Engineer, and finally Director General in the Central Public Works Department.
- Indian Supply Service (ISS): The career growth for ISS officers is structured, with several opportunities for professional development and growth. The officer starts as a Junior Time Scale and progresses to Senior Time Scale, Junior Administrative Grade, Senior Administrative Grade, and finally Higher Administrative Grade in the Indian Supply Service.
- Indian Telecommunication Service (ITS): The career growth for ITS officers is structured, with several opportunities for professional development and growth. The officer starts as an Assistant Director and progresses to Deputy Director, Joint Director, and finally Director in the Indian Telecommunication Service.
Selection Process For UPSC Indian Engineering Services 2024-2025
The selection process for UPSC Indian Engineering Services (IES) includes the following stages:
- Preliminary Examination: The preliminary examination consists of two objective-type papers – Paper I and Paper II. Paper I is on General Studies and Engineering Aptitude, and Paper II is on the engineering discipline chosen by the candidate. Both papers carry 200 marks each.
- Main Examination: The main examination consists of two conventional-type papers in the engineering discipline chosen by the candidate. Each paper carries 300 marks.
- Personality Test/Interview: Candidates who qualify in the main examination are called for a personality test/interview, which carries 200 marks. The personality test/interview is conducted by a board constituted by the UPSC. The board evaluates the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and suitability for the Indian Engineering Services.
The final selection of candidates is based on the marks obtained in the main examination and personality test/interview. The preliminary examination is only a qualifying round and its marks are not considered for the final selection. The final merit list is prepared based on the candidate’s performance in the main examination and personality test/interview.
Preparation strategy for UPSC ESE exam
Preparing for the UPSC Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam requires a well-planned strategy and dedication. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the exam:
- Understand the Syllabus: The first step towards preparation is to go through the IES syllabus thoroughly. Understanding the syllabus will help you focus on the topics that are important for the exam.
- Plan a Study Schedule: Once you have understood the syllabus, you can plan a study schedule. Make sure to allocate enough time for each subject and stick to the schedule.
- Study Material: Choose the right study material for each subject. NCERT books are a good starting point for building the foundation. You can also refer to standard reference books for each subject.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Solving previous year question papers will give you an idea about the exam pattern, the type of questions asked, and the difficulty level. You can also assess your performance and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Take Mock Tests: Mock tests are an important part of your preparation. They help you in time management, improve your accuracy and boost your confidence.
- Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with the latest developments and advancements in your engineering discipline. It will help you in answering the questions related to current trends in the industry.
- Revision: Revision is crucial for success in the exam. Make sure to revise the topics regularly, especially the ones that you find difficult.
- Maintain a Positive Attitude: Finally, maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated throughout your preparation. Believe in yourself and your abilities. With hard work and determination, you can crack the UPSC IES exam.
Best Books for UPSC ESE
Here is a list of some of the best books that can help you prepare for the UPSC Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam:
General Studies and Engineering Aptitude
- General Studies Paper I for Civil Services Preliminary Examination by Pearson
- General Studies Paper II for Civil Services Preliminary Examination by Pearson
- Engineering Aptitude by Made Easy Publications
- Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
- India Yearbook by Publications Division, Government of India
Engineering Discipline-Specific Books
- Civil Engineering: Civil Engineering: Conventional and Objective Type by R.S. Khurmi and J.K. Gupta
- Electrical Engineering: Principles of Power Systems by V.K. Mehta and Rohit Mehta
- Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering: Electronic Principles by Albert Malvino and David Bates
- Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical Engineering (Conventional and Objective Type) by R.S. Khurmi and J.K. Gupta
General English and General Studies
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
- Objective General Knowledge by Lucent Publications
- Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
- Indian History by Bipin Chandra
Previous Year Question Papers and Mock Tests
- Previous Years’ Solved Papers: Indian Engineering Services (IES) Exam by Made Easy Publications
- IES 10 Practice Sets by GKP
- IES Objective Previous Years Papers by Arihant Publications
Note: The list is not exhaustive, and there may be other good books available in the market. Candidates are advised to choose the books that are recommended by experts and have good reviews. It is also important to stick to the syllabus and avoid unnecessary study material.
Test series for UPSC ESE
Nishant eAcademy Test Series is a highly recommended resource for anyone preparing for the UPSC Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam. Their test series is designed to provide an exam-like experience to the candidates, with a wide range of questions covering all the topics of the syllabus. The test series is based on the latest exam pattern and is updated regularly to keep up with any changes in the exam pattern or the syllabus. Moreover, the detailed analysis and feedback provided by Nishant eAcademy after each test can help candidates identify their strengths and weaknesses and work on improving their performance. So, if you want to give your preparation an extra edge and increase your chances of success in the UPSC IES exam, it is highly recommended to refer to the Nishant eAcademy Test Series.
Duration of Preparation for the UPSC IES Exam
The preparation duration for the UPSC IES exam can vary greatly depending on the individual’s academic background, familiarity with the exam pattern, and dedication towards the preparation. However, on average, it is recommended that an aspirant should start preparing for the exam at least one year in advance.
During this time, aspirants should focus on developing a strong foundation in the subjects that are included in the syllabus. They should also dedicate a significant amount of time towards practicing the previous year’s question papers and taking mock tests to evaluate their progress and identify areas of improvement.
It is important to note that there is no fixed duration for UPSC IES exam preparation, and it can vary greatly based on the individual’s pace of learning and level of dedication. Aspirants who are consistent in their efforts and are able to manage their time effectively can complete the syllabus in a shorter duration, while others may take longer.
Result of Engineering Services Examination
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) every year for recruitment to various posts in the engineering services of the Government of India. The examination is also known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES) examination.
The results of the UPSC IES exam are typically announced in stages. The first stage is the preliminary examination, which is a screening test that consists of objective-type questions. The results of the preliminary examination are usually announced within two months of the examination.
Candidates who clear the preliminary examination are eligible to appear for the main examination, which is a written test consisting of conventional papers. The results of the main examination are typically announced within two to three months of the examination.
Candidates who clear both the preliminary and main examinations are called for an interview. The final result of the UPSC IES exam is based on the marks obtained by candidates in the main examination and the interview. The final results are usually announced within three to four months of the interview.
It is important to note that the exact dates for the announcement of results may vary from year to year, and candidates should regularly check the UPSC website for the latest updates.
FAQ on UPSC IES Exam
How to prepare for the upsc ies exam without coaching?
Preparing for the UPSC IES exam without coaching requires self-discipline, hard work, and a structured approach.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the exam without coaching:
1. Understand the Syllabus: The first step to preparing for the exam is to understand the syllabus thoroughly. Download the latest syllabus from the UPSC website and create a study plan based on the topics and sub-topics.
2. Choose the Right Study Material: Choose the right study material such as textbooks, reference books, and previous year’s question papers to cover the syllabus effectively. You can also refer to online resources such as websites and blogs for additional information.
3. Create a Study Schedule: Create a study schedule that works for you and helps you cover the entire syllabus in a timely manner. Make sure to include regular breaks and revision time in your schedule.
4. Practice Previous Year Question Papers: Practice previous year question papers to get an idea of the exam pattern and the type of questions asked. This will also help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus your preparation accordingly.
5. Join Online Forums: Join online forums and discussion groups to interact with other aspirants, share your knowledge, and clear your doubts.
6. Take Mock Tests: Take mock tests regularly to evaluate your progress and identify areas of improvement. This will also help you to manage your time effectively during the exam.
7. Stay Motivated: Stay motivated and focused on your goal. Set small achievable targets and reward yourself when you achieve them. Keep a positive attitude towards your preparation and believe in yourself.
Remember, preparing for the UPSC IES exam without coaching requires discipline and hard work. Stay committed to your goal and keep practicing regularly.
How to start UPSC IES preparation?
Preparing for the UPSC IES exam requires a structured and systematic approach. Here are some steps to help you get started with your preparation:
1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: The first step in preparing for the UPSC IES exam is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus. Download the latest syllabus from the UPSC website and understand the exam pattern, including the number of papers, duration, and marks.
2. Create a Study Plan: Based on the syllabus and exam pattern, create a study plan that works for you. Divide the syllabus into smaller topics and allocate specific time slots for each topic. Make sure to include time for revision and practice tests in your study plan.
3. Choose the Right Study Material: Choose the right study material such as textbooks, reference books, and previous year’s question papers to cover the syllabus effectively. You can also refer to online resources such as websites and blogs for additional information.
4. Start with the Basics: Start with the basic concepts and build a strong foundation in the topics. This will help you to understand the advanced concepts easily.
5. Practice Regularly: Practice regularly by solving the previous year’s question papers and taking mock tests. This will help you to get an idea of the exam pattern and the type of questions asked. It will also help you to manage your time effectively during the exam.
6. Stay Motivated: Stay motivated and focused on your goal. Set small achievable targets and reward yourself when you achieve them. Keep a positive attitude towards your preparation and believe in yourself.
Remember, preparing for the UPSC IES exam requires dedication, hard work, and a structured approach. Start your preparation early and stay committed to your goal.