The UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE), also known as IES, stands as a gateway for aspiring engineers to secure prestigious Group A and B posts in the Indian government, with the 2025 final results recently announced on December 17, 2025, recommending 458 candidates across key disciplines like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering. This SEO-optimized guide delves into the UPSC ESE final result 2025 details, including merit lists, cutoff trends, selection processes, and preparation insights, empowering potential students to navigate this competitive landscape effectively.
Understanding the UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
Aspect
Details
Overview
UPSC ESE recruits engineers for technical roles in government departments. It targets services like Indian Railway Service of Engineers. Focuses on Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication branches. Conducted annually by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Purpose
Prepares engineers for infrastructure and development projects. Offers stability, growth, and national impact. Ideal for B.Tech graduates seeking public sector careers.
History
Started in 1927 as Superior Services Exam. Renamed ESE in 2017. Evolves with India’s engineering needs. Over 10,000 selections since inception.
Significance
Leads to roles in Railways, CPWD, and Defence. Provides perks like housing and pensions. Boosts career in policy-making and execution.
Who Should Apply
Engineering graduates aged 21-30. Final-year students eligible. Relaxations for reserved categories.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC ESE
Criterion
Requirements
Educational Qualification
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from AICTE-recognized university. Equivalent foreign degrees accepted. Final-year candidates can apply provisionally. Must submit proof before mains.
Age Limit
21 to 30 years as of January 1 of exam year. Upper limit relaxable by 3 years for OBC, 5 for SC/ST, 10 for PwD. Ex-servicemen get additional benefits.
Nationality
Indian citizen or subject of Nepal/Bhutan. Tibetan refugees settled before 1962 eligible. Indian-origin persons from specified countries.
Physical Standards
No specific standards unless for certain posts. Medical fitness checked post-selection. Vision and hearing standards apply for operational roles.
Number of Attempts
No limit for General category. OBC: 9 attempts. SC/ST: unlimited until age limit. PwD: relaxations apply.
Examination Structure and Stages
Stage
Description
Preliminary Examination
Objective-type papers. Two papers: General Studies and Engineering Aptitude (200 marks), Discipline-specific (300 marks). Total 500 marks. Qualifying for mains. Held in January.
Main Examination
Conventional (descriptive) papers. Two papers per discipline, 300 marks each. Total 600 marks. Focuses on in-depth knowledge. Conducted in June/July.
Personality Test
Interview round worth 200 marks. Assesses suitability for services. Conducted in Delhi. Panel evaluates communication and leadership.
Final Merit
Aggregate of mains and interview marks. Prelims marks not counted in final. Vacancy-based selection. Medical exam post-merit.
Marking Scheme
Negative marking in prelims: 1/3rd deduction. No negative in mains. Interview holistic scoring. Minimum qualifying marks category-wise.
UPSC ESE 2025 Preliminary Examination Details
Component
Key Points
Exam Date
Conducted on February 9, 2025. Single day for all disciplines. Morning and afternoon shifts.
Syllabus Coverage
Paper I: Current affairs, ethics, engineering aptitude. Paper II: Core branch topics like structures for Civil. Emphasizes application-based questions.
Difficulty Level
Moderate to high. 2025 paper tested conceptual clarity. Time management crucial for 150 questions per paper.
Result Declaration
Prelims results out on March 25, 2025. Over 10,000 qualified for mains. Roll numbers listed on UPSC site.
Preparation Focus
Practice MCQs daily. Analyze previous years’ papers. Join mock tests for speed.
UPSC ESE 2025 Main Examination Insights
Element
Highlights
Exam Schedule
Held on July 13 and 20, 2025. Separate days for each paper. Pen-and-paper mode.
Paper Pattern
Paper I and II: 3 hours each, 300 marks. Descriptive answers required. Diagrams and calculations essential.