New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the timetable for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) Mains 2026, with the exam scheduled to be held on June 21, 2026.
Exam date and timings
As per the official schedule, the ESE Mains exam will be conducted in two shifts:
- Morning shift: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
- Afternoon shift: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Candidates are advised to report well in advance to avoid last-minute delays.
Exam pattern and marks
The Engineering Services (Main/Stage-II) Examination will include:
- Two conventional (descriptive) papers
- Each paper of 3 hours duration
- 300 marks per paper
- Total: 600 marks
The papers will be based on the candidate’s chosen engineering discipline.
Selection process
The UPSC ESE selection process consists of three stages:
- Stage I – Preliminary Examination (objective type)
- Stage II – Mains Examination (conventional/descriptive)
- Stage III – Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates who clear both the Prelims and Mains with the required cut-off marks will be shortlisted for the final interview round.
How to check the timetable
To access the detailed timetable:
- Visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in)
- Click on the ESE Mains 2026 timetable link on the homepage
- View the schedule PDF
- Download and print a copy for reference
Conclusion
With the ESE Mains date now confirmed, candidates should intensify their preparation and focus on revision and answer-writing practice. The exam remains one of the most competitive gateways for engineering graduates aiming for prestigious government services.