The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced that the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) Mains 2025 will be conducted on August 10, 2025. The ESE, commonly known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam, is one of the most prestigious examinations in the country for engineering graduates aspiring to work in key technical and managerial roles within the Government of India.
The exam will be held for candidates who have successfully cleared the preliminary stage conducted earlier this year. The Mains exam consists of two conventional-type papers in the candidate’s engineering discipline — Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. Candidates are advised to carefully read the examination guidelines and ensure they are fully prepared in accordance with the latest syllabus and format.
The UPSC ESE examination recruits engineers for various Group A and Group B services in departments under the central government. The list of services includes:
- Indian Railway Service of Engineers
- Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers
- Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers
- Indian Railway Stores Service
- Central Engineering Service (Roads)
- Central Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Service
- Border Roads Engineering Service
- Indian Ordnance Factories Service
- Geological Survey of India Engineering Service
- Central Water Engineering Service
- Indian Naval Armament Service
- Central Power Engineering Service
Candidates who clear the Mains examination will be shortlisted for the final stage, which is the personality test or interview. The final merit list will be based on cumulative marks from the Preliminary, Mains, and Personality Test stages. Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in each stage to proceed further in the selection process.
The UPSC has advised candidates to regularly check the official website for updates related to the exam, including admit card release, exam center details, and further announcements. Admit cards for the Mains examination are expected to be released three weeks prior to the exam date.
To ensure smooth conduct of the exam, UPSC has also issued general instructions for candidates, which include rules related to permissible items at the exam centers, time management, and documentation required on the day of the test. Candidates must bring valid identification proof along with the admit card for entry into the examination hall.
Experts recommend that candidates now focus on strengthening their subject knowledge and practicing descriptive answers under timed conditions. Since the Mains exam is descriptive in nature, clarity of concepts and structured writing are key to scoring high.
With intense competition and limited vacancies, the UPSC ESE remains a highly sought-after exam for engineering graduates. Those preparing for the Mains examination must continue to follow a disciplined study schedule and seek guidance from mentors or previous toppers where possible.
