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UPSC ESE Mains Exam Date 2026 - Check Schedule, Shift Timings & Admit Card

UPSC ESE Mains Exam Date 2026 announced. Check exam schedule, shift timings, city/center details, admit card date and preparation tips.

by J Divya

Updated Apr 08, 2026

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UPSC ESE Mains Exam Date 2026 - Check Schedule, Shift Timings & Admit Card

UPSC ESE Mains Exam Date 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Engineering Services Examination (ESE/IES) Mains examination date. The exam will be conducted on 21 June 2026. Candidates can check the complete exam schedule, shift timings, and other details on the official website upsc.gov.in. The UPSC ESE Mains admit card 2026 is expected to be released 7-10 days before the exam.

Quick Overview: ESE Mains Exam Date 2026

Organization Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Post Name Engineering Services (ESE/IES)
Exam Name Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2026
Exam Mode Offline (Conventional/Descriptive)
Exam Date 21 June 2026
Exam Shifts Two shifts (Paper I & Paper II)
Exam Duration 3 hours per paper
Admit Card Date Expected 7-10 days before the exam (around mid-June 2026)
Total Vacancies 474
Official Website Visit

Important Dates

Event Date
Notification Release Date 26 September 2025
Application Start Date 26 September 2025
Application Last Date 16 October 2025
Prelims Exam Date 08 February 2026
Prelims Result 27 February 2026 (Announced)
Admit Card Release Date (Mains) Expected mid-June 2026 (7-10 days before exam)
Exam Date (Mains) 21 June 2026
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UPSC ESE Mains Exam Schedule 2026

Date Shift Timings Reporting Time
21 June 2026 (Sunday) Paper I (Forenoon Session) 09:00 AM - 12:00 Noon At least 30-45 minutes before start
21 June 2026 (Sunday) Paper II (Afternoon Session) 02:30 PM - 05:30 PM At least 30-45 minutes before start
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Exam Pattern Overview

Type Details
Total Questions Conventional/Descriptive type (no fixed number)
Total Marks 600 (300 marks per paper)
Exam Duration 3 hours per paper
Marking Scheme No negative marking (Conventional papers)
Sections/Papers Paper I & Paper II (discipline-specific: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering)
Question Type Descriptive/Conventional
Medium English

How to Check UPSC ESE Mains Exam Date 2026?

  1. Visit the official website: upsc.gov.in
  2. Navigate to Examinations or What's New section
  3. Click on Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2026 Time Table link
  4. Download the timetable PDF (Direct link: https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/TT-ESEM-26-Engl-070426.pdf)
  5. Check your exam date, shifts, and other details
  6. Save the PDF for future reference

Documents Required on Exam Day

  • Admit Card (Printout - Mandatory)
  • Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID/Driving License/Passport)
  • Passport Size Photographs (as per requirement)
  • Category/EWS/PWD Certificate (if applicable, original + photocopy)
  • Scribe Declaration Form (if applicable)

Note: Entry will NOT be allowed without valid admit card and ID proof.

Exam Day Guidelines

  • Report to the exam center at least 30-45 minutes before the exam starts
  • Biometric verification (fingerprint/photograph) may be conducted
  • No electronic devices (mobile, smartwatch, calculator) are allowed inside the hall
  • Carry required stationery (pen, pencil, etc.) as per conventional paper needs
  • Follow all instructions given by invigilators

When Will UPSC ESE Mains Admit Card 2026 Be Released?

The ESE Mains Admit Card 2026 is expected to be released in mid-June 2026, typically 7-10 days before the exam date. Candidates can download the admit card from the official website upsc.gov.in using their Registration Number and Date of Birth/Password.

What to Do Before Exam Day?

  • Download and print your admit card (at least 2-3 copies)
  • Check exam center location and plan your travel in advance
  • Verify your photograph, signature, and other details on admit card
  • Arrange required documents and ID proof
  • Revise important topics, formulas, and practice descriptive answers
  • Keep yourself updated via official website/SMS/email

City/Center Allocation (If Applicable)

Exam cities/centers are allocated based on candidate's choice/preferences. Check your allotted city/center in:

  • Admit card (once released)
  • Official exam timetable PDF
  • Candidate login portal on upsc.gov.in

Note: Change of exam center/city is generally NOT allowed after allocation.

Important Links

Official Notification PDF Download Here
Exam Schedule PDF (Timetable) Download Here
Official Website Visit Site

Tags: UPSC ESE Mains Exam Date 2026

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