UPSC ESE 2027 · Age limit & eligibility
UPSC ESE Age Limit 2027: Relaxation, Qualification and Eligibility
Age limit, the date on which age is counted, category-wise relaxation and the educational qualification, as printed in the official notice.
UPSC ESE age limit and relaxation
Age limit
21–30 years (born 2 Jan 1997 – 1 Jan 2006) (as on 1 January 2027)
Educational qualification
- A degree in Engineering from a university incorporated by an Act of Parliament or a state legislature, a deemed university, or an equivalent qualification listed in the notice (e.g. Sections A and B of the Institution of Engineers (India))
- For Indian Naval Armament Service (Electronics Engineering posts) and Indian Radio Regulatory Service Gr 'A': an M.Sc. with Wireless Communication Electronics, Radio Physics or Radio Engineering (or as listed in the notice) is also accepted
- Candidates who have appeared or intend to appear in the qualifying examination may apply provisionally, and must upload proof of passing within the window given after the Main result
Upper age relaxation
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (eligible for reservation) | 3 years |
| Government servants (as defined in the notice) | Up to 5 years (up to age 35) |
| Ex-Servicemen / ECOs / SSCOs (conditions in the notice) | 5 years |
| Defence personnel disabled in operations | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
Application fee
₹200. Female, SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempted from the fee. OBC and EWS candidates get no exemption and must pay the full fee.
Source: Engineering Services Examination, 2027 — Examination Notice No. 02/2027-ENGG (published 16 September 2026). Confirm in the official notice before applying.
Age limit, relaxation and qualification in detail
Age is counted on 1 January 2027. You must have turned 21 and must not have turned 30 on that date, which means you must be born between 2 January 1997 and 1 January 2006 (both dates included).
SC, ST and OBC candidates who are also ex-servicemen or persons with benchmark disabilities can claim relaxation under both categories together (cumulative relaxation).
You need a degree in Engineering from a university incorporated by an Act of Parliament or a state legislature in India, or an institution deemed to be a university under the UGC Act, 1956. The notice also accepts passing Sections A and B of the Institution of Engineers (India), certain foreign engineering degrees or diplomas recognised by the government, Graduate Membership of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India), Associate Membership Parts II and III / Sections A and B of the Aeronautical Society of India, and Graduate Membership of the Institution of Electronics and Radio Engineers, London (held after November 1959).
IETE (India) and Aeronautical Society of India qualifications obtained on admission after 31 May 2013 are not admissible; Institution of Engineers cases after that date depend on the government's decision.
For two services an M.Sc. route is open as well: the Indian Naval Armament Service (Electronics Engineering posts) and the Indian Radio Regulatory Service Gr 'A' accept an M.Sc. or equivalent with Wireless Communication Electronics, Radio Physics or Radio Engineering as a special subject (for the Radio Regulatory Service, also a master's in Science with Physics and Radio Communication, Electronics or Telecommunication as a special subject).
If you have appeared, or will appear, in your qualifying examination, you can apply provisionally. If you are called for the personality test, you must upload proof of passing within 10 days of the Main result; otherwise you cannot appear and your candidature may be cancelled.
You must be a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 to settle permanently, or a person of Indian origin who migrated from one of the countries listed in the notice to settle permanently in India. Non-citizen categories need a Government of India eligibility certificate before an offer of appointment.
Upper age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | Up to 5 years |
| OBC (eligible for reservation) | Up to 3 years |
| Government servants (permanent, or temporary with at least 3 years' continuous service on 1 January 2027, as defined in the notice) | Up to 5 years (up to age 35) |
| Defence personnel disabled in operations during hostilities or in a disturbed area and released as a result | Up to 3 years |
| Ex-servicemen, including commissioned officers, ECOs and SSCOs with at least 5 years of military service (conditions in the notice) | Up to 5 years |
| ECOs/SSCOs whose assignment was extended beyond 5 years (Ministry of Defence certificate) | Up to 5 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities | Up to 10 years |
Apart from these relaxations, the age limits cannot be relaxed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for UPSC ESE?
21–30 years (born 2 Jan 1997 – 1 Jan 2006), counted as on 1 January 2027, as per the Engineering Services Examination, 2027 — Examination Notice No. 02/2027-ENGG. Category-wise upper age relaxation is given in the notice.
What qualification is needed for UPSC ESE?
A degree in Engineering from a university incorporated by an Act of Parliament or a state legislature, a deemed university, or an equivalent qualification listed in the notice (e.g. Sections A and B of the Institution of Engineers (India)). For Indian Naval Armament Service (Electronics Engineering posts) and Indian Radio Regulatory Service Gr 'A': an M.Sc. with Wireless Communication Electronics, Radio Physics or Radio Engineering (or as listed in the notice) is also accepted. Candidates who have appeared or intend to appear in the qualifying examination may apply provisionally, and must upload proof of passing within the window given after the Main result.
What is the age limit for UPSC ESE 2027?
21 to 30 years on 1 January 2027, which means born between 2 January 1997 and 1 January 2006. SC/ST get up to 5 years' relaxation, OBC up to 3 years and PwBD up to 10 years.
Can final-year engineering students apply for ESE 2027?
Yes, provisionally. If called for the personality test, you must upload proof of passing within 10 days of the Main result.
In which language are ESE papers set?
The conventional Mains papers are set in English only and must be answered in English.