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The administrative apparatus also demands a touch of engineering excellence, which is why the Engineering Services Exam (ESE), also known as the Indian Engineering Service Examination, stands out as one of the most prestigious all-India services available to engineering graduates. This examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and offers appointments to Group A and Group B technical positions. It opens doors to opportunities in senior roles within public sector organizations, providing both age and career prospects equivalent to those of the civil services. This remarkable avenue empowers engineering graduates to ascend from the position of Assistant Executive Engineer to the pinnacle of Chairman and Managing Director within various esteemed institutions.

Vacancies: These openings are categorized into four groups.
⚓Category I: Civil Engineering (Group A Posts/Services)

1. Indian Railway Stores Service
2. Central Engineering Service
3. Indian Railway Service of Engineers
4. Military Engineer Service (Roads Cadre and Building)
5. Assistant Executive Engineer (in Boarder Roads Engineering 
Service)
6. Central Water Engineering
7. Survey of India Service

⚓Category II: Mechanical Engineering (Group A & B Posts/Services)

1. Indian Railway Stores Service
2. Central Water Engineering Service
3. Assistant Executive Engineer (in Ministry of Defense)
4. Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers
5. Indian Ordnance Factories Service
6. Assistant Naval Store officer Grade I in Indian Navy
7. Indian Naval Armament Service
8. Mechanical Engineer (in Geological Survey of India)
9. Assistant Executive Engineer (in Boarder Roads Engineering 
Service)
10. Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service

⚓Category III: Electrical Engineering (Group A & B Posts/Services)

1. Indian Railway Stores Service
2. Indian Naval Armament Service
3. Assistant Naval Store (in Indian Navy)
4. Military Engineer Service
5. Assistant Executive Engineer (in Ministry of Defense)
6. Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service
7. Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers

⚓Category IV: Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering (Group  A & B Posts/Services)

1. Indian Naval Armament Service
2. Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers
3. Indian Ordnance Factories Service
4. Assistant Naval Stores officer (in Indian Navy)
5. Assistant Executive Engineer (in Ministry of Defence)
6. Indian Railway Stores Service
7. Survey of India Service
8. Engineer in Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing/Monitoring Organisation
Eligibility: To qualify for these positions, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
1. Hold an Engineering Degree or its equivalent.
2. Have successfully completed Section A and B of the Institution of Engineering (India) examinations or possess an equivalent degree or diploma from a foreign University. 
3. Have passed the graduate membership examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India) or the associate membership examination of the Aeronautical Society of India for engineers.
Candidates who do not possess the qualifications mentioned above can still apply for positions in the Indian Naval Armament Service (Electronics Engineering) and Indian Radio Regulatory Service Group A, provided they have the following qualifications:
- Naval Armament Service (Electronics Engineering): Proficiency in Wireless Communication Electronics, Radio Physics, or Radio Engineering as separate subjects.
Indian Radio Regulatory Service: Eligibility requires a Master's Degree in Science (MSc) or its equivalent, with specialization in Wireless Communication Electronics, Radio Physics, or Radio Engineering as a distinct subject. Alternatively, candidates can hold a Master's Degree in Science with a focus on Physics and a separate subject related to Radio Communication, Electronics, or Telecommunication.
Candidates who are in the process of completing their qualifying examinations are also eligible to apply, subject to specific conditions.
⚓Age: Applicants should be between 21 and 30 years old. Statutory exemptions may be applicable (refer to the website for further details).
*Three Stages 🛤🏔🌋 of the Engineering Services Examination:*

1) Preliminary Stage:
In this initial phase, candidates face two objective examinations: the General Studies & Engineering Aptitude Paper (200 marks) and the Engineering-related paper (300 marks). It's worth noting that a deduction of 1/3 marks applies for incorrect answers. The General Studies & Engineering Aptitude test covers general knowledge, aptitude, and reasoning. The cumulative score in the preliminary stage contributes to the final evaluation.
2) Main Stage:
For those who successfully clear the preliminary stage, the main examination follows, consisting of two 300-mark papers. A comprehensive syllabus is available on the official website. Approximately 6-7 times the total number of vacancies receive invitations to participate in the main examination.
3) Personality Test:
The third stage involves a personality assessment through an interview (200 marks). This interview evaluates the candidate's overall personality, leadership qualities, and sense of social responsibility. Twice the number of vacancies receive invitations to this stage.
Additional Information:
- The UPSC has initiated the application process for this year's examination.
- Applications can be submitted online via the website www.upsconline.nic.in, with more details available at www.upsc.gov.in.
- Preliminary exam centers are located in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Additionally, Thiruvananthapuram hosts the main examination center.
- The withdrawal option is provided for candidates who believe they are inadequately prepared after applying.
- The Engineering Services Examination attracts over 1.5 lakh applicants for an average of approximately 600 vacancies.

Article By: Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI Career Team