IES stands for Indian Engineering Services. The UPSC conducts ESE stands for Engineering Services Exam, which is a national-level exam. This exam is conducted to select candidates for Indian Engineering Services in various government sectors like Power, Telecommunication, PWD, etc. The selected candidate’s students are designated as class 1 officers and they work as engineers under the government. of India.
It is a written test comprising six tests completed in four stages. It is done once a year. It is necessary to clear all six tests. The written exam is an interview; those who have cleared the written exam are called for the interview. After the interview, the IES officers are appointed by the President of India on the recommendations which are made by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is considered one of India’s toughest exams with limited seats.
Engineering graduate students are allowed
Final year (4th year ) engineering students can also apply
Age limit: 21-30 with relaxations for reserved communities
Candidate must be a citizen of India
Eligibility | Nationality: Indian citizen |
Education: Engineering Graduate | |
Age limit: 21-30 | |
Organised by | UPSC |
Application | Online through UPSC’s official website |
Fees | Rs. 200/- |
Test Scheme | Three stages: Prelims, Mains & Personality Test |
Syllabus | Limited. Confined to engineering disciplines |
Prelims Stage | Two papers: General Studies and Engineering Aptitude Paper (common) + Engineering Discipline (Specific discipline) |
Mains Stage | Two papers |
Job Nature | Deals less with the public. Technical and specific. |
Preparation Time (on average) | 7-8 months |
The average number of Vacancies | 500 |
The Indian Engineering Service (IES) officers have various benefits and allowances apart from the basic salary namely- medical facility, Gratuity, Leave encashment, House rent allowance, peon, domestic servant, driver, tip allowance, official vehicle, and provident fund.
As per the IES payment structure 2023, the allowances applicable also vary as per the job location of the officer who joined. At the time of joining, the basic pay of the officer will be ₹ 15,600/- to ₹ 39,100/-
Test
| Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
|
Conducted by | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
Exam Level | National |
Frequency | Once a year |
Educational qualifications | Engineering |
Age limit | 21-30 years |
Number of vacancies | 339 |
The selection process | Preliminary, Main Exam & Interview |
Preliminary exam type | Objective-type |
Main exam type | Conventional |
Admit card availability | 3 weeks before the test |
Withdrawal of application | Yes |
Application fee | Rs 200 |
Official website |
This examination has three stages, They are
Stage-I: Engineering Services which is the Preliminary/Stage-I Examination (Objective Type Papers) for the selection of candidates for the Main Test
Stage-II: Engineering Services which is the Main/Stage-II Examination (Conventional Type Papers)
Stage III: Personality Test.
Paper | Subject | Question type | Marks | Duration |
Paper I | General Studies And Engineering Aptitude | Objective type | 200 marks | 2 hours |
Paper II | Engineering (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics and Telecommunication) | Objective type | 300 marks | 3 hours |
Total | 500 marks | 5 hours |
Paper | Subject | Question type | Marks | Duration |
Paper I | Engineering (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics and Telecommunication) | Objective type | 300 marks | 3 hours |
Paper II | Engineering (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics and Telecommunication) | Objective type | 300 marks | 3 hours |
Total | 600 marks | 6 hours |
After selection, they are assigned as an Assistant Executive Engineer or Assistant Director
After experience 3 to 4 years in this field, they are promoted to executive engineer, director, or work manager. Upon completion of 8 years of service, they turn into deputy general managers or joint director
With over 13 years of experience, they can be qualified to get promoted to the joint general manager or chief engineer of level 2
After 20 years of experience is enough to into a chief engineer or additional general manager
Delivering 30 years of service to the government of India they can achieve the position of senior general manager or engineer-in-chief
The profiles of the IAS (Indian Administrative Services) (or IPS/IFS, etc.) and the IES (Indian Engineering Service) officers are very different, despite the fact that both are category 'A' gazetted officer jobs. The IES is a highly technical and specialised service. The IAS tends to specialise less. An IES officer works in technological fields like telecommunications, power, manufacturing, public works, railroads, manufacturing, and defence. A career IAS officer is expected to manage a variety of responsibilities.
An IAS officer is more well-respected and well-known in society. An IAS officer's jurisdiction and authority span a wider range of sectors, despite the fact that the pay schedules are largely the same. You can even advance to the position of ambassador after becoming a diplomat (IFS). The Cabinet Secretary is the highest post an IAS officer can aim for. The ESE has a modest profile. The IES is a suitable choice for you if you prefer to work with minimal political interference and keep a low profile. Of course, a number of noteworthy IES officers have received prestigious civilian honours from the government for their outstanding contributions to the country. Names like K. C. Banerjee, E. Sreedharan, and Narinder Singh Kapany are such names that needs no introduction.
However, If you choose the IES, you can work in both the civil and defence sectors, particularly in the Indian Army, the Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME), the Indian Ordnance Factory Service, Military Engineer Services, Indian Navy Armament Service, and the Indian Naval Stores Service.
On an average, you need 7 to 8 months to prepare for IES exams
Every year, thousands of engineering students apply for the IES exam. This year, the UPSC IES exam is conducted to fill a total of 327 engineering posts.
Abhishek Dhamankar is the youngest IES officer in India.
No because an IAS officer holds more command over society and receives more recognition
Yes, it is compulsorily required for all the candidates who are applying for the IES exam and they have to undergo a medical examination. The process requires the applicant to undergo a series of physical fitness tests.