UPSC ESE Mains Exam Schedule 2026 OUT: Check Exam Date & Shift Timings
UPSC ESE Mains Exam 2026: The UPSC has released the detailed exam schedule for the ESE Mains Examination 2026 on 07 April 2026. Those who have qualified the UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 are eligible to appear for the mains exam which is scheduled for 21 June 2026. The candidates can check this article to know the UPSC ESE mains exam date 2026 and the full schedule with shift timings.
Key Points
- UPSC ESE Main exam 2026 will be held on 21 June 2026.
- Exam consists of two 3-hour papers with descriptive questions.
- Notice released on 07 April 2026 at upsc.gov.in.
UPSC ESE Mains Exam Date 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notice for the Engineering Services (Main) Examination 2026 on its website, www.upsc.gov.in. The candidates who are qualified to appear for the main examination must know that the UPSC ESE main exam is scheduled to be conducted on 21 June 2026 in two shifts for Paper I and Paper II. The exam will consist of descriptive-type questions with each paper consisting of 300 marks.
UPSC ESE Mains Exam Date 2026
The UPSC has announced the UPSC ESE main exam date 2026 through a public notice published on its website, upsc.gov.in on 07 April 2026. As per the public notice, the exam is scheduled to be held on 21 June 2026.
UPSC ESE Main Exam Shift Timings 2026
The UPSC ESE main exam will be conducted by the UPSC on 21 June 2026 in two shifts for various disciplines of engineering such as Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Electronics & Telecommunication. The exam will be conducted in two shifts and details can be checked in the table below.
| Exam Date | Shift Timings for Paper 1 | Shift Timings for Paper 2 |
| 21 June 2026 | 09:00 am to 12:00 pm | 02:30 pm to 05:30 pm |
UPSC ESE 2026 Main Exam Duration
The UPSC ESE main exam includes two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2, which are descriptive in nature. The exam duration provided for each paper is 3 hours. Candidates are required to complete their paper within the given time duration.
UPSC ESE Main 2026 Subject Codes

Upasna is an education journalist and subject matter expert with an extensive background in the competitive exam landscape. Currently contributing to the Exam Prep Section of Jagran Josh, Upasna specializes in creating well-researched, aspirant-centric content and simplifying complex topics for competitive examinations. Her academic expertise, coupled with her own firsthand experience preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, helps her provide strategic preparation insights and a comprehensive perspective to aspirants. She holds a Master's degree in Forensic Chemical Sciences. Apart from delivering valuable exam resources, Upasna is a passionate communications professional who also enjoys reading and writing.