The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the admit cards for the Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 on its official portal. Registered candidates can now download their e-Admit Cards in online mode from the UPSC website ahead of the exam scheduled for 8 February 2026. UPSC ESE Prelims Admit Card 2026
📌 Exam Overview
- Exam Name: Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026
- Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Admit Card Release: 30 January 2026 (Official)
- Exam Date: 8 February 2026
- Mode: Offline examination across centres in India
- Stages: Preliminary → Main → Personality Test
📥 How to Download UPSC ESE 2026 Admit Card
Candidates must visit the official UPSC portal to download their hall ticket. Follow these steps:
- Go to the UPSC official website (upsc.gov.in)
- Click on the “e-Admit Card: Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026” link
- Enter your Registration ID/Roll No. and Date of Birth
- Submit the details to view your e-Admit Card
- Download and print a copy for examination day purposes
⚠️ UPSC does not send admit cards by post — candidates must download them online.
🧾 Details Mentioned on the Admit Card
The ESE Prelims 2026 admit card includes:
✔ Candidate’s name, roll number, registration ID
✔ Photograph and signature
✔ Exam date, time & session
✔ Exam centre address
✔ Important instructions for candidates
Please verify all details carefully after downloading. Any discrepancy should be reported to UPSC immediately.
📝 Exam Pattern & Important Highlights
✔ Total Marks (Prelims): 500 marks
✔ Paper-I: 200 marks – General Studies & Engineering Aptitude
✔ Paper-II: 300 marks – Core Engineering Discipline
✔ Eligibility: Engineering degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering streams
Candidates who qualify the Preliminary stage will become eligible to appear in the Mains Examination, and those who clear Mains will be called for the Personality Test as per UPSC selection procedures.
🧠 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Admit Card Release | 30 January 2026 |
| ESE Prelims Exam | 8 February 2026 |
| ESE Mains Exam | 21 June 2026 |
📋 UPSC Engineering Services (ESE) Prelims 2026 – Official Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification Release Date | 26 September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16 October 2025 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release Date | 30 January 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 08 February 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper Based) |
| Examination Stage | Preliminary Examination |
| Total Papers (Prelims) | Paper-I & Paper-II |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Admit Card Mode | Online only (No postal dispatch) |
| Exam Centres | Multiple centres across India |
✅ Notes for Candidates
- Admit card must be downloaded online only from UPSC website
- Printed copy of admit card + valid photo ID is mandatory
- Details like exam timing, centre address, roll number are mentioned on the admit card
📢 Final Advice for Candidates
- Carry a printed copy of the admit card to the exam centre.
- Bring original photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, etc.).
- Reach the exam centre well before the reporting time.
- Keep multiple copies of the admit card and ID for verification.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Has UPSC released the ESE Prelims Admit Card 2026?
Yes, UPSC has released the Engineering Services (ESE) Prelims Admit Card 2026 on its official website.
Q2. Where can I download the UPSC ESE Admit Card 2026?
Candidates can download the admit card from the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) using their registration ID or roll number.
Q3. What is the exam date for UPSC ESE Prelims 2026?
The UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 exam will be conducted on 8 February 2026.
Q4. What details are mentioned on the ESE Prelims admit card?
The admit card contains candidate name, roll number, exam date & time, exam centre details, photograph, signature, and exam instructions.
Q5. Is it mandatory to carry a printed admit card to the exam centre?
Yes, candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID proof to the exam centre.
Q6. What should I do if there is an error on my UPSC ESE admit card?
In case of any discrepancy, candidates should immediately contact UPSC authorities through the contact details available on the official website.
Q7. Will UPSC send the admit card by post?
No, UPSC does not send admit cards by post. It is available online only.