UPSC ESE / IES Documents Checklist

Complete document requirements for UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE / IES) 2026 – from online application and prelims to mains DAF, personality test and final appointment in Group A/B engineering services.

Application → Prelims → Mains (DAF) → Personality Test → Appointment
10th, 12th, B.E/B.Tech, ID proof, category & age relaxation certificates

UPSC ESE / IES Complete Document Requirements (2026 Cycle)

For ESE 2026, candidates first need only photo, signature and ID for the application; after prelims, the Detailed Application Form (DAF) requires uploading scanned educational and category documents before mains and personality test.

Always read the latest Engineering Services Examination notice and instructions on upsconline/UPSC portal before filling the form or DAF.

1
Online Application & OTR (Prelims)

  • Scanned Photograph

    JPG/JPEG, 20–300 KB, 350×350 to 1000×1000 px, plain white background
    MANDATORY
    Used on ESE admit cards and cross-checked at exam and interview; must follow UPSC 2026 photo norms.

  • Scanned Signature / Triple Signature

    JPG/JPEG, 20–100 KB, 350–500 px, black ink on white paper
    MANDATORY
    UPSC now uses triple-signature (three signatures in one image) to avoid rejection and impersonation in all exams.

  • Photo Identity Card

    Aadhaar / Passport / PAN / Voter ID / DL (PDF, 20–300 KB)
    MANDATORY
    ID details are locked in OTR and must match the original ID produced at prelims, mains and interview.
2
Prelims Exam Day

  • ESE Prelims Admit Card

    A4 print, preferably colour
    MANDATORY
    Shows roll number, centre and photo; invigilators verify identity against OTR photo and signature.

  • Original Photo ID (Same as OTR)

    Government Photo ID
    MANDATORY
    Entry to exam hall only with this ID; number must match printed ID on admit card.
3
DAF (Detailed Application Form) Uploads

  • Birth / Matriculation Certificate

    Class 10 certificate or birth certificate, scanned
    MANDATORY
    Primary proof of Date of Birth and name; ESE DAF explicitly asks this for age verification.

  • Class 10th & 12th Certificates

    Scanned mark sheets & certificates
    Used to verify basic schooling and subject streams where relevant; must match details in application.

  • Engineering Degree / Provisional Certificate

    B.E/B.Tech or equivalent, scanned + all semester/year mark sheets
    MANDATORY
    Proof of prescribed engineering qualification for chosen ESE category (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Telecom).

  • Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC)

    Central govt format, scanned copy
    Needed to claim reservation and fee/age concessions; must exist as on application closing date.

  • EWS Certificate

    Current financial year, competent authority
    Required if EWS reservation was claimed in ESE application.
4
Mains Examination (Conventional Papers)

  • ESE Mains Admit Card

    Printed from UPSC website
    MANDATORY
    Proof of eligibility for mains after prelims; again used for identity verification at centre.

  • Original Photo ID

    Same as in OTR
    MANDATORY
    Must be produced again at mains exam for gate entry and hall verification.
5
Personality Test / Interview (UPSC)

  • e-Summon Letter & ESE Result

    Print of UPSC summon letter + mains result
    MANDATORY
    Entry to UPSC premises for personality test; includes time slot and instructions.

  • Original Matriculation / Birth Certificate

    Original + self-attested photocopy
    MANDATORY
    UPSC uses this to confirm name and DOB before recommending candidates.

  • Original Engineering Degree & Marksheets

    Degree/provisional + all mark sheets, originals + copies
    MANDATORY
    Personality test board ensures you actually possess prescribed engineering qualification.

  • Original Category / EWS / PwD Certificates

    Original + photocopies
    UPSC validates reservation and age-relaxation claims before publishing final merit list.
6
Age/Service Relaxation & Employment Documents

  • Certificates for Age Relaxation (if claimed)

    Ex-Servicemen, J&K domicile, Govt servant certificates
    UPSC checks documentary proof for any age concession used to become eligible.

  • NOC / Intimation from Current Employer

    Government/PSU employees only
    Confirms that your employer has been informed and permits you to join engineering service if selected.
7
Final Appointment & DoPT Formalities

  • Attestation Forms & Character Certificates

    Multiple copies with photos & signatures
    MANDATORY
    DoPT and cadre-controlling ministries use these for background and police verification before posting.

  • Medical Fitness Certificate (If Required)

    From authorised govt hospital
    Some engineering services may require medical fitness verification before final posting.

UPSC ESE Photo & Signature Specifications (2026)

Document Format File Size Dimensions Key Rules
Photograph JPG/JPEG 20–300 KB 350×350 to 1000×1000 pixels Recent colour, plain white background, frontal face with both ears visible; must follow UPSC 2026 guidelines.
Signature / Triple Signature JPG/JPEG 20–100 KB 350–500 pixels height Three signatures vertically on plain white paper, black ink, clear and upright; no capital letters.
Photo ID (PDF) PDF 20–300 KB – Same ID type/number to be used at all exam stages; check clarity before upload.

UPSC ESE / IES Documents FAQ

Common document-related doubts for engineering services aspirants.

Do I need to upload all certificates with the initial ESE application? ›
No, initial application usually needs only photo, signature and ID; detailed certificates are uploaded later in the DAF after prelims.
Can final-year B.E/B.Tech students apply for ESE 2026? ›
Final-year students can apply if they will obtain the required degree before a date specified by UPSC; proof must be produced before appointment.
What if my name/date of birth mismatch between 10th certificate and degree? ›
You must obtain official corrections and carry Gazette notification/affidavit; UPSC may otherwise treat you as ineligible during personality test or appointment.
How many document photocopies should I carry for ESE interview? ›
UPSC asks for one self-attested copy of each certificate, but many candidates carry 3–5 extra sets along with a few passport-size photos for DoPT and cadre formalities.