Understanding UPSC Engineering Services

The UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE), also known as the UPSC IES (Indian Engineering Services), is a three-stage examination. It recruits candidates for the technical departments of the government administration, much like the IAS Exam does for the administrative services. The recruited candidates can find themselves posted in various departments/services such as the Central Public Works Department, Survey of India, Indian Skill Development Service, Indian Defence Service of Engineers, Indian Railways Service of Electrical Engineers, and many more.

Distinguishing between UPSC IES & IAS

Although both IES and IAS are group 'A' gazetted officer jobs, they are quite different in terms of job profiles. The IES is a highly specialized and technical service, whereas the IAS is more general in nature. An IES officer functions in technical areas like roads, railways, manufacturing, defence, construction, public works, telecommunications, power, etc. An IAS officer, on the other hand, is expected to hold diverse portfolios throughout his/her career. The eligibility criteria also vary for both; only engineering graduates from recognized universities are eligible to take the ESE. In certain posts, even postgraduates with certain specializations (wireless communications, radio engineering, electronics or radio physics) are eligible.

Comparing IES and IAS

Should engineering graduates attempt both the exams?

This decision entirely depends on the individual's interest and career aspirations. If you are passionate about engineering and related fields, you should attempt the UPSC IES/ ESE. If you have a broader interest and have opted for an engineering subject as your CSE optional subject, you can also attempt the ESE. However, in the civil services, only electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering subjects are offered. Electronics & Telecommunications is not offered. If you're not interested in your engineering graduation subject, it might be better to focus on the civil services with a social science subject as your optional.

Comparing the Power and Influence of IES and IAS

In terms of societal respect and fame, an IAS officer generally has an upper hand. Even though the pay scales are similar, an IAS officer's domain and authority cover more diverse areas. An IAS officer can aspire for positions as high as the Cabinet Secretary, while an IFS officer can become an Ambassador. The IES, on the other hand, is relatively low profile. However, if you prefer to work with less political interference and maintain a low-key, the IES is a great option for you. There are many notable IES officers who have been awarded high civilian awards by the government for their commendable service to the nation, such as Narinder Singh Kapany, E. Sreedharan, and K. C. Banerjee.

An IES officer can work in both civil and defence arenas, especially in the Indian Ordnance Factories Service, Military Engineer Services, Indian Naval Armament Service, Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME), Indian Army and the Indian Naval Stores Service.

It is essential to choose wisely and think about the kind of career you desire. If you have engineering as one of your options in the civil services exam, your preparation should ideally be simultaneous. Otherwise, your efforts might not yield desired results due to a lack of direction.

To familiarize yourself with the general pattern of the IAS Exam, visit the IAS Syllabus page. For more exam-related preparation materials, refer to the links given in the table below.

Related Links