The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MP ESB), Bhopal, has officially announced the cancellation and suspension of the ongoing application process for the Group-03 Combined Recruitment Test 2026. Initially rolled out to fill Class 3 technical posts such as Sub Engineer, Draftsman, and Lab Technician, the drive has been put on hold following multiple new vacancy requests received from various government departments across the state.
As a result of this suspension, candidates who have already submitted their application forms will need to reapply once the revised notification featuring increased vacancies is published on the official website (esb.mp.gov.in). Furthermore, the board has confirmed that all previously submitted application forms stand invalid, and application fees will be 100% refunded directly to the source account.
MP Sub Engineer Recruitment 2026: Overview
Review the core structural details associated with the Group 3 Sub Engineer Recruitment drive organized by MPESB:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | MP Employees Selection Board (MP ESB), Bhopal |
| Post Names | Sub Engineer, Draftsman, Lab Technician & Equivalent |
| Cadre Class | Class 3 (Third Class) |
| Advt. No | Group-03 Combined Recruitment Test 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 1040 |
| Cancellation Notice Date | 24 August 2026 |
| Current Status | Cancelled & Suspended |
| Application Fee Status | 100% Refundable for candidates who have submitted the form |
| Age Limit | 18 Years – 40 Years |
| Online Application Date | 18 August 2026 – 01 September 2026 |
| Educational Qualification | Degree/Diploma |
| Selection process | Written Exam Document Verification Medical Examination |
| Official Website | esb.mp.gov.in |
Important Dates & Notification Documents
A quick snapshot of the key milestones linked to the recruitment schedule includes:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 17 August 2026 |
| Cancellation Notice Date | 24 August 2026 |
You can access the original rulebook file via the resource link below:
Category-Wise & Department-Wise Vacancies
The initial total quota stood at 1,040 posts distributed across multiple engineering sectors and categories. The revised notification will feature an enhanced tally.
| Category | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| UR | 381 |
| EWS | 90 |
| SC | 156 |
| ST | 141 |
| OBC | 272 |
| Total Vacancies | 1,040 |
Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualifications
To successfully register when the revised application opens, aspirants must review the specific criteria:
- 3-year Diploma or higher qualification (B.E./B.Tech) in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, or relevant technical fields
- Qualification must be from a recognised university/institute
- Live registration with the MP State Employment Exchange (Rojgar Karyalaya) is mandatory
Age Limit and Relaxations (As on 1 January 2026)
| Candidate Category | Age Limit | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 18 to 40 years | Nil |
| SC / ST / OBC | 18 to 45 years | 5 Years |
| Female Candidates | 18 to 45 years | 5 Years |
| State Government Employees | 18 to 45 years | 5 Years |
Selection Process Stages
The selection roadmap comprises sequential evaluations:
- Written Exam
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Exam Pattern & Syllabus Structure
The written examination features 200 total marks split between general subjects and technical domains over a 3-hour window with zero negative marking.
| S. No. | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Knowledge | 100 |
| 2 | General Hindi | 100 |
| 3 | General English | 100 |
| 4 | General Mathematics | 100 |
| 5 | General Logical Ability | 100 |
| 6 | General Science | 100 |
| 7 | General Computer Knowledge | 100 |
| 8 | Technical Trade-Based Questions | 100 |
| Total | Total Marks | 200 |
How to Apply for MP Sub Engineer Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official portal at esb.mp.gov.in.
- Complete the MPESB Profile Registration if not already registered.
- Log in using your credentials and select “Group-03 Combined Recruitment Test 2026”.
- Fill out the online application form with personal and educational details.
- Upload required documents, photograph, and signature.
- Pay the application fee online through the MP Online portal.
- Submit the form and print a copy of the completed application for future reference.