🏥 Insurance / BankingCentral Government⚠️ Notification: TBN 2026
ESIC UDC 2026 – Complete
Preparation Guide
ESIC UDC 2026 notification is awaited from the Employees State Insurance Corporation. The last major cycle (2022) had 1,769 UDC vacancies. A 3-stage exam — Prelims → Mains → Computer Skill Test — selects graduates (age 18–27) for clerical posts across ESIC hospitals and offices pan-India. Salary: Pay Level 4 (₹25,500–₹81,100) under 7th CPC.
Vacancies (2026 est.)
500–2,000
TBN in notification
Notification Status
Awaited
2026 cycle TBN
Min. Qualification
Any Graduate
Age 18–27 yrs
In-Hand Salary
~₹31K–₹37K
per month (approx)
💡 Key Update (May 2026): The ESIC UDC 2026 notification has not yet been released. The 8th Pay Commission is under discussion — a revision may positively impact ESIC salaries. Watch esic.gov.in/recruitment for official updates.
1What is ESIC UDC 2026?
ESIC UDC (Upper Division Clerk) is a Group C, Non-Gazetted, Ministerial post under the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), which operates under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India. Established under the ESI Act, 1948, ESIC provides health and social security benefits to workers across India, with a nationwide network of hospitals, dispensaries, and regional offices.
As a UDC, your work spans administrative duties — maintaining records, processing ESI claims, handling correspondence, data entry, and supporting the operations of ESIC branches. It is a stable, transferable central government job with structured promotions, excellent job security, and access to ESIC's own medical facilities.
Recruitment is conducted directly by ESIC at the central level and is open to graduates between 18 and 27 years of age. The selection process has three stages: Phase I (Prelims – qualifying), Phase II (Mains – merit-based), and Phase III (Computer Skill Test – qualifying). Only Phase II marks count for the final merit list.
Conducting Body
Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)
Official Website
esic.gov.in
Post Name
Upper Division Clerk (UDC) – Group C
Ministry
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Selection Stages
Prelims → Mains → Computer Skill Test
Post Type
Non-Gazetted, Ministerial, Permanent
Pay Level
Level 4 (₹25,500–₹81,100) – 7th CPC
Job Nature
Transferable pan-India (all ESIC regions)
2Current Status 2026
⚠️ 2026 Notification Not Yet Released
As of May 24, 2026, ESIC has not released a new UDC recruitment notification for the 2026 cycle. The last central UDC cycle was in 2022 (1,769 UDC vacancies). A smaller 2025 CRE cycle announced 687 vacancies in July 2025, but a central all-India UDC notification for 2026 is awaited.
Candidates are advised to bookmark esic.gov.in/recruitment and enable notifications. Use this waiting period productively — the syllabus is stable across cycles and an early start gives a major advantage.
3Important Dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ESIC UDC 2022 Notification Released | 📅 28 December 2021 | ✓ Confirmed |
| ESIC UDC 2022 Application Last Date | 📅 15 February 2022 | ✓ Confirmed |
| ESIC UDC 2022 Prelims Exam (Phase I) | 📅 19 March 2022 | ✓ Confirmed |
| ESIC UDC 2022 Phase I Result | 📅 13 April 2022 | ✓ Confirmed |
| ESIC UDC 2022 Mains Exam (Phase II) | 📅 30 April 2022 | ✓ Confirmed |
| ESIC UDC 2022 Phase II Result & Cut-off Released | 📅 16 June 2022 | ✓ Confirmed |
| ESIC UDC 2022 Computer Skill Test (Phase III) | 📅 28 August 2022 | ✓ Confirmed |
| ESIC UDC 2022 Final Result | 📅 7 November 2022 | ✓ Confirmed |
| ESIC UDC 2025 Notification (687 vacancies via CRE) | 📅 July 2025 | ✓ Confirmed |
| ESIC UDC 2025 Application Window | 📅 12 – 31 July 2025 | ✓ Confirmed |
| 🆕 ESIC UDC 2026 – Official Notification | 📅 To Be Notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
| ESIC UDC 2026 – Online Application Opens | 📅 To Be Notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
| ESIC UDC 2026 – Application Last Date | 📅 To Be Notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
| ESIC UDC 2026 – Prelims Exam (Phase I) | 📅 To Be Notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
| ESIC UDC 2026 – Mains Exam (Phase II) | 📅 To Be Notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
| ESIC UDC 2026 – Computer Skill Test (Phase III) | 📅 To Be Notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
| ESIC UDC 2026 – Final Result | 📅 To Be Notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
4Eligibility Criteria
🪪 Nationality
Indian Citizen only
🎓 Education
Any Graduation from a recognised University
📋 Age – General / EWS
18 – 27 years
📋 Age – OBC (NCL)
Up to 30 years (+3 years relaxation)
📋 Age – SC / ST
Up to 32 years (+5 years relaxation)
📋 Age – PwBD (General)
Up to 37 years (+10 years relaxation)
📌 Eligibility Notes
- Age is calculated as on the cut-off date specified in the official notification.
- Candidates in the final year of graduation may apply provisionally (subject to passing before joining).
- Ex-Servicemen receive relaxation as per Government of India norms.
- No minimum percentage prescribed for graduation, but candidates must have passed the degree.
- Application fee: ₹500 for General/OBC; ₹250 for SC/ST/PwBD (as per previous notifications).
5Vacancy History
| Cycle | UDC Vacancies | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESIC UDC 2016 | 2,069 | November 2016 | January 2017 |
| ESIC UDC 2019 | 1,120 | August 2019 | September 2019 |
| ESIC UDC 2022 | 1,769 (UDC only) | 19 March 2022 | 30 April 2022 |
| ESIC UDC 2025 (CRE) | 687 (UDC only) | TBN (cycle ongoing) | TBN |
| ESIC UDC 2026 (upcoming) | 500–2,000 (Expected) | TBN | TBN |
Source: Official ESIC Notifications. 2026 figures are estimates based on historical trends.
6Exam Pattern 2026
Phase I – Preliminary Exam (Qualifying)
📌 Duration: 60 minutes | Total Questions: 100 | Total Marks: 200 | Negative Marking: ¼ mark per wrong answer | Mode: Online CBT
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
⚠️ Phase I marks are NOT counted in final merit. It is a pure filter round. Shortlisting to Mains: 1:10 ratio (10 candidates per seat).
Phase II – Mains Exam (Merit-Based)
📌 Duration: 120 minutes | Total Questions: 200 | Total Marks: 200 | Negative Marking: ¼ mark per wrong answer | Final merit list based on Phase II marks only
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Shortlisting to Phase III (Skill Test): 1:5 ratio (5 candidates per seat).
Phase III – Computer Skill Test (Qualifying)
📌 Duration: 30 minutes | Qualifying in nature – marks NOT counted for merit | No negative marking
Tasks typically include Word Processing (MS Word), Spreadsheet (MS Excel), Presentation (MS PowerPoint), and a Typing component. Candidates who fail the Skill Test are not offered appointment even if they ranked high in Phase II.
Minimum Qualifying Marks (Phase I & Phase II)
General / EWS
45%
OBC
40%
SC / ST
35%
PwBD
30%
7Detailed Syllabus
🧩 General Intelligence & Reasoning
- ▸Analogies (verbal and non-verbal)
- ▸Classification (odd one out)
- ▸Series Completion (number & letter)
- ▸Coding-Decoding
- ▸Blood Relations, Direction & Distance
- ▸Arrangement (Sitting, Floor, Order)
- ▸Syllogisms, Venn Diagrams
- ▸Mathematical Operations, Number Ranking
- ▸Cubes & Dice, Figurative Pattern
- ▸Statement & Conclusion / Inference
🌐 General Awareness
- ▸Current Affairs – National & International (last 6 months)
- ▸Indian History, Geography, Polity
- ▸Indian Economy, Budget & 5-Year Plans
- ▸Science & Technology, Space & Defence
- ▸Sports, Awards & Books
- ▸ESIC, ESI Act 1948 – Basics
- ▸Banking & Insurance Awareness
- ▸Important Government Schemes (PM schemes)
- ▸Constitution of India – Articles & Amendments
- ▸International Organisations – UN, WTO, IMF, World Bank
🔢 Quantitative Aptitude
- ▸Number System, Simplification & Approximation
- ▸Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Average
- ▸Profit & Loss, Discount
- ▸Simple & Compound Interest
- ▸Time & Work, Pipe & Cistern
- ▸Speed, Distance & Time
- ▸Mensuration (2D & 3D)
- ▸Data Interpretation – Bar, Pie, Line, Table
- ▸Mixture & Alligation, Partnership
- ▸Permutation & Combination, Probability
📝 English Comprehension
- ▸Reading Comprehension (1–2 passages)
- ▸Cloze Test (Fill in the Blanks)
- ▸Error Spotting / Sentence Correction
- ▸Para Jumbles / Sentence Rearrangement
- ▸Synonyms, Antonyms, Vocabulary in Context
- ▸Idioms & Phrases, One-word Substitution
- ▸Active & Passive Voice
- ▸Direct & Indirect Speech
- ▸Spelling Correction
- ▸Fill in the Blanks (Grammar-based)
💻 Computer Skill Test (Phase III – Qualifying)
- ▸MS Word – Document formatting, Mail Merge
- ▸MS Excel – Formulas, Charts, Data Sorting/Filtering
- ▸MS PowerPoint – Slide creation & presentation
- ▸Internet & Email basics
- ▸Typing Test in English or Hindi
- ▸File Management, Operating System basics
8Salary & Career Growth
| Salary Component | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Pay Level 4 – Entry) | ₹25,500/month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) – as per Government revision | ~₹13,000–₹15,000/month (est.) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) – varies by posting city | ₹2,040–₹6,120/month |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | ₹1,350–₹3,600/month (est.) |
| Other Allowances (Canteen, Medical, etc.) | ₹2,000–₹3,000/month (est.) |
| Gross Estimated In-Hand (approx.) | ~₹31,000–₹37,000/month |
💰 Additional benefits: ESIC medical facility for self & family, GPF/NPS, Leave encashment, LTA, children education allowance.
Career Progression Path
1
Upper Division Clerk (UDC)
Level 4 | ₹25,500–₹81,100 | Entry position
2
Assistant (Promoted)
Level 6 | ₹35,400–₹1,12,400 | After 5–8 years
3
Social Security Officer (SSO)
Level 7 | ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 | After ~10 years
4
Manager / Section Officer
Level 10 | ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 | After ~15 years
9How to Apply for ESIC UDC 2026
⚠️ The 2026 notification has not been released yet. This is the standard process based on previous cycles.
Visit Official Website
Go to esic.gov.in → Careers/Recruitment. Look for the "ESIC UDC Recruitment 2026" notification link.
Read the Official Notification
Download and read the full PDF notification carefully — check eligibility, vacancy, exam pattern, dates, and apply link.
Register & Fill Online Application
Click "Apply Online", register with your valid email & phone, fill personal details, upload photo, signature, and documents.
Pay Application Fee
General/OBC: ₹500 | SC/ST/PwBD: ₹250 (as per previous cycles). Pay online via Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI.
Submit & Save Confirmation
Review all details, submit the form, and download/print the confirmation page. Keep the registration number safe for future reference.
Prepare for Phase I (Prelims)
Check admit card on the official website 2–3 weeks before the exam. Carry it with a valid photo ID to the exam centre.
103-Month Study Plan for ESIC UDC
Month 1 – Foundation
- ✓Complete Quantitative Aptitude basics – number system, percentage, ratio, average (2 hours/day)
- ✓Reasoning: analogies, series, coding-decoding, blood relations (1 hour/day)
- ✓English: grammar rules, reading comprehension daily (30 min/day)
- ✓Begin static GK – history, geography, polity (30 min/day)
- ✓Attempt 1 full Prelims mock test at end of Month 1
Month 2 – Application & Speed
- ✓DI (Data Interpretation), time-work, speed-distance – Quant focus
- ✓Reasoning: puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogisms
- ✓English: cloze tests, para jumbles, error spotting
- ✓Current Affairs: read daily and revise weekly (1 hour/day)
- ✓Attempt 2 Prelims mocks + 1 Mains mock per week
Month 3 – Mains Focus & Revision
- ✓Full Mains-level practice: 200-question papers in 120 minutes
- ✓Revise all Quant formulas and shortcuts with timed practice
- ✓English: vocabulary building, 10 new words daily
- ✓Current Affairs: last 6-month capsule revision
- ✓Attempt 3–4 full Mains mocks; analyse weak areas and plug gaps
- ✓MS Office practice for Computer Skill Test (30 min/day from Month 2)
11Best Books for ESIC UDC 2026
| Book | Author | Subject | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Reasoning | Buy |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal | Quantitative Aptitude | Buy |
| Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi | English | Buy |
| Manorama Yearbook 2026 | Manorama | General Awareness | — |
| Lucent's General Knowledge | Binay Karna | General Awareness | Buy |
| Computer Awareness for Competitive Exams | Arihant Experts | Computer Skills | Buy |
| ESIC UDC Previous Year Papers (Solved) | Kiran Prakashan | Practice | — |
12Free Resources
📺
ESIC UDC Full Course – YouTube
Free video lectures covering all 4 subjects
📄
ESIC UDC Official Notification (esic.gov.in)
Download the latest official notification PDF
🌐
ESIC Official Website
Apply online, download admit card, check result
📱
Telegram – ESIC UDC Study Group
Daily current affairs, mock tests, PDFs
📁
ESIC UDC Previous Year Papers PDF
Solve 2019 & 2022 papers for pattern familiarity
13Expert Tips to Crack ESIC UDC
1
Prelims is Only a Filter – Focus on Mains
Phase I (Prelims) is qualifying in nature — your score here does not count. Only Phase II (Mains) marks determine your rank. Aim to clear Prelims comfortably (target 70%+) but invest your deep preparation time in Mains-level questions.
2
Current Affairs is the Differentiator in General Awareness
ESIC General Awareness combines static GK with current affairs. Candidates who follow news daily (last 6 months) consistently outscore those who rely on books alone. Read one reliable daily dose — The Hindu, PIB, or a telegram channel.
3
Quantitative Aptitude: Speed Over Complexity
ESIC UDC quant is not as advanced as banking PO exams. Focus on arithmetic topics — percentages, profit-loss, time-work, and DI. Practice 20–30 questions daily with a timer to build the speed needed for 25 questions in ~15 minutes.
4
Negative Marking: Attempt Smartly
Both Prelims and Mains carry ¼ negative marking. Avoid guessing on questions you are completely unsure about. A net score of 140–150 in Mains (200 total) comfortably clears cut-offs for most categories and regions.
5
Computer Skill Test – Prepare Early, Relax Later
The Skill Test is qualifying (marks not counted) but many candidates fail due to neglecting MS Office practice. Spend 15–20 minutes per day on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint from Month 2 of your preparation itself.
14Frequently Asked Questions
What is ESIC UDC 2026?
ESIC UDC (Upper Division Clerk) is a Group C, Non-Gazetted government post under the Employees State Insurance Corporation (Ministry of Labour & Employment). Selected candidates work in ESIC hospitals, offices, and regional branches across India, handling administrative and clerical functions. The 2026 notification has not yet been released; all dates are To Be Notified (TBN).
What is the eligibility for ESIC UDC 2026?
Educational qualification: Any graduation degree from a recognised university. Age limit: Minimum 18 years, Maximum 27 years (as of the cut-off date in the notification). Age relaxation applies: OBC +3 years (max 30), SC/ST +5 years (max 32), PwBD +10 years, Ex-Servicemen as per rules. Only Indian citizens can apply.
What is the ESIC UDC exam pattern?
There are 3 phases: Phase I (Prelims) – 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes – qualifying only. Phase II (Mains) – 200 questions, 200 marks, 120 minutes – merit-based final selection. Phase III (Computer Skill Test) – 30 minutes – qualifying only, marks not counted. Negative marking of ¼ applies in Phase I and Phase II.
What is the ESIC UDC salary in 2026?
ESIC UDC salary is at Pay Level 4 under the 7th Central Pay Commission with a pay scale of ₹25,500–₹81,100. The entry-level basic pay is ₹25,500/month. Adding DA (revised periodically), HRA (based on city), and other allowances, the approximate gross in-hand salary is ₹31,000–₹37,000 per month. The 8th Pay Commission recommendations, if implemented, may revise this upward.
How many vacancies were there in the last ESIC UDC cycle?
The last central ESIC UDC recruitment (2022 cycle) had 1,769 UDC vacancies (out of 3,882 total for UDC + MTS + Steno). A smaller 2025 cycle via CRE announced 687 UDC vacancies in July 2025. An earlier 2019 cycle had 1,120 vacancies and 2016 had 2,069. The 2026 cycle is expected to announce vacancies once the notification is released, likely in the range of 500–2,000 posts.