A control system for an internal combustion engine having fuel injection valves provided in a combustion chamber and an exhaust gas recirculation mechanism. Target maximum cylinder pressure change rates are set according to the operating condition of the engine. The maximum change rate of the detected cylinder pressure and a fuel injection timing correction amount are calculated wherein a difference between the calculated maximum change rate and the target maximum cylinder pressure change rate decreases. The fuel injection timing is corrected with the fuel injection timing correction amount. The recirculation amount of exhaust gases is controlled using the calculated control value. A correction amount of the exhaust gas recirculation amount is calculated when the fuel injection timing correction amount exceeds a predetermined amount. The exhaust gas recirculation amount is controlled using the control value corrected with the correction amount of the exhaust gas recirculating amount.