A method of controlling the exhaust gas recirculation for a Diesel engine by the adjustment of the sectional area of an exhaust passage connected between the exhaust and suction sides of the engine in accordance with the speed, and the engine load, which comprises the steps of detecting the burning flame light of fuel inside the cylinder, and increasing or decreasing the recirculation amount of the exhaust gas in accordance with the intensity of the light detected by a flame sensor and an apparatus for controlling the same by use of a microprocessor in accordance with signals detected a plurality of sensors including the flame sensor. According to the present invention, the exhaust gas recirculation amount can be accurately controlled in accordance with the change in the atmospheric pressure, or altitude where the engine is running.