A control system for construction machine includes a main pump; a circuit system which includes a plurality of operation valves; a boom cylinder which is connected to a specific valve; one passage which allows communication between the specific operation valve and a piston-side chamber; another passage which allows communication between the specific operation valve and a rod-side chamber; a hydraulic motor which rotates by the action of return oil from the piston-side chamber; a generator; and a valve mechanism which is provided in the one passage communicating with the piston-side chamber of the boom cylinder, introduces the return oil from the piston-side at the time of descent as a regeneration flow to the hydraulic motor and introduces the return oil as a recovery flow to the rod-side chamber if necessary by causing the return oil to flow into the other passage.