The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 has now been published on the official website, upsc.gov.in, offering aspirants a complete overview of the commission’s examination schedule for the year. With all major exam dates released in advance, candidates no longer need to rely on separate notifications to plan their journey. Key examinations such as Civil Services, NDA, CDS, IES, and other UPSC recruitments are now mapped out in a single timeline.
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Out
The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 has officially outlined the timeline for the Civil Services Examination, one of the most competitive recruitment processes in the country. This examination serves as the gateway to elite services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS. According to the announced schedule, the Civil Services Preliminary Examination is set to be conducted on 24 May 2026. Given the intense competition and limited number of selections, aspirants must adopt a well-planned and consistent preparation approach well ahead of the exam date.
UPSC Exam Date 2026
With the UPSC Exam Dates 2026 now available, candidates can plan their preparation in a more organised manner. Knowing the exam timeline in advance helps aspirants divide their study phases wisely, keep track of important dates, and follow a consistent routine. Candidates should align their preparation with the announced schedule and regularly check for the detailed notification, which will be released soon. Below are the important exam timelines for reference.
- Combined Geo-Scientist (Prelims) 2026: 8 February 2026 (Sunday)
- Engineering Services (Prelims) 2026: 8 February 2026 (Sunday)
- Civil Services (Prelims) 2026: 24 May 2026 (Sunday)
- Civil Services (Mains) 2026: 21 August 2026 (Friday)
- IES/ISS Exam 2026: 19 June 2026 (Friday)
- NDA & NA Exam (I) 2026: 12 April 2026 (Sunday)
- NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026: 13 September 2026 (Sunday)
- CDS Exam (I) 2026: April 2026
- CDS Exam (II) 2026: September 2026
- Combined Medical Services (CMS) 2026: 2 August 2026 (Sunday)
- CAPF (AC) Exam 2026: 19 July 2026 (Sunday)

UPSC Calendar 2026 Download PDF
The UPSC has made the official Exam Calendar 2026 available in PDF format on its website, allowing candidates to easily download and refer to the complete schedule anytime. The PDF includes important dates for major exams such as CSE, NDA, CDS, IES, CMS and more, helping aspirants plan their preparation in advance. Candidates are advised to keep a copy of the calendar saved for quick reference throughout the year.
UPSC Calendar 2026: Click Here to Download PDF
UPSC Calendar 2026 Exam Schedule
The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 outlines a complete schedule including the notification dates, application deadlines, and exam dates for major national-level exams like the Civil Services, CDS, NDA, IES, CMS, and others.
| UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 | |||||
| Sl. No. | Exam Name | Notification Date | Last Date to Apply | Exam Date |
Duration of Exam
|
| 1 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | 10.01.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days | ||
| 2 | Reserved for UPSC Examination | 17.01.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days | ||
| 3 | Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination 2026 | 03.09.2025 | 23.09.2025 | 08.02.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 4 | Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 17.09.2025 | 07.10.2025 | 08.02.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 5 | CBI (DSP) LDCE | 24.12.2025 | 13.01.2026 | 28.02.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| 6 | CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2026 | 03.12.2025 | 23.12.2025 | 08.03.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 7 | N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I). 2026 | 10.12.2025 | 30.12.2025 | 12.04.2026 (Sunday) |
1 Day |
| 8 | C.D.S. Examination (1). 2026 | ||||
| 9 |
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026
|
14.01.2026 | 03.02.2026 | 24.05.2026 (Sunday) |
1 Day |
| 10 | Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination 2026 through CS(P) Examination 2026 | ||||
| 11 | Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | 06.06.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days | ||
| 12 | I.E.S./.S.S. Examination 2026 | 11.02.2026 | 03.03.2026 | 19.06.2026 (Friday) | 3 Days |
| 13 |
Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination 2026
|
20.06.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days | ||
| 14 |
Engineering Services (Main) Examination 2026
|
21.06.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day | ||
| 15 | Reserved for UPSC RT Examination | 04.07.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days | ||
| 16 | Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination 2026 | 18.02.2026 | 10.03.2026 | 19.07.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 17 | Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 | 11.03.2026 | 31.03.2026 | 02.08.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 18 | Reserved for UPSC Examination | 08.08.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days | ||
| 19 | Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 | 21.08.2026 (Friday) | 5 Days | ||
| 20 | N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II). 2026 | 20.05.2026 | 09.06.2026 | 13.09.2026 (Sunday) |
1 Day |
| 21 | C.D.S. Examination (II). 2026 | ||||
| 22 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | 26.09.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days | ||
| 23 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | 10.10.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days | ||
| 24 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | 31.10.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days | ||
| 25 |
Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination 2026
|
22.11.2026 (Sunday) | 7 Days | ||
| 26 | S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 16.09.2026 | 06.10.2026 | 12.12.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| 27 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | 19.12.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days | ||
How to Prepare According to UPSC Exam Calendar 2026
Planning your preparation according to the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 can give you a significant edge. By aligning your study schedule with key exam dates, you can cover the syllabus efficiently and avoid last-minute stress. Here’s a simple approach to get started:
- Mark Key Dates: Note down prelims, mains, and other exam schedules from the UPSC calendar.
- Create a Month-Wise Plan: Divide the syllabus into monthly targets to ensure systematic coverage.
- Focus on Prelims First: Complete core subjects and practice mock tests before moving to mains preparation.
- Regular Revision: Allocate time for consistent revision to retain concepts.
- Stay Updated: Follow current affairs and government policies regularly.
- Practice Mock Tests & Previous Papers: This helps improve speed, accuracy, and exam strategy.
Why UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Is Important for Aspirants
The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 is a crucial tool for aspirants because it provides a complete roadmap of all major exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission throughout the year. Knowing the official schedule in advance allows candidates to plan their preparation strategically, rather than reacting to notifications as they are released.
With the calendar, aspirants can:
- Prioritize Exams: Understand which exams come first and allocate study time accordingly.
- Plan Study Phases: Divide preparation into prelims-focused and mains-focused phases to cover the syllabus efficiently.
- Track Deadlines: Keep track of application start and end dates, avoiding last-minute submissions or missed opportunities.
- Manage Revision: Schedule regular revision cycles and mock tests in line with upcoming exams.
- Reduce Stress: By having a clear timeline, candidates can avoid confusion, overlap, and last-minute pressure.
- Attempt Multiple Exams: Aspirants aiming for more than one UPSC exam (like CSE, CDS, or IES) can plan to manage their preparation without compromising on any exam.



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