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UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF Out at upsc.gov.in, Check New Exam Dates

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026, giving candidates a clear roadmap of the upcoming recruitment cycle. Instead of waiting for individual notifications, aspirants can now view the full timeline for major exams such as Civil Services, NDA, CDS, IES, and others in one place. The calendar acts as a strategic guide, allowing students to organise their study schedule, track important dates, and plan their preparation more efficiently throughout the year.

UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Out

The UPSC Calendar 2026 also confirms the schedule for the Civil Services Examination, a highly sought-after national-level test that opens the door to prestigious roles like IAS, IPS, IFS and IRS. As per the timetable, the Prelims Exam will be held on 24 May 2026. With millions of candidates aspiring for limited positions each year, this exam demands early and disciplined preparation.

UPSC Exam Schedule 2026

Aspirants should begin planning their study strategy according to the announced date and stay alert for the detailed notification, which will be published in the coming months. Below are some of the key examination timelines:

  • 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 Exam Calendar 2026 PDF OUT at upsc.gov.in, Check New Exam Dates_3.1

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 Exam Calendar 2026 PDF OUT at upsc.gov.in, Check New Exam Dates_4.1

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.
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FAQs

Where can I download the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF?

You can download the official UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF directly from the UPSC website at www.upsc.gov.in or from the link provided in the article.

What is the date of the UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026?

The UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 is scheduled to be held on 24 May 2026 (Sunday).

When will the UPSC NDA 1 and NDA 2 Exams be conducted in 2026?

UPSC NDA 1 Exam 2026 will be held on 12 April 2026, and NDA 2 Exam 2026 is scheduled for 13 September 2026.

What is the selection process for the UPSC exams listed in the calendar?

The selection process varies per exam, typically involving Preliminary, Main exams, and Interviews/Personality Tests.

How should aspirants use the UPSC 2026 calendar effectively?

Aspirants should align their preparation timeline, mock tests, and revision schedules based on their target exam dates as mentioned in the calendar.