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 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.



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