The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026, outlining the notification dates, application deadlines, exam commencement dates, and duration for all major examinations scheduled in 2026.
This calendar is a critical planning document for aspirants preparing for Civil Services, NDA, CDS, Engineering Services, Indian Forest Service, and other UPSC-conducted examinations.
This article provides a clear, exam-wise breakdown, key preparation insights, and direct access to the official PDF, ensuring aspirants have a single, reliable reference point.
Official UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF
The information below is sourced directly from the official UPSC Programme of Examinations/Recruitment Tests (RTs) – 2026 released by the Commission.
You can download and verify the official calendar here:
Major UPSC Exams and Dates for 2026
Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026
The Civil Services Examination remains the most sought-after UPSC exam, recruiting officers for IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and allied services.
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026
- Notification: 14 January 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 3 February 2026
- Exam Date: 24 May 2026 (Sunday)
- Duration: 1 Day
- Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2026
- Exam Date: 21 August 2026 (Friday)
- Duration: 5 Days
The Preliminary Examination also serves as the screening test for the Indian Forest Service (Prelims).
Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026
- IFS (Preliminary): Conducted through the Civil Services (Prelims) 2026
- IFS (Main) Examination, 2026
- Exam Date: 22 November 2026 (Sunday)
- Duration: 7 Days
NDA & NA Examinations 2026
For candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces through the National Defence Academy:
- NDA & NA Examination (I), 2026
- Notification: 10 December 2025
- Last Date: 30 December 2025
- Exam Date: 12 April 2026 (Sunday)
- NDA & NA Examination (II), 2026
- Notification: 20 May 2026
- Last Date: 9 June 2026
- Exam Date: 13 September 2026 (Sunday)
CDS Examinations 2026
- CDS Examination (I), 2026
- Exam Date: 12 April 2026 (Sunday)
- CDS Examination (II), 2026
- Exam Date: 13 September 2026 (Sunday)
Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026
- Engineering Services (Preliminary), 2026
- Notification: 17 September 2025
- Last Date: 7 October 2025
- Exam Date: 8 February 2026 (Sunday)
- Engineering Services (Main), 2026
- Exam Date: 21 June 2026 (Sunday)
Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2026
- Geo-Scientist (Preliminary)
- Exam Date: 8 February 2026 (Sunday)
- Geo-Scientist (Main)
- Exam Date: 20 June 2026 (Saturday)
Other Important UPSC Exams in 2026
- Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2026
- Exam Date: 19 July 2026 (Sunday)
- Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination, 2026
- Exam Date: 2 August 2026 (Sunday)
- IES / ISS Examination, 2026
- Exam Date: 19 June 2026 (Friday)
- Duration: 3 Days
- CBI (DSP) LDCE
- Exam Date: 28 February 2026 (Saturday)
- CISF AC (EXE) LDCE 2026
- Exam Date: 8 March 2026 (Sunday)
- S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE
- Exam Date: 12 December 2026 (Saturday)
Reserved Dates in UPSC Calendar 2026 – What Do They Mean?
The UPSC calendar includes several entries marked as “Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination.” These dates are intentionally kept open by the Commission for:
- Recruitment Tests (RTs)
- Departmental examinations
- Examinations announced later in the year
These entries do not indicate confirmed exams and should not be assumed as final schedules for any specific recruitment unless separately notified by UPSC.
Important Note from UPSC
As clearly stated in the official document:
The dates of notification, commencement, and duration of examinations/recruitment tests are liable to alteration if circumstances so warrant.
Aspirants are strongly advised to regularly check the official UPSC website and rely only on official notices for updates.
Why the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Is Crucial for Aspirants
The UPSC calendar allows candidates to:
- Plan long-term preparation strategies
- Avoid exam date clashes
- Structure revision cycles realistically
- Align optional subjects and test series timelines
For serious aspirants, this document is not just a schedule, but the foundation of their preparation roadmap.
Final Words
The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 provides complete transparency on the Commission’s examination roadmap for the year. If you are preparing for any UPSC examination in 2026, this calendar should be your first reference point.
For authenticity, accuracy, and updates, always rely on the official UPSC notifications and documents.
Official Source: https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/exam-calendar
