Are you aiming for a prestigious career in civil services, engineering services, or defence? The first and most crucial step in your preparation journey is to master the official UPSC Calendar 2026. This calendar is your roadmap, outlining the entire year’s examination schedule conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.
In this definitive guide, we provide the complete UPSC Exam Date 2026 list in a user-friendly, searchable format. Bookmark this page and never miss an important deadline again!
The Complete UPSC Examination Schedule 2026
Effective planning begins now. Use the table below—the official UPSC Calendar 2026—to set firm milestones for your studies, mock tests, and most importantly application submissions.
(Note: The dates of notification, commencement, and duration are liable to alteration if circumstances warrant.)
| S. No. | Name of Examination | Date of Notification | Last Date for Apply | Date of Exam Commencement | Duration of Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 2 Days | |
| 2 | Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | 2 Days | |
| 3 | Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 1 Day | |||
| 4 | Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 1 Day | |||
| 5 | CBI (DSP) LDCE | 2 Days | |||
| 6 | CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2026 | 1 Day | |||
| 7 | N.D.A. & Ν.A. Examination (I), 2026 | 1 Day | |||
| 8 | C.D.S. Examination (I), 2026 | 1 Day | |||
| 9 | Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 1 Day | |||
| 10 | Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 through CS(P) Examination 2026 | 1 Day | |||
| 11 | Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 2 Days | |
| 12 | I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2026 | 3 Days | |||
| 13 | Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | 2 Days | |
| 14 | Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | 1 Day | |
| 15 | Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 2 Days | |
| 16 | Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2026 | 1 Day | |||
| 17 | Combined Medical Services Examination, 2026 | 1 Day | |||
| 18 | Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | 2 Days | |
| 19 | Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | 5 Days | |
| 20 | N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 2026 | 1 Day | |||
| 21 | C.D.S. Examination (II), 2026 | 1 Day | |||
| 22 | Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 2 Days | |
| 23 | Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 2 Days | |
| 24 | Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 2 Days | |
| 25 | Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | 7 Days | |
| 26 | S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 2 Days | |||
| 27 | Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 2 Days |
Note: The dates of notification, commencement and duration of Examinations/ RTs are liable to alteration, if the circumstances so warrant.
Key Dates for Major UPSC Exams in 2026
For the most popular exams, here is a quick summary of the schedule:
- Civil Services (IAS/IPS) Preliminary Examination 2026:
- Notification Date: January 14, 2026
- Last Date for Apply: February 03, 2026
- Exam Date: May 24, 2026 (1 Day)
- Civil Services (IAS/IPS) Main Examination 2026:
- Exam Date: August 21, 2026 (5 Days)
- NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026 & CDS Examination (I) 2026:
- Notification Date: December 10, 2025
- Exam Date: April 12, 2026
- Engineering Services (Main) Examination 2026:
- Preliminary Exam Date: February 8, 2026
- Main Exam Date: June 21, 2026 (1 Day)
- Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination 2026:
- Exam Date: November 22, 2026 (7 Days)
- Combined Geo-Scientist 2026:
- Preliminary Exam Date: February 8, 2026
- Main Exam Date: June 20, 2026
Important Note: The dates provided in the UPSC calendar are tentative and subject to change. Always check the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) for final confirmations.
How to Use the UPSC Calendar 2026 for Effective Preparation
- Mark Your Calendar: Immediately note down the “Date of Notification” and “Last Date for Apply” for your target exams. Set multiple reminders.
- Create a Reverse Timeline: Work backward from your exam date to create a structured study plan. Allocate time for syllabus completion, revision, and mock tests.
- Plan for Multiple Exams: If you are eligible for more than one exam (e.g., Civil Services and CAPF), see how their schedules align and plan your preparation strategy accordingly.
- Focus on Application Dates: The window to apply is usually open for about 3-4 weeks. Don’t wait for the last day, as the website can get busy and you might face technical issues.
Your 3-Step Strategy to Use the UPSC Calendar 2026
Having the UPSC calendar 2026 is just the first step; utilizing it efficiently is the key to cracking the exam. Follow this simple three-step strategy:
1. Plan Backwards from the Exam Date
Identify your main examination (e.g., Civil Services Prelims on May 24, 2026). Calculate the number of weeks you have left. Dedicate the last 12 weeks purely to revision, mock tests, and practicing CSAT. Your main syllabus coverage should be completed well before this revision phase begins.
2. Never Miss the Application Window
The application windows are short (usually just 20 days). Notice that the application process for the flagship Civil Services Prelims 2026 starts on January 14, 2026, and closes on February 03, 2026. Do not wait until the last few days to apply, as high traffic can lead to server issues.
3. Integrate Prelims and Mains Preparation
Notice the gap between the Prelims (May 24, 2026) and the Mains (August 21, 2026) is approximately three months. Your strategy from now until May 2026 should focus on 70% Mains-oriented study (covering optional subjects and deep GS concepts) and 30% Prelims practice. Once Prelims are done, you have a crucial window to intensify Mains specific answer writing practice.
The UPSC Calendar 2026 provides the road map; it’s up to you to drive the journey. Start structuring your year-long plan based on these confirmed dates now!
UPSC Calendar 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We address the most common queries regarding the UPSC 2026 Examination Schedule, including key dates for the Civil Services Exam.
Are the dates in the UPSC Calendar 2026 final?
No, the dates published in the annual UPSC Calendar are tentative. The official note from the commission confirms that “The dates of notification, commencement and duration of Examinations/ RTs are liable to alteration, if the circumstances so warrant.” However, changes are generally rare for major exams unless unforeseen circumstances arise.
When will the official notifications be released?
Notifications are typically released 4-6 months before the exam date. You can find them on the UPSC website’s “What’s New” section.
Where can I apply for these UPSC examinations?
All applications must be submitted online through the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in.
Who is eligible for the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2026?
Eligibility for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 is determined based on three primary criteria: Nationality, Educational Qualification, and Age Limit.
1. Nationality:
For the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS), the candidate must be a citizen of India.
For other services, certain subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1962 are eligible.
2. Educational Qualification: The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university established by an Act of Central or State Legislature in India, or possess an equivalent qualification. Candidates in their final year of graduation are also provisionally eligible to apply for the Prelims exam.
3. Age Limit: The candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years as of August 1, 2026. Age relaxations are provided for candidates belonging to reserved categories (OBC, SC/ST, PwBD) as per the Government of India rules.When is the UPSC Civil Services (Prelims) Exam 2026 scheduled?
The UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 is scheduled for May 24, 2026 (Sunday). This date includes the Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Exam, which is conducted through the CS(P) 2026 exam.
When will the notification for the UPSC IAS/IPS Exam 2026 be released?
The official notification for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026, will be released on January 14, 2026. This is when the official online application process begins.
What is the last date to apply for the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026?
The last date for candidates to submit their online applications for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026, is February 03, 2026. It’s crucial to submit your application well before this deadline.
What is the date for the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026?
The Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 is scheduled to commence on August 21, 2026 (Friday) and will run for five days. This gives qualified candidates a crucial preparation window of approximately three months after the Prelims result.
When is the NDA/CDS 2026 Exam (I) scheduled?
Both the N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I), 2026, and the C.D.S. Examination (I), 2026, are scheduled to be held on April 12, 2026 (Sunday). The notification for both these exams will be released simultaneously on December 10, 2025.
Is there an age limit for the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026?
Yes, the age limit is typically set between 21 years (minimum) and 32 years (maximum) as of August 1st of the year of the examination (i.e., August 1, 2026). Age relaxation is provided to reserved categories (SC/ST, OBC, etc.) as per the official notification.
Final Thoughts
The UPSC Calendar 2026 is an indispensable tool for every serious aspirant. With this comprehensive schedule at your fingertips, you can plan your preparation with precision and confidence. Share this guide with your fellow aspirants, and let’s build a community of well-informed future officers.
Start your preparation today. Your future self will thank you.
Plan Your Preparation with Key Exam Calendars
Stay updated with major government exam schedules to plan your strategy effectively. Explore the official exam calendars below:
- UPSC Exam Calendar 2025 – View the complete UPSC annual schedule and download the official PDF.
- SSC Calendar 2025-26 – Check the complete SSC exam schedule for CGL, CHSL, MTS and other exams.
- TNPSC Annual Planner 2025 – Check the tentative TNPSC annual planner and download the official PDF.