UPSC Exam Calendar 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts various competitive examinations annually to recruit candidates for prestigious government positions like IAS, IPS, IFS, and more. The UPSC Calendar 2026, released on May 15, 2025, provides a structured timeline for aspirants to plan their preparation effectively. This blog post offers an overview of the UPSC Calendar 2026, key dates for major exams, and essential links to access official resources, all presented in a clear, tabular format for easy reference.
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Overview
The UPSC Calendar 2026 outlines the schedule for various examinations, including the Civil Services Examination (CSE), Indian Forest Service (IFS), National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), and others. Released well in advance, it helps candidates align their study schedules, manage application deadlines, and prepare strategically for these highly competitive exams. The calendar includes notification release dates, application deadlines, and exam dates, ensuring aspirants can stay organized and avoid missing critical deadlines. By following the calendar, candidates can allocate time for prelims, mains, and interviews while balancing current affairs and revision.
| Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Provides exam schedules for UPSC exams like CSE, IFS, NDA, CDS, etc. |
| Release Date | May 15, 2025 |
| Category | UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 |
| Key Benefit | Helps candidates plan preparation, manage deadlines, and stay updated. |
| Official Source | Available on www.upsc.gov.in in PDF format. |
| Follow Whatsapp Channel for fast updates | Whatsapp Channel |
Table of Contents
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Important Dates
The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 highlights critical dates for major examinations. The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination is scheduled for May 24, 2026, with the Mains starting on August 21, 2026. The notification for CSE and IFS will be released on January 14, 2026, with applications accepted until February 3, 2026. For NDA I and CDS I, notifications will be issued on December 10, 2025, with exams on April 12, 2026.
The Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination is set for February 8, 2026, and the Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination will also occur on the same day. The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) exam is scheduled for July 19, 2026. These dates are tentative and subject to change, so candidates should regularly check the official UPSC website for updates.
| Name of Examination | Notification Date | Last Date to Apply | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 10 Jan 2026 (Sat) |
| Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | 17 Jan 2026 (Sat) |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Exam | 03 Sep 2025 | 23 Sep 2025 | 08 Feb 2026 (Sun) |
| Engineering Services (Preliminary) Exam | 17 Sep 2025 | 07 Oct 2025 | 08 Feb 2026 (Sun) |
| CBI (DSP) LDCE | 24 Dec 2025 | 13 Jan 2026 | 28 Feb 2026 (Sat) |
| CISF AC (EXE) LDCE | 03 Dec 2025 | 23 Dec 2025 | 08 Mar 2026 (Sun) |
| NDA & NA Examination (I) | 10 Dec 2025 | 30 Dec 2025 | 12 Apr 2026 (Sun) |
| CDS Examination (I) | 10 Dec 2025 | 30 Dec 2025 | 12 Apr 2026 (Sun) |
| Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam (IAS) | 14 Jan 2026 | 03 Feb 2026 | 24 May 2026 (Sun) |
| Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) through CS(P) Exam | 14 Jan 2026 | 03 Feb 2026 | 24 May 2026 (Sun) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 06 Jun 2026 (Sat) |
| IES/ISS Examination | 11 Feb 2026 | 03 Mar 2026 | 19 Jun 2026 (Fri) |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Exam | — | — | 20 Jun 2026 (Sat) |
| Engineering Services (Main) Exam | — | — | 21 Jun 2026 (Sun) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 04 Jul 2026 (Sat) |
| Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Exam | 18 Feb 2026 | 10 Mar 2026 | 19 Jul 2026 (Sun) |
| Combined Medical Services (CMS) Exam | 11 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 02 Aug 2026 (Sun) |
| Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | 08 Aug 2026 (Sat) |
| Civil Services (Main) Examination | — | — | 21 Aug 2026 (Fri) |
| NDA & NA Examination (II) | 20 May 2026 | 09 Jun 2026 | 13 Sep 2026 (Sun) |
| CDS Examination (II) | 20 May 2026 | 09 Jun 2026 | 13 Sep 2026 (Sun) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 26 Sep 2026 (Sat) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 10 Oct 2026 (Sat) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 31 Oct 2026 (Sat) |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination | — | — | 22 Nov 2026 (Sun) |
| S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 16 Sep 2026 | 06 Oct 2026 | 12 Dec 2026 (Sat) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 19 Dec 2026 (Sat) |
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Important Links
Accessing official UPSC resources is crucial for accurate information and application processes. The UPSC official website (www.upsc.gov.in) hosts the UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF and other notifications. Candidates can apply online through upsconline.nic.in, which also provides access to the One Time Registration (OTR) system for streamlined applications. For additional preparation resources, websites like ClearIAS and Vajiram & Ravi offer syllabus details, previous year papers, and study materials. Always rely on official sources to avoid misinformation.
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
| UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF | www.upsc.gov.in (under “Examination” > “Calendar”) |
| Online Application Portal | upsconline.nic.in |
| Whatsapp Channel Link | Whatsapp Channel |
UPSC Calendar 2026
The UPSC Calendar 2026 is an essential tool for aspirants aiming to crack exams like CSE, IFS, NDA, or CDS. By understanding the overview, marking key dates, and utilizing official links, candidates can streamline their preparation and stay ahead in the competitive race. Start early, stay updated via the official UPSC website, and align your study plan with the calendar to maximize your chances of success. Good luck, future civil servants
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