UPSC Calendar 2026

UPSC Calendar 2026

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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released its Annual Exam Calendar for 2026, offering a clear roadmap for aspirants preparing for prestigious government exams like the Civil Services Examination (CSE), Indian Forest Service (IFS), National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), and more. Released on May 15, 2025, this calendar is a critical tool for candidates aiming for careers in IAS, IPS, IFS, or other government services. In this blog, we provide the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 with a detailed table of exam names and dates, along with preparation strategies to help you succeed. Let’s dive in and plan your journey to cracking UPSC 2026!

Why the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Is Crucial

The UPSC conducts competitive exams to recruit candidates for top-tier government positions across India. The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 outlines key dates for notifications, application deadlines, and exam schedules, enabling aspirants to strategize their preparation effectively. With 27 major examinations scheduled throughout the year, including UPSC CSE 2026, NDA 2026, and CDS 2026, this calendar helps you avoid missing deadlines and align your study plan with exam timelines.

UPSC Exam Calendar 2026: Complete Schedule

Below is the tentative UPSC Exam Calendar for 2026, detailing major exams, their notification dates, application deadlines, exam dates, and duration. Always check the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) for updates, as dates may change.

S.NoName of ExaminationNotification DateApplication Closing DateExam DateDuration
1Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 20263 September 202523 September 20258 February 20261 Day
2Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 202617 September 20257 October 20258 February 20261 Day
3CBI (DSP) LDCE24 December 202513 January 202628 February 20262 Days
4CISF AC (EXE) LDCE-20263 December 202523 December 20258 March 20261 Day
5N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I), 202610 December 202530 December 202512 April 20261 Day
6C.D.S. Examination (I), 202610 December 202530 December 202512 April 20261 Day
7Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 202614 January 20263 February 202624 May 20261 Day
8Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 202614 January 20263 February 202624 May 20261 Day
9I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 202611 February 20263 March 202619 June 20263 Days
10Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2026––20 June 20262 Days
11Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2026––21 June 20261 Day
12Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 202618 February 202610 March 202619 July 20261 Day
13Combined Medical Services Examination, 202611 March 202631 March 20262 August 20261 Day
14Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2026––21 August 20265 Days
15N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 202620 May 20269 June 202613 September 20261 Day
16C.D.S. Examination (II), 202620 May 20269 June 202613 September 20261 Day
17Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026––22 November 20267 Days
18S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE16 September 20266 October 202612 December 20262 Days

Note: Dates are subject to change. Visit upsc.gov.in for the latest updates.

Key Highlights of UPSC Exam Calendar 2026

  • Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026:
    • Prelims: 24 May 2026 (1 day)
    • Mains: 21–25 August 2026 (5 days)
    • Notification: 14 January 2026
    • Application Deadline: 3 February 2026
  • Indian Forest Service (IFS) 2026: Prelims through CSE on 24 May 2026; Mains from 22 November 2026 (7 days).
  • NDA & CDS 2026: Conducted twice:
    • NDA I & CDS I: 12 April 2026
    • NDA II & CDS II: 13 September 2026
  • Engineering Services (ESE) 2026: Prelims on 8 February 2026; Mains on 21 June 2026.
  • Combined Geo-Scientist 2026: Prelims on 8 February 2026; Mains on 20 June 2026.
  • CAPF (ACs) 2026: Exam on 19 July 2026.
  • Combined Medical Services (CMS) 2026: Exam on 2 August 2026.

How to Use the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Effectively

  1. Create a Study Plan: Align your preparation with exam dates. For UPSC CSE 2026, start prelims preparation by November 2025 to cover the syllabus thoroughly.
  2. Track Deadlines: Set reminders for notification releases and application deadlines (e.g., CSE application closes on 3 February 2026).
  3. Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet age, education, and attempt criteria for exams like CSE, NDA, or IES.
  4. Stay Updated: Regularly check upsc.gov.in for any schedule changes or additional notifications.
  5. Practice Mock Tests: Use mock tests to build speed and accuracy, especially for prelims exams like CSE and IFS.

Preparation Tips for UPSC Exams 2026

  • Understand the Syllabus: Download the syllabus for each exam from upsc.gov.in. Focus on key areas like Polity, History, Geography, Economy, and Current Affairs for CSE.
  • Study Resources: Use standard books like NCERTs, Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for Modern History, and The Hindu for current affairs.
  • Current Affairs: Stay updated with daily news and monthly magazines like Yojana or Kurukshetra.
  • Time Management: Practice answering questions within time limits to prepare for prelims and mains.
  • Join Test Series: Enroll in a reputed test series for CSE or other exams to simulate real exam conditions.

How to Download the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026

  1. Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.
  2. Navigate to the “Examinations” section and select “Annual Calendar”.
  3. Click on the UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF link.
  4. Download and save for reference.

FAQs About UPSC Exam Calendar 2026

Q1: When is the UPSC CSE 2026 Prelims exam?
A: The UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 is scheduled for 24 May 2026.

Q2: When will the UPSC CSE 2026 notification be released?
A: The notification is expected on 14 January 2026, with applications closing on 3 February 2026.

Q3: How many days is the UPSC CSE Mains 2026?
A: The Mains exam spans 5 days, from 21–25 August 2026.

Q4: Where can I find the official UPSC Calendar 2026?
A: Download it from upsc.gov.in under the “Examinations” section.

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