The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the official UPSC Examination Calendar for 2026 on May 15, 2025. Below is a detailed schedule of key examinations and important dates, focusing on the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and other major exams, based on verified information from the official UPSC website and reliable sources.
Key Dates for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026
- Notification Release: January 14, 2026
- Last Date for Application Submission: February 3, 2026
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims): May 24, 2026 (Sunday)
- Duration: 1 day
- Structure: Two objective-type papers (General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II – CSAT). CSAT is qualifying (33% marks required), while General Studies Paper I determines the cutoff.
- Main Examination (Mains): August 21, 2026 (Friday) onwards
- Duration: 5 days
- Structure: Nine descriptive papers, including Essay, four General Studies papers, two Optional Subject papers, and two qualifying language papers (English and Indian Language).
- Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Prelims: May 24, 2026 (same as CSE Prelims)
- Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Mains: November 22, 2026
Other Major UPSC Examinations in 2026
- Engineering Services (Preliminary) and Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary):
- Notification: September 10, 2025
- Last Date for Application: September 30, 2025
- Exam Date: February 8, 2026
- Duration: 1 day
- National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) I and Combined Defence Services (CDS) I:
- Notification: December 10, 2025
- Last Date for Application: December 30, 2025
- Exam Date: April 12, 2026
- Duration: 1 day
- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandants:
- Notification: March 25, 2026
- Last Date for Application: April 14, 2026
- Exam Date: June 19, 2026
- Duration: 1 day
- Combined Medical Services (CMS):
- Notification: February 18, 2026
- Last Date for Application: March 10, 2026
- Exam Date: June 14, 2026
- Duration: 1 day
- NDA & NA II and CDS II:
- Notification: June 17, 2026
- Last Date for Application: July 7, 2026
- Exam Date: September 6, 2026
- Duration: 1 day
Additional Notes
- Flexibility in Dates: UPSC has noted that the dates for notifications, exam commencement, and duration are subject to change under exceptional circumstances. Candidates should regularly check the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) for updates.
- How to Download the Calendar:
- Visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in).
- Navigate to the “Examinations” tab and select “Calendar” or “Annual Calendar.”
- Click on the “UPSC Annual Calendar 2026” PDF link to download.
- Save the PDF for future reference.
- Preparation Tips:
- Start early to cover the extensive syllabus, especially given the short three-month gap between Prelims and Mains for CSE.
- Use the calendar to prioritize subjects and set specific, measurable goals.
- Regularly monitor the UPSC website for notifications, syllabus updates, and admit card releases.
- Application Process:
- Candidates must register on the UPSC One Time Registration (OTR) platform before applying. OTR is a one-time setup for lifetime use.
- Apply early to secure preferred exam centers, as they are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Sources
- Official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in)
- Vajiram & Ravi, Testbook, Sanskriti IAS, Times of India, and other reliable educational platforms
- X posts confirming key dates
For the latest updates and to download the official UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF, visit upsc.gov.in. Plan your preparation strategically to align with these key dates!
