UPSC Calendar 2026 Out: Check UPSC Prelims & Mains Exam Annual Schedule
UPSC Calendar 2026 Released! The Union Public Service Commission published the official UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 on 15 May 2025, detailing the exam schedule and notification release dates for the 2026 cycle. As per the calendar, the UPSC CSE 2026 Notification will be released on 14 January 2026, the Prelims will be held on 24 May 2026 (Sunday), and the Mains will begin from 21 August 2026. The annual calendar also provides key dates for other major exams including IES, Combined Geo-Scientist, CDS, NDA, and Engineering Services.
Candidates can download the official UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF from the UPSC website in advance to plan their preparation. The calendar is available in both English and Hindi, and direct download links are provided below.
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF [Released]
The Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 with details of notification release dates and exam schedules. Candidates can download the calendar directly from the link below.
| UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF Download | |
| UPSC Calendar | Download PDF |
UPSC Exam Dates & Schedule 2026
The UPSC has released the Exam Calendar for 2026, highlighting all major exams scheduled by the commission during the year. The key UPSC exam dates from the official UPSC Calendar 2026 are provided below –
| Sl. No. | Name of Examination | Date of Notification | Last Date for Receipt of Applications | Date of Commencement of Exam | Duration of Exam |
| 1 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 10.01.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| 2 | Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | 17.01.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| 3 | Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 03.09.2025 | 23.09.2025 | 08.02.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 4 | Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 17.09.2025 | 07.10.2025 | 08.02.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 5 | CBI (DSP) LDCE | 24.12.2025 | 13.01.2026 | 28.02.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| 6 | CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2026 | 03.12.2025 | 23.12.2025 | 08.03.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 7 | N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I), 2026 | 10.12.2025 | 30.12.2025 | 12.04.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 8 | C.D.S. Examination (I), 2026 | 14.01.2026 | 03.02.2026 | 24.05.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 9 | UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 14.01.2026 | 03.02.2026 | 24.05.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 10 | Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 14.01.2026 | 03.02.2026 | 24.05.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 11 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 06.06.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| 12 | I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2026 | 11.02.2026 | 03.03.2026 | 19.06.2026 (Friday) | 3 Days |
| 13 | Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | 20.06.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| 14 | Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | 21.06.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 15 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 04.07.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| 16 | Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2026 | 18.02.2026 | 10.03.2026 | 19.07.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 17 | Combined Medical Services Examination, 2026 | 11.03.2026 | 31.03.2026 | 02.08.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 18 | Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | 08.08.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| 19 | Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | 21.08.2026 (Friday) | 5 Days |
| 20 | N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 2026 | 20.05.2026 | 09.06.2026 | 13.09.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 21 | C.D.S. Examination (II), 2026 | 20.05.2026 | 09.06.2026 | 13.09.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 22 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 26.09.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| 23 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 10.10.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| 24 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 31.10.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| 25 | Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | 22.11.2026 (Sunday) | 7 Days |
| 26 | S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 16.09.2026 | 06.10.2026 | 12.12.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| 27 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 19.12.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
UPSC Exam Date 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published the UPSC Calendar 2026, outlining important dates for recruitment exams such as the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and Indian Forest Service (IFS). The calendar provides details on notification release dates, application deadlines, and exam schedules, helping aspirants plan their preparation systematically.
UPSC Prelims 2026
The UPSC Prelims 2026 is scheduled for 24th May 2026 (Sunday). This one-day exam consists of two objective-type papers:
- General Studies Paper I
- CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) – Paper II
Both papers are MCQ-based and serve as the qualifying stage for the UPSC Mains 2026. The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Prelims will also be held on the same day with the same papers. With the date announced in advance, aspirants have ample time to plan their preparation effectively.
UPSC Mains 2026
The UPSC Mains 2026 will commence on 21st August 2026 (Friday) and will continue for five days. The exam will include:
- Essay Paper
- Four General Studies Papers
- Two Optional Subject Papers
Unlike the Prelims, the Mains is descriptive in nature, requiring deep subject knowledge, analytical ability, and strong writing skills. With just three months between Prelims and Mains, candidates must prepare for both stages in parallel. Those who clear the Mains will be invited for the Personality Test (Interview), the final stage of the selection process.
UPSC Exam Calendar 2025
The UPSC Exam Calendar 2025 was out on 25 April, 2025. The Civil Services Prelims is scheduled to be conducted on 25 May, 2025, while the Mains will be conducted on 22 August, 2025. Check the detailed exam schedule for other UPSC Exams in the table given below –
| Sl. No. | Name of Examination | Date of Notification | Last Date for Receipt of Applications | Date of Commencement of Exam | Duration of Exam |
| 1 | S.O. Grade-B LDCE, 2024 | 13.11.2024 | 03.12.2024 | 11.01.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS |
| 2 | Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 | 04.09.2024 | 24.09.2024 | 09.02.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 3 | CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2025 | 04.12.2024 | 24.12.2024 | 09.03.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 4 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 23.03.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 5 | N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I), 2025 | 11.12.2024 | 31.12.2024 | 13.04.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 6 | C.D.S. Examination (I), 2025 | – | – | – | – |
| 7 | Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 | 22.01.2025 | 11.02.2025 | 25.05.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 8 | Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 | ||||
| 9 | Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 | 18.09.2024 | 22.11.2024* | 08.06.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 10 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 14.06.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS |
| 11 | I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2025 | 12.02.2025 | 04.03.2025 | 20.06.2025 (Friday) | 3 DAYS |
| 12 | Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2025 | – | – | 21.06.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS |
| 13 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 05.07.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS |
| 14 | Combined Medical Services Examination, 2025 | 19.02.2025 | 11.03.2025 | 20.07.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 15 | Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2025 | 05.03.2025 | 25.03.2025 | 03.08.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 16 | Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2025 | – | – | 10.08.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 17 | Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2025 | – | – | 22.08.2025 (Friday) | 5 DAYS |
| 18 | N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 2025 | 28.05.2025 | 17.06.2025 | 14.09.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 19 | C.D.S. Examination (II), 2025 | ||||
| 20 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 04.10.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS |
| 21 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 01.11.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS |
| 22 | Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2025 | – | – | 16.11.2025 (Sunday) | 7 DAYS |
| 23 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 29.11.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS |
| 24 | S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 17.09.2025 | 07.10.2025 | 13.12.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS |
| 25 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 20.12.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS |
UPSC Calendar 2024
The UPSC Exam Calendar has been released, the highest number of aspirants appear for the UPSC CSE exam for various IAS, IFS, IRS, and All-India Group A Civil Service posts. Once you’re acquainted with the CSE dates from the UPSC calendar 2025, you can check out other exam dates as well given below.
| Si. No. | Name of Examination | Date of Notification | Last Date for receipt of Applications | Date of commencemen t of Exam | Duration of Exam |
| 1. | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 13.01.2024 (SATURDAY) | 2 DAYS |
| 2. | Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2024 | 06.09.2023 | 26.09.2023 | 18.02.2024 (SUNDAY) | 1 DAY |
| 3. | Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2024 | 20.09.2023 | 10.10.2023 | 18.02.2024 (SUNDAY) | 1 DAY |
| 4. | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 24.02.2024 (SATURDAY) | 2 DAYS |
| 5. | CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2024 | 29.11.2023 | 19.12.2023 | 10.03.2024 (SUNDAY) | 1 DAY |
| 6. | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 09.03.2024 (SATURDAY) | 2 DAYS |
| 7. | N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I), 2024 | 20.12.2023 | 09.01.2024 | 21.04.2024 (SUNDAY) | 1 DAY |
| 8. | C.D.S. Examination (I), 2024 | ||||
| 9. | Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2024 | 14.02.2024 | 05.03.2024 | 26.05.2024 (SUNDAY) | 1 DAY |
| 10. | Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2024through CS(P) Examination 2024 | ||||
| 11. | I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2024 | 10.04.2024 | 30.04.2024 | 21.06.2024 (FRIDAY) | 3 DAYS |
| 12. | Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2024 | – | – | 22.06.2024 (SATURDAY) | 2 DAYS |
| 13. | Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2024 | 23.06.2024 (SUNDAY) | 1 DAY | ||
| 14. | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 06.07.2024 (SATURDAY) | 2 DAYS |
| 15. | Combined Medical Services Examination, 2024 | 10.04.2024 | 30.04.2024 | 14.07.2024 (SUNDAY) | 1 DAY |
| 16. | Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2024 | 24.04.2024 | 14.05.2024 | 04.08.2024 (SUNDAY) | 1 DAY |
| 17. | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 10.08.2024 (SATURDAY) | 2 DAYS |
| 18. | N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 2024 | 15.05.2024 | 04.06.2024 | 01.09.2024 (SUNDAY) | 1 DAY |
| 19. | C.D.S. Examination (II), 2024 | ||||
| 20. | Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2024 | – | – | 20.09.2024 (Friday) | 5 DAYS |
| 21. | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 19.10.2024 (SATURDAY) | 2 DAYS |
| 22. | Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2024 | – | – | 24.11.2024 (SUNDAY) | 7 DAYS |
| 23. | S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 11.09.2024 | 01.10.2024 | 07.12.2024 (SATURDAY) | 2 DAYS |
| 24. | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 21.12.2024 (SATURDAY) | 2 DAYS |
How to Download UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official Exam Calendar 2026 pdf for download, which provides the notification release dates, exam dates, and other important schedules for major exams like Civil Services (IAS), IES, NDA, CDS, and Engineering Services. Aspirants can download the UPSC Calendar 2026 in both English and Hindi by following the steps below:
- Step 1: Visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in).
- Step 2: On the homepage, click on the ‘Examinations’ section.
- Step 3: Select the “Annual Calendar 2026” link from the list.
- Step 4: The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF will open on your screen.
- Step 5: Download and save the PDF for future reference.
UPSC Calendar Important Links
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 FAQs
Q1. Where can I check the UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF?
You can check and download the UPSC Calendar 2026 directly from the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in
Q2. How to download the UPSC Calendar 2026?
Visit the UPSC official website, go to the ‘Examinations’ section, click on “Annual Calendar 2026,” and download the PDF.
Q3. Will the UPSC syllabus change in 2026?
As of now, UPSC has not announced any changes in the Civil Services Examination syllabus for 2026. The syllabus for Prelims and Mains remains the same unless notified officially.
Q4. How to start preparing for UPSC 2026?
Begin with NCERT books for basics, follow the UPSC syllabus closely, practice previous year question papers, stay updated with current affairs, and make a subject-wise study plan aligned with the exam calendar.
Q5. What is the date of the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2026?
According to the UPSC Calendar 2026, the Civil Services Prelims will be conducted on 24 May 2026 (Sunday), and the Mains will begin from 21 August 2026.
Q6. What are the important exam dates in UPSC Calendar 2026?
The UPSC Calendar 2026 includes exam dates for Civil Services (IAS), IES, NDA, CDS, Combined Geo-Scientist, Engineering Services, and more, with exact notification and exam dates mentioned in the PDF.
Q7. Is the UPSC Calendar available in Hindi?
Yes, the UPSC Calendar 2026 is available in both English and Hindi for the convenience of aspirants.
Q8. Why is the UPSC Calendar important?
The calendar helps aspirants plan their preparation in advance, ensuring they align their studies with official notification dates, exam schedules, and deadlines.
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