UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Released – Check Complete Schedule & Important Dates
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially published its Annual Exam Calendar for 2026 on May 15, 2025. This calendar is a vital tool for aspirants, offering a detailed timeline of all major exams such as Civil Services, IFS, NDA, CDS, CAPF, and more. It includes key information such as notification dates, application deadlines, and exam schedules to help candidates plan their preparation effectively.
Download the Official UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF
The UPSC 2026 calendar is now available for download on the official website. It covers a wide range of examinations, including Civil Services (IAS/IFS), Engineering Services, CDS, NDA, and CAPF, among others. Candidates can refer to this calendar to prepare strategically across all stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interviews.
UPSC CSE 2026 – Key Exam Dates You Should Know
The Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 will be conducted in multiple stages, and the UPSC has clearly outlined each date:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 14th January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 3rd February 2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24th May 2026 (Sunday) |
| Mains Exam Start Date | 21st August 2026 (Friday) |
| Mains Exam Duration | 5 Days |
Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam 2026
- The IFS Prelims will be conducted alongside the Civil Services Prelims on 24th May 2026.
- The IFS Mains is scheduled to commence from 22nd November 2026.
CDS, NDA & CAPF – Other Major Exams in 2026
In addition to CSE and IFS, UPSC will conduct several other prestigious exams:
| Exam Name | Exam Date / Month |
|---|---|
| NDA & CDS (I) | April 2026 |
| NDA & CDS (II) | September 2026 |
| CAPF (ACs) Examination | 19th July 2026 (Sunday) |
UPSC Prelims 2026 – First Step in the Journey
The Preliminary Exam for CSE 2026 will be held on 24th May 2026 (Sunday). It includes two objective-type papers:
1. General Studies Paper I
2. CSAT (Paper II)
This stage is crucial as it filters candidates for the Mains exam. Notably, the IFS Preliminary exam uses the same question papers as the CSE Prelims, making preparation even more streamlined for dual aspirants.
UPSC Mains 2026 – The Descriptive Challenge
Scheduled to start on 21st August 2026, the UPSC Mains Examination spans five days and includes:
- One Essay Paper
- Four General Studies Papers
- Two Optional Subject Papers
This stage tests conceptual clarity, analytical thinking, and answer-writing skills. Candidates qualifying Mains will proceed to the Personality Test (Interview).
How to Access the UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF?
Follow these steps to download the UPSC 2026 calendar directly from the official website:
1. Visit the official UPSC site – https://www.upsc.gov.in
2. Click on the “Examination” tab on the homepage.
3. Navigate to the “Calendar” section.
4. Click on “UPSC Annual Calendar 2026” to download the PDF.
5. Save or print it for future reference.
Why Is the UPSC Calendar 2026 Important?
This calendar provides aspirants with:
- Accurate exam dates
- Timely notification alerts
- Application window tracking
- Strategic preparation timelines
With the calendar in hand, candidates can now organize their study plan effectively and stay ahead of deadlines
