UPSC Exam Calendar 2026: Key Dates and Exam Details

Key Highlights

• The official UPSC calendar for 2026 has been released, providing crucial exam dates for all major examinations.

• The Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE) Prelims is scheduled for May 24, 2026.

• The UPSC CSE Mains examination will begin on August 21, 2026, and will be conducted over five days.

• The complete annual calendar is available for download on the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in.

• This schedule helps you plan your preparation for various posts under the Government of India.

What Is the UPSC?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body established to conduct examinations for appointments to the services of the Union. Its origins trace back to the British Raj, with the first Public Service Commission being set up in 1926. Following demands for reform, the Government of India Act of 1935 led to the formation of the Federal Public Service Commission. After India gained independence, this body was renamed the Union Public Service Commission and was granted constitutional status under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950. This constitutional backing makes the UPSC an independent and impartial authority. Its main purpose is to ensure that recruitment for public service is based on merit, providing a transparent pathway for talented individuals to join the administrative machinery of the country through the Civil Services Examination.

Functions and Responsibilities of UPSC

The UPSC performs a wide range of functions that are critical to the country's public administration. Its most well-known responsibility is conducting examinations for appointments to the services of the Union, which include All-India Services, Central Services, and public services of the Union Territories. Beyond conducting exams, the commission is consulted on various personnel matters. This includes advising on the principles to be followed in making appointments, promotions, and transfers within the civil services. The Central Government also consults the UPSC on the suitability of candidates for these roles. Furthermore, the UPSC advises on disciplinary cases affecting government servants, including memorials or petitions related to such matters. It also plays a role in framing and amending recruitment rules for various government posts and services, ensuring that the standards for entry and progression in public service are maintained.

Types of UPSC Exams Conducted Annually

Each year, the UPSC conducts a variety of examinations to fill posts across different government departments. While the Civil Services Exam (UPSC CSE) is the most prominent, the commission is responsible for several other important recruitment tests. These exams cater to different professional fields and services, from engineering and medicine to defense and forestry. Each exam has a unique pattern and requires a specific set of skills and knowledge, allowing candidates from diverse academic backgrounds to find opportunities in public service.

Some of the major examinations conducted by the UPSC include:

• Civil Services Examination (CSE)

• Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination

• Engineering Services Examination (ESE)

• Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination

• National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination

• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Examination

UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 – Annual Highlights

The UPSC calendar for 2026 is an essential document for anyone planning to take these competitive exams. It provides a detailed schedule, including the release date of the UPSC notification, the application window, and the final exam dates for various recruitment drives. By referring to this calendar, you can map out your preparation strategy well in advance. Let's look at when the calendar was released, how you can access it from the official website, and what key updates you should be aware of for the 2026 exam cycle.

How to Access and Download Official UPSC Calendar PDF

Downloading the official UPSC calendar is a straightforward process. Having a copy of the calendar PDF on your device allows you to check important exam dates anytime, anywhere. This helps you keep track of application deadlines and plan your studies effectively. To get your copy, you just need to visit the commission's official website. The calendar is publicly available and can be downloaded by anyone. It contains all the necessary dates for every exam scheduled for 2026.

Follow these simple steps to download the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026:

• Go to the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.

• On the homepage, navigate to the "Examination" tab.

• From the dropdown menu, click on the "Calendar" option.

• Look for the link that says "Annual Calendar 2026" and click on it.

• The PDF will open in a new tab, and you can download and save it for future reference.

Important UPSC Exam Dates for 2026

For aspirants targeting the prestigious UPSC CSE, knowing the key exam dates is the first step toward creating a successful study plan. The 2026 calendar provides a clear timeline for the entire selection process, from the UPSC Prelims to the Mains Examination and finally the interview.

Civil Services Preliminary Examination (CSE) 2026 Key Dates

The Civil Services Preliminary Examination is the first hurdle in the three-stage Civil Services Exam. This screening test consists of two objective-type papers designed to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. According to the official calendar, the notification for the UPSC Prelims 2026 will be released on January 14, 2026. The online application process will begin on the same day and will conclude on February 3, 2026. Be sure to submit your application well before the deadline. The UPSC Prelims Exam itself is scheduled to be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026. This gives you a clear target to work toward. Always double-check the dates on the official website, as they are the most reliable source of information.

Civil Services Main Examination 2026 Key Dates

Candidates who successfully clear the Preliminary Examination will be eligible to appear for the Civil Services Main Examination. The UPSC Mains is a descriptive exam that tests the depth of your knowledge across various subjects and is the most critical stage in determining your rank. As per the 2026 calendar, the Mains Examination is set to commence on August 21, 2026. The exam will be spread over five days. This schedule gives you about three months after the Prelims to focus exclusively on your Mains preparation. For any updates, keep an eye on the official website.

Interview/Personality Test Schedule for UPSC CSE 2026

The final stage of the UPSC CSE selection process is the Interview/Personality Test. This stage is for candidates who qualify in the Main Examination. The interview assesses your personality, mental alertness, critical thinking, and overall suitability for a career in the civil services. The schedule for the Interview/Personality Test is not announced in the annual calendar. Instead, the dates are released after the results of the Main Examination are declared. Candidates who clear the Mains will receive a call letter with the specific date and time for their interview. The final merit list is prepared based on the combined scores of the Main Examination and the Interview/Personality Test. Therefore, this stage holds significant weightage in determining your final selection and the service you are allocated. You should begin preparing for this stage alongside your Mains preparation.

Major UPSC Exams in 2026 and Their Timelines

Beyond the Civil Services Exam, the UPSC calendar for 2026 is packed with timelines for other significant examinations. These exams, such as the Indian Forest Service and Engineering Services, are gateways to specialized and respected careers within the Central Government.

Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam Dates

The Indian Forest Service (IFS) is one of the All India Services, and its recruitment process is conducted by the UPSC. The preliminary stage of the IFS exam is combined with the Civil Services Examination, meaning candidates appear for the same Prelims paper. The notification for the IFS exam will be released on January 14, 2026, along with the CSE notification. The last date to apply is also the same, February 3, 2026. The Preliminary Exam will take place on May 24, 2026. However, the Main Examination for the Indian Forest Service is conducted separately. According to the UPSC calendar, the IFS Mains will begin on November 22, 2026, and will last for seven days. This gives IFS aspirants a distinct preparation window after the common Prelims.

Engineering Services (ESE) Exam Dates

For engineering graduates aspiring to join government services, the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) is a major opportunity. This exam recruits engineers for technical and managerial positions in various departments of the Central Government. The ESE also has a two-stage examination process. The UPSC notification for the ESE 2026 is scheduled to be released on September 17, 2025. The application window will close on October 7, 2025, so be sure to apply within this period. The Preliminary Examination for ESE will be held on February 8, 2026. Candidates who qualify in the Prelims will then appear for the Main Examination, which is scheduled for June 21, 2026. Having these dates helps you balance your technical subject preparation with General Studies.

Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam Dates

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted twice a year by the UPSC for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy. It's a popular choice for graduates looking to build a career in the armed forces. The first CDS exam of 2026, CDS (I), will have its notification released on January 14, 2026, with the application deadline on February 3, 2026. The examination for CDS (I) is scheduled for May 24, 2026. The second exam, CDS (II), will have its notification on May 20, 2026, and the application will close on June 9, 2026. The CDS (II) examination is scheduled to take place on September 13, 2026. This biannual cycle offers two opportunities to aspirants each year.

NDA & NA Exam Dates

The National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) examination is the gateway for students after 12th grade to join the defence services as officers. Like the CDS exam, the NDA & NA exam is also conducted twice a year, providing young aspirants with two chances to join the armed forces. The notification for the NDA & NA (I) exam will be released on December 10, 2025, with the application window closing on December 30, 2025. The exam for NDA & NA (I) is scheduled for April 12, 2026. For the second cycle, the NDA & NA (II) notification will be out on May 20, 2026, and the last date to apply is June 9, 2026. The examination will be conducted on September 13, 2026. This schedule is crucial for students to plan their board exam preparation alongside their NDA entrance test studies.

Other UPSC Recruitment Exams Scheduled

In addition to the major exams, the UPSC conducts several other recruitment tests for various specialized and departmental posts. These exams offer opportunities in fields like geosciences, statistics, and for limited departmental competitive examinations (LDCEs). These posts often fall under Group A and Group B categories.

Some of the other exams with scheduled dates in 2026 include:

• Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination: February 8, 2026

• CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2026: March 8, 2026

• I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination: June 19, 2026

• Combined Medical Services Examination: August 2, 2026

While specific exams for the Pondicherry Civil Service or Pondicherry Police Service may not always be listed separately, such recruitment is often handled through relevant examinations or special recruitment drives announced by the UPSC.

The UPSC typically provides an application window of about 20 to 25 days from the date of the official notification. It is vital to fill out and submit your application form within this period. The duration of the examinations themselves also varies. For instance, preliminary exams are usually conducted on a single day, while main examinations can span several days. This information is clearly mentioned in the UPSC calendar.

Here are a few examples from the 2026 schedule:

• Application Window: For the Civil Services Exam, the window is from January 14 to February 3, 2026, which is about 21 days.

• Duration (Prelims): Most preliminary exams, like the CSE and ESE, are held on a single day.

• Exam Duration (Mains): The CSE Mains lasts for 5 days, while the Indian Forest Service Mains is conducted over 7 days.

• Application Form: Always fill out the application form early to avoid any last-minute technical glitches.

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Exams 2026

Before you begin your preparation for the UPSC CSE or any other Civil Services Exam, it is essential to ensure that you meet the specified eligibility criteria. These criteria, set by the UPSC, generally cover age limits, educational qualifications, and the number of attempts allowed. Failing to meet any of these conditions can lead to the cancellation of your candidature at any stage of the selection process. Let's take a closer look at the general requirements for age, education, and the number of attempts for UPSC exams.

Age Limits for Different UPSC Examinations

While the annual calendar does not specify the age limits, this information is detailed in the official notification for each exam. For the UPSC CSE, the general age limit is typically between 21 and 32 years, but there are relaxations for candidates from reserved categories.

Educational Qualifications Required

For most non-technical exams like the UPSC CSE, the basic requirement is a bachelor's degree from any recognized university in any discipline. This makes the Civil Services Exam accessible to graduates from all academic backgrounds.

However, for specialized exams, the requirements are more specific.

• UPSC CSE: A degree from a recognized university.

• Engineering Services Exam: A degree in Engineering from a recognized university.

• Indian Forest Service Exam: A bachelor's degree with at least one of the specified science or engineering subjects.

Number of Attempts Permitted by UPSC

The UPSC sets a limit on the number of times a candidate can appear for certain examinations, most notably the Civil Services Exam. This is an important part of the eligibility criteria that you must be aware of before you start your preparation. The number of attempts varies based on the candidate's category. For the UPSC CSE, candidates from the General category typically have a limited number of attempts, while candidates from OBC and SC/ST categories get more chances.

Here is a general overview of the attempt limits for the CSE:

• General Category: 6 attempts

• OBC Category: 9 attempts

• SC/ST Category: Unlimited attempts until they reach the upper age limit.

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How to Apply Online for UPSC Exams 2026

A successful application requires careful attention to detail and adherence to the given instructions. Let's walk through the step-by-step process of applying online, the official platforms to use, and some important tips for a smooth submission.

Step-by-Step Guide to Application Process

Applying for a UPSC exam is a multi-step process that needs to be completed carefully. The online application form requires you to provide personal, educational, and other details, so it's a good idea to keep all your documents handy before you begin. The UPSC has streamlined the process with its One-Time Registration (OTR) platform, where you create a profile that can be used for multiple exam applications. This saves time and reduces the chance of errors.

Here is a general guide to the application process:

• Visit the official UPSC website and find the "Apply Online" link for the desired examination.

• If you are a new user, complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.

• Log in and fill out the application form with accurate details.

• Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents in the specified format.

• Pay the application fee online (if applicable) and submit the form.

• Download and print a copy of your submitted application form for your records.

Platforms and Official Links for UPSC Applications

To ensure the security of your information and the authenticity of the application process, it is extremely important to use only the official UPSC website. All exam-related activities, from downloading the exam calendar to submitting the application form, are conducted through this single portal. The official website of the Union Public Service Commission is upsc.gov.in. A separate portal, upsconline.nic.in, is often used for the online application process. Always double-check the URL to avoid fraudulent websites that may try to imitate the official platform.

Important Instructions for Successful Submission

A small mistake in your online application can lead to the rejection of your form, so it's crucial to be meticulous during the submission process. A successful submission ensures that you will receive your admit card and be able to appear for the examination without any issues. Before you start filling out the application form, read the official notification and the instructions carefully. This will help you understand all the requirements and avoid common errors.

Here are some important tips for a successful submission:

• Ensure you have a stable internet connection while filling out the form.

• Keep all necessary documents, like educational certificates and identity proof, ready.

• Review your application form thoroughly for any spelling or factual errors before final submission.

• Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute server traffic.

• After submission, save the confirmation page and payment receipt.