The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially unveiled its Annual Examination Calendar for 2026, providing clarity and direction for lakhs of aspirants across the country. One of the most anticipated exams — the Civil Services Preliminary Examination (CSE Prelims) — will be conducted on Sunday, May 24, 2026. This is the first big step for those dreaming of becoming IAS, IPS, or IFS officers.
As per the calendar:
- The official CSE notification will be released on January 14, 2026.
- The last date to apply is February 3, 2026.
This gives serious aspirants ample time to plan their study strategy, enroll in test series, and fine-tune their preparation.
What Makes the CSE Prelims So Important?
The Civil Services Prelims isn’t just an entry point to India’s top administrative services. It also serves as a screening test for the Indian Forest Service (IFS). Only those who clear this stage can proceed to the Main Examination, which for 2026 is scheduled to start on August 21, 2026, and will span five days.
UPSC 2026 – A Year of Opportunities
Apart from the Civil Services Exam, the 2026 calendar is packed with crucial exams for various sectors, including:
- NDA & NA (I & II)
- CDS (I & II)
- Engineering Services
- Combined Geo-Scientist
- Combined Medical Services
- CAPF (ACs)
- IES/ISS
- IFS (Prelims and Mains)
For engineering, medical, defense, and scientific career aspirants, this calendar acts like a roadmap — helping them plan their time, coaching, and mock tests effectively.
Notable Exam Dates:
- Engineering Services (Prelims): February 8, 2026
- Combined Medical Services: August 2, 2026
- CAPF (ACs) Exam: July 19, 2026
- IFS Main Exam: November 22, 2026
Reserved Dates – A Smart Move by UPSC
In its 2026 calendar, UPSC has also marked several Saturdays as “Reserved for RT/Examinations”. These are buffer dates that the Commission can use for unforeseen recruitment tests, departmental exams (LDCEs), or internal promotions. This flexibility shows UPSC’s evolving role in public sector staffing, beyond just competitive exams.
Why This Calendar Matters
Whether you are a full-time aspirant or preparing alongside a job or college, having access to UPSC’s yearly calendar helps you:
- Plan your syllabus month-wise.
- Decide when to start prelims vs. mains preparation.
- Register for test series or coaching batches.
- Avoid missing out on deadlines due to confusion.
But remember — UPSC has stated that these dates may be changed due to administrative reasons. So, aspirants should regularly check the official UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in for updates.
Final Note for Aspirants
Preparing for UPSC is not just about cracking a tough exam — it’s about transforming your mindset, building discipline, and committing to a long-term goal. With the 2026 exam dates now available, this is the perfect moment to reflect on your strategy, make a realistic study plan, and take that first confident step.
Let the countdown begin — May 24, 2026, could be the turning point of your life.
UPSC Examination Calendar 2026
| S. No. | Examination | Notification Date | Last Date to Apply | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | January 10, 2026 (Saturday) |
| 2 | Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | January 17, 2026 (Saturday) |
| 3 | Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | September 3, 2025 | September 23, 2025 | February 8, 2026 (Sunday) |
| 4 | Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | September 17, 2025 | October 7, 2025 | February 8, 2026 (Sunday) |
| 5 | CBI (DSP) LDCE | December 24, 2025 | January 13, 2026 | February 28, 2026 (Saturday) |
| 6 | CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2026 | December 3, 2025 | December 23, 2025 | March 8, 2026 (Sunday) |
| 7 | N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I), 2026 | December 10, 2025 | December 30, 2025 | April 12, 2026 (Sunday) |
| 8 | C.D.S. Examination (I), 2026 | December 10, 2025 | December 30, 2025 | April 12, 2026 (Sunday) |
| 9 | Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | January 14, 2026 | February 3, 2026 | May 24, 2026 (Sunday) |
| 10 | Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Exam, 2026 (through CS(P)) | January 14, 2026 | February 3, 2026 | May 24, 2026 (Sunday) |
| 11 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | June 6, 2026 (Saturday) |
| 12 | I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2026 | February 11, 2026 | March 3, 2026 | June 19, 2026 (Friday) |
| 13 | Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | June 20, 2026 (Saturday) |
| 14 | Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | June 21, 2026 (Sunday) |
| 15 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | July 4, 2026 (Saturday) |
| 16 | Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2026 | February 18, 2026 | March 10, 2026 | July 19, 2026 (Sunday) |
| 17 | Combined Medical Services Examination, 2026 | March 11, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | August 2, 2026 (Sunday) |
| 18 | Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | August 8, 2026 (Saturday) |
| 19 | Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | August 21, 2026 (Friday) |
| 20 | N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 2026 | May 20, 2026 | June 9, 2026 | September 13, 2026 (Sunday) |
| 21 | C.D.S. Examination (II), 2026 | May 20, 2026 | June 9, 2026 | September 13, 2026 (Sunday) |
| 22 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | September 26, 2026 (Saturday) |
| 23 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | October 10, 2026 (Saturday) |
| 24 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | October 31, 2026 (Saturday) |
| 25 | Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | November 22, 2026 (Sunday) |
| 26 | S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | September 16, 2026 | October 6, 2026 | December 12, 2026 (Saturday) |
| 27 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | December 19, 2026 (Saturday) |
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