By The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released its Annual Examination Calendar for 2026, laying out a comprehensive schedule for all major national-level recruitment exams. The calendar includes the much-anticipated dates for the Civil Services Examination (CSE), NDA & NA, CDS, Engineering Services (ESE), Combined Medical Services, and more.
For lakhs of aspirants preparing to join the elite administrative services or the armed forces, this calendar serves as a strategic tool, helping them align their preparation with official timelines. From notification releases to application deadlines and exam dates, the calendar provides clarity and structure.
Key Highlights: UPSC 2026 Exam Schedule
One of the most awaited examinations, the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam 2026, will be conducted on May 24, 2026 (Sunday). The Mains Examination is scheduled to begin from August 21, 2026 (Friday).
For aspirants targeting defence services, the NDA & NA (I) and CDS (I) examinations will take place on April 12, 2026, while NDA & NA (II) and CDS (II) are slotted for September 13, 2026.
Below is the full list of UPSC exams along with their key dates:
UPSC Calendar 2026 – Complete Exam Schedule
| Examination | Notification Date | Last Date to Apply | Exam Date |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Prelims) | 03 Sept 2025 | 23 Sept 2025 | 08 Feb 2026 |
| Engineering Services (Prelims) | 17 Sept 2025 | 07 Oct 2025 | 08 Feb 2026 |
| CBI (DSP) LDCE | 24 Dec 2025 | 13 Jan 2026 | 28 Feb 2026 |
| CISF AC(EXE) LDCE | 03 Dec 2025 | 23 Dec 2025 | 08 Mar 2026 |
| NDA & NA (I), 2026 | 10 Dec 2025 | 30 Dec 2025 | 12 Apr 2026 |
| CDS (I), 2026 | 10 Dec 2025 | 30 Dec 2025 | 12 Apr 2026 |
| Civil Services (Prelims) | 14 Jan 2026 | 03 Feb 2026 | 24 May 2026 |
| Indian Forest Service (Prelims) | 14 Jan 2026 | 03 Feb 2026 | 24 May 2026 |
| IES/ISS Exam | 11 Feb 2026 | 03 Mar 2026 | 19 Jun 2026 |
| CAPF (ACs) Exam | 18 Feb 2026 | 10 Mar 2026 | 19 Jul 2026 |
| Combined Medical Services Exam | 11 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 02 Aug 2026 |
| Civil Services (Main) | — | — | 21 Aug 2026 |
| NDA & NA (II), 2026 | 20 May 2026 | 09 Jun 2026 | 13 Sept 2026 |
| CDS (II), 2026 | 20 May 2026 | 09 Jun 2026 | 13 Sept 2026 |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) | — | — | 22 Nov 2026 |
| SO/Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 16 Sept 2026 | 06 Oct 2026 | 12 Dec 2026 |
Note: Several dates are reserved for UPSC recruitment tests (RTs) or internal LDCE examinations, with flexibility to accommodate unforeseen changes.
UPSC EXAM Calendar 2025 Printable PDF
UPSC Notification 2026: Important Dates for CSE Aspirants
For candidates preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, here are the critical dates to note:
- Notification Release: January 14, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: February 3, 2026
- Prelims Exam Date: May 24, 2026
- Mains Exam Start Date: August 21, 2026
This advance notice gives aspirants nearly a full year to gear up for one of the toughest competitive exams in the country.
How to Download the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026
To ensure you never miss a deadline, it’s best to download the official UPSC calendar in PDF format. Here’s how:
- Visit the official UPSC website at www.upsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the “Examinations” section.
- Click on “Calendar” in the drop-down menu.
- You’ll find the Annual Calendar 2026 PDF listed there. Click to download. Here is the PDF link of UPSC Annual Exam Calendar 2026 PDF
Keeping a printed or digital copy of the calendar helps in long-term planning, especially if you’re targeting multiple exams like the Civil Services, Forest Services, or CDS.
Why the UPSC Calendar Matters
The release of the annual exam calendar is more than just a formality—it shapes the preparation journeys of millions of aspirants. From allocating study hours to scheduling mock tests, this roadmap acts as a foundation upon which serious preparation strategies are built.
Institutes, coaching centers, and even self-learners align their curriculums and time blocks based on these official dates. Given the competitive nature of these exams, even a few days’ delay in knowing key dates could impact one’s strategy.
The UPSC Annual Exam Calendar 2026 provides clarity, structure, and a much-needed timeline for aspirants across India. Whether you’re aiming for the Civil Services, Defence Forces, Engineering Services, or any other central government role, this calendar should be the cornerstone of your preparation strategy.
With the CSE Prelims scheduled for May 24, 2026, and the Mains beginning from August 21, 2026, now is the right time to start serious preparation. Strategize early, gather your resources, and stay consistent—because in the race to join India’s elite services, every day counts.
Latest Updates:
SSC Revised Exam Calendar 2025–2026
UPPSC Various Post Recruitment 2025
