The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has unfurled its meticulously structured Examination Almanac for the annum 2026. This comprehensive itinerary delineates the precise temporal framework for an array of pivotal national assessments-including the Civil Services (IAS), Indian Forest Service (IFS), National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), Engineering Services, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Combined Medical Services (CMS), and a spectrum of others.
This advance notice will assist aspirants in organizing and preparing their study schedule effectively. However, UPSC has stated that the dates are tentative and may change due to administrative requirements or unforeseen events. Candidates are encouraged to regularly check the official UPSC website for the latest updates.
Contents
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 – Overview
| Released By | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Year Covered | 2026 |
| Type of Exams | Prelims, Mains, LDCE, RTs |
| Notification Mode | Online (PDF format) |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 – Complete Exam Schedule
| Name of Examination | Notification Date | Last Date to Apply | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 10 Jan 2026 (Sat) |
| Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | 17 Jan 2026 (Sat) |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Exam | 03 Sep 2025 | 23 Sep 2025 | 08 Feb 2026 (Sun) |
| Engineering Services (Preliminary) Exam | 17 Sep 2025 | 07 Oct 2025 | 08 Feb 2026 (Sun) |
| CBI (DSP) LDCE | 24 Dec 2025 | 13 Jan 2026 | 28 Feb 2026 (Sat) |
| CISF AC (EXE) LDCE | 03 Dec 2025 | 23 Dec 2025 | 08 Mar 2026 (Sun) |
| NDA & NA Examination (I) | 10 Dec 2025 | 30 Dec 2025 | 12 Apr 2026 (Sun) |
| CDS Examination (I) | 10 Dec 2025 | 30 Dec 2025 | 12 Apr 2026 (Sun) |
| Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam (IAS) | 14 Jan 2026 | 03 Feb 2026 | 24 May 2026 (Sun) |
| Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) through CS(P) Exam | 14 Jan 2026 | 03 Feb 2026 | 24 May 2026 (Sun) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 06 Jun 2026 (Sat) |
| IES/ISS Examination | 11 Feb 2026 | 03 Mar 2026 | 19 Jun 2026 (Fri) |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Exam | — | — | 20 Jun 2026 (Sat) |
| Engineering Services (Main) Exam | — | — | 21 Jun 2026 (Sun) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 04 Jul 2026 (Sat) |
| Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Exam | 18 Feb 2026 | 10 Mar 2026 | 19 Jul 2026 (Sun) |
| Combined Medical Services (CMS) Exam | 11 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 02 Aug 2026 (Sun) |
| Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | 08 Aug 2026 (Sat) |
| Civil Services (Main) Examination | — | — | 21 Aug 2026 (Fri) |
| NDA & NA Examination (II) | 20 May 2026 | 09 Jun 2026 | 13 Sep 2026 (Sun) |
| CDS Examination (II) | 20 May 2026 | 09 Jun 2026 | 13 Sep 2026 (Sun) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 26 Sep 2026 (Sat) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 10 Oct 2026 (Sat) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 31 Oct 2026 (Sat) |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination | — | — | 22 Nov 2026 (Sun) |
| S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 16 Sep 2026 | 06 Oct 2026 | 12 Dec 2026 (Sat) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 19 Dec 2026 (Sat) |
How to Stay Informed
To ensure accurate and up-to-date information, candidates should regularly check the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for any update or revision.