UPSC Calendar 2026: Prelims on May 24, Check Full Schedule
The UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026 is scheduled for May 24, 2026, with the official notification arriving on January 14. The exam season kicks off in January 2026 and concludes with the SO/Steno LDCE in December. Download the full PDF schedule below.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released its Annual Calendar for 2026. This comprehensive schedule outlines the notification dates and exam timelines for India’s most prestigious government examinations, including the Civil Services, Engineering Services, and NDA/CDS.
UPSC 2026: Key Exam Highlights
According to the latest calendar, here are the dates that will drive the 2026 recruitment cycle:
-
Civil Services (Prelims) 2026: May 24 (Notification on Jan 14)
-
Civil Services (Mains) 2026: Starts August 21 (5-day duration)
-
NDA & NA (I) 2026: April 12
-
Engineering Services (Prelims) 2026: February 8
-
CAPF (ACs) Exam 2026: July 19
Also Read: GATE 2026 Admit Card Postponed: IIT Guwahati Issues Critical Update for Aspirants
Detailed UPSC Exam Calendar 2026
Plan your preparation with the official timeline for all major competitive exams:
| UPSC Exam Calender 2026 | ||||
|
Examination Name |
Notification Date |
Last Date to Apply |
Exam Date |
Duration |
|
Combined Geo-Scientist (Pre) |
03.09.2025 |
23.09.2025 |
08.02.2026 |
1 Day |
|
Engineering Services (Pre) |
17.09.2025 |
07.10.2025 |
08.02.2026 |
1 Day |
|
CBI (DSP) LDCE |
24.12.2025 |
13.01.2026 |
28.02.2026 |
2 Days |
|
CISF AC (EXE) LDCE |
03.12.2025 |
23.12.2025 |
08.03.2026 |
1 Day |
|
NDA & NA Exam (I) |
10.12.2025 |
30.12.2025 |
12.04.2026 |
1 Day |
|
Civil Services (Prelims) |
14.01.2026 |
03.02.2026 |
24.05.2026 |
1 Day |
|
IES / ISS Exam 2026 |
11.02.2026 |
03.03.2026 |
19.06.2026 |
3 Days |
|
CAPF (ACs) Exam |
18.02.2026 |
10.03.2026 |
19.07.2026 |
1 Day |
|
Combined Medical Services |
11.03.2026 |
31.03.2026 |
02.08.2026 |
1 Day |
|
Civil Services (Mains) |
— |
— |
21.08.2026 |
5 Days |
|
NDA & NA Exam (II) |
20.05.2026 |
09.06.2026 |
13.09.2026 |
1 Day |
|
Indian Forest Service (Mains) |
— |
— |
22.11.2026 |
7 Days |