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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.

 

UPSC Calendar 2026

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

UPSC Calendar 2026 FAQs

When will the UPSC CSE 2026 Notification be released?

The official notification for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 will be released on January 14, 2026.

What is the date for UPSC IAS Prelims 2026?

The exam is scheduled for May 24, 2026 (Sunday).

Is the Indian Forest Service (IFS) exam separate?

The Preliminary stage for IFS is conducted through the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination. However, the IFS Mains 2026 will begin on November 22, 2026.
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