How Many UPSC Exams Are There?, Check List
Anil Solonki5 Feb, 2026
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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts numerous prestigious examinations annually to recruit candidates for various civil services, defence academies, engineering services, and specialized roles in the Government of India. These exams span preliminary, mains, and interview stages, attracting lakhs of aspirants aiming for Group A and B posts like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and more. Understanding the full spectrum of UPSC exams is crucial for aspirants to prioritize preparation based on eligibility, vacancies (such as 933 for CSE 2026), and schedules like CSE Prelims on May 24, 2026. This article lists all major UPSC exams, helping you navigate options from CSE and CDS to ESE and CAPF for informed career planning.
How Many UPSC Exams Are There?
Broadly speaking, the UPSC conducts 14 to 15 major competitive examinations annually. Beyond these fixed annual exams, the Commission also conducts several Recruitment Tests (RTs) throughout the year for specific positions in various ministries (like the EPFO or Assistant Professor roles).
These exams are categorized based on the field of expertise and the educational level required:
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Civil Services Exams: For administrative, police, and foreign services.
-
Defense Services Exams: For entry into the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
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Technical & Specialized Exams: For engineers, geologists, and economists.
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Medical Exams: For central government medical officers.
UPSC Exam Checklist 2026: List of Major Examinations
If you are planning your career for 2026, here is the official list of exams conducted by the UPSC.
|
UPSC Exam Checklist 2026: List of Major Examinations |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sl. No. |
Name of Examination |
Frequency |
Eligibility (Min.) |
|
1 |
Civil Services Examination (CSE) |
Annual |
Graduate |
|
2 |
Indian Forest Service (IFoS) |
Annual |
Science Graduate |
|
3 |
National Defence Academy (NDA & NA) |
Bi-Annual |
12th Pass |
|
4 |
Combined Defence Services (CDS) |
Bi-Annual |
Graduate |
|
5 |
Engineering Services Examination (ESE) |
Annual |
B.E./B.Tech |
|
6 |
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF-AC) |
Annual |
Graduate |
|
7 |
Combined Medical Services (CMS) |
Annual |
MBBS |
|
8 |
Indian Economic Service (IES) |
Annual |
Post-Graduate (Eco) |
|
9 |
Indian Statistical Service (ISS) |
Annual |
Post-Graduate (Stat) |
|
10 |
Combined Geo-Scientist Exam |
Annual |
Post-Graduate |
|
11 |
CBI (DSP) LDCE |
Annual |
Internal (CBI) |
|
12 |
CISF AC (EXE) LDCE |
Annual |
Internal (CISF) |
|
13 |
SO/Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE |
Annual |
Govt Employees |
|
14 |
Recruitment Tests (RTs) |
As per Need |
Varies |
Some Popular UPSC Exams Explained
1. Civil Services Examination (CSE)
Commonly known as the "IAS Exam," this is the most popular UPSC exam. It recruits for 21+ services, including:
-
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
-
Indian Police Service (IPS)
-
Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
-
Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
The exam process involves three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test (Interview).
2. Defense Services (NDA & CDS)
These exams are the gateway to a career as a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
-
NDA: Conducted for students who have passed or are appearing for their 12th standard.
-
CDS: Conducted for Graduates seeking entry into the IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA. Both exams are held twice a year (Exam I in April and Exam II in September).
3. Engineering Services Examination (ESE/IES)
This is the "technical IAS" for engineers. It recruits for Group A positions in departments like Railways, Telecommunications, and the Central Water Engineering Service. It is highly competitive and requires deep technical knowledge in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics Engineering.
4. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
If you want to serve in paramilitary forces like the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, or SSB as an Assistant Commandant (Group A Officer), this is the exam for you. It includes a written test, physical standards test, and an interview.
Other Popular UPSC Exams
The UPSC Recruitment 2026 has started and other than fourteen regular exams it organizes certain recruitment tests for various government departments. Due to the specific nature of the exam, the syllabus and exam pattern differ which are detailed in the official notification. Here’s a list of some other popular UPSC exams, apart from the well-known CSE, EPFO, and IFoS:
- Indian Economic Service (IES)/Indian Statistical Service (ISS): Focuses on economics and statistics.
- Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS): For those interested in the Indian Railway's operations and management.
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS): Diplomacy-focused exam, for those aiming to represent India in foreign countries.
- Combined Medical Services (CMS): For recruitment to various medical posts in government services.
- Geologists Examination: Focuses on geological sciences, intended for those pursuing a career in the Geological Survey of India.
- Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC): For recruitment into the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
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How Many UPSC Exams Are There FAQs
How many exams are conducted by UPSC?
How many types of exams are conducted by UPSC?
How many papers are there in the UPSC IFoS exam?
Which is the most popular UPSC exam?
How many attempts are there in the UPSC exam?
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