UPSC CSE Mains Time Table 2026: Exam Dates, Schedule, Paper-Wise Time-table & FAQs

UPSC CSE Mains Time Table 2026 provides the complete schedule of the Civil Services Main Examination, including paper-wise dates and timings. Keep reading to understand the important dates and exam pattern for UPSC Mains 2026.

UPSC Mains Time Table 2026

The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 is scheduled to commence on 21 August 2026 and will be conducted over five days. UPSC has not officially announced the detailed Mains Time Table 2026 or the paper-wise schedule yet. However, UPSC has already announced the Civil Services (Main) Examination date in its annual calendar. The detailed paper-wise timetable is expected to be released separately by the Commission closer to the examination. 

Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination will be eligible to appear for the Mains examination. The examination consists of nine papers, including two qualifying language papers and seven merit-based papers. The written examination carries 1750 marks, while the Personality Test carries 275 marks, making the total score for the Civil Services Examination 2025 marks.

UPSC Mains Exam Date 2026 Complete Schedule

The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 is scheduled to be conducted from 21 August to 25 August 2026. The Commission conducts seven written papers carrying a total of 1750 marks, followed by the Personality Test (Interview) for 275 marks. Together, the written examination and interview determine the final merit ranking of candidates.

As of now, the paper-wise timetable for UPSC Mains 2026 has not been released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The detailed schedule, including the dates and timings for the Essay paper, General Studies papers, and Optional Subject papers, will be announced separately through the official timetable.

Candidates should note that the UPSC Mains examination consists of one Essay paper, four General Studies papers, and two papers of the optional subject. Each paper carries 250 marks, making the written examination worth 1750 marks in total. Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for the Personality Test (Interview), which carries 275 marks, taking the total marks for the Civil Services Examination to 2025.

The table below outlines the papers conducted as part of the UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination. The paper-wise exam schedule will be updated once released by UPSC.

UPSC Mains 2026 Paper-wise Schedule

Note: UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 will be held from 21 August to 25 August 2026. The Commission has not yet released the paper-wise schedule, shift details, or exam timings. The table above will be updated once the official timetable is announced.

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