The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026, detailing the tentative schedule for various recruitment examinations, including Civil Services Examination (CSE), Indian Forest Service (IFoS), NDA, CDS, CAPF, and more. Announced on 15 May 2025, the calendar outlines key dates for notifications, application deadlines, and exam dates from 10 January to 19 December 2026. This guide provides aspirants with essential information—exam schedule, application process, eligibility criteria, and selection process—to plan their preparation effectively for UPSC exams in 2026.
UPSC Annual Exam Calendar 2026 – Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Period | 10 January to 19 December 2026 |
| Exams Covered | CSE, IFoS, NDA, CDS, CAPF, IES, CMS, and more |
| Application Mode | Online via upsconline.gov.in |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
- Exam Calendar Release: 15 May 2025
- Exam Dates: 10 January to 19 December 2026
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 – Detailed Schedule
| Exam Name | Notification Date | Last Date to Apply | Exam Start Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | Not Given | Not Given | 10/01/2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| Reserved for UPSC Examination | Not Given | Not Given | 17/01/2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 03/09/2025 | 23/09/2025 | 08/02/2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 17/09/2025 | 07/10/2025 | 08/02/2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| CBI (DSP) LDCE | 24/12/2025 | 13/01/2026 | 28/02/2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2026 | 03/12/2025 | 23/12/2025 | 08/03/2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I), 2026 | 10/12/2025 | 30/12/2025 | 12/04/2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| C.D.S. Examination (I), 2026 | 10/12/2025 | 30/12/2025 | 12/04/2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 14/01/2026 | 03/02/2026 | 24/05/2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 14/01/2026 | 03/02/2026 | 24/05/2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | Not Given | Not Given | 06/06/2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2026 | 11/02/2026 | 03/03/2026 | 19/06/2026 (Friday) | 3 Days |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2026 | Not Given | Not Given | 20/06/2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2026 | Not Given | Not Given | 21/06/2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | Not Given | Not Given | 04/07/2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2026 | 18/02/2026 | 10/03/2026 | 19/07/2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| Combined Medical Services Examination, 2026 | 11/03/2026 | 31/03/2026 | 02/08/2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| Reserved for UPSC Examination | Not Given | Not Given | 08/08/2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2026 | Not Given | Not Given | 21/08/2026 (Friday) | 5 Days |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 2026 | 20/05/2026 | 09/06/2026 | 13/09/2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| C.D.S. Examination (II), 2026 | 20/05/2026 | 09/06/2026 | 13/09/2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | Not Given | Not Given | 26/09/2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | Not Given | Not Given | 10/10/2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | Not Given | Not Given | 31/10/2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 | Not Given | Not Given | 22/11/2026 (Sunday) | 7 Days |
| S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 16/09/2026 | 06/10/2026 | 12/12/2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | Not Given | Not Given | 19/12/2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
Important Links
| Content | Issued On | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Calendar 2026 | 15/05/2025 | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | 15/05/2025 | Click Here |
FAQs – UPSC Exam Calendar 2026
Q1. When was the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 released?
Ans: The calendar was released on 15 May 2025.
Q2. What is the application fee for UPSC exams in 2026?
Ans: ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS; exempted for SC/ST/PH/Female.
Q3. What is the eligibility criteria for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026?
Ans: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Q4. What is the age limit for UPSC exams in 2026?
Ans: 21 to 32 years as of 1 August 2026, with relaxations for reserved categories.
Q5. When is the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam 2026 scheduled?
Ans: 24 May 2026 (Sunday).
