The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official examination calendar for 2026. This calendar includes the dates for several key exams such as the Civil Services (Preliminary and Main), NDA, CDS, Engineering Services, Combined Medical Services, and others.
Civil Services Examination Dates
The Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, often referred to as the CSE Prelims, is scheduled for Sunday, 24 May 2026. The official notification for this exam will be released on 14 January 2026, and the last date to apply is 3 February 2026.
This exam also serves as a screening test for the Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination. Candidates who clear the prelims will qualify for the next stage, the Civil Services Main Examination, which will begin on Friday, 21 August 2026, and continue for five days.
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026
| Examination Name | Notification Date | Last Date to Apply | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 10 January 2026 (Saturday) |
| Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | 17 January 2026 (Saturday) |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination | 3 September 2025 | 23 September 2025 | 8 February 2026 (Sunday) |
| Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination | 17 September 2025 | 7 October 2025 | 8 February 2026 (Sunday) |
| CBI (DSP) LDCE | 24 December 2025 | 13 January 2026 | 28 February 2026 (Saturday) |
| CISF AC (EXE) LDCE | 3 December 2025 | 23 December 2025 | 8 March 2026 (Sunday) |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I) | 10 December 2025 | 30 December 2025 | 12 April 2026 (Sunday) |
| C.D.S. Examination (I) | 10 December 2025 | 30 December 2025 | 12 April 2026 (Sunday) |
| Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination | 14 January 2026 | 3 February 2026 | 24 May 2026 (Sunday) |
| Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) (via CS Prelims) | 14 January 2026 | 3 February 2026 | 24 May 2026 (Sunday) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 6 June 2026 (Saturday) |
| I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination | 11 February 2026 | 3 March 2026 | 19 June 2026 (Friday) |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination | — | — | 20 June 2026 (Saturday) |
| Engineering Services (Main) Examination | — | — | 21 June 2026 (Sunday) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 4 July 2026 (Saturday) |
| Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination | 18 February 2026 | 10 March 2026 | 19 July 2026 (Sunday) |
| Combined Medical Services Examination | 11 March 2026 | 31 March 2026 | 2 August 2026 (Sunday) |
| Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | 8 August 2026 (Saturday) |
| Civil Services (Main) Examination | — | — | 21 August 2026 (Friday) |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II) | 20 May 2026 | 9 June 2026 | 13 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| C.D.S. Examination (II) | 20 May 2026 | 9 June 2026 | 13 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 26 September 2026 (Saturday) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 10 October 2026 (Saturday) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 31 October 2026 (Saturday) |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination | — | — | 22 November 2026 (Sunday) |
| S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 16 September 2026 | 6 October 2026 | 12 December 2026 (Saturday) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 19 December 2026 (Saturday) |
Reserved Dates and Flexibility
UPSC has also set aside several Saturdays throughout the year as "Reserved for RT/Examination". These dates allow room for changes, additions, or departmental exams. Reserved dates are: 10 Jan, 17 Jan, 6 Jun, 4 Jul, 26 Sep, 10 Oct, 31 Oct, 19 Dec – all Saturdays.
This flexibility allows the commission to adjust its schedule based on recruitment needs or unforeseen circumstances.
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official UPSC website for updates. The Commission has noted that exam dates may be subject to change due to administrative reasons, so staying informed is essential.
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