UPSC Calendar 2026 released with key dates for Civil Services Exam, IFS, NDA, CDS, CMS, CAPF (AC), IES/ISS and more. Know notification dates, Prelims and Mains schedule, deadlines, and plan your Civil Services Exam preparation effectively.
theIAShub | 16 May, 2025 | 4161 | 0 |
If you’re aspiring for the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination, having a thorough understanding of the UPSC Calendar 2026 is essential. The UPSC Calendar 2026 outlines key dates for all major examinations, including the Civil Services (Prelims and Mains), Indian Forest Service, CDS, NDA, Engineering Services, and more. This article provides a detailed overview of the UPSC Calendar 2026, with a focus on the Civil Services Examination and relevant deadlines for aspirants.
UPSC Civil Services Examination in UPSC Calendar 2026 Key Dates;
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 14 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 3 February 2026 |
| Civil Services Preliminary Exam | 24 May 2026 (Sunday) |
| Civil Services Main Exam | 21 August 2026 (Friday) |
| Duration of Mains Exam | 5 Days |
As per the UPSC Calendar 2026, the Civil Services Preliminary Examination will be held on 24 May 2026. This exam is the gateway for top-level government services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS. The Mains exam follows three months later, giving aspirants ample time to prepare for the next stage.
Candidates can download the complete schedule here!
The Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination 2026 will be conducted jointly with the Civil Services (Prelims) on the same day, 24 May 2026, as indicated in the UPSC Calendar 2026. Candidates applying for IFS must register through the common preliminary examination.
The UPSC Calendar 2026 mentions that the Civil Services notification will be released on 14 January 2026, and the application deadline is 3 February 2026. Aspirants must ensure timely submission of applications to avoid last-minute technical issues.
| Exam Name | Notification Date | Last Date to Apply | Exam Date | Duration |
| Engineering Services (Prelims) Exam | 17 Sept 2025 | 7 Oct 2025 | 8 Feb 2026 | 1 Day |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Prelims) | 3 Sept 2025 | 23 Sept 2025 | 8 Feb 2026 | 1 Day |
| NDA & NA Exam (I) | 10 Dec 2025 | 30 Dec 2025 | 12 Apr 2026 | 1 Day |
| CDS Exam (I) | 10 Dec 2025 | 30 Dec 2025 | 12 Apr 2026 | 1 Day |
| IES/ISS Examination | 11 Feb 2026 | 3 Mar 2026 | 19 June 2026 | 3 Days |
| Engineering Services (Main) | – | – | 21 June 2026 | 1 Day |
| CAPF (AC) Examination | 18 Feb 2026 | 10 Mar 2026 | 19 July 2026 | 1 Day |
| Combined Medical Services Exam | 11 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 2 Aug 2026 | 1 Day |
| NDA & NA Exam (II) | 20 May 2026 | 9 June 2026 | 13 Sep 2026 | 1 Day |
| CDS Exam (II) | 20 May 2026 | 9 June 2026 | 13 Sep 2026 | 1 Day |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination | – | – | 22 Nov 2026 | 7 Days |
| S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 16 Sept 2026 | 6 Oct 2026 | 12 Dec 2026 | 2 Days |
These dates from the UPSC Calendar 2026 are essential for candidates targeting multiple exams.
The UPSC Calendar 2026 also earmarks several weekends as “Reserved for UPSC RT/Examinations,” which may be used for departmental tests or other recruitments:
These dates, listed in the UPSC Calendar 2026, could be significant for aspirants of specialized recruitment tests.
The UPSC Calendar 2026 acts as an essential guide for aspirants to structure their preparation. Knowing the exact gap between Prelims and Mains (approximately three months) helps plan post-prelims strategies effectively.
The official notification in the UPSC Calendar 2026 cautions:
“The dates of notification, commencement and duration of Examinations/ RTs are liable to alteration, if the circumstances so warrant.”
Therefore, candidates should regularly visit the UPSC official website for updates.
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The UPSC Calendar 2026 is more than a list of dates—it is your strategic planner for one of the most competitive exams in India. Whether you’re preparing for the Civil Services, IFS, NDA, CDS, or other examinations, the UPSC Calendar 2026 ensures you stay informed, prepared, and ahead of the competition. Mark the key dates, start your preparation on time, and use the UPSC Calendar 2026 as your foundation for exam success.
According to the UPSC Calendar 2026, the last date to submit the application form for the Civil Services Examination is 3 February 2026. The official notification will be released on 14 January 2026.
Yes, the IFS Preliminary Examination is held in conjunction with the Civil Services Preliminary Exam. As per the UPSC Calendar 2026, both exams will be conducted on 24 May 2026.
The UPSC Calendar 2026 includes dates for other major exams such as:
IES/ISS 2026: 19 June 2026
The UPSC Calendar 2026 is a vital planning tool. It helps aspirants:
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