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UPSC Exam date 2026 has been officially released by UPSC. UPSC in its official calendar provides that Prelims application will start from January 14, 2026, for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 and Indian Forest Service (Prelims) 2026 on the UPSC website. The application process began on January 14, 2026 and will close on February 03, 2026. Aspirants targeting prestigious positions like IAS, IPS, and IFS must start their preparation diligently 

UPSC Exam full form consists of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Exam. This exam is to select officers for prestigious Group A and Group B services, such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS. Lakhs of aspirants apply every year, making it one of the most competitive exams in India.

What is UPSC Exam 2026?

UPSC Exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary, Mains Exam, and Personality Test (Interview). The Prelims Exam is the first qualifying stage, while the Mains Exam marks and the Personality Test score determine the final ranking. Candidates can find detailed information about the UPSC 2026 exam pattern, syllabus, recommended books, and preparation strategy here. The UPSC exam date 2026 for prelims is 24 May. UPSC 2026 Exam follows a three-stage selection process:

• Preliminary Exam (Objective-type test)
• Mains Exam (Descriptive papers)
• Personality Test (Interview)

The final selection depends on the scores of the Mains and Interview rounds.

ALSO Read UPSC Prelims Timing for Prelims 2026

UPSC CSE 2026 Overview

UPSC CSE 2026 is the annual national-level exam to recruit officers for Group A and B services, including IAS, IPS, IRS, and others. UPSC exam date 2026 is scheduled for 24 May for Prelims. UPSC CSE 2026 exam process involves three stages: Prelims (objective), Mains (descriptive), and Personality Test (interview). The UPSC Selection Process 2026 is highly competitive, with lakhs of aspirants appearing for the UPSC Vacancy 2026, which has yet to be released. UPSC conducts the Prelims, Mains, and Interview in both English and Hindi, ensuring bilingual convenience.

Also Read UPSC Prelims Pattern 2026

UPSC Exam Date 2026 Notification January 14

UPSC exam date 2026 has been released by the UPSC annual calendar. UPSC 2026 notification will be published on January 14, 2026. It will contain essential details about eligibility, the application process, the syllabus, and the exam schedule.

Join the IASHub Quality Enrichment Programme 2026

UPSC Exam Date 2026 Calendar

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Calendar for UPSC CSE 2026. It includes dates for other recruitment exams, such as the Indian Forest Services (IFS), Indian Engineering Services (IES), NDA, CDS, and others. Candidates preparing for UPSC 2026 should also stay updated on these dates if they are planning to appear for any of these exams.UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 Calendar

Also, Read UPSC Calendar 2026

UPSC Exam Date 2026 Notification

Official notification for UPSC CSE 2026 will be released on 14th January 2026 on the UPSC official website. The notification is an essential document as it provides all the critical details regarding the exam, including:

• The number of vacancies available for various civil services positions.
• Eligibility criteria, such as age limits, educational qualifications, and other requirements.
• The detailed syllabus for both Prelims and Mains.
• The exam pattern and structure for each stage of the selection process.
• Guidelines for the application process and important deadlines.

Candidates must thoroughly read the notification to understand all aspects of the examination, ensuring that they meet the eligibility criteria and follow the necessary procedures

UPSC Exam Date 2026 Application Form

UPSC CSE 2026 notification will be released on 14th January 2026, and candidates can start the online registration process there after. The application window will remain open until 03th February 2026. During this time, candidates are required to fill out their application forms on the official UPSC website and submit the necessary documents, including scanned photographs, signatures, and other relevant certificates.

It is essential to ensure that all the details provided in the application form are accurate and complete. Any discrepancies can lead to the rejection of the application. Therefore, candidates must double-check all information before submitting the form.

UPSC Exam Date 2026 Prelims

UPSC exam date 2026 prelims: Prelims exam is scheduled for 24th May 2026. This is the first stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination and is a critical filtering process to assess candidates’ eligibility for the Mains exam.

The Prelims exam consists of two papers:

• General Studies Paper I: This is a general awareness paper that covers subjects like history, geography, polity, economy, science, and current affairs. The questions are of an objective type, and the paper carries 200 marks.
• General Studies Paper II (CSAT): The Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) is a qualifying paper, meaning candidates need to secure a minimum qualifying mark (66 marks) in this paper to be considered for the Mains. The CSAT paper tests logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and general mental ability.

Candidates must clear both papers of the Prelims to be eligible for the Mains examination. The results of the Prelims exam will determine which candidates will move on to the next stage of the UPSC CSE.

UPSC Exam Date 2026 Mains

UPSC exam date 2026 mains has been released by the UPSC annual calendar, which is scheduled from August 21. Candidates who qualify for the Prelims exam will be eligible to appear for the UPSC Mains exam. The Mains exam will begin on 21st August 2026. This is the second stage of the examination process and is much more comprehensive than the Prelims.

The Mains exam consists of nine papers, of which two are qualifying papers in the Indian language and English. The remaining seven papers are used to rank candidates. These papers are:

1. Essay Paper: The candidate needs to write an essay on a given topic.
2. General Studies Papers (I to IV): These papers test knowledge on a wide range of topics, including history, governance, international relations, economy, disaster management, and ethics.
3. Optional Subject Paper I and Paper II: Candidates can choose an optional subject from a list provided by UPSC. The optional papers are designed to assess in-depth knowledge of the subject.
4. General Studies Paper V (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude): This paper tests the ethical and moral values of a candidate, which are important for a civil servant’s role.

The Mains exam is a subjective exam, requiring candidates to write detailed answers. Preparation for the Mains demands a deeper understanding of subjects, critical thinking, and good writing skills.

Conclusion

UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 is a coveted exam, and success in the examination will lead to a great opportunity to serve this great nation and its people. UPSC 2026 Application Process will begin from 14th January to 03rd February 2026. UPSC has released the UPSC Prelims Exam Date as 24 May 2026. The UPSC Mains Exam 2025 is scheduled for 21 August 2026. With the release of the UPSC exam dates, candidates should begin their preparation with full focus and dedication. Adhering to the exam schedule, understanding the syllabus, staying updated with current affairs, and practising regularly will enhance your chances of success.

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UPSC Exam Date 2026 FAQs

What is the official UPSC Exam date 2026 for the Preliminary Examination?

The official UPSC Exam date 2026 for the Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 24th May 2026, as per the UPSC calendar. Aspirants should keep track of updates on the official UPSC website.

When will UPSC release the notification and UPSC Exam date for 2026?

UPSC will release the official notification and UPSC Exam date 2026 in January 2026. The notification will include detailed schedules for Prelims, Mains, and other important events.

What is the expected UPSC Exam date 2026 for the Mains Examination?

The UPSC Exam date 2026 for the Mains Examination is tentatively scheduled for August 2026, following the Prelims. Candidates must check the official website for final confirmation.

How can candidates check the official UPSC Exam date 2026 online?

Candidates can check the official UPSC Exam date 2026 on the UPSC website upsc.gov.in. The exam calendar and notifications provide accurate schedules for all stages of the Civil Services Exam.

Is the UPSC Exam date 2026 the same for all services under CSE?

Yes, the UPSC Exam date 2026 applies to all services under the Civil Services Exam, including IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A and B services. The schedule covers Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test.

What is the date of IAS exam?

UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, commonly referred to as the IAS exam, has the following key dates based on the UPSC Calendar 2026: Preliminary Exam: May 24, 2026 (Sunday) Main Exam: Starts on August 21, 2026 (Friday, spanning five days.