UPSC Exam Calendar
UPSC Exam Calendar

UPSC Exam Calendar: This page provides complete information about important dates of various exams conducted by the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC). This list matches with the official list issued by UPSC for all UPSC Examination Time Table for the current year.

UPSC conducts a series of exams for all public administration posts across various departments like Railways, Forests, Administration, Engineering, Defence, Medicine, Stenographer and lots more

Make sure you go through these dates and mark your calendar! Good luck.

Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) Examination Schedule 

1. Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 Schedule

The Civil Services Examination remains the most competitive stage of the UPSC cycle.

PhaseDate of NotificationLast Date to ApplyDate of Exam
Civil Services (Prelims)Feb 4, 2026Feb 24, 2026May 24, 2026
Indian Forest Service (Prelims)Feb 4, 2026Feb 24, 2026May 24, 2026
Civil Services (Mains)——Aug 21, 2026 (5 Days)
Indian Forest Service (Mains)——Nov 22, 2026 (10 Days)

2. Defence & Technical Services Calendar 2026

UPSC also conducts several other high-profile examinations for defense and specialized administrative roles.

ExaminationNotification DateDate of Exam
NDA & NA Examination (I)Dec 10, 2025April 12, 2026
CDS Examination (I)Dec 10, 2025April 12, 2026
CISF AC (EXE) LDCEDec 3, 2025March 8, 2026
IES / ISS ExaminationFeb 11, 2026June 19, 2026
Combined Medical ServicesMarch 11, 2026Aug 2, 2026
Central Armed Police Forces (AC)Feb 18, 2026July 19, 2026

UPSC 2026 Calendar: Other Major Examinations

If you are appearing for Defence, Engineering, or Medical services, note the following dates:

Examination NameNotification DateExam Date
Engineering Services (Prelims)Sept 17, 2025Feb 8, 2026
Combined Geo-Scientist (Prelims)Sept 3, 2025Feb 8, 2026
NDA & NA Examination (I)Dec 10, 2025April 12, 2026
CDS Examination (I)Dec 10, 2025April 12, 2026
IES / ISS ExaminationFeb 11, 2026June 19, 2026
Combined Medical Services (CMS)March 11, 2026Aug 2, 2026
Central Armed Police Forces (ACs)Feb 18, 2026July 19, 2026
NDA & CDS (II)May 20, 2026Sept 13, 2026
Indian Forest Service (Main)—Nov 22, 2026

Key Highlights for UPSC 2026 Aspirants

  • Application Window: The registration period for the Civil Services Exam is typically short (20 days). Ensure your documents, including the latest EWS/OBC certificates, are ready by early February.
  • The “Clash” of Dates: Notice that NDA (I) and CDS (I) are often scheduled on the same day. Make sure you check your eligibility carefully before applying for both.

Strategic Insights for Aspirants

  • The “Gap” Analysis: There is a roughly 90-day window between the Prelims (May 24) and the Mains (Aug 21). This is the critical period for Answer Writing practice and Ethics/Optional revision.
  • Common Preliminary Stage: Remember that the Civil Services (Prelims) serves as the screening test for both the IAS/IPS and the Indian Forest Service (IFoS). Aspirants for IFoS must score higher than the general CSE cutoff.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the “Attempt” count rule in UPSC?

An attempt is counted only if you actually appear in at least one paper of the Preliminary Examination. Simply filling out the application form does not count as an attempt.

Can I change my Optional Subject between Prelims and Mains?

No. You must specify your Optional Subject at the time of filling out the Preliminary application form (Detailed Application Form – I). Once submitted, it cannot be changed for that year’s cycle.

Is the UPSC Calendar subject to change?

While the UPSC is known for its punctuality, the dates are “Provisional.” In extraordinary circumstances (as seen during 2020-2021), the Commission may release a revised calendar. Always keep an eye on the official upsc.gov.in portal.

What is the significance of the “First-Apply-First-Allot” rule?

This rule applies to the choice of Exam Centers. If a specific city (like Delhi, Prayagraj, or Varanasi) reaches its capacity, it will be frozen, and you will be forced to choose from the remaining available centers.

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