The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Programme of Examinations/Recruitment Tests (RTs) for the year 2026. For every serious aspirant, this calendar is the foundational blueprint for their preparation strategy. Whether you are aiming for the IAS, IPS, IES, or Defense Services, knowing these dates is the first step toward success.
UPSC 2026 Key Exam Dates
Below are the most anticipated exam dates for the 2026 cycle:
Name of Examination | Notification Date | Last Date to Apply | Exam Date |
Civil Services (Prelims) | 14.01.2026 | 03.02.2026 | 24.05.2026 |
Civil Services (Mains) | — | — | 21.08.2026 |
NDA & NA Exam (I) | 10.12.2025 | 30.12.2025 | 12.04.2026 |
CDS Examination (I) | 10.12.2025 | 30.12.2025 | 12.04.2026 |
Engineering Services (Pre) | 17.09.2025 | 07.10.2025 | 08.02.2026 |
Comprehensive UPSC Timetable 2026
The 2026 calendar includes several technical, defense, and specialized recruitment tests:
1. First Quarter (January – March)
Engineering Services (Prelims): February 08, 2026 (1 Day).
Combined Geo-Scientist (Prelims): February 08, 2026 (1 Day).
CBI (DSP) LDCE: February 28, 2026 (2 Days).
CISF AC(EXE) LDCE: March 08, 2026 (1 Day).
2. Second Quarter (April – June)
NDA & NA (I) / CDS (I): April 12, 2026 (Sunday).
Civil Services (Prelims) & IFS (Prelims): May 24, 2026 (Sunday).
IES/ISS Examination: June 19, 2026 (3 Days).
Combined Geo-Scientist (Main): June 20, 2026 (2 Days).
3. Third Quarter (July – September)
CAPF (ACs) Examination: July 19, 2026 (Sunday).
Combined Medical Services (CMS): August 02, 2026 (1 Day).
Civil Services (Main): Starts August 21, 2026 (5 Days).
NDA & NA (II) / CDS (II): September 13, 2026 (Sunday).
4. Fourth Quarter (October – December)
Indian Forest Service (Main): Starts November 22, 2026 (7 Days).
S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE: December 12, 2026 (2 Days).
Important Note on Alterations
As per the official UPSC notification, the dates of notification, commencement, and duration of examinations/RTs are liable to alteration if circumstances warrant. Aspirants are advised to keep checking the official UPSC website regularly for any updates.
Strategy for Aspirants: How to use this Calendar
Backward Planning: Start from the exam date and count backward to allocate time for the syllabus, revision, and mock tests.
Notification Tracking: Mark your calendars for the Notification Date. Late applications are never accepted, so aim to apply within the first week of release.
Multiple Exam Coordination: If you are appearing for both Engineering Services and Geo-Scientist, note that both Prelims are on the same day (Feb 8).