UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Released

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released its Annual Programme of Examinations and Recruitment Tests (RTs) for the year 2026.
The schedule outlines the important dates for notification, application deadlines, and commencement of exams for all major UPSC examinations, including the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE), Indian Forest Service (IFS), and various other national-level recruitment tests.

Key Highlights from the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026

🗓️ Major Examination Dates:

Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026
- Date of Notification: 14 January 2026
- Last Date for Receipt of Applications: 3 February 2026
- Date of Examination: 24 May 2026 (Sunday)
- Duration: 1 Day
Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2026
- Conducted through the CSE (Prelims)
- Same schedule as CSE Prelims
Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2026
- Date of Commencement: 21 August 2026 (Friday)
- Duration: 5 Days
Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026
- Date of Commencement: 22 November 2026 (Sunday)
- Duration: 7 Days
Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026
- Notification: 17 September 2025
- Exam Date: 8 February 2026 (Sunday)
Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination, 2026
- Notification: 11 March 2026
- Exam Date: 2 August 2026 (Sunday)
NDA & NA Examination (I), 2026
- Notification: 10 December 2025
- Exam Date: 12 April 2026 (Sunday)
NDA & NA Examination (II), 2026
- Notification: 20 May 2026
- Exam Date: 13 September 2026 (Sunday)**
CDS Examination (I), 2026
- Notification: 10 December 2025
- Exam Date: 12 April 2026 (Sunday)**
CDS Examination (II), 2026
- Notification: 20 May 2026
- Exam Date: 13 September 2026 (Sunday)**

With the Civil Services Preliminary Examination scheduled for 24th May 2026, aspirants have ample time to prepare thoroughly. Consistency, clarity of concepts, and regular practice of mock tests will be the keys to success.

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