The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026, marking a crucial update for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like Civil Services, NDA, CDS, IES, and many others. The calendar serves as a comprehensive guide, outlining the schedule for the notification dates, last dates to apply, exam commencement dates, and exam duration.
This blog post provides a detailed breakdown of the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 to help you plan your preparation effectively.
Table of Contents:
- What is the UPSC Exam Calendar?
- Why is the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Important?
- How to Download the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026?
- Detailed Schedule of UPSC Exams 2026
- Major UPSC Exam Dates and Duration
- Preparation Tips for UPSC Exams 2026
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
1. What is the UPSC Exam Calendar?
The UPSC Exam Calendar is an annual schedule published by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), containing dates for various competitive examinations conducted throughout the year. It includes:
- Notification Dates: When the official notice is released.
- Application Deadlines: Last date to submit applications.
- Exam Dates: Actual dates of examination.
- Duration: The number of days each exam will take.
2. Why is the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Important?
The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 is essential for aspirants because:
- It helps in planning a structured preparation strategy.
- Ensures timely submission of application forms.
- Provides clarity on exam dates, reducing confusion.
- Enables effective time management and prioritization.
3. How to Download the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026?
To access the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026, follow these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in
- Go to the ‘Examinations’ section.
- Click on ‘Annual Calendar’ and download the PDF file.
- Save it for future reference.
4. Detailed Schedule of UPSC Exams 2026:
| Sl. No | Name of Examination | Date of Notification | Last Date to Apply | Exam Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Exam, 2026 | 03.09.2025 | 23.09.2025 | 08.02.2026 (Saturday) | 1 Day |
| 2 | Engineering Services (Preliminary) Exam, 2026 | 17.09.2025 | 07.10.2025 | 08.02.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 3 | CBI (DSP) LDCE | 24.12.2025 | 13.01.2026 | 28.02.2026 (Saturday) | 2 Days |
| 4 | CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2026 | 03.12.2025 | 23.12.2025 | 08.03.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 5 | N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I), 2026 | 10.12.2025 | 30.12.2025 | 12.04.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 6 | C.D.S. Examination (I), 2026 | 10.12.2025 | 30.12.2025 | 12.04.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 7 | Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam, 2026 | 14.01.2026 | 03.02.2026 | 24.05.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 8 | Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Exam, 2026 | 14.01.2026 | 03.02.2026 | 24.05.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 9 | I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2026 | 11.02.2026 | 03.03.2026 | 19.06.2026 (Friday) | 3 Days |
| 10 | Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Exam, 2026 | 18.02.2026 | 10.03.2026 | 19.07.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 11 | Civil Services (Main) Exam, 2026 | – | – | 21.08.2026 (Friday) | 5 Days |
| 12 | N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 2026 | 20.05.2026 | 09.06.2026 | 13.09.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 13 | C.D.S. Examination (II), 2026 | 20.05.2026 | 09.06.2026 | 13.09.2026 (Sunday) | 1 Day |
| 14 | Indian Forest Service (Main) Exam, 2026 | – | – | 22.11.2026 (Saturday) | 7 Days |
5. Preparation Tips for UPSC Exams 2026:
- Start Early: Create a timetable based on the exam dates.
- Focus on Syllabus: Cover each subject systematically.
- Practice Previous Papers: Solve last 5 years’ question papers.
- Time Management: Allocate specific time for each subject.
- Mock Tests: Take regular tests to gauge your preparation.
- Stay Updated: Follow current affairs and UPSC notifications.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: How can I stay updated on UPSC exam date changes?
A: Regularly check the official UPSC website and subscribe to notifications.
Q2: When is the UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam 2026 scheduled?
A: It is scheduled for 24.05.2026 (Sunday).
Q3: How many days is the Civil Services (Main) Exam 2026?
A: The duration is 5 days, starting from 21.08.2026 (Friday).
7. Conclusion:
The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 is an essential resource for all aspirants. By staying informed about the key dates and planning your preparation accordingly, you can enhance your chances of success. Make sure to regularly visit the official UPSC website for any updates or changes in the schedule.
Prepare diligently, stay consistent, and best of luck for your UPSC exams 2026!