Official Annual Planner Released by Union Public Service Commission | Mark Your Dates for CSE, ESE, and Defence Exams
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Out: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Annual Exam Calendar for the year 2026. For lakhs of aspirants across India, this calendar is the most critical document as it sets the timeline for their preparation strategy.
The calendar details the notification release dates, application deadlines, and examination dates for prestigious exams like the Civil Services Examination (CSE), Engineering Services Examination (ESE), National Defence Academy (NDA), and Combined Defence Services (CDS).
According to the schedule, the Civil Services (Prelims) Exam 2026 is slated for 24th May 2026. Below is the comprehensive schedule for all UPSC examinations to be conducted in 2026.
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026: Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Exam Types | Recruitment Tests, Civil Services, Defence, Engineering |
| Calendar Status | Released |
| CSE Prelims Date | 24th May 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Detailed UPSC Exam Schedule 2026
Candidates can check the month-wise breakdown of examinations below to plan their study schedules effectively.
January – February 2026
- Reserved for UPSC RT/Exam: 10th & 17th January 2026
- Combined Geo-Scientist (Prelims) 2026: 08 February 2026
- Engineering Services (Prelims) 2026: 08 February 2026
- CBI (DSP) LDCE: 28 February 2026
March – April 2026
- CISF AC(EXE) LDCE 2026: 08 March 2026
- NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026: 12 April 2026
- CDS Examination (I) 2026: 12 April 2026
May – June 2026
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026: 24 May 2026
- Indian Forest Service (Prelims) 2026: 24 May 2026
- IES / ISS Examination 2026: 19 June 2026
- Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) 2026: 20 June 2026
- Engineering Services (Main) 2026: 21 June 2026
July – August 2026
- CAPF (ACs) Examination 2026: 19 July 2026
- Combined Medical Services (CMS) Exam 2026: 02 August 2026
- Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026: Starts 21 August 2026 (5 Days)
September – December 2026
- NDA & NA Examination (II) 2026: 13 September 2026
- CDS Examination (II) 2026: 13 September 2026
- Indian Forest Service (Main) Exam 2026: 22 November 2026
- SO / Steno (GD-B / GD-I) LDCE: 12 December 2026
Key Highlights of Major Exams
1. Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026
The notification for the IAS/IPS/IFS exam will be released on 14th January 2026. The Preliminary exam will be held on Sunday, 24th May 2026. Aspirants have roughly 5 months from the notification to prepare for the Prelims.
2. NDA & CDS 2026
The UPSC conducts these defence exams twice a year.
- Session I: Exam on 12th April 2026.
- Session II: Exam on 13th September 2026.
3. Engineering Services (ESE) 2026
For engineering graduates, the ESE Prelims will be held early in the year on 08th February 2026, followed by the Mains on 21st June 2026.
How to Download UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF?
Candidates can download the official PDF from the UPSC website by following these steps:
- Visit the official website: upsc.gov.in.
- Look for the “Examination” tab in the main menu.
- Select “Calendar” from the dropdown list.
- Click on the link “Annual Calendar 2026”.
- The PDF will open; save it to your device for future reference.
Important Note for Aspirants
The dates of notification, commencement, and duration of examinations are liable to alteration if the circumstances so warrant. Candidates are advised to keep visiting the official UPSC website for any corrigendum or updates.
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Important Links
| UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 | Exam Calendar |
| UPSC Official Website | UPSC |
| Follow Our Whatsapp Channel | Click Here |
| Follow our Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Follow us on Twitter (X) | Click Here |
| Join Us on Linkedin | Click Here |
| More Job News | Click Here |
