UPSC Calendar 2026 has been released. Download the UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF to stay updated on important events such as notifications, exam schedules, and key deadlines.
UPSC Calendar 2026 is an official document released annually by the Union Public Service Commission that contains the list of all exams conducted by UPSC, along with the expected dates for notification, application form, and exam dates. Some popular exams included in the UPSC Calendar 2026 are the Civil Services, Indian Forest Service, Engineering Services, CDS, NDA, CAPF, etc which are briefly discussed in the article. The UPSC Calendar 2026 was released on 15th May 2025. Candidates can download the official UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 PDF from the official website or the direct link shared below.
Also Read: UPSC Prelims Result 2025
UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF
According to the UPSC Calendar 2026, the UPSC Prelims Exam 2026, is scheduled to be conducted on 24th May 2026 (Sunday), after clearing the stage, candidates appears for the UPSC Mains Exam 2026, scheduled to conduced from 21st August 2026 (Friday), stretching to 5 days. The UPSC Calendar 2026 includes the dates for UPSC Exam 2026, including Combined Geo-Scientist, NDA, CDS, IES/ISS, etc. Access the official UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 PDF using the link provided.
UPSC Calendar 2026 Major Exams
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially released the UPSC Calendar 2026 on 15th May 2025. This annual UPSC Calendar 2026 Major Exams includes the Civil Services Examination (CSE), National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), Indian Forest Service (IFS), and others.
UPSC Calendar 2026 Major Exams |
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| Exam Name | Event | Date / Details |
| Civil Services (Prelims) 2026 | Exam Date | 24th May 2026 (Sunday) |
| Notification Release | 14th January 2026 (Postponed) | |
| Last Date to Apply | To be Announced | |
| Civil Services (Main) 2026 | Exam Start Date | 21st August 2026 (Friday) |
| Duration | 5 Days | |
| Indian Forest Service (Prelims) | Details | Through Civil Services (Prelims) |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) 2026 | Exam Start Date | 22nd November 2026 |
| NDA & CDS (I & II) | Exam Months | April & September 2026 |
| CAPF (Assistant Commandants) | Exam Date | 19th July 2026 |
UPSC Calendar 2026 Important Dates
Aspiring candidates can now refer to the UPSC Calendar 2026 Important Dates related to notification releases, deadlines for application submissions, and exam schedules. This timely release enables aspirants to strategically plan and streamline their preparation in accordance with the official timeline. As per the UPSC Calendar 2026, the UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 is scheduled for 24th May 2026.
UPSC Notification 2026 scheduled to be released on 14th January 2026, has been postponed.
The last date to apply online for the exam will be 3rd March 2026.
UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2026 – 24 May 2026
UPSC Mains Exam Date 2026 – 21 August 2026 onwards.
UPSC Exam Date 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC Calendar 2026, highlighting the UPSC Exam Date 2026 for its recruitment exams, including the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and Indian Forest Service (IFS). The calendar provides detailed information on notification releases, application deadlines, and examination schedules, allowing aspirants to plan their preparation in a structured manner.
UPSC Prelims 2026
The UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 is scheduled to be held on 24th May 2026 (Sunday). This one-day examination comprises two objective-type papers:
- General Studies Paper I
- CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) – Paper II
Both papers are multiple-choice (MCQ-based) and serve as a screening stage for the UPSC Mains Exam 2026. Importantly, the IFoS Prelims Exam 2026 will also be conducted on the same day, using the same set of papers. With the exam date announced well in advance, candidates now have approximately 16 months from the release of the calendar to plan their preparation.
UPSC Mains 2026
The UPSC Mains Exam 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026 (Friday) and will span five days. The Mains stage includes:
- Essay Paper
- Four General Studies Papers
- Two Optional Subject Papers
Unlike the Prelims, the UPSC Mains Exam 2026 is a descriptive exam that demands in-depth subject knowledge, analytical thinking, and strong writing skills. There is a three-month window between the Prelims and Mains, making it critical for aspirants to begin Mains preparation alongside their Prelims strategy Candidates who qualify the Mains will be called for the Personality Test (Interview), the final stage of the UPSC Selection Process 2026.
How to Download UPSC Calendar 2026 From Official Website?
Here are the steps to check and download the UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF from the official website:
- Go to the official UPSC website – https://www.upsc.gov.in/
- Look for the “Calendar” on the homepage under the “Examination” tab.
- Click on the “Calendar” tab to access the relevant section.
- There you will find the PDF links to the annual calendar for the last three years.
- Click on the “UPSC Annual Calendar 2026” link to download the PDF.
UPSC Calendar 2026 FAQs
Q1. Is UPSC Calendar 2026 released?
Ans. UPSC 2026 Calendar is out on 15th May 2025. It contains the schedule of various recruitment examinations and other activities conducted by the commission throughout the year. Some of the exams included in the calendar are NDA, CDS, Indian Forest Service, Combined Medical Services, etc.
Q2. How many times UPSC CSE Exam is conducted in a year?
Ans. The Union Public Service Commission conducts the Civil Services Examination once a year. UPSC CSE is a highly competitive examination held annually to recruit candidates for various prestigious civil services positions in the Indian government, such as IAS, IPS, and IFS, among others.
Q3. How to download UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF?
Ans. Candidates can download the official UPSC Calendar PDF from the link here. It is the latest exam schedule released by the officials on 15th May 2025.
Q4. What is the Civil Services Prelims exam date as per UPSC 2026 Calendar?
Ans. As per the latest calendar, the exam date for Prelims 2026 is 24 May 2026.
