The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released its official Programme of Examinations/Recruitment Tests (RTs) for 2026. This calendar provides aspirants with important dates for notifications, application deadlines, and exam commencement across major national-level competitive examinations.
This schedule is crucial for candidates preparing for prestigious exams such as Civil Services, Engineering Services, NDA, CDS, CAPF, IFS, CMS, and more.
📌 Highlights
The calendar covers January to December 2026.
Includes Preliminary, Main, and Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCEs).
Dates are subject to change if circumstances warrant.
Candidates should regularly check UPSC’s official website for updates.
🗓 UPSC Exam Schedule 2026
Sl. No. | Name of Examination | Notification Date | Last Date for Applications | Exam Date | Duration |
1 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 10.01.2026 (Sat) | 2 Days |
2 | Reserved for UPSC Examination | – | – | 17.01.2026 (Sat) | 2 Days |
3 | Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Exam | 03.09.2025 | 23.09.2025 | 08.02.2026 (Sun) | 1 Day |
4 | Engineering Services (Preliminary) Exam | 17.09.2025 | 07.10.2025 | 08.02.2026 (Sun) | 1 Day |
5 | CBI (DSP) LDCE | 24.12.2025 | 13.01.2026 | 28.02.2026 (Sat) | 2 Days |
6 | CISF AC (EXE) LDCE | 03.12.2025 | 23.12.2025 | 08.03.2026 (Sun) | 1 Day |
7 | NDA & NA Exam (I) | 10.12.2025 | 30.12.2025 | 12.04.2026 (Sun) | 1 Day |
8 | CDS Exam (I) | 10.12.2025 | 30.12.2025 | 12.04.2026 (Sun) | 1 Day |
9 | Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam | 14.01.2026 | 03.02.2026 | 24.05.2026 (Sun) | 1 Day |
10 | Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Exam (through CS(P)) | 14.01.2026 | 03.02.2026 | 24.05.2026 (Sun) | 1 Day |
11 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 06.06.2026 (Sat) | 2 Days |
12 | IES/ISS Exam | 11.02.2026 | 03.03.2026 | 19.06.2026 (Fri) | 3 Days |
13 | Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Exam | – | – | 20.06.2026 (Sat) | 2 Days |
14 | Engineering Services (Main) Exam | – | – | 21.06.2026 (Sun) | 1 Day |
15 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 04.07.2026 (Sat) | 2 Days |
16 | CAPF (ACs) Exam | 18.02.2026 | 10.03.2026 | 19.07.2026 (Sun) | 1 Day |
17 | Combined Medical Services Exam | 11.03.2026 | 31.03.2026 | 02.08.2026 (Sun) | 1 Day |
18 | Reserved for UPSC Examination | – | – | 08.08.2026 (Sat) | 2 Days |
19 | Civil Services (Main) Exam | – | – | 21.08.2026 (Fri) | 5 Days |
20 | NDA & NA Exam (II) | 20.05.2026 | 09.06.2026 | 13.09.2026 (Sun) | 1 Day |
21 | CDS Exam (II) | 20.05.2026 | 09.06.2026 | 13.09.2026 (Sun) | 1 Day |
22 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 26.09.2026 (Sat) | 2 Days |
23 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 10.10.2026 (Sat) | 2 Days |
24 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 31.10.2026 (Sat) | 2 Days |
25 | Indian Forest Service (Main) Exam | – | – | 22.11.2026 (Sun) | 7 Days |
26 | SO/Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 16.09.2026 | 06.10.2026 | 12.12.2026 (Sat) | 2 Days |
27 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | – | – | 19.12.2026 (Sat) | 2 Days |
📥 Official Calendar
For complete details and updates, download the official UPSC calendar here:
👉 UPSC Examination Calendar 2026 (PDF)
This calendar is a must-have planning tool for all UPSC aspirants. It helps candidates align their preparation strategy with official timelines and ensures they don’t miss critical deadlines.