UPSC Calendar 2026 Out, Check Exam Date, Download PDF
UPSC Calendar 2026 is a yearly schedule released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), listing all the major exams it conducts along with key dates like notification release, application deadlines, and exam days. Some of the top exams mentioned in the UPSC Calendar 2026 include Civil Services, Indian Forest Service (IFS), Engineering Services (ESE), CDS, NDA, and CAPF.
The official calendar was published on 15th May 2025. Aspirants can easily download the UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 PDF from the official UPSC website or use the direct link provided below to plan their exam preparation effectively.
UPSC Calendar 2026
As per the UPSC Calendar 2026, the UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 is scheduled for 24th May 2026 (Sunday). Candidates who qualify in the prelims will move on to the UPSC Mains Exam 2026, which will begin on 21st August 2026 (Friday) and continue for five days. The calendar also outlines important exam dates for other key UPSC exams such as Combined Geo-Scientist, NDA, CDS, IES/ISS, and more.
To stay ahead in your preparation, you can download the official UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 PDF from the direct link provided. This calendar helps candidates stay informed about exam schedules, notifications, application dates, and other important updates.
UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF Download
UPSC Calendar 2026 Major Exams
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially released the UPSC Calendar 2026 on 15th May 2025, listing all the key exams scheduled for the year. This annual calendar includes major exams such as the Civil Services Examination (CSE), National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), Indian Forest Service (IFS), CAPF, and many others.
Here’s a quick look at the UPSC Calendar 2026 Major Exams:
| UPSC Calendar 2026 Major Exams | ||
|---|---|---|
| Exam Name | Event | Date / Details |
| Civil Services (Prelims) 2026 | Exam Date | 24th May 2026 (Sunday) |
| Notification Release | 14th January 2026 | |
| Last Date to Apply | 3rd February 2026 | |
| 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
Candidates preparing for UPSC exams in 2026 must stay updated with all key deadlines and exam schedules. The UPSC Calendar 2026 outlines important events such as notification releases, last dates to apply, and examination timelines. This helps aspirants organize their preparation strategically and avoid last-minute hassles.
Here are some of the important dates as per the UPSC Calendar 2026:
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UPSC Notification Release: 14th January 2026
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Last Date to Apply: 3rd February 2026
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UPSC Prelims Exam Date: 24th May 2026 (Sunday)
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UPSC Mains Exam Date: Starting from 21st August 2026 (Friday)
Make sure to download the official UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF to stay on top of all upcoming exams and plan your study schedule efficiently.
UPSC Exam Date 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially published the UPSC Annual Calendar 2026, which includes all major exam dates such as the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and Indian Forest Service (IFS). The calendar outlines key dates for notification releases, application deadlines, and exam schedules. This allows aspirants to plan their UPSC preparation in a more organized and timely manner.
UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Date
The UPSC Prelims 2026 is scheduled for 24th May 2026 (Sunday). It will be a one-day examination consisting of two papers:
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General Studies Paper I
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CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) – Paper II
Both papers are objective-type and conducted in multiple-choice format. They act as a qualifying round for the UPSC Mains Exam 2026. Notably, the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Prelims will also take place on the same date using the same question papers. With the dates announced early, candidates now have 16 months to prepare strategically.
UPSC Mains 2026 Exam Date
The UPSC Mains 2026 will begin on 21st August 2026 (Friday) and will continue for five consecutive days. This stage includes:
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One Essay Paper
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Four General Studies Papers
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Two Optional Subject Papers
Unlike Prelims, the Mains exam is descriptive and tests the candidate’s in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, and writing ability. Since there’s a three-month gap between Prelims and Mains, it’s smart to start preparing for Mains along with Prelims. Candidates who clear Mains will proceed to the Personality Test (Interview), the final round of the UPSC selection process.
How to Download UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF?
Follow these simple steps to download the UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 from the official website:
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Visit the official UPSC website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
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On the homepage, click on the “Examination” tab and then select “Calendar.”
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You’ll find links to annual calendars for recent years.
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Click on the link titled “UPSC Annual Calendar 2026” to download the PDF.
UPSC Calendar 2026 FAQs
Q1. When was the UPSC Calendar 2026 released?
The UPSC Calendar 2026 was officially released on 15th May 2025.
Q2. What is the UPSC Prelims 2026 exam date?
The UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 will be held on 24th May 2026 (Sunday).
Q3. When will the UPSC Mains 2026 exam start?
The UPSC Mains Exam 2026 will begin on 21st August 2026 (Friday).
Q4. How can I download the UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF?
You can download it from the official UPSC website under the “Calendar” section.
Q5. Which major exams are included in the UPSC Calendar 2026?
The calendar includes CSE, IFS, CDS, NDA, CAPF, and ESE among others.