The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 is officially out. If you’re preparing for the Civil Services Exam (CSE) or any other UPSC exam, this calendar is your first step in planning your journey. Knowing the dates for Prelims, Mains, and other exams helps you schedule your preparation smartly, avoid last-minute stress, and stay consistent. In this article, we will explore the key dates, how to download the official UPSC Exam Calendar PDF, and some tips to plan your preparation so you can make the most of the next few months.
Why the UPSC Exam Calendar Matters
The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 is an official document released annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It provides a detailed list of all exams conducted by UPSC, along with their expected notification dates, application deadlines, and exam schedules. Some of the most sought-after exams included in the 2026 calendar are the Civil Services Examination (CSE), Indian Forest Service (IFS), Engineering Services, CDS, NDA, and CAPF, which are briefly covered in this article.
The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 was officially released on 15th May 2025. Aspirants can download the official UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 PDF from the UPSC website or via the direct link shared below to plan and prepare for their respective exams effectively.
Think of the calendar as your roadmap for UPSC 2026. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Plan Your Time: Knowing exam dates helps you divide your preparation for Prelims, Mains, and Optional subjects.
- Revision Made Easy: You can schedule your revision and mock tests without last-minute panic.
- Stay on Track: With multiple UPSC exams happening, this calendar ensures you don’t miss deadlines.
- Boost Motivation: Having a clear timeline keeps you focused and disciplined.
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF
According to the UPSC Calendar 2026, the Civil Services Prelims 2026 is scheduled for 24th May 2026 (Sunday). Candidates who clear this stage will move on to the UPSC Mains 2026, which is set to be conducted from 21st August 2026 (Friday) and will span five days.
The calendar also includes important dates for other UPSC exams such as Combined Geo-Scientist, NDA, CDS, and IES/ISS, among others. Aspirants can access the official UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 PDF using the link provided below. Staying updated on exam schedules, notifications, and application releases is essential for planning and streamlining your preparation effectively.
UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF
UPSC CSE 2026 – Important Dates at a Glance
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 – Major Exams
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially released the UPSC Calendar 2026 on 15th May 2025. This annual calendar highlights all the major exams conducted by UPSC, including the Civil Services Examination (CSE), National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), Indian Forest Service (IFS), and several others. It serves as a key guide for aspirants to plan their preparation and stay on top of important dates throughout the year.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the Civil Services Exam 2026 timeline:
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 14 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 3 February 2026 |
| Prelims 2026 | 24 May 2026 |
| Mains 2026 | 21 August 2026 |
| Personality Test / Interview | Feb – Apr 2027 (tentative) |
| Final Result | April/May 2027 |
Other UPSC Exams in 2026
If you’re also preparing for other UPSC exams, here’s what’s happening next year:
- IFS Prelims – 24 May 2026 (same day as CSE Prelims)
- CDS (I) Exam – 15 Feb 2026
- NDA (I) Exam – 15 Feb 2026
- CAPF AC Exam – 9 Aug 2026
- Engineering Services (Prelims) – 18 Jan 2026
Pro Tip: Keep all these dates in your planner so you can focus on the exams without any last-minute surprises.
How to Download the Official UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF
It’s super easy! Follow these steps:
- Go to the official UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in
- Click on Examinations → Calendar → Annual Exam Calendar 2026
- Click Download PDF and save it on your device.
Or just click here to download directly:
👉 Download UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF
Now you have the official roadmap in your hands — your first tool to stay organized and consistent.
UPSC Calendar 2026 – Major Exams and Dates
The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 provides aspirants with all the key dates for major exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Here’s a clear overview of the important events and schedules:
| 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 (Mains) 2026 | Exam Start Date | 21st August 2026 (Friday) |
| Duration | 5 Days | |
| Indian Forest Service (Prelims) | Details | Conducted along with Civil Services (Prelims) |
| Indian Forest Service (Mains) 2026 | Exam Start Date | 22nd November 2026 |
| NDA & CDS (I & II) | Exam Months | April & September 2026 |
| CAPF (Assistant Commandants) | Exam Date | 19th July 2026 |
This schedule is a handy guide for aspirants to plan their preparation, keep track of deadlines, and manage revision cycles efficiently.
UPSC Prelims 2026
The UPSC Prelims 2026 is scheduled for 24th May 2026 (Sunday). This one-day exam consists of 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 the screening stage for the UPSC Mains 2026.
It’s important to note that the IFoS Prelims 2026 will also be held 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 calendar release to plan their preparation strategically.
UPSC Mains Exam 2026 Overview
The UPSC Mains Exam 2026 will commence on 21st August 2026 (Friday) and continue for five days. It is the second and most comprehensive stage of the Civil Services Examination, designed to evaluate a candidate’s conceptual clarity, analytical ability, and writing expression.
The Mains comprises nine descriptive papers, out of which two are qualifying papers, and seven are counted for the final merit list. Each paper is three hours in duration.
Compulsory and Language Papers
There are two qualifying papers in the Mains exam:
- Paper-A (Indian Language): Candidates must select any one Indian language from the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.
- Paper-B (English Language): Tests comprehension, grammar, and writing skills.
Both are of 300 marks each and are qualifying in nature. Candidates must score at least 25% marks in both papers to have their remaining papers evaluated.
UPSC Mains Exam 2026 – Paper-wise Overview
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper-A | Indian Language (from 8th Schedule) | 300 |
| Paper-B | English Language | 300 |
| Paper-I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper-II | General Studies I (Indian Heritage, History, Geography, Society) | 250 |
| Paper-III | General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, IR) | 250 |
| Paper-IV | General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Environment, Security) | 250 |
| Paper-V | General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper-VI | Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 |
| Paper-VII | Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 |
Total Marks for Merit Calculation: 1750
Total Marks (Including Qualifying Papers): 2350
Note: Candidates who qualify the Mains stage will be called for the Personality Test (Interview), carrying 275 marks, making the final total 2025 marks for the UPSC CSE 2026.
Planning Your UPSC 2026 Preparation (Step by Step)
1. Prelims (24 May 2026)
- Focus on Current Affairs, Polity, Economy, Environment, Geography, and CSAT.
- Practice at least 50–60 mock tests before the exam.
- Tip: Learn to eliminate wrong options quickly — it saves precious time.
2. Mains (Start 21 August 2026)
- Focus on answer writing, optional papers, essay, and ethics.
- Start answer writing practice from December 2025 and do at least one mock test per week.
- Tip: Quality matters more than quantity — revise what you write.
3. Personality Test / Interview
- Be ready to talk about current affairs, your hobbies, your DAF details, and personal experiences.
- Practice mock interviews with mentors or coaching institutes to gain confidence.
How to Align Your Study Plan With the Calendar
Here’s a simple roadmap:
- Nov–Dec 2025: Build your basics with NCERTs and core textbooks.
- Jan–Apr 2026: Prelims-focused preparation + mock tests.
- May 2026: Give your Prelims exam, take a short break, and switch to Mains prep.
- Jun–Aug 2026: Mains-focused preparation and optional subjects.
- Sep–Nov 2026: Final revision and optional paper practice.
Conclusion
The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 provides a clear roadmap for aspirants to plan their preparation effectively. With the Prelims expected in May 2026, the Mains beginning on 21st August 2026, and the Personality Test (Interview) likely to follow in early 2027, candidates have a well-defined timeline to align their studies. Staying consistent with current affairs, revising core subjects, and practicing answer writing are key to succeeding across all stages. Strategic preparation in sync with the official schedule ensures that aspirants remain focused, confident, and exam-ready throughout the UPSC journey.
Also read :
| UPSC Prelims 2026 | UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 |
| UPSC Optional Subject List | How to Crack UPSC in First Attempt (2026) |
| UPSC Age Limit 2026 | IAS Officer Salary Structure |
FAQ on UPSC Exam Calendar
When will the UPSC Prelims 2026 be conducted?
The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam 2026 is scheduled for 24th May 2026 (Sunday). This one-day exam will include two papers — General Studies Paper I and CSAT (Paper II), both objective-type and qualifying for the Mains stage.
When will the UPSC Mains 2026 exam start, and how long will it continue?
The UPSC Mains 2026 will begin on 21st August 2026 (Friday) and will continue for five days. It consists of nine descriptive papers, including two qualifying language papers and seven merit-based papers.
What is the expected date for the UPSC Interview 2026-27?
The UPSC Personality Test (Interview) for the 2026 exam cycle is tentatively scheduled between February and April 2027. It carries 275 marks and forms the final stage of the Civil Services Examination.
When will the official notification for UPSC 2026 be released?
The official notification for UPSC CSE 2026 will be released on 14th January 2026, and the last date to apply is 3rd February 2026. Aspirants should fill out their forms early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
How can I download the official UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF?
You can download the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF by visiting the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in) → go to the “Examinations” section → click on “Calendar” → then select “Annual Exam Calendar 2026”. A direct download link is also provided in the article for convenience.
How should I plan my UPSC 2026 preparation according to the exam calendar?
Follow this timeline:
Sep–Nov 2026: Final revisions and answer writing practice.
This structured approach aligns perfectly with the official UPSC 2026 calendar and ensures balanced preparation for all stages.
Nov–Dec 2025: Build basics from NCERTs and core subjects.
Jan–Apr 2026: Focus on Prelims and attempt mock tests.
May–Aug 2026: Shift to Mains preparation after Prelims.