UPSC has released the 2026 exam calendar. CSE Prelims on 24 May and Mains on 21 August. NDA and CDS exams on 12 April 2026. Check all dates here.
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Released – The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Annual Exam Calendar for 2026. This announcement comes a day after the release of CSE Prelims 2025 admit cards. The new calendar lists dates for CSE Prelims and Mains, NDA, CDS, Engineering Services, and other major exams.
When is the UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains 2026?
UPSC will conduct the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 on 24 May 2026 (Sunday). The official notification will be released on 14 January 2026. Candidates can apply till 3 February 2026. The CSE Mains Exam 2026 will begin on 21 August 2026 (Friday).
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UPSC CALENDAR- 2026
Prelims – 24 May
Mains – 21 Aug pic.twitter.com/5q066OKXMh— UPSC NOTES (@UPSC_Notes) May 15, 2025
Important UPSC Exams and Dates in 2026
Here are key dates for other major UPSC exams in 2026:
| Exam | Notification Date | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| NDA-I & CDS-I | 10 December 2025 | 12 April 2026 |
| Engineering Services Prelims | 17 September 2025 | 8 February 2026 |
| CBI (DSP) LDCE | 24 December 2025 | 28 February 2026 |
NDA and NA (I) 2026 Exam Schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 30 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
UPSC Conducts These Exams Every Year
| Exam Name | Full Form / Description |
|---|---|
| Civil Services Exam (CSE) | For IAS, IPS, IFS and other Group A/B services |
| Engineering Services Exam (ESE) | For recruitment in technical and engineering posts |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) | For forestry and environmental administration |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Entry to Army, Navy, and Air Force wings |
| Combined Defence Services (CDS) | For Indian Military Academy, OTA, Air Force, Navy |
| CAPF (AC) Exam | Central Armed Police Forces Assistant Commandants Exam |
| Combined Medical Services (CMS) | For medical officer posts in various departments |
| CISF LDCE | Limited Departmental Competitive Exam for CISF |
| Combined Geo-Scientist Exam | For Geologists, Hydrologists, and Chemists |
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