The 2026 UPSC test schedule has been made public by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The Mains test is set for August 21, 2026, while the Civil Services (Preliminary) exam is set for May 24.
On January 14, the UPSC CSE 2026 notification will be released, and applications will be accepted through February 3.
UPSC exam calendar 2025: Important dates
| Name of examination | Date of notification | Last date to apply | Exam date/exam start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | September 3, 2025 | September 23, 2025 | February 8, 2026 |
| Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | September 17, 2025 | October 7, 2025 | February 8, 2026 |
| CBI (DSP) LDCE | December 24, 2025 | January 13, 2025 | February 28 |
| CISF AC(EXE) LDCE | December 3, 2025 | December 23, 2025 | March 8, 2026 |
| N.D.A. & N.A. examination (I), 2026, CDS (I) examination, 2026 | December 10, 2025 | December 30, 2025 | April 12, 2026 |
| Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 through CS(P) Examination 2026 | January 14, 2026 | February 3, 2026 | May 24, 2026 |
| I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2026 | February 11, 2026 | March 3, 2026 | June 19, 2026 |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2026 | – | – | June 20, 2026 |
| Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2026 | – | – | June 21, 2026 |
| Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2026 | February 18, 2026 | March 10, 2026 | July 19, 2026 |
| Combined Medical Services Examination, 2026 | March 11, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | August 2, 2026 |
| Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 | – | – | August 21, 2026 |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), CDS Examination (II) 2026 | May 20, 2026 | June 9, 2026 | September 13, 2026 |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 | – | – | November 22, 2026 |
| S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | September 16, 2026 | October 6, 2026 | December 12, 2026 |
On April 12, the admission exam for the Combined Defence Services (UPSC NDA/NA, CDS 1) and National Defence Academy/Naval Academy will take place.
According to UPSC, if the situation calls for it, the notification dates, exam start date, and exam length may change.
Candidates can check the exam calendar here.
