The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Annual Exam Calendar 2026 on its website – upsc.gov.in. The calendar outlines the full schedule of national-level recruitment exams including Civil Services (CSE), Indian Forest Service (IFoS), Engineering Services (ESE), Combined Defence Services (CDS), National Defence Academy (NDA), CAPF (ACs), and more.
With this announcement, aspirants can strategically plan their preparation for the upcoming exams and stay ahead by marking all the key dates. This article provides a complete breakdown of the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026, including important exam dates, notification timelines, and application deadlines.
UPSC Calendar 2026: Key Exam Dates
| Examination | Notification Date | Last Date to Apply | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Services (Prelims) | 17 Sept 2025 | 7 Oct 2025 | 8 Feb 2026 |
| CDS (I) 2026 | 10 Dec 2025 | 30 Dec 2025 | 8 Feb 2026 |
| NDA & NA (I) 2026 | 10 Dec 2025 | 30 Dec 2025 | 12 Apr 2026 |
| Civil Services & IFoS (Prelims) | 14 Jan 2026 | 3 Feb 2026 | 24 May 2026 |
| CAPF (ACs) | 18 Feb 2026 | 10 Mar 2026 | 19 Jul 2026 |
| CDS (II) 2026 | 20 May 2026 | 9 Jun 2026 | 13 Sept 2026 |
| NDA & NA (II) 2026 | 20 May 2026 | 9 Jun 2026 | 13 Sept 2026 |
| Civil Services (Main) | — | — | 21 Aug 2026 |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) | — | — | 22 Nov 2026 |
UPSC CSE 2026 Timeline: Key Milestones
- Notification Release: 14 January 2026
- Preliminary Exam Date: 24 May 2026
- Prelims Result: July–August 2026
- Mains Exam Date: 21 August 2026
- Mains Result: January 2027
- Personality Test: February–March 2027
- Final Result: April–May 2027
How to Download UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF
To download the official UPSC Calendar 2026, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website upsc.gov.in
- Navigate to the “Examinations” tab
- Click on “Annual Calendar”
- Select “UPSC Annual Calendar 2026”
- Download the PDF and save it for future reference
How to Apply for UPSC Exams 2026
Candidates can apply for any UPSC exam via the official portal:
- Visit: upsconline.nic.in
- Fill in the application form for your respective exam
- Upload documents and pay the fee online
- Submit before the specified deadline
Eligibility Criteria Highlights
| Exam | Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| CSE/IFoS | Bachelor’s Degree | 21–32 years (General) |
| NDA | 12th Pass (Physics & Math for Navy) | 16.5–19.5 years |
| CDS | Graduation (specific disciplines) | Up to 25 years |
| ESE | B.E./B.Tech in Engineering | 21–30 years |
| CAPF (ACs) | Bachelor’s Degree | 20–25 years |
The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 provides a clear roadmap for candidates preparing for prestigious government services. From Civil Services to Defence, the schedule helps aspirants align their preparation with the exact timelines.
| Homepage | www.yanni-india.in |
Make sure to download the official PDF, mark the important dates, and begin your study journey with confidence.
Keep visiting upsc.gov.in for the latest notifications and updates.
Sanwar is an education analyst with a strong focus on competitive exams and recruitment updates. He holds an Engineering degree from SRM University, New Delhi, and has years of experience guiding students and aspirants across India.