UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 (Released) - Check Schedule & Details
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the exam calendar for various examinations in 2026. Candidates preparing for UPSC exams can check the complete schedule below. Examinations are scheduled throughout the year, starting from January 2026. All eligible candidates are advised to note the notification dates and prepare accordingly.
Latest Update: UPSC has announced the annual exam calendar for 2026. The examinations will be conducted on specified dates at various centers across India. Candidates can download the official calendar notification from the official website.
Quick Link: Download UPSC Exam Calendar Notification 2026
Key Highlights - UPSC Exam Calendar 2026
- Organization: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Calendar For: Various UPSC Examinations 2026
- Exam Mode: Offline/Online as specified
- Official Website: upsc.gov.in
- Admit Card Release: 2-3 weeks before respective exams
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Complete Details
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published the official exam calendar for various recruitments and examinations in 2026. This notification is crucial for lakhs of candidates preparing for prestigious government positions through UPSC exams like Civil Services, NDA, CDS, Engineering Services, and others.
| UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Calendar For | Various Examinations 2026 |
| Total Examinations | Multiple Exams Listed |
| First Exam Date | 10th January 2026 |
| Key Exam Timing | As per exam duration (1-10 Days) |
| Admit Card Date | 2-3 weeks prior to each exam |
| Exam Mode | Offline/Computer Based |
| Category | Exam Date / Exam Schedule |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates for UPSC Examinations 2026
Candidates must keep track of all important dates related to the UPSC examinations 2026. Below is the complete timeline up to the Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination:
| Event/Examination | Date |
|---|---|
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | 10th January 2026 |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 8th February 2026 |
| Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 8th February 2026 |
| CISF AC(EXE) LDCE–2026 | 1st March 2026 / 8th March 2026 |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I), 2026 and C.D.S. Examination (I), 2026 | 12th April 2026 |
| Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 and Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 24th May 2026 |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | 6th June 2026 |
| I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2026 | 19th/26th June 2026 |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2026 | 20th June 2026 |
| Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2026 | 21st/28th June 2026 |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | 4th July 2026 |
| Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2026 | 19th July 2026 / 9th August 2026 |
| Combined Medical Services Examination, 2026 | 2nd August 2026 / 23rd August 2026 |
| Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2026 | 21st August 2026 / 18th September 2026 |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 2026 and C.D.S. Examination (II), 2026 | 13th September 2026 / 6th September 2026 |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination (Multiple) | 26th September 2026 onwards |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 | 21st/22nd November 2026 |
| S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 12th December 2026 |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | 19th December 2026 / 26th December 2026 |
How to Download UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Notification?
Candidates can follow these simple steps to check and download the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 notification from the official website:
Step 1: Visit the official website of Union Public Service Commission at upsc.gov.in
Step 2: On the homepage, look for the "Examinations" or "Exam Calendar" section
Step 3: Find and click on the link titled "Annual Calendar 2026"
Step 4: The notification PDF will open in a new window
Step 5: Read all details carefully including exam dates and durations
Step 6: Download and save the PDF for future reference
Step 7: Take a printout of the notification for your records
Direct Link: Click here to download UPSC Exam Calendar Notification PDF
Important Links for UPSC Examinations 2026
| Link Description | URL |
|---|---|
| Download Exam Calendar Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Visit Website |
| Download Admit Card (When Available) | Coming Soon |
UPSC Examinations Pattern 2026
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. Details vary by examination; refer to individual notifications for:
- Exam Mode: Offline Pen-Paper / Computer Based Test
- Total Marks: Varies by exam
- Number of Questions: Varies by exam
- Duration: 1 to 10 Days as specified
- Negative Marking: Yes in objective papers
- Subjects/Sections: General Studies, Aptitude, Subject-specific, etc.
Preparation Tips for UPSC Examinations
With the calendar announced, candidates should focus on smart preparation strategies:
1. Create a Study Schedule: Divide your time wisely among all subjects based on exam dates.
2. Focus on Previous Year Papers: Solve at least 5-10 previous year question papers to understand the pattern.
3. Take Mock Tests: Regular mock tests will help you manage time and identify areas needing improvement.
4. Revise Regularly: Make short notes and revise them daily, especially for GK and current affairs.
5. Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with current affairs for Civil Services and other exams.
UPSC Admit Card 2026 - When to Download?
The UPSC will release the admit card for each examination approximately 2-3 weeks before the exam date. Candidates can download their hall tickets from the official website using their registration details.
Documents Required on Exam Day:
- Printed copy of Admit Card
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Driving License/Voter ID)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Required stationery items (as per instructions)
What After the UPSC Examinations?
After appearing in UPSC examinations, candidates should:
1. Result Declaration: Results are typically declared within 1-2 months after the examination.
2. Answer Key: Preliminary answer keys may be released shortly after objective exams.
3. Next Stage: Qualified candidates will be called for Mains/Interview/Physical Test as per the selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When does the UPSC examination schedule start for 2026?
Answer: The schedule starts with Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination on 10th January 2026. Check the official calendar for complete details.
Q2. Where can I download the UPSC exam calendar 2026 notification?
Answer: You can download the notification from the official website upsc.gov.in or use the direct link provided above.
Q3. Is there any change in the UPSC exam dates 2026?
Answer: As per the latest notification, dates are as listed. Any changes will be updated on the official website.
Q4. When will the UPSC admit cards be released?
Answer: Admit cards are expected to be released 2-3 weeks before each examination date.
Q5. What is the mode for UPSC examinations 2026?
Answer: Examinations will be conducted in Offline/Computer Based mode. Check specific notifications for details.
Q6. Can exam dates be altered?
Answer: Yes, dates are liable to alteration if circumstances warrant. Always refer to the official website.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is based on the official notification released by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates are advised to visit the official website upsc.gov.in for the most accurate and updated information.

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