Last Updated: 4 January 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Programme of Examinations / Recruitment Tests (RTs) – 2026, providing the complete schedule of notification dates, last dates to apply, exam dates, and exam duration for major UPSC examinations.
This official UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 is crucial for aspirants preparing for Civil Services, NDA, CDS, Engineering Services, CAPF, CMS, Indian Forest Service, and other national-level examinations conducted by UPSC in 2026.
🔎 Quick Overview
- Exam Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Calendar Name: Programme of Examinations / RTs – 2026
- Year Covered: 2026
- Mode: PDF
- Includes: Notification dates, last date to apply, exam start date & duration
- Official Website: upsc.gov.in
📅 UPSC Major Exam Dates 2026 (As Per Official Calendar)
Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026
- Notification Date: 14 January 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 3 February 2026
- Preliminary Exam Date: 24 May 2026 (Sunday)
- Main Exam Start Date: 21 August 2026 (Friday)
- Main Exam Duration: 5 Days
Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026
- Preliminary Exam: Through Civil Services (Prelims) 2026
- Main Exam Date: 22 November 2026 (Sunday)
- Duration: 7 Days
NDA & NA Examination 2026
NDA & NA (I), 2026
- Notification Date: 10 December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025
- Exam Date: 12 April 2026 (Sunday)
NDA & NA (II), 2026
- Notification Date: 20 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 9 June 2026
- Exam Date: 13 September 2026 (Sunday)
CDS Examination 2026
CDS (I), 2026
- Notification Date: 10 December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025
- Exam Date: 12 April 2026 (Sunday)
CDS (II), 2026
- Notification Date: 20 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 9 June 2026
- Exam Date: 13 September 2026 (Sunday)
Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026
ESE (Preliminary)
- Notification Date: 17 September 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 7 October 2025
- Exam Date: 8 February 2026 (Sunday)
ESE (Main)
- Exam Date: 21 June 2026 (Sunday)
- Duration: 1 Day
IES / ISS Examination 2026
- Notification Date: 11 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 3 March 2026
- Exam Date: 19 June 2026 (Friday)
- Duration: 3 Days
📌 For a full list of upcoming notifications across central and state exams, check our Upcoming Government Jobs & Exam Notifications 2026 page.
CAPF (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2026
- Notification Date: 18 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 10 March 2026
- Exam Date: 19 July 2026 (Sunday)
Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026
- Notification Date: 11 March 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 31 March 2026
- Exam Date: 2 August 2026 (Sunday)
Other UPSC Exams in Calendar 2026
- Combined Geo-Scientist (Prelims): 8 February 2026
- Combined Geo-Scientist (Main): 20 June 2026
- CISF AC (EXE) LDCE: 8 March 2026
- CBI (DSP) LDCE: 28 February 2026
- SO / Steno (GD-B / GD-I) LDCE: 12 December 2026
(All dates strictly as per the official UPSC calendar.)
📄 UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF – How to Download
- Visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in)
- Go to Examinations → Examination Calendar
- Click on Programme of Examinations / RTs – 2026
- Download and save the PDF for reference
❗ Important Note for Aspirants
- UPSC clearly states that dates may change if circumstances warrant
- Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates
- This calendar should be used for long-term planning, not last-minute changes
🔗 Important Links
- UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF : Official link
- UPSC Official Website : upsc.gov.in
- UPSSSC PET Based Vacancy 2026 : Read Full Article
- Candidates can also check : Live & Upcoming Government Jobs 2026 here
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