The UPSC Calendar 2026 has finally been released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 15th May 2025. Every year, the Commission publishes an official document that lists all upcoming examinations, their notification dates, application deadlines, and exam schedules. Hence , this calendar serves as a strategic guide for all aspirants preparing for various competitive exams such as the Civil Services Examination (CSE), Indian Forest Service (IFS), Engineering Services (ESE), Combined Defense Services (CDS), National Defense Academy (NDA), and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
At SPM IAS Academy, we believe that staying informed about these timelines is crucial for effective exam planning. Moreover , this UPSC Calendar 2026 helps aspirants stay one step ahead by organizing their preparation around official deadlines. Hence , candidates can easily download the official UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 PDF from the official UPSC website or through the direct link shared below.
UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF Overview
According to the UPSC Calendar 2026, the UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 will be held on 24th May 2026 (Sunday). So , the candidates who clear this stage will appear for the UPSC Mains Exam 2026, scheduled from 21st August 2026 (Friday), extending over five days.
Moreover , this document also includes dates for other major exams like the Combined Geo-Scientist, NDA, CDS, and IES/ISS. By referring to the UPSC Calendar 2026, candidates can keep track of notifications, application periods, and examination schedules to structure their preparation efficiently.
UPSC Calendar 2026 Major Exams
Below is the complete list of key UPSC exams and their corresponding dates as per the UPSC Calendar 2026:
| Exam Name | Event | Date / Details |
| Civil Services (Prelims) 2026 | Exam Date | 24th May 2026 (Sunday) |
| Notification Release | 14th January 2026 | |
| Last Date to Apply | 3rd February 2026 | |
| Civil Services (Main) 2026 | Exam Start Date | 21st August 2026 (Friday) |
| Duration | 5 Days | |
| Indian Forest Service (Prelims) | Details | Through Civil Services (Prelims) |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) 2026 | Exam Start Date | 22nd November 2026 |
| NDA & CDS (I & II) | Exam Months | April & September 2026 |
| CAPF (Assistant Commandants) | Exam Date | 19th July 2026 |
Download UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF
UPSC Calendar 2026 Important Dates
The UPSC Calendar 2026 provides all important timelines to help aspirants prepare systematically. According to the latest release:
- First , UPSC Notification 2026: 14th January 2026
- Second , Last Date to Apply: 3rd February 2026
- UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2026: 24th May 2026
- Also , UPSC Mains Exam Date 2026: 21st August 2026 onwards
Hence , these key dates allow aspirants to pace their study schedules and ensure timely completion of the syllabus for both Prelims and Mains stages.
UPSC Exam Date 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has clearly outlined the UPSC Exam Date 2026 for all its competitive examinations. This enables aspirants to strategically map their preparation, covering both optional and general studies papers efficiently.
Hence , by following the UPSC Calendar 2026, candidates can track the progression from notification release to the interview phase, maintaining a focused and disciplined approach.
UPSC Prelims 2026
The UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 will be conducted on 24th May 2026 (Sunday). It consists of two objective-type papers:
- First , General Studies Paper I
- Second , CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) – Paper II
Both papers are conducted on the same day and serve as a screening stage for the UPSC Mains Examination. Moreover , the IFS Prelims Exam 2026 will also be held concurrently with the Civil Services Prelims using the same question papers.
Thus , with around 16 months between the release of the calendar and the Prelims, aspirants should dedicate this time to mastering NCERTs, current affairs, and mock tests.
UPSC Mains 2026
The UPSC Mains Exam 2026 will begin on 21st August 2026 (Friday) and will continue for five consecutive days. It is a descriptive examination that evaluates the candidate’s analytical depth, writing clarity, and subject understanding. The Mains comprise:
- Essay Paper
- Four General Studies Papers
- Two Optional Subject Papers
Hence , the candidates will get a three-month gap between the Prelims and Mains , allowing them to revise and refine their answer-writing strategies. Those who qualify for Mains will move on to the Personality Test (Interview) , the final stage of the UPSC Selection Process 2026.
How to Download UPSC Calendar 2026 From the Official Website
To download the UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF, follow these simple steps:
- First , visit the official UPSC website: https://www.upsc.gov.in/
- Navigate to the “Examination” tab on the homepage.
- Then, click on the “Calendar” option.
- A list of annual calendars for recent years will appear.
- Click on “UPSC Annual Calendar 2026” to download the official PDF.
Hence , if you download it, you can stay updated with every notification and plan your year-long preparation with precision.
Getting started early is a huge advantage: take a look at this resource on how to start your UPSC exam preparation to build your roadmap—from understanding the syllabus to creating a study timetable and gathering key materials.
Final Words
As a conclusion , we emphasize that the UPSC Calendar 2026 is not just a schedule , it’s a strategic planning tool for every serious aspirant. By keeping track of official dates, setting monthly goals, and maintaining consistent preparation, you can effectively align your study plan with the Commission’s timeline.
So , do not wait , download the UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 PDF today, mark the key dates, and start your journey towards becoming a civil servant with SPM IAS Academy’s expert guidance and mentorship.
FAQs
Yes, the calender was officially released on 15th May 2025 by the Union Public Service Commission. It contains all the important examination schedules for the upcoming year.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is conducted once every year. It includes three stages , Prelims, Mains, and Interview , held sequentially.
You can easily download the PDF from the official UPSC website, www.upsc.gov.in, under the “Examination Calendar” section.
As per the Calendar , the Civil Services Prelims Exam will be held on 24th May 2026 (Sunday), while the Mains Exam will start on 21st August 2026.
