The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released its Examination Calendar for 2026, providing detailed schedules for major recruitment exams including the Civil Services Examination (CSE), Indian Forest Service (IFS), NDA, CDS, Engineering Services, and more. This early release allows aspirants ample time to plan and prepare for their desired examinations.

🗓️ UPSC Calendar 2026: Key Examination Dates

Civil Services Examination (CSE)

• Preliminary Exam: May 24, 2026 (Sunday)
• Main Exam: August 21, 2026 (Friday) – 5 days
• Notification Release: January 14, 2026
• Application Deadline: February 3, 2026

The Preliminary Examination also serves as the screening test for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination.

Indian Forest Service (IFS)

• Main Exam: November 22, 2026 (Sunday) – 7 days

National Defence Academy (NDA) & Combined Defence Services (CDS)

• NDA & NA (I) and CDS (I): April 12, 2026 (Sunday)
• NDA & NA (II) and CDS (II): September 13, 2026 (Sunday)

Engineering Services Examination (ESE)

• Preliminary Exam: February 8, 2026 (Sunday)
• Main Exam: June 21, 2026 (Sunday)

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination

• Preliminary Exam: February 8, 2026 (Sunday)
• Main Exam: June 20, 2026 (Saturday)

Indian Economic Service (IES)/Indian Statistical Service (ISS)

• Exam Date: June 19, 2026 (Friday) – 3 days

Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) – Assistant Commandants

• Exam Date: July 19, 2026 (Sunday)

Combined Medical Services (CMS)

• Exam Date: August 2, 2026 (Sunday)