UPSC Exam Calendar 2026: Check CSE, NDA, CDS & Engineering Services Da
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the comprehensive annual exam calendar for the 2026 recruitment cycle. This schedule is the ultimate guide for civil service aspirants, providing critical dates for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, NDA & NA (I & II), CDS (I & II), and Indian Forest Service. The calendar also details specialized recruitments such as the Engineering Services Examination, Combined Geo-Scientist, and Central Armed Police Forces (ACs). Whether you are preparing for the prestigious IAS/IFS or departmental exams like CBI (DSP) LDCE, tracking these notification and exam dates is essential for a successful preparation strategy. At Sarkari247, we provide the full UPSC 2026 schedule and direct links to official notifications to ensure you never miss deadline in your career journey.
| Exam | Notification | Last Date | Exam Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 10 Jan 26 | 2 Days |
| Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | 17 Jan 26 | 2 Days |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 03 Sept 25 | 23 Sept 25 | 08 Feb 26 | 1 DAY |
| Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 17 Sept 25 | 07 Oct 25 | 08 Feb 26 | 1 DAY |
| CBI (DSP) LDCE | 24 Dec 25 | 13 Jan 26 | 28 Feb 26 | 2 DAY |
| CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2026 | 03 Dec 25 | 23 Dec 25 | 08 Mar 26 | 1 DAY |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I), 2026 | 10 Dec 25 | 30 Dec 25 | 12 Apr 26 | 1 DAY |
| C.D.S. Examination (I), 2026 | 10 Dec 25 | 30 Dec 25 | 12 Apr 26 | 1 DAY |
| Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 14 Jan 26 | 03 Feb 26 | 24 May 26 | 1 DAY |
| Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | 14 Jan 26 | 03 Feb 26 | 24 May 26 | 1 DAY |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 06 Jun 26 | 2 DAYS |
| I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2026 | 11 Feb 26 | 03 Mar 26 | 19 Jun 26 | 3 DAYS |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | 20 Jun 26 | 2 DAYS |
| Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | 21 Jun 26 | 1 DAY |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 04 Jul 26 | 2 DAYS |
| Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2026 | 18 Feb 26 | 10 Mar 26 | 19 Jul 26 | 1 DAY |
| Combined Medical Services Examination, 2026 | 11 Mar 26 | 31 Mar 26 | 02 Aug 26 | 1 DAY |
| Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | 08 Aug 26 | 2 DAYS |
| Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | 21 Aug 26 | 5 DAYS |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 2026 | 20 May 26 | 09 Jun 26 | 13 Sept 26 | 1 DAY |
| C.D.S. Examination (II), 2026 | 20 May 26 | 09 Jun 26 | 13 Sept 26 | 1 DAY |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 26 Sept 26 | 2 DAYS |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 10 Oct 26 | 2 DAYS |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 31 Oct 26 | 2 DAYS |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 | — | — | 22 Nov 26 | 7 DAYS |
| S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 16 Sept 26 | 06 Oct 26 | 12 Dec 26 | 2 DAYS |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | — | — | 19 Dec 26 | 2 DAYS |
Overview
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Overview
Show Less ↑Read More ↓The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official annual calendar for 2026. This schedule provides the timeline for some of India's most prestigious examinations, including the Civil Services Examination (CSE), NDA, CDS, and various specialized technical services.
UPSC Annual Exam Schedule 2026: Full List
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UPSC Annual Exam Schedule 2026: Full List
Show Less ↑Read More ↓Below is the detailed table of upcoming UPSC exams, including notification dates, application deadlines, and tentative exam dates.
| Examination Name | Notification | Last Date | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Prelims) 2026 | 03 Sept 25 | 23 Sept 25 | 08 Feb 26 |
| Engineering Services (Prelims) 2026 | 17 Sept 25 | 07 Oct 25 | 08 Feb 26 |
| CBI (DSP) LDCE | 24 Dec 25 | 13 Jan 26 | 28 Feb 26 |
| CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2026 | 03 Dec 25 | 23 Dec 25 | 08 Mar 26 |
| NDA & NA Examination (I), 2026 | 10 Dec 25 | 30 Dec 25 | 12 Apr 26 |
| C.D.S. Examination (I), 2026 | 10 Dec 25 | 30 Dec 25 | 12 Apr 26 |
| Civil Services (Prelims) Exam, 2026 | 14 Jan 26 | 03 Feb 26 | 24 May 26 |
| Indian Forest Service (Prelims) 2026 | 14 Jan 26 | 03 Feb 26 | 24 May 26 |
| I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2026 | 11 Feb 26 | 03 Mar 26 | 19 Jun 26 |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) 2026 | — | — | 20 Jun 26 |
| Engineering Services (Main) 2026 | — | — | 21 Jun 26 |
| Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) 2026 | 18 Feb 26 | 10 Mar 26 | 19 Jul 26 |
| Combined Medical Services Exam 2026 | 11 Mar 26 | 31 Mar 26 | 02 Aug 26 |
| Civil Services (Main) Exam, 2026 | — | — | 21 Aug 26 (5 Days) |
| NDA & NA Examination (II), 2026 | 20 May 26 | 09 Jun 26 | 13 Sept 26 |
| C.D.S. Examination (II), 2026 | 20 May 26 | 09 Jun 26 | 13 Sept 26 |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) 2026 | — | — | 22 Nov 26 |
| S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 16 Sept 26 | 06 Oct 26 | 12 Dec 26 |
Key Highlights of UPSC 2026 Calendar
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Key Highlights of UPSC 2026 Calendar
Show Less ↑Read More ↓The 2026 cycle remains consistent with UPSC's tradition of structured recruitment. Candidates should note the following strategic dates:
1. UPSC Civil Services Exam (IAS/IFS) 2026
The IAS Prelims 2026 is scheduled for May 24, 2026. This gives aspirants exactly one year from today to finalize their GS and CSAT preparation. The Main Examination will follow on August 21, 2026, conducted over five days.
2. Defense Exams (NDA & CDS)
UPSC will conduct the NDA and CDS (I) exams on April 12, 2026. The second cycle (NDA & CDS II) will take place on September 13, 2026. These are crucial for candidates wishing to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
3. Technical and Medical Services
Engineering and Medical students should track the ESE (Engineering Services) and CMS (Medical Services) dates. Prelims for ESE are early in the year (February 8), requiring focused study on technical subjects starting now.
Important UPSC Preparation Links
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Important UPSC Preparation Links
Show Less ↑Read More ↓- Official Website: upsc.gov.in
- Download Admit Card: Check our Admit Card Section
- Previous Year Papers: Visit UPSC Exam Hub
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Has the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 been released?
Yes, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially released the Annual Calendar 2026 on May 15, 2025. It provides the notification and exam dates for all major examinations including CSE, NDA, CDS, and CAPF.
Q.What is the UPSC Civil Services (Prelims) 2026 exam date?
According to the official calendar, the UPSC IAS Prelims 2026 is scheduled to be held on May 24, 2026 (Sunday). The Indian Forest Service (Prelims) will also be conducted on the same day.
Q.When will the UPSC CSE 2026 notification be released?
The official notification for the Civil Services Examination 2026 was released on February 4, 2026, with the application window closing on February 27, 2026.
Q.What are the dates for NDA & NA (I) and CDS (I) 2026?
Both the NDA & NA (I) and CDS (I) examinations for 2026 are scheduled to take place on April 12, 2026.
Q.When is the UPSC Civil Services (Main) 2026 scheduled?
The UPSC Mains 2026 will commence on August 21, 2026, and will be conducted over a period of 5 days.
Q.What is the age limit for UPSC CSE 2026?
A candidate must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of August 1, 2026. This means the candidate must have been born between August 2, 1994, and August 1, 2005. Relaxation applies for OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), and PwBD (10 years) categories.