UPSC Exam calendar 2026: UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination will serve as a general entry point for both Civil Services and Indian Forest Service candidates. The main examination for these services has also been scheduled later in the year.
The examination calendar also includes timelines for NDA and NA, and CDS examinations, which are held twice a year. Similarly, engineering services and joint geological examinations have their two-step structures with different initial and main stages.
The calendar has other important tests, such as the Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service (IES/ISS), Joint Medical Services (CMS), and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) Assistant Commandant Examination.
CISF AC (ExE), CBI (DSP), and sectional competitive examination (LDCE) for sections/stenographers are also prescribed, which provide departmental candidates opportunities to progress in their careers.
- CISF AC (Exe) LDCE: Notification – December 3, 2025; Examination – March 8, 2026
- CBI (DSP) LDCE: Notification – December 24, 2025; Examination – 28 February, 2026
- Joint Geologists (prelims): notification September 2025; Examination – 8 February 2026
- Engineering Service (Prelims): Notification – 17 September, 2025; Examination – 8 February, 2026
- NDA and Na (i), CD (i): Notification – December 10, 2025; Examination – April 12, 2026
- Civil Services (Prelims), Indian Forest Service (Prelims): Notification – January 14, 2026; Examination – May 24, 2026
- IES/ISS: Notification – February 11, 2026; Examination – June 19, 2026
- Joint Geologists (Main): Examination-20 June, 2026
- Engineering Service (Main): Examination – June 21, 2026
- CAPF (ACS): Notification – February 18, 2026; Examination – July 19, 2026
- Joint Medical Services (CMS): Notification – March 11, 2026; Examination – August 2, 2026
- Civil Services (Main): Examination – August 21, 2026
- NDA and Na (ii), CD (ii): notification – May 20, 2026; Examination – 13 September, 2026
- Indian Forest Service (Main): Examination – 22 November, 2026
- SO/Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE: Notification-16 September, 2026; Examination – December 12, 2026
The UPSC has advised the candidates to regularly check their official website for any changes, as the dates are subject to change based on administrative and logistical conditions.
It helps the structured release aspirants to plan their preparation well in advance, ensuring clarity and better time management throughout the year.