New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released its official examination calendar for the year 2026, providing much-needed clarity for Civil Services aspirants across the country. The schedule includes the dates for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) — one of the most competitive and prestigious examinations conducted in India.
As per the new calendar, the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 will be held on May 24, 2026 (Sunday). This marks the beginning of the selection process for various services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and others.
Following the prelims, the Civil Services Main Examination 2026 is scheduled to commence on August 21, 2026 (Friday). The mains examination will be conducted over a period of five days. These dates provide aspirants with a structured timeline to organize their preparation and revision plans accordingly.
The official notification for the CSE 2026 will be published on January 14, 2026, and candidates will have until February 3, 2026, to submit their applications online. The early release of the exam calendar is aimed at helping aspirants prepare systematically and avoid last-minute hassles.
Candidates are advised to keep checking the official UPSC website www.upsc.gov.in for any further updates or changes in the schedule. With the dates now confirmed, aspirants can begin their preparation in earnest, keeping these key milestones in mind.
