Download UPSC CSE Exam Calendar 2026: Check Prelims & Mains Exam Dates

The UPSC has officially released the UPSC Annual Exam Calendar for 2026 on 15 May 2025, providing aspirants with crucial dates for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and other major exams. This calendar is a vital tool for candidates aiming to join prestigious services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and more. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key dates for the UPSC CSE 2026, including Prelims and Mains exam schedules, and guide you on how to download the official calendar PDF.

Download UPSC Calendar 2026 Here !

UPSC CSE 2026: Key Exam Dates

The UPSC CSE is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. According to the official UPSC Calendar 2026, here are the important dates for the Civil Services Examination:

• Notification Release Date: January 14, 2026 
• Application Window: January 14, 2026 – February 3, 2026 
• UPSC CSE Prelims 2026: May 24, 2026 (Sunday) 
  • The Prelims consist of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT). Both are conducted on the same day.
• UPSC CSE Mains 2026: August 21, 2026 onwards (Friday, spanning 5 days) 
  • The Mains exam includes nine descriptive papers, including Essay, General Studies, and Optional Subjects.
• Indian Forest Service (IFS) Prelims 2026: May 24, 2026 (conducted alongside CSE Prelims) 
• IFS Mains 2026: November 22, 2026 onwards

Why the UPSC Calendar 2026 is Important

The UPSC Calendar 2026 serves as a roadmap for aspirants, helping them plan their preparation effectively. Here’s why it’s essential:

1. Structured Preparation: Knowing the exam dates well in advance allows candidates to create a study schedule, allocate time for revision, and focus on weak areas.
2. Timely Application: The calendar includes notification and application deadlines, ensuring you don’t miss critical submission dates.
3. Strategic Planning: With approximately 16 months from the calendar’s release to the Prelims, candidates can pace their preparation for both Prelims and Mains.
4. Other Exams: The calendar also covers other UPSC exams like NDA, CDS, CAPF, and IES, helping candidates appearing for multiple exams avoid scheduling conflicts.

How to Download the UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF

Follow these simple steps to download the official UPSC Exam Calendar 2026:

1. Visit the Official UPSC Website: Go to upsc.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the Examination Section: On the homepage, click on the “Examinations” tab and select “Calendar” or “Annual Calendar.”

Alternatively, you can directly Download by clicking this link “UPSC Annual Calendar 2026.”

UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Overview

Prelims Exam

• Date: May 24, 2026
• Structure: Two papers (General Studies and CSAT), both objective-type with multiple-choice questions. CSAT is qualifying (requires 33% marks), while General Studies I determines the cutoff.
• Syllabus: Includes Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Environment, and Aptitude. 

Mains Exam

• Date: Starts August 21, 2026
• Structure: Nine descriptive papers, including Essay, four General Studies papers, two Optional Subject papers, and two qualifying language papers (English and Indian Language).
• Duration: Conducted over five days, with two shifts per day.

Interview (Personality Test)

• Date: Expected in early 2027 (specific dates announced after Mains results).
• Purpose: Assesses personality, decision-making skills, and suitability for administrative roles.
• Marks: 275 marks, contributing to the final merit list along with Mains scores.

Preparation Tips for UPSC CSE 2026

With the exam dates announced, here are some actionable tips to kickstart your preparation:

1. Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly review the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus to identify key topics and prioritize your study plan.
2. Create a Study Schedule: Allocate time for each subject, ensuring balanced coverage of Prelims and Mains topics. Include daily current affairs updates.
3. Read NCERTs and Standard Books: Build a strong foundation with NCERT textbooks and move to advanced resources like Class notes, Laxmikanth and Spectrum.
4. Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Follow newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express and monthly magazines for comprehensive coverage.
5. Practice Mock Tests: Regularly attempt Prelims and Mains mock tests to improve speed, accuracy, and answer-writing skills.
6. Time Management: With only about 90 days between Prelims and Mains, aim to be Mains-ready before Prelims preparation intensifies.

Other Major Exams in UPSC Calendar 2026

Apart from the CSE, the UPSC Calendar 2026 includes dates for other prominent exams:

• National Defence Academy (NDA) & Combined Defence Services (CDS): April 12, 2026
• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) ACs: June 19, 2026
• Engineering Services (Preliminary): February 8, 2026
• Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary): February 8, 2026

Candidates preparing for multiple exams should plan their schedules to avoid overlaps and manage preparation effectively.

Final Thoughts

The release of the UPSC CSE Exam Calendar 2026 on May 15, 2025, marks the beginning of a structured preparation journey for aspirants. By downloading the calendar and aligning your study plan with the key dates—Prelims on May 24, 2026, and Mains starting August 21, 2026—you can stay ahead in your preparation. Start early, stay consistent, and keep the official UPSC website as your go-to source for updates.

Download the UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF today, mark your calendars, and embark on your journey to becoming a civil servant! For more preparation tips, study resources, and updates, keep visiting our website.

Good Luck, Future Officers!