UPSC calendar 2026 released; CSE prelims to be held on May 24

UPSC Calendar 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the annual calendar for its examinations and recruitment tests (RTs) scheduled for the year 2026.

Among the most awaited is the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, popularly known as CSE Prelims, which will be held on May 24, 2026 (Sunday).

Aspiring civil servants can start their preparations accordingly, as the notification will be out on January 14, 2026, and the last date to apply is February 3, 2026.The CSE Prelims also serves as a screening test for the Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, and successful candidates will proceed to the Main examination phase.

The CSE Mains will commence on August 21, 2026, and span five days. With UPSC being the premier recruiting agency for India’s civil services, this calendar is crucial for lakhs of aspirants across the country.UPSC Examination Calendar 2026

Direct link to download the UPSC Calendar 2026Broader Exam CoverageThe 2026 UPSC calendar includes key exams such as the NDA & NA (I), CDS (I and II), Engineering Services, Combined Geo-Scientist, and Combined Medical Services, among others.

These examinations are vital for recruitment into India’s defense services, engineering cadres, and scientific departments. For instance, the Engineering Services Prelims and Geo-Scientist Prelims will be held on the same day — February 8, 2026.Moreover, specialized exams like the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) and CBI (DSP) LDCE also find space in the calendar. These examinations help fill strategic roles in paramilitary and investigative agencies, highlighting UPSC’s role in nation-building beyond just the civil services.Reserved Dates and FlexibilityUPSC has also designated several weekends across the year as “Reserved for RT/Examinations,” allowing space for unforeseen additions or changes to the recruitment pipeline. This flexibility underscores the dynamic nature of UPSC’s responsibilities, including handling departmental promotions, limited departmental competitive exams (LDCEs), and recruitment through interviews.Candidates are strongly advised to monitor the UPSC’s official website regularly. The Commission has clarified that dates may change based on administrative or logistic requirements, so staying updated is essential to avoid missing critical deadlines.