UPSC Calendar 2026 Update: Latest Changes and Official Status

UPSC Calendar 2026 is now available to download at ‘upsc.gov.in’. This UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 notification has brought clarity for lakhs of aspirants preparing for the Civil Services and other prestigious exams by providing the full schedule for its examinations in 2026. 

From the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 to the UPSC NDA Exam 2026, all important dates, including notifications, application deadlines, and exam schedules, are now public. Find the direct UPSC IAS Calendar 2026 download here to plan your study routines better.

UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Is there Any Changes?

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) 2026 notifications, originally scheduled for January 14, 2026, have been officially postponed due to administrative reasons. This delay automatically shifts the application start date, fee payment window, and form correction period, which were aligned to follow the notification release. As per the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026, the Prelims exam date of May 24, 2026, and Mains from August 21, 2026, remain unchanged for now. Candidates should monitor upsc.gov.in for the revised notification and updated timelines in the coming days. This adjustment ensures smooth preparation amid the postponement.

UPSC Calendar 2026 Out

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Annual Calendar for 2026, detailing the schedule for various examinations and recruitment tests. UPSC Calendar 2026 includes crucial dates such as notification releases, application deadlines, and examination dates for major UPSC exams:

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UPSC CSE Calendar 2026 PDF Download Link

The UPSC CSE Calendar 2026 PDF download link is now available on the official UPSC website.  Candidates should download the PDF and keep it handy. It is a key tool to stay ahead of deadlines and avoid last-minute confusion. To support your preparation, we have provided the UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF link below:

Click Here to Download UPSC Calendar 2026

UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 

The UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 is the gateway to becoming an IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and Group ‘A’ officer. The notification, originally scheduled for January 14, 2026, has been postponed and is now expected to release this week on upsc.gov.in, as per the latest updates from the Union Public Service Commission. This exam serves as the gateway for recruitment to prestigious services like IAS, IPS, and IFS, with the Prelims tentatively set for May 24, 2026, and Mains from August 21, 2026 onwards. Aspiring candidates should monitor the official website closely for the detailed notification, application form, eligibility criteria, and vacancy details to kickstart their preparation effectively. The release will include comprehensive information on the three-stage selection process: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

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UPSC Indian Forest Service 2026

The UPSC Indian Forest Service 2026 exam will also begin with the Prelims stage on 24 May 2026, conducted alongside the CSE Prelims. The IFS selection process involves Prelims, Mains, and a personality test.

The Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination 2026 will be held from 22 November 2026 (Sunday) and continue for seven days. This gives selected candidates ample time after the Mains to prepare for the IFS descriptive papers, which focus heavily on science and environment subjects.

UPSC NDA Exam 2026

The UPSC NDA Exam 2026 (National Defence Academy) will be conducted in two cycles:

• NDA & NA (I) Exam 2026: Scheduled for 12 April 2026 (Sunday).
  Notification release: 10 December 2025
  Last date to apply: 30 December 2025
• NDA & NA (II) Exam 2026: Scheduled for 13 September 2026 (Sunday)
  Notification release: 20 May 2026
  Last date to apply: 9 June 2026

The NDA exams are crucial for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force after Class 12.

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UPSC CDS Exam 2026 

The UPSC CDS Exam 2026 (Combined Defence Services) also happens twice every year alongside the NDA. The registration process will be held together for both exams. UPSC CDS Exam 2026 dates are as follows:

• CDS (I) Exam 2026: Alongside NDA (I) on 12 April 2026
• CDS (II) Exam 2026: Align with NDA (II) on 13 September 2026

Aspirants aiming for officer-level positions in the Indian Armed Forces should plan their preparation with these months in mind.

UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination 2026

The UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination 2026 is scheduled for 19 July 2026 (Sunday). The notification will be released on 18 February 2026, and the last date to apply is 10 March 2026.

This examination is a great opportunity for those who want to join forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, and ITBP as Assistant Commandants. It consists of a written test, physical standards test, and interview/personality test.

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