UPSC Calendar 2026: Exam Dates and Details

The UPSC Civil Services Calendar 2026 is released! This calendar marks the beginning of a serious countdown towards your preparation roadmap. The moment you know the exam schedule, your preparation gets direction. If you're aiming for the UPSC Civil Services exam 2026, this calendar gives you clarity on when to apply and most importantly how much time you really have.

Let’s look at the key exam dates, but also go a step further and understand how this calendar can become your study planner? Let's decode!

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially released the UPSC Calendar 2026 on 15th May 2025. It includes the schedule for major exams like the Civil Services Examination (CSE), National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), Indian Forest Service (IFS), and more.

To make the most of your preparation, it's important to know your exam dates well in advance. 

The UPSC Preliminary Examination 2026 is scheduled to be held on 24th May 2026 (Sunday). This one-day exam includes two objective-type papers:

• General Studies Paper I: Marks obtained in this paper are counted for the Prelims cut-off. Your performance here determines whether you qualify for the Mains.
• CSAT (Paper II): This is a qualifying paper, and you need to score at least 33% marks (i.e., 66 out of 200) to clear it. However, its marks are not counted in the Prelims merit list.

Both papers are multiple-choice (MCQ-based) and are qualifying in nature. They serve as the screening stage for the UPSC Mains Exam. It's important to note that the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Prelims 2026 will also be held on the same day, using the same question papers as the CSE Prelims.

You might also like: UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026: Complete Preparation Guide with Topper Strategies

The UPSC Mains Examination 2026 will begin from 21st August 2026 (Friday) and will be conducted over five consecutive days. This stage is descriptive in nature and includes the following papers:

• Essay Paper
• Four General Studies Papers (GS I to IV)
• Two Optional Subject Papers

Unlike Prelims, the Mains exam tests your ability to analyze, structure, and write detailed answers, making in-depth knowledge and strong writing skills essential.

There is a three-month gap between the Prelims and Mains exams. This is often not enough for fresh preparation, which is why it’s crucial to start Mains preparation alongside your Prelims preparation. Candidates who clear the Mains will be shortlisted for the final stage — the Personality Test (Interview).

How to Download UPSC Calendar 2026 from the Official Website

Want to download the official UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF? Follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the official UPSC website: https://www.upsc.gov.in/
2. On the homepage, click on the "Examination" tab in the top menu.
3. From the dropdown, select “Calendar”.
4. You'll be directed to a page with PDF links for annual calendars from the past few years.
5. Click on the link that says “UPSC Annual Calendar 2026” to download the PDF.

Note: Keep checking the UPSC official website regularly for the latest updates, changes in schedule, or official notifications.

Knowing the exam dates is just the first step. To truly stay ahead, you need to align your preparation strategy with the calendar. Here are some important tips to help you stay on track:

1. Start Early, Finish Strong

• Don’t wait for the notification to start studying seriously.
• Use the time before January 2026 to build a strong foundation and finish the basic syllabus for both Prelims and Mains.

2. Stick to a Realistic Timetable

• Avoid overloading your daily plan.
• Create a realistic, weekly timetable that includes reading, revision, and test practice.

3. Don’t Ignore CSAT

• Many students overlook CSAT because it’s a qualifying paper. But failing CSAT can disqualify you, no matter how well you score in GS Paper I.
• Practice regularly to ensure you clear the 33% qualifying mark.

4. Integrate Mains Preparation Early

• Once you're comfortable with Prelims basics, start working on Mains topics, especially answer writing, optional subject, and essay practice.
• This will save you from the pressure during the short Prelims-Mains gap.

5. Mock Tests & PYQs are your Companions

• Start taking Prelims mock tests at least 6–8 months before the exam.
• Use Previous Year Questions (PYQs) to understand UPSC’s pattern and depth.

6. Stay Consistent, Not Perfect

• It’s okay to have off days. What matters is long-term consistency.
• Track your progress monthly and make adjustments as needed.

Plan well, execute consistently, and revise smartly! 

Also read: Essential Strategy to Crack UPSC IAS Exam in First Attempt.

How SuperKalam Becomes Your UPSC 2026 Study Companion

SuperKalam is your AI-powered personal mentor, offering tools and guidance tailored to every stage of UPSC preparation: 

• Practice Unlimited MCQs and attempt tests
• Master PYQs with ease using our exclusive PYQ tool
• 24x7 Doubt Resolution for your queries anytime, anywhere
• Stay Updated on Current Affairs with our Daily News Summary
• Instant Mains Answer Evaluation with detailed Model answers
• Stay motivated with streaks and track progress with leaderboards

Also check out our new initiative — Super Start with NCERT and begin your UPSC journey with the right foundation.

Join SuperKalam now and let’s turn your effort into excellence!