UPSC Calendar 2026 Released: Civil Services Prelims on May 24; CDS & NDA Dates Confirmed

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has finally dropped the map for 2026, and if you’re planning on being a civil servant, your year is already booked. As of Friday, January 2, 2026, the countdown for the “Big One”—the Civil Services Prelims—is officially at 142 days.

The thing is, the calendar is more than just a list of dates. Or nothing. Let’s be real, seeing the Mains scheduled for late August means you’re basically living in a library from May to September. Those too.

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The “Aspirant’s” Log: Field Notes

It’s an ongoing situation where the notifications start hitting the portal in less than two weeks.

• Civil Services (Prelims) 2026: Mark May 24 (Sunday). The notification drops on January 14. You have a tiny window—until Feb 3—to get your application in.

• The “Mains” Grind: If you clear the hurdle, the 5-day marathon starts on August 21, 2026.

• The Defense Double-Header: NDA (I) and CDS (I) are both happening on April 12.

  • The kicker: You should have already applied for these (the window closed Dec 30, 2025). If you missed it, the (II) session isn’t until September 13.

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UPSC 2026 Key Examination Dates

The “Buffer” Dates

And here’s the kicker: UPSC has reserved several weekend blocks (Jan 10, Jan 17, June 6, etc.) as “Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination.” This is basically their “just in case” or for smaller recruitment tests that haven’t been announced yet.

Basically, the “Indian Forest Service” hopefuls need to remember they take the same Prelims as the CSE on May 24, but their Mains won’t start until November. It’s a long haul. If you’re targeting the CAPF, you’ve got until July 19 to get your physicals and prep in order.

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