The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 has been officially released by the Union Public Service Commission on 15 May 2025. This calendar outlines the entire schedule of UPSC exams for the year, including the highly awaited Civil Services Examination (CSE). Aspirants targeting the UPSC exam date 2026 can now plan their preparation with greater precision.
You can download the UPSC calendar 2026 PDF directly from the official UPSC website under the Examinations > Calendar section.
Download the Official UPSC Calendar 2026 PDF
To stay ahead in your preparation journey, download the official calendar from UPSC’s official website. The PDF provides dates for all major exams like CSE, IFS, CDS, NDA, CAPF, and IES/ISS, helping aspirants align their timelines.
Understanding UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Stages
The Civil Services Examination (CSE) — one of the most prestigious examinations in India — follows a three-stage selection process:
1. Preliminary Examination
This stage consists of two objective-type papers:
- General Studies Paper I
- CSAT (General Studies Paper II)
It is designed to filter candidates for the Mains. The UPSC Prelims 2026 is scheduled for 24 May 2026 (Sunday).
2. Main Examination
The second stage is descriptive in nature and consists of 9 papers, including:
- Essay
- Four General Studies papers
- Two optional subject papers
- Two qualifying language papers
The UPSC Mains 2026 will begin on 21 August 2026 (Friday).
3. Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates who clear the Mains are invited for a personal interview. Final merit is calculated based on Mains + Interview scores.
Check UPSC Syllabus 2026: Prelims, Mains & Interview
CSE 2026 vs. CSE 2025: Quick Comparison of Key Dates
Stage | CSE 2025 | CSE 2026 |
Notification | 22 January 2025 | 14 January 2026 |
Application Deadline | Early February 2025 | 3 February 2026 |
Prelims Exam Date | 25 May 2025 | 24 May 2026 |
Mains Start Date | 22 August 2025 | 21 August 2026 |
Both the UPSC Prelims 2026 and UPSC Mains 2026 are scheduled almost exactly a day earlier than their CSE 2025 counterparts, maintaining consistency for aspirants planning long-term.
Strategic Tips for Aspirants
- Begin your preparation with the 24 May 2026 date in mind.
- Keep checking the official UPSC website for any changes.
- Finish optional and GS Mains topics by mid-July to smoothly transition into writing practice.
- Set daily or weekly targets to ensure consistent progress across all sections.
- Regular revision is key. Incorporate daily and weekly revision slots into your schedule.
- Vision IAS offers a comprehensive Foundation Course for your guidance and practice. You can connect with us, and we shall help you achieve your dream with our state-of-the-art facilities.
- For Prelims-focused preparation, start attempting high-quality MCQs and full-length papers. The VisionIAS All India Prelims Test Series with Sandhan offers a curated mix of NCERT-based, advanced-level, and current affairs-based questions — helping you benchmark your performance at national level.
- Begin practicing answer writing early. Focus on structuring your answers, using relevant examples, and adhering to word limits. Explore VisionIAS resources such as the VisionIAS GS Mains Test Series to effectively practice your writing.
- If you're opting for self-paced preparation but want structured guidance, check out our mentoring programs like Lakshya and Daksha. These include personalized mentoring, strategic plans, performance tracking, and regular feedback to keep your preparation on track.
Watch: Art of Prelims 2026 Mastery through PYQs
With the UPSC exam calendar 2026 now available, aspirants must align their preparation strategy to match key milestones — Prelims on 24 May, Mains from 21 August, and final stages post-October. Planning in sync with these dates ensures a structured and stress-free journey toward success.
Stay consistent, stay updated, and use resources like VisionIAS to stay ahead.