The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published its official Annual Programme of Examination for 2026. Candidates preparing for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) can now align their study plans with the confirmed dates for the official notification, preliminary test, and main examination.
UPSC CSE 2026 Important Dates
According to the official calendar, the notification for the Civil Services Examination 2026 will be released in mid-January, kicking off the recruitment process for prestigious posts including IAS, IPS, and IFS.
| Event | Date / Schedule |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | January 14, 2026 |
| Application Start Date | January 14, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 3, 2026 |
| UPSC CSE Prelims Exam Date | May 24, 2026 (Sunday) |
| UPSC CSE Mains Exam Date | August 21, 2026 (5 Days Duration) |
Indian Forest Service (IFS) 2026 Schedule
The Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination will be conducted concurrently with the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination. However, the Mains schedule differs as outlined below:
| Exam Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| IFS Preliminary Exam | May 24, 2026 |
| IFS Main Examination | November 22, 2026 |
Important Instructions
- Calendar Source: These dates are based on the official UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 released on May 15, 2025.
- Notification: The detailed Notice regarding vacancies, eligibility, and syllabus will be available on the official website on January 14, 2026.
- Updates: Dates for notifications, commencement, and duration of examinations are liable to alteration if the circumstances so warrant. Candidates are advised to visit the official website regularly.
Important Information Links
| Official Source | Click Here |