19 May UPSC calender 2026
UPSC Calendar 2026: Complete Exam Details, Selection Process & Expected Vacancies
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released its annual examination calendar for 2026. For lakhs of aspirants preparing for prestigious government services like IAS, IPS, IFS, NDA, CDS, and more, this calendar serves as a roadmap to structure their preparation. In this article, we decode each major UPSC examination for 2026 — including dates, selection process, and expected vacancies — to help you stay informed and ready.
1. Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026
- Notification Date: 14 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 3 March 2026
- Prelims Exam Date: 24 May 2026
- Mains Exam Start: 21 August 2026 (5 Days)
Expected Vacancies: 950-1050 (including IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A & B posts).
Selection Process:
- Prelims – Objective type (GS Paper 1 & CSAT), qualifying in nature.
- Mains – Nine descriptive papers including Essay, GS I–IV, two optional papers and language papers.
- Interview – Personality Test of 275 marks.
Final selection is based on Mains (1750 marks) + Interview (275 marks) totaling 2025 marks.
2. Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026
- Prelims (through CSE): 24 May 2026
- Main Exam Date: 22 November 2026 (7 Days)
Expected Vacancies: 150-180
Selection Process:
- Prelims – Common with CSE.
- Main – Six papers including two optional science subjects.
- Interview – Personality Test.
3. Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026
- Prelims: 8 February 2026
- Mains: 21 June 2026
Expected Vacancies: 300-350 across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics engineering.
Selection Process:
- Stage I: Preliminary Exam (Objective)
- Stage II: Mains (Conventional papers)
- Stage III: Personality Test
4. Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2026
- Prelims: 8 February 2026
- Main: 20 June 2026
Expected Vacancies: 100–120 in Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board.
Selection Process: Prelims → Mains → Interview
5. IES/ISS Examination 2026
- Exam Dates: 19 June 2026 (3 Days)
Expected Vacancies: 40–60
Selection Process:
- Written Test (6 Papers)
- Interview
6. NDA & NA Examination (I & II), 2026
- NDA I Exam Date: 12 April 2026
- NDA II Exam Date: 13 September 2026
Expected Vacancies: 400–450 per exam (Army, Navy, Air Force wings)
Selection Process:
- Written Exam (Mathematics + GAT)
- SSB Interview (Services Selection Board)
7. CDS Examination (I & II), 2026
- CDS I: 12 April 2026
- CDS II: 13 September 2026
Expected Vacancies: 300–350 per exam for IMA, INA, AFA, OTA
Selection Process: Written + SSB Interview
8. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) AC Examination 2026
- Exam Date: 19 July 2026
Expected Vacancies: 250–300 (Assistant Commandants in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB)
Selection Process:
- Written Exam (Paper I and II)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Interview/Personality Test
9. Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026
- Exam Date: 2 August 2026
Expected Vacancies: 600–800 (Railways, Ordnance Factories, Municipal Corporation etc.)
Selection Process:
- Online Written Test
- Personality Test
10. CISF AC(EXE) LDCE 2026
- Exam Date: 8 March 2026
Eligibility: Limited to CISF departmental candidates
Selection: Written → PET → Interview
11. CBI (DSP) LDCE 2026
- Exam Date: 28 February 2026 (2 Days)
Eligibility: Limited to eligible Group B officers in CBI
12. S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE 2026
- Exam Date: 12 December 2026
This is a departmental exam conducted for selection of Section Officers and Stenographers in Central Secretariat and allied services.
Reserved Examination Slots in 2026
UPSC has also marked several weekends as “Reserved for RTs/Departmental Examinations”. These include:
- 10 January
- 17 January
- 6 June
- 4 July
- 8 August
- 26 September
- 10 October
- 31 October
- 19 December
These dates are placeholders for recruitment tests (RTs) or postponed exams.
Conclusion
The UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 is now your first strategic step. Whether you’re aiming for the IAS, Engineering Services, NDA, or CAPF, the key to success lies in aligning your preparation with the timeline. Keep track of notifications, exam dates, and most importantly — start early. This structured calendar helps aspirants mark their deadlines, focus their preparation, and build consistency across months.
Stay updated with the official UPSC website for changes. Best wishes to all aspirants aiming to serve the nation through India’s elite services!
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