The UPSC Exam Date 2026 has been officially announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) through the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification. Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for this prestigious exam to secure positions in India’s top civil services such as Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central government services. The announcement of the UPSC Exam Date 2026 is a crucial moment for aspirants, as it helps them plan their preparation strategy effectively.

UPSC Exam Date 2026 Notification

According to the official notification, the UPSC Exam 2026 notification was released on 4 February 2026. The notification provides complete information regarding the exam schedule, eligibility criteria, number of attempts, exam stages, and application process. Candidates are strongly advised to read the notification carefully before applying to avoid any mistakes.

UPSC Exam Date 2026: Application Schedule

As per the notification, the online application process for the UPSC Exam 2026 began along with the release of the notification. The last date to submit the application form is 24 February 2026. Candidates must complete the form online through the official UPSC portal within the given timeline. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Applicants are also advised to ensure that all personal details, educational qualifications, and uploaded documents are correct, as incorrect information may lead to rejection of the application.

UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2026

One of the most important highlights of the notification is the UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2026, which has been scheduled for 24 May 2026 (Sunday). The Preliminary Examination serves as a screening test and consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I and CSAT (Paper II).

Although the marks obtained in the Prelims exam are not counted in the final merit list, qualifying this stage is mandatory to appear for the Main Examination. Therefore, the announcement of the UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2026 allows aspirants to plan their revision and mock test schedules more efficiently.

UPSC Mains Exam Date 2026

The UPSC Mains Exam Date 2026 has not been announced in detail in the notification. The commission has mentioned that the schedule for the Main Examination will be released separately. Traditionally, the Mains exam is conducted a few months after the declaration of the Prelims result. Only candidates who clear the Preliminary Examination will be eligible to appear for the Mains.

The Mains exam is descriptive in nature and plays a major role in the final selection, as its marks are counted along with the Interview marks.

UPSC Exam Date 2026: Important Dates Summary

Notification Release Date: 4 February 2026

Last Date to Apply Online: 24 February 2026

UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2026: 24 May 2026

UPSC Mains Exam Date 2026: To be announced

Why UPSC Exam Date 2026 Is Important for Aspirants

Knowing the UPSC Exam Date 2026 helps candidates create a realistic and well-structured preparation plan. With clear deadlines in mind, aspirants can divide their time between syllabus completion, revision, and mock tests. Since the competition is extremely high, early planning based on official dates increases the chances of success.

Final Words

The announcement of the UPSC Exam Date 2026 marks the beginning of a serious preparation phase for civil services aspirants. Candidates are advised to stay updated with official UPSC notices, follow a disciplined study routine, and focus on consistent revision. With the right strategy and dedication, clearing the UPSC Exam 2026 is an achievable goal.

FAQ

When was the UPSC Exam Date 2026 notification released?

The UPSC Exam Date 2026 notification was released on 4 February 2026 by the Union Public Service Commission.

What is the UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2026?

The UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2026 is 24 May 2026 (Sunday).

What is the last date to apply for UPSC Exam 2026?

The last date to submit the online application for UPSC Exam 2026 is 24 February 2026.

Has UPSC announced the Mains Exam Date 2026?

No, the UPSC Mains Exam Date 2026 has not been announced yet and will be released separately after the Prelims results.

How many stages are there in the UPSC Exam 2026?

The UPSC Exam 2026 is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview (Personality Test).

Are Prelims marks counted in the final result?

No, Prelims marks are only qualifying and are not included in the final merit list.

Where can candidates check official updates for UPSC Exam Date 2026?

Candidates should regularly visit the official UPSC website https://upsc.gov.in to get the latest updates on UPSC Exam Date 2026.

Can the UPSC Exam Date 2026 be changed?

UPSC generally follows the announced schedule, but any changes—if required—are officially notified on the UPSC website.