UPSC CSE Exam Date 2026 Out, Check Civil Service Prelims and Mains Exam Dates

UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is more than just an exam – it’s a journey, a dream, and a test of determination for lakhs of aspirants appearing for the exam every year. UPSC CSE Exam is conducted once a year, and the complete schedule for the exam is released much before. For the year 2026, the Union Pubic Service Commission has announced the UPSC CSE Exam Date for both prelims and mains examinations to give the candidates guidance about the time left with them to complete the entire syllabus and revision part. Along with exam dates, the dates for notification and registration are also announced.

UPSC CSE Exam Date 2026 Out

As per UPSC Calendar 2026 released on 15th May 2025, UPSC CSE Prelims will be conducted on 24th May 2026 (single day), and the Mains exam will be conducted from 18th September 2026 onwards (5 days). The online application forms and notification will be released on 14th January 2026. The last date to register for UPSC CSE 2026 will be 3rd February 2026. Candidates planning to appear for the next civil service exam must note down the UPSC Exam Date 2026 to focus on their studies.

UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2026

The preliminary examination for the UPSC Civil Service Examination 2026 will be conducted on a single day. As per the schedule released by the commission, the candidates whose applications will be accepted have to appear for the UPSC Prelims Exam on 24th May 2026. Both paper 1 and paper 2 will be conducted on the same day in the morning and evening shifts, respectively. The shift timings for UPSC Prelims Exam is as follows-

Paper 1 (General Studies)- 9:30 am to 11:30 am (Morning Shift)

Paper 2 (CSAT)- 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm (Afternoon shift)

UPSC Mains Exam Date 2026

After qualifying the UPSC Preliminary Examination, candidates have to appear for the Mains Examination, which is conducted for 5 days. This descriptive examination/Mains exam will start from 18th September 2026 onwards. UPSC CSE Mains Exam comprises of 9 papers, including two language papers (English and an Indian language), an essay paper, 4 general studies papers, and 2 optional subject papers.