Complete timeline for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026, covering every stage from notification to final result.
Countdown to UPSC Prelims 2026 (Expected)
Disclaimer: Dates are based on historical UPSC patterns. Always verify official notifications at upsc.gov.in.
| # | Event | Expected Period |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Official notification published in the Employment News and on upsc.gov.in. | February 2026 |
| 2 | Application Window Online application period via upsconline.nic.in. Candidates can fill and submit their forms. | February–March 2026 |
| 3 | Admit Card (Prelims) Prelims admit cards/e-admit cards released for download, typically 2–3 weeks before the exam. | May 2026 |
| 4 | Preliminary Examination Objective-type screening test with GS Paper I (200 marks) and CSAT Paper II (qualifying). | May–June 2026 |
| 5 | Prelims Result List of candidates qualified for Mains. Roll numbers published on upsc.gov.in. | July–August 2026 |
| 6 | DAF Form (Mains) Candidates who clear Prelims submit the Detailed Application Form (DAF) online. | August 2026 |
| 7 | Mains Examination Descriptive examination spanning 5 days with 9 papers including Essay, GS I-IV, and 2 Optional papers. Total 1750 marks. | September 2026 |
| 8 | Mains Result List of candidates called for the Personality Test (Interview) published on upsc.gov.in. | January 2027 |
| 9 | Personality Test (Interview) Face-to-face interview conducted by the UPSC board in New Delhi. 275 marks. | March–May 2027 |
| 10 | Final Result Final merit list combining Mains and Interview scores. Candidates allocated to IAS, IPS, IFS, and other services. | May–June 2027 |
UPSC CSE 2026 Notification
February 2026
Official notification published in the Employment News and on upsc.gov.in.
Application Window
February–March 2026
Online application period via upsconline.nic.in. Candidates can fill and submit their forms.
Admit Card (Prelims)
May 2026
Prelims admit cards/e-admit cards released for download, typically 2–3 weeks before the exam.
Preliminary Examination
May–June 2026
Objective-type screening test with GS Paper I (200 marks) and CSAT Paper II (qualifying).
Prelims Result
July–August 2026
List of candidates qualified for Mains. Roll numbers published on upsc.gov.in.
DAF Form (Mains)
August 2026
Candidates who clear Prelims submit the Detailed Application Form (DAF) online.
Mains Examination
September 2026
Descriptive examination spanning 5 days with 9 papers including Essay, GS I-IV, and 2 Optional papers. Total 1750 marks.
Mains Result
January 2027
List of candidates called for the Personality Test (Interview) published on upsc.gov.in.
Personality Test (Interview)
March–May 2027
Face-to-face interview conducted by the UPSC board in New Delhi. 275 marks.
Final Result
May–June 2027
Final merit list combining Mains and Interview scores. Candidates allocated to IAS, IPS, IFS, and other services.