The UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026 is on May 24, 2026 (Sunday). This is the date every IAS student needs to remember. The official notice was planned for January 14, 2026, but there has been a small delay in the process.
When you know the exact dates, you can plan your studies better, apply without rushing, and stay calm.
In this article, I will tell you the exact confirmed exam dates, when to apply, the gap between Prelims and Mains, and how to use those 89 days well.
UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Date (Official)
UPSC will hold the Civil Services (IAS) Prelims on May 24, 2026, which falls on a Sunday. The exam takes place in one day, with two papers. The notice date was January 14, 2026, and applications close on February 3, 2026.
The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Prelims happens on the same day. So if you are taking both exams, you write them together.
UPSC 2026 Exam Schedule (Prelims to Mains)
Here is the full timeline from the notice to Mains. This helps you plan each study phase without confusion.
| Event | Date | Official Status |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC CSE 2026 Notification | January 14, 2026 | As per the UPSC Calendar |
| Application Window | Jan 14 – Feb 3, 2026 | Official |
| UPSC Prelims 2026 | May 24, 2026 (Sunday) | Official |
| UPSC Mains 2026 Start | August 21, 2026 (Friday) | Official |
| Mains Duration | 5 Days | Official |
You get 89 days between Prelims and Mains. That is less than three months. You need to shift from answering multiple-choice questions to writing long answers. Use this time to revise, take practice tests, and improve your writing.
UPSC 2026 Notification & Application Dates
The official notice starts the whole process. Here is what you need to watch for.
UPSC 2026 Notification Date
The calendar showed January 14, 2026, as the release date. There has been a small delay in the office work. But UPSC updates any changes on upsc.gov.in. Check the official website every day if you plan to apply.
UPSC 2026 Application Form Dates
Applications open on January 14, 2026, and close on February 3, 2026. You get 21 days to apply. Do not wait until the last week. Too many people use the website at once, and technical problems can stop you from applying.
If you want to apply for the IAS Exam, visit the official UPSC website. Fill in your details, upload your papers, and pay the fee before the deadline.
IFoS & Other Major UPSC Exams in 2026
UPSC holds many exams during the year. Here are the important dates if you are taking more than one exam.
| Exam Name | Stage | Date |
|---|---|---|
| IFoS | Prelims | May 24, 2026 |
| IFoS | Mains | November 22, 2026 |
| NDA & NA (I) | Written Exam | April 12, 2026 |
| CDS (I) | Written Exam | April 12, 2026 |
| Engineering Services | Prelims | February 8, 2026 |
| Combined Geo-Scientist | Prelims | February 8, 2026 |
| CAPF (ACs) | Written Exam | August 9, 2026 |
| NDA & NA (II) | Written Exam | September 6, 2026 |
| CDS (II) | Written Exam | September 6, 2026 |
If you want both IFoS and CSE, you take the same Prelims paper. But the Mains are different and start on November 22. Plan your optional subject and general studies based on this.
Prelims-Mains Gap Strategy (UPSC 2026)
The 89 days between May 24 and August 21 are important. This is not the correct time to start new topics. Work on three things: going over what you learned, practicing answer writing, and taking mock tests.
Spend 6 to 8 hours each day on serious study at least. Break your day into parts for General Studies, Optional subject, Essay, and Ethics.
Write at least one full answer every day. Look at good answers from others. Find your mistakes and fix them. The Mains test needs clear writing, not long essays.
Practice writing short, fact-based answers within the word count. How you use this phase decides if you just pass Prelims or actually reach the interview round.
UPSC 2026 Eligibility Snapshot
Age rules are checked as of August 1, 2026. For General category, you must be at least 21 and not older than 32. OBC students get 3 extra years. SC/ST students get 5 extra years. PwD students get more time based on their category.
Read the official notice for exact dates and which papers you need. The UPSC Exam Age Limit cannot be changed, so check if you qualify before you apply.
Conclusion: UPSC 2026 Prelims Exam Date is May 24, 2026
Write down May 24, 2026, in your planner. This is the day that decides if your hard work takes you forward. The notice process has a small delay, but the exam date stays the same.
Keep visiting upsc.gov.in for news about the application form. Whether this is your first try or you are trying again, this year can be yours. Plan your study time, follow your revision plan, and believe in your work.
FAQs
UPSC Prelims 2026 will be held on May 24, 2026 (Sunday), according to the official exam schedule from the commission.
Start with NCERT books for basic topics, follow the official list of subjects, solve old question papers, and join a test program for regular practice.
The subjects include General Studies like Indian Government, History, Geography, Economy, Environment, Science, and CSAT, which has Reading, Logic, and Math for Prelims, plus more topics for Mains.
UPSC CSE 2025 application time is over. For 2026, the form opens on January 14, 2026, and closes on February 3, 2026.
It is the online form for the Civil Services Examination 2026 on upsc website, where you fill in your personal details, education records, category papers, and upload your photo.
