Upcoming Exams : Stay Ahead, Stay Prepared
  • By Admin
  • 08 Dec, 2025

Upcoming Exams : Stay Ahead, Stay Prepared

Complete Exam Calendar 2026: Government, Competitive & Board Exams

Planning your preparation for 2026? This comprehensive guide covers all major government competitive exams, entrance tests, and board examinations scheduled for the year ahead. Whether you're an aspiring civil servant, engineering student, or board exam candidate, here's everything you need to know about important dates and deadlines.

Government & Competitive Exams

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Examinations

1. Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026

 

The most prestigious examination in India, UPSC CSE 2026, follows a three-stage selection process. Mark these crucial dates in your calendar:

Important Dates:

  • Notification Release & Application Start: 14 January 2026
  • Last Date to Apply: 03 February 2026
  • Preliminary Examination: 24 May 2026
  • Main Examination: Starting from 21 August 2026

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Minimum age requirement: 21 years
  • Maximum age limit (General category): 32 years
  • Age relaxation available for OBC, SC, ST, and PwBD categories as per official norms
  • Educational qualification: Graduation or equivalent degree required
  • Final-year students can apply, but the degree must be submitted within the stipulated time

     

2. NDA & NA (I) and CDS (I) 2026

For those aspiring to join the defense forces, the National Defence Academy and Combined Defence Services examinations offer excellent opportunities.

Important Dates:

  • Notification Release: 10 December 2025
  • Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025
  • Examination Date: 12 April 2026 (Sunday)

 

3. Engineering Services Examination (Prelims) 2026

The gateway to various engineering positions in government departments and ministries.

Important Dates:

  • Notification Release: 17 September 2025
  • Last Date to Apply: 07 October 2025
  • Preliminary Examination: 08 February 2026 (Sunday)

4. Combined Geo-Scientist Examination (Prelims) 2026

Specialized examination for recruitment to various geoscience positions in government organizations.

Important Dates:

  • Notification Release: 03 September 2025
  • Last Date to Apply: 23 September 2025
  • Preliminary Examination: 08 February 2026 (Sunday)

5. Indian Economic Service (IES) / Indian Statistical Service (ISS) 2026

For economics and statistics graduates aiming for prestigious positions in economic planning and policy-making.

Important Dates:

  • Notification Release: 11 February 2026
  • Last Date to Apply: 03 March 2026
  • Examination Dates: 19 June 2026 (3-day examination)

6. Combined Medical Services (CMS) 2026

Medical professionals seeking positions in government health services should note these dates.

Important Dates:

  • Notification Release: 11 March 2026
  • Last Date to Apply: 31 March 2026
  • Examination Date: 02 August 2026 (Sunday)

7. Central Armed Police Forces Assistant Commandant (CAPF-AC) 2026

For candidates aspiring to leadership positions in Central Armed Police Forces.

Important Dates:

  • Notification Release: 18 February 2026
  • Last Date to Apply: 10 March 2026
  • Examination Date: 19 July 2026 (Sunday)

 

Important Note: Candidates must always verify dates and eligibility criteria from the official UPSC website, as schedules are subject to change. Currently, confirmed schedules for State PSCs, Railways, Banking (IBPS/SBI), and other government recruitment exams for 2026 are not available. Stay tuned to official portals for updates.

 

Entrance Examinations

JEE Main 2026 (Engineering Entrance)

The Joint Entrance Examination (Main) remains the primary gateway for admission to engineering, architecture, and planning programs across India. For 2026, JEE Main will be conducted in two sessions, giving candidates multiple opportunities to improve their scores.

Session 1 (January 2026)

 

Important Dates:

  • Registration Start: October 2025
  • Last Date to Apply: 27 November 2025
  • Examination Dates: 21–30 January 2026

Session 2 (April 2026)

Tentative Examination Dates: 01–10 April 2026

Examination Pattern:

  • Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode
  • Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning): May include drawing and planning components along with computer-based sections

Candidates can appear in both sessions, and the best score will be considered for admissions and JEE Advanced eligibility.

Note on Other Entrance Exams: As of now, official dates for other major entrance examinations including MBA (CAT/MAT), Medical (NEET/AIIMS), Law (CLAT/AILET), and various university-specific entrance tests have not been announced. Aspirants should regularly check respective official websites for notifications and updates.

 

School & Board Examinations

CBSE Board Exams 2026

 

The Central Board of Secondary Education has released a tentative schedule for Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations for 2026. These dates provide students with a clear timeline for preparation.

Class 10 Board Examinations

Tentative Schedule:

  • Examination Start Date: 17 February 2026
  • Expected Conclusion: Around 9 March 2026

 

Class 12 Board Examinations

Tentative Schedule:

  • Examination Start Date: 17 February 2026
  • Expected Conclusion: 9 April 2026 (tentative)

 

Important Advisory: These dates are provisional and subject to revision based on the final timetable released by CBSE. Students should:

  • Wait for official date sheet from CBSE
  • Check their school notice boards regularly
  • Verify exam dates through the official CBSE website
  • Prepare systematically based on the tentative timeline while remaining flexible for changes

 

Preparation Tips for 2026 Examinations

For UPSC Aspirants:

 

  1. Start preparation at least 12-15 months before the prelims
  2. Focus on current affairs from January 2025 onwards
  3. Complete the syllabus well before the examination dates
  4. Allocate sufficient time for revision and mock tests

     

For JEE Main Candidates:

  1. Register early for both sessions to avoid last-minute technical issues
  2. Attempt both sessions to maximize your best score
  3. Focus on NCERT fundamentals alongside advanced preparation
  4. Practice previous years' papers extensively

 

For Board Exam Students:

  1. Begin revision from December 2025
  2. Create a subject-wise study schedule
  3. Complete all NCERT textbooks thoroughly
  4. Practice sample papers and previous year question papers

     

Important Reminders

 

🔔 Always Verify Information: Examination dates, eligibility criteria, and application procedures can change. Always cross-check information from official websites before taking action.

🔔 Set Reminders: Mark application deadlines in your calendar with reminders at least one week in advance to avoid missing important dates.

🔔 Document Preparation: Keep all required documents (educational certificates, ID proofs, photographs) ready well before application deadlines.

🔔 Official Sources:

  • UPSC: upsc.gov.in
  • JEE Main: jeemain.nta.nic.in
  • CBSE: cbse.gov.in

 

Conclusion

The year 2026 presents numerous opportunities for students and aspirants across different fields. Whether you're preparing for civil services, engineering entrance, or board examinations, proper planning and timely action are crucial for success. Stay informed through official channels, maintain a disciplined preparation routine, and approach your examinations with confidence.

Remember, these dates serve as a roadmap for your preparation journey. Use this guide to plan your study schedule, but always rely on official notifications for final confirmation of dates and procedures.

Best wishes for your examinations in 2026!