The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Annual Examination and Recruitment Test (RT) Calendar 2027 on 20 May 2026. The complete schedule has been published on the official website upsc.gov.in, providing detailed timelines for notifications, online application periods, and examination dates for all major UPSC exams scheduled throughout 2027.
This annual calendar serves as a comprehensive roadmap for aspirants preparing for prestigious examinations such as the Civil Services Examination (IAS, IPS, IRS), Indian Forest Service (IFS), National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), Engineering Services Examination (ESE), and other recruitment tests conducted by UPSC.
For candidates, this calendar is an essential planning tool that helps in structuring preparation strategies, tracking important deadlines, and staying aligned with the official exam timeline for the entire year 2027.
UPSC Annual Calendar 2027 — Key Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Calendar Released On | 20 May 2026 |
| Examination Year | 2027 |
| Schedule Begins | 09 January 2027 |
| Schedule Ends | 18 December 2027 |
| CSE Prelims Date | 23 May 2027 (Sunday) |
| CSE Mains Date | 20 August 2027 (Friday) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC Annual Calendar 2027 — Complete Official Schedule
The following table is reproduced directly from the official UPSC PDF released on 20 May 2026:
| Name of Examination | Notification Date | Last Date for Applications | Exam Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 09 Jan 2027 (Sat) | 2 Days |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2027 | 02 Sep 2026 | 22 Sep 2026 | 10 Jan 2027 (Sun) | 1 Day |
| Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2027 | 16 Sep 2026 | 06 Oct 2026 | 31 Jan 2027 (Sun) | 1 Day |
| CBI (DSP) LDCE | 16 Dec 2026 | 05 Jan 2027 | 27 Feb 2027 (Sat) | 2 Days |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 13 Mar 2027 (Sat) | 2 Days |
| CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2027 | 25 Nov 2026 | 15 Dec 2026 | 14 Mar 2027 (Sun) | 1 Day |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I), 2027 | 02 Dec 2026 | 22 Dec 2026 | 11 Apr 2027 (Sun) | 1 Day |
| C.D.S. Examination (I), 2027 | 02 Dec 2026 | 22 Dec 2026 | 11 Apr 2027 (Sun) | 1 Day |
| Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2027 | 13 Jan 2027 | 02 Feb 2027 | 23 May 2027 (Sun) | 1 Day |
| Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2027 through CS(P) Examination | 13 Jan 2027 | 02 Feb 2027 | 23 May 2027 (Sun) | 1 Day |
| Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | 05 Jun 2027 (Sat) | 2 Days |
| Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2027 | — | — | 18 Jun 2027 (Fri) | 1 Day |
| I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2027 | 10 Feb 2027 | 02 Mar 2027 | 18 Jun 2027 (Fri) | 3 Days |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2027 | — | — | 19 Jun 2027 (Sat) | 2 Days |
| Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2027 | 17 Feb 2027 | 09 Mar 2027 | 04 Jul 2027 (Sun) | 1 Day |
| Combined Medical Services Examination, 2027 | 03 Mar 2027 | 23 Mar 2027 | 18 Jul 2027 (Sun) | 1 Day |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 31 Jul 2027 (Sat) | 2 Days |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 07 Aug 2027 (Sat) | 2 Days |
| Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2027 | — | — | 20 Aug 2027 (Fri) | 5 Days |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 2027 | 12 May 2027 | 01 Jun 2027 | 19 Sep 2027 (Sun) | 1 Day |
| C.D.S. Examination (II), 2027 | 12 May 2027 | 01 Jun 2027 | 19 Sep 2027 (Sun) | 1 Day |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 25 Sep 2027 (Sat) | 2 Days |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 16 Oct 2027 (Sat) | 2 Days |
| Reserved for UPSC Examination | — | — | 23 Oct 2027 (Sat) | 2 Days |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2027 | — | — | 21 Nov 2027 (Sun) | 7 Days |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | — | — | 04 Dec 2027 (Sat) | 2 Days |
| S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 15 Sep 2027 | 05 Oct 2027 | 18 Dec 2027 (Sat) | 2 Days |
Exam-Wise Detailed Breakdown – UPSC Calendar 2027
The UPSC Annual Calendar 2027 provides a complete roadmap of all major examinations conducted throughout the year. Below is a detailed exam-wise breakdown of the most important UPSC recruitment exams, including notification dates, application deadlines, and examination schedules.
1. Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2027 — IAS, IPS, IRS & Other Group A Services
The Civil Services Examination is the most prestigious and competitive examination conducted by UPSC. It serves as the gateway to top services such as IAS, IPS, IFS (Foreign Service), IRS, and several other Group A and Group B Central Services.
Important Dates:
- Notification Date: 13 January 2027
- Last Date to Apply: 02 February 2027
- Preliminary Exam: 23 May 2027 (Sunday) – 1 Day
- Main Examination: 20 August 2027 (Friday) – 5 Days
👉 Both Prelims and Mains schedules are released together in the official notification published in January.
Candidates are advised to complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC portal well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues during application submission.
2. Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2027
The Indian Forest Service Examination is conducted alongside the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Candidates interested in IFS must apply through the same application form as CSE 2027.
Important Dates:
- Notification Date: 13 January 2027
- Last Date to Apply: 02 February 2027
- Preliminary Exam: 23 May 2027 (Sunday) – Common with CSE Prelims
- Main Examination: 21 November 2027 (Sunday) – 7 Days
The IFS Main Examination is one of the longest UPSC examinations, conducted over a span of approximately one week, testing in-depth knowledge of forestry, environment, and related sciences.
3. N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I) 2027
The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) is conducted for unmarried male and female candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through NDA, as well as the Naval Academy.
Important Dates:
- Notification Date: 02 December 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 22 December 2026
- Exam Date: 11 April 2027 (Sunday) – 1 Day
4. C.D.S. Examination (I) 2027
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I) is conducted for recruitment into prestigious defence academies including IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Its schedule is aligned with the NDA (I) 2027 examination.
Important Dates:
- Notification Date: 02 December 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 22 December 2026
- Exam Date: 11 April 2027 (Sunday) – 1 Day
5. Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination 2027 (ESE/IES)
The Engineering Services Examination, also known as IES, is conducted for recruitment of engineers in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication disciplines under various Central Government departments.
Important Dates:
- Notification Date: 16 September 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 06 October 2026
- Preliminary Exam: 31 January 2027 (Sunday) – 1 Day
- Main Exam: 18 June 2027 (Friday) – 1 Day
👉 This is one of the earliest major UPSC exams for the 2027 cycle, with applications opening in September 2026.
6. Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027
This examination recruits candidates for scientific posts such as Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist, and Hydrogeologist in various Central Government organizations.
Important Dates:
- Notification Date: 02 September 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 22 September 2026
- Preliminary Exam: 10 January 2027 (Sunday) – 1 Day
- Main Exam: 19 June 2027 (Saturday) – 2 Days
👉 This is the first UPSC examination of the 2027 calendar year, with the Prelims scheduled in January itself.
7. I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination 2027
The Indian Economic Service (IES) and Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination is conducted for specialized roles in economic policy formulation and statistical analysis within the Government of India.
Important Dates:
- Notification Date: 10 February 2027
- Last Date to Apply: 02 March 2027
- Exam Date: 18 June 2027 (Friday) – 3 Days
8. Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination 2027
The CAPF (Assistant Commandants) Examination is conducted for recruitment into India’s five Central Armed Police Forces — BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
Important Dates:
- Notification Date: 17 February 2027
- Last Date to Apply: 09 March 2027
- Exam Date: 04 July 2027 (Sunday) – 1 Day
This examination is a popular choice among candidates aspiring to serve in paramilitary forces as Gazetted Officers.
9. Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2027
The Combined Medical Services Examination is conducted for recruitment of medical graduates into various government healthcare services including Central Health Services, Railways, Municipal Corporations, and other departments.
Important Dates:
- Notification Date: 03 March 2027
- Last Date to Apply: 23 March 2027
- Exam Date: 18 July 2027 (Sunday) – 1 Day
Candidates possessing an MBBS degree or appearing in the final year of MBBS are eligible to apply for CMS 2027.
10. N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II) and C.D.S. Examination (II) 2027
UPSC conducts the second phase of NDA and CDS examinations in the latter half of the year for defence aspirants seeking entry into Army, Navy, and Air Force academies.
Important Dates:
- Notification Date: 12 May 2027
- Last Date to Apply: 01 June 2027
- Exam Date: 19 September 2027 (Sunday) – 1 Day
Both NDA (II) and CDS (II) follow the same schedule for notification and examination.
11. CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2027
The CISF Assistant Commandant (Executive) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination is conducted for departmental candidates of CISF for promotion to officer-level posts.
Important Dates:
- Notification Date: 25 November 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 15 December 2026
- Exam Date: 14 March 2027 (Sunday) – 1 Day
12. CBI (DSP) LDCE 2027
The CBI Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination is organized for eligible departmental candidates.
Important Dates:
- Notification Date: 16 December 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 05 January 2027
- Exam Date: 27 February 2027 (Saturday) – 2 Days
13. S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE 2027
The Section Officer/Stenographer Limited Departmental Competitive Examination is the final major examination listed in the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027.
Important Dates:
- Notification Date: 15 September 2027
- Last Date to Apply: 05 October 2027
- Exam Date: 18 December 2027 (Saturday) – 2 Days
This examination is conducted for departmental promotions to Section Officer and Stenographer posts in various government departments
How to Download UPSC Annual Calendar 2027 PDF
Candidates can easily download the official UPSC Annual Examination Calendar 2027 PDF by following the steps given below:
- Visit the official UPSC website – upsc.gov.in
- On the homepage, go to the “What’s New” or “Examinations” section
- Click on the link titled “Annual Calendar 2027” or “Programme of Examinations/RTs 2027”
- The UPSC Calendar 2027 PDF will open on your screen
- Click on the Download icon or press Ctrl + S (Windows) / Cmd + S (Mac) to save the PDF
- Take a printout of the calendar and mark all important exam dates for better preparation planning
Direct PDF Link
Candidates can also download the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027 PDF directly from the official UPSC website once activated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When was the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027 officially released?
The UPSC Annual Calendar 2027 was officially released on 20 May 2026, as mentioned in the official notification PDF.
Q2. When is the UPSC CSE Prelims 2027?
The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2027 is scheduled to be conducted on 23 May 2027 (Sunday).
Q3. When is the UPSC CSE Mains 2027?
The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2027 will begin on 20 August 2027 (Friday) and continue for 5 days.
Q4. When will the UPSC CSE 2027 notification be released?
The official notification for UPSC CSE 2027 will be released on 13 January 2027, while the last date to apply is 02 February 2027.
Q5. Which is the first UPSC exam scheduled in 2027?
The Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination 2027 is the first UPSC exam scheduled for the year and will be conducted on 10 January 2027 (Sunday).
Q6. When are NDA (I) and CDS (I) 2027 exams scheduled?
Both NDA & NA Examination (I) 2027 and CDS Examination (I) 2027 are scheduled on 11 April 2027 (Sunday).
- Notification Date: 02 December 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 22 December 2026
Q7. How long is the IFS Mains Examination 2027?
The Indian Forest Service (IFS) Main Examination 2027 will start on 21 November 2027 and will continue for 7 days, making it one of the longest exams in the UPSC calendar.
Q8. Which is the last UPSC exam scheduled in 2027?
The S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE 2027 is the final examination in the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027 and is scheduled to commence on 18 December 2027 (Saturday).
Q9. Are the dates mentioned in the UPSC Calendar 2027 final?
No. UPSC has clearly mentioned that the examination dates are subject to change depending on administrative or unforeseen circumstances. Candidates should regularly visit upsc.gov.in for updates.
Q10. Where can I download the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027 PDF?
Candidates can download the official UPSC Annual Calendar 2027 PDF from the official website:
Go to the Examinations section and click on “Annual Calendar 2027” to access the PDF.
