NEW DELHI, August 1 — The Union Public Service Commission has published the detailed timetable for the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026, confirming that the five-day descriptive examination will commence on Friday, August 21, 2026.
According to the official schedule released on upsc.gov.in, the exam will be held in two daily shifts across designated exam centres nationwide. Candidates who qualified through the Preliminary exam are required to present their e-Admit Cards along with valid government-issued photo identification at their allotted venues.
The Mains examination tests candidates across nine papers, including Essay, General Studies Papers I through IV, and two optional subject papers. Marks scored in these written papers count directly toward the final merit list alongside the personality test interview stage.
UPSC aspirants gearing up for the Mains papers should note that candidate instructions, e-admit cards and venue guidelines have been made available for download on the UPSC portal.