Are you preparing for a government job in India? Keeping track of examination dates, application deadlines, admit cards and recruitment notifications can be challenging, especially when you are preparing for multiple competitive exams.
The Government Exam Calendar 2026–27 brings together important examination schedules for SSC, UPSC, IBPS, Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB), and other major recruitment organisations.
Whether you are preparing for SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, UPSC Civil Services or Railway NTPC, this guide will help you understand upcoming examinations, important dates, eligibility requirements and selection procedures.
Quick answer: According to the published official calendars, important upcoming examinations include IBPS SO Mains on 1 November 2026, IBPS RRB Officer Scale I Prelims on 21–22 November 2026, IBPS RRB Office Assistant Prelims in December 2026, and SSC GD Constable 2027 during January–March 2027.
UPSC has also published its Annual Examination Calendar 2027, allowing candidates to begin planning for the next recruitment cycle.
Important: Dates published in annual calendars may change. Always check the latest examination-specific notice and admit card before making travel or preparation plans.
Upcoming Government Exams 2026–27: Important Dates
Here is a quick overview of important examination dates and tentative windows published by the recruiting organisations.
| Examination | Date / Window | Status as of 25 October |
|---|---|---|
| IBPS SO Mains 2026 | 1 November 2026 | Upcoming |
| IBPS RRB Officer Scale I Prelims | 21–22 November 2026 | Upcoming |
| UPSC Indian Forest Service Mains | From 22 November 2026 | Upcoming |
| IBPS RRB Office Assistant Prelims | 6, 12 and 13 December 2026 | Upcoming |
| IBPS RRB Officer Scale I Mains | 20 December 2026 | Upcoming |
| IBPS RRB Officer Scale II & III | 20 December 2026 | Upcoming single examination |
| IBPS Clerk / CSA Mains | 27 December 2026 | Upcoming |
| SSC MTS / Havaldar 2026 | September–November 2026 | Tentative window; verify current notice |
| SSC CPO Paper I 2026 | October–November 2026 | Tentative window; verify current notice |
| IBPS RRB Office Assistant Mains | 30 January 2027 | Upcoming |
| SSC GD Constable 2027 | January–March 2027 | Tentative window |
These dates are based on the respective published calendars, not a guarantee that every examination will proceed without changes.
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026–27
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts examinations for several important central government services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other services.
UPSC publishes annual examination calendars to help candidates plan their preparation.
UPSC Examination Dates 2026
| Examination | Scheduled Date |
|---|---|
| Engineering Services Prelims | 8 February 2026 |
| NDA & NA I | 12 April 2026 |
| CDS I | 12 April 2026 |
| Civil Services Prelims | 24 May 2026 |
| Indian Forest Service Prelims | 24 May 2026 |
| CAPF Assistant Commandants | 19 July 2026 |
| Civil Services Mains | From 21 August 2026 |
| NDA & NA II | 13 September 2026 |
| CDS II | 13 September 2026 |
| Indian Forest Service Mains | From 22 November 2026 |
The earlier dates are retained for reference. Candidates should consult UPSC's examination-specific pages for actual conduct, results and revised schedules.
UPSC has also released its Annual Calendar 2027. Candidates planning for the next Civil Services, NDA, CDS or other UPSC examination should review that calendar rather than assuming the 2026 dates will repeat.
Official website: https://upsc.gov.in
Official calendar: https://www.upsc.gov.in/examinations/exam-calendar
IBPS Exam Calendar 2026–27
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts recruitment examinations for participating public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks.
IBPS examinations are popular among graduates seeking banking careers.
The official 2026–27 tentative calendar was issued on 16 January 2026.
IBPS PO, SO and Clerk Examination Dates
| Examination | Preliminary Exam | Main Exam |
|---|---|---|
| IBPS PO / MT XVI | 22–23 August 2026 | 4 October 2026 |
| IBPS Specialist Officer XVI | 29 August 2026 | 1 November 2026 |
| IBPS Clerk / CSA XVI | 10–11 October 2026 | 27 December 2026 |
As of 25 October, the preliminary examination dates and IBPS PO Mains date are in the past.
Candidates should check official result announcements, scorecards, interview schedules and subsequent recruitment updates.
IBPS RRB Exam Calendar 2026–27
IBPS RRB recruitment is conducted for Regional Rural Banks. These are banking institutions and should not be confused with Railway Recruitment Boards.
| Examination | Date |
|---|---|
| RRB Officer Scale I Prelims | 21–22 November 2026 |
| RRB Officer Scale I Mains | 20 December 2026 |
| RRB Officer Scale II & III Single Exam | 20 December 2026 |
| RRB Office Assistant Prelims | 6, 12 and 13 December 2026 |
| RRB Office Assistant Mains | 30 January 2027 |
Officer Scale II and III recruitment does not follow the same preliminary examination structure as Officer Scale I.
Candidates must check the relevant recruitment notification for the exact selection process.
Official website: https://www.ibps.in
Official calendar: IBPS Calendar 2026–27 (PDF)
SSC Exam Calendar 2026–27
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts recruitment examinations for Group B and Group C posts across various central government departments.
Popular SSC examinations include CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD Constable, Junior Engineer and Sub-Inspector recruitment.
SSC Examination Schedule 2026–27
| Examination | Tentative Examination Window |
|---|---|
| SSC CGL Tier I 2026 | May–June 2026 |
| SSC Junior Engineer Paper I | May–June 2026 |
| SSC Selection Post Phase XIV | May–July 2026 |
| SSC CHSL Tier I | July–September 2026 |
| SSC Stenographer Grade C & D | August–September 2026 |
| SSC Combined Hindi Translators | August–September 2026 |
| SSC MTS & Havaldar | September–November 2026 |
| SSC CPO Paper I | October–November 2026 |
| SSC GD Constable 2027 | January–March 2027 |
These are the windows in SSC's tentative 2026–27 calendar dated January 2026. They should not be presented as final examination dates.
For examinations whose windows have already passed or are currently underway, candidates must consult subsequent SSC notices for actual schedules, postponements, admit cards and results.
Important SSC Recruitment Information
SSC CGL generally requires a bachelor's degree, although some posts have additional educational requirements.
SSC CHSL is mainly intended for candidates who meet the prescribed Class 12 qualification.
SSC MTS and GD Constable recruitment generally include opportunities for eligible Class 10 pass candidates, subject to post-specific conditions.
Candidates should check age limits, physical standards, educational qualifications and reservation rules before applying.
Official website: https://ssc.gov.in
Tentative calendar: SSC 2026–27 Calendar (PDF)
Railway RRB Exam Calendar 2026–27
Railway Recruitment Boards conduct recruitment examinations for various posts in Indian Railways.
Popular recruitment categories include:
- RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories)
- RRB Group D / Level 1
- RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot)
- RRB Junior Engineer
- Other technical and non-technical railway posts
Unlike the IBPS banking calendar, Railway recruitment dates depend on the relevant Centralised Employment Notice (CEN).
There is no single confirmed examination date that applies to every Railway NTPC, Group D, ALP and JE recruitment cycle.
Candidates should identify their CEN number and regularly check the relevant official RRB website.
How to Check Railway Examination Dates
- Visit your regional Railway Recruitment Board's official website.
- Open the latest recruitment notices section.
- Find the relevant CEN number.
- Download the examination schedule or city-intimation notice.
- Check the admit card release instructions.
- Verify the date, shift and examination centre mentioned in your admit card.
Avoid relying on viral social media posts that announce railway examination dates without an official notification.
Official website example: https://www.rrbcdg.gov.in
IBPS PO 2026: Eligibility, Salary and Selection Process
IBPS Probationary Officer recruitment is a major opportunity for graduates interested in joining participating public sector banks.
The 2026 recruitment cycle is known as CRP PO/MT-XVI.
IBPS PO 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment | Probationary Officer / Management Trainee |
| Educational qualification | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university |
| General age range | 20–30 years, subject to notification |
| Preliminary examination | 22–23 August 2026 |
| Main examination | 4 October 2026 |
| Selection process | Prelims, Mains and Interview |
| Starting basic pay | ₹48,480 under the applicable pay scale |
| Official website | ibps.in |
The basic pay is not the same as take-home salary.
Actual monthly earnings depend on allowances, posting location, deductions and applicable service conditions.
Candidates should also check the official notification for category-wise age relaxation, vacancies, application fees and documentation requirements.
IBPS PO Preparation Tips
Banking examinations usually test quantitative aptitude, reasoning, English language and other subjects specified in the examination pattern.
Candidates preparing for interviews should also develop awareness of banking operations, financial institutions and current affairs.
Always refer to the current examination pattern rather than relying on older preparation material.
SSC CGL 2026: Eligibility, Salary and Exam Pattern
SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) is an important examination for candidates seeking central government Group B and Group C posts.
Recruitment may include posts such as Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, Auditor, Tax Assistant and other departmental positions.
SSC CGL 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | Combined Graduate Level |
| Qualification | Bachelor's degree, with additional requirements for certain posts |
| Age limit | Varies by post |
| Selection process | Tier I and Tier II computer-based examinations |
| Application fee | Generally ₹100, subject to exemptions |
| Salary | Depends on post and pay level |
| Official website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CGL posts have different pay levels and responsibilities.
For example, a post under Pay Level 4 has a different basic-pay structure from one under Pay Level 7.
Candidates should compare the actual post, job profile, posting requirements and eligibility rather than choosing an examination based only on its highest advertised salary.
SSC CGL Examination Pattern
Tier I generally covers General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension.
Tier II includes further assessment under the notified examination scheme.
Some posts may require additional papers or specific eligibility conditions.
Check the latest SSC CGL notification for the precise syllabus, marking system and qualifying requirements.
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026: Complete Details
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted for recruitment to various civil services, including IAS, IPS and other participating services.
The examination requires preparation across a broad syllabus.
UPSC CSE 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification date | 4 February 2026 |
| Preliminary examination | 24 May 2026 |
| Main examination | From 21 August 2026 |
| Qualification | Bachelor's degree or equivalent recognised qualification |
| General category age range | 21–32 years, subject to cut-off rules |
| General category attempt limit | Six, subject to eligibility |
| Selection stages | Prelims, Mains and Personality Test |
| Official website | upsc.gov.in |
The notification date is 4 February 2026, as listed in UPSC's official examination notification archive.
Reserved-category candidates may qualify for additional age relaxation or different attempt limits according to applicable rules.
How to Prepare for UPSC Civil Services
Candidates should first understand the complete syllabus and examination pattern.
Preparation commonly includes Indian polity, history, geography, economy, environment, science and technology, current affairs and the optional subject required for Mains.
Regular answer-writing practice, previous-year question papers and revision are also important.
For the 2027 cycle, refer to the officially published UPSC Annual Calendar 2027 for the relevant notification and examination dates.
Other Government Exams to Track in 2026–27
Apart from SSC, UPSC, IBPS and Railway examinations, candidates can explore other government recruitment opportunities.
CTET: The Central Teacher Eligibility Test is relevant to eligible teaching aspirants. Visit ctet.nic.in for examination notifications.
AFCAT: The Air Force Common Admission Test provides an entry route for eligible candidates seeking certain commissioned officer roles in the Indian Air Force. Visit afcat.cdac.in.
SBI PO and SBI Clerk: State Bank of India publishes separate recruitment notifications. These should not be confused with IBPS recruitment schedules. Visit SBI Careers.
State Public Service Commissions: State-level examinations are conducted independently by organisations such as RPSC, UPPSC, BPSC and MPPSC. Check the appropriate state commission's official website.
Each examination has different eligibility conditions, selection stages and application dates.
Which Government Exam Should You Prepare For?
Choosing the right examination depends on your educational qualification, interests, age, career goals and preparation time.
| Your Preference | Examinations to Explore |
|---|---|
| Banking career | IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, IBPS RRB, SBI |
| Central government office roles | SSC CGL, SSC CHSL |
| Civil services and administration | UPSC Civil Services, State PSC |
| Railway jobs | RRB NTPC, ALP, Group D, JE |
| Defence officer opportunities | NDA, CDS, AFCAT |
| Technical government posts | SSC JE, UPSC Engineering Services |
This comparison is intended to help candidates explore suitable examinations, not rank them by prestige, salary or difficulty.
Candidates with graduation qualifications may be eligible for multiple examinations.
However, eligibility must be checked separately for every recruitment notification.
Important Government Exam Terms Explained
CBT (Computer-Based Test): An examination conducted on a computer at an authorised examination centre.
Prelims: A preliminary examination, often used to shortlist candidates for the next stage.
Mains: A subsequent examination stage that may include more detailed assessment.
Admit Card: A document containing examination details and candidate instructions.
DV (Document Verification): Verification of educational, identity and other required documents.
PET/PST: Physical Efficiency Test and Physical Standard Test, where applicable.
PwBD: Persons with Benchmark Disabilities, as defined under applicable rules.
OTR (One-Time Registration): A registration facility used by some recruiting organisations to maintain candidate details.
CEN: Centralised Employment Notice, commonly used in Railway recruitment.
Understanding these terms makes it easier to read recruitment notifications correctly.
Common Mistakes That Can Lead to Application Rejection
Government examination applications require careful attention.
One common mistake is entering incorrect personal details, including name, date of birth or category information.
Another is uploading photographs, signatures or certificates that do not meet the prescribed specifications.
Candidates may also misunderstand the educational qualification cut-off date or apply for posts for which they do not meet the age requirements.
To avoid these problems, read the official notification before filling out the application form.
Check the application preview carefully, complete any required payment and save the final acknowledgement.
Do not assume that registering on a recruitment website means your application has been successfully submitted.
How to Track Government Exam Date Changes
Recruitment organisations may revise examination dates because of administrative requirements, scheduling changes or other circumstances.
Candidates should follow a reliable checking routine.
- Bookmark the official recruitment website.
- Check the latest notices and examination calendar.
- Save the relevant recruitment notification PDF.
- Monitor application status and admit card announcements.
- Verify examination city, shift and reporting time.
- Avoid unofficial links requesting payments or personal details.
- Recheck the official notice shortly before travelling to the examination centre.
For banking examinations, follow IBPS updates.
For central government recruitment, check SSC and UPSC.
For Railway recruitment, follow the appropriate RRB and CEN-specific notices.
This approach reduces the risk of missing important changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the upcoming government exams in November 2026?
According to the published calendars, IBPS SO Mains is scheduled for 1 November 2026, IBPS RRB Officer Scale I Prelims for 21–22 November, and UPSC Indian Forest Service Mains from 22 November. SSC examinations also have tentative windows extending into November.
2. When is the IBPS RRB PO exam in 2026?
The IBPS calendar lists Officer Scale I preliminary examinations on 21 and 22 November 2026, with the Main examination scheduled for 20 December 2026.
3. When is the IBPS Clerk Mains exam in 2026?
The IBPS Customer Service Associate (Clerk) Main examination is scheduled for 27 December 2026 in the official tentative calendar.
4. When is the SSC GD Constable 2027 examination?
SSC's tentative 2026–27 calendar lists January–March 2027 as the examination window. Candidates should check subsequent notices for exact dates.
5. When was the UPSC Civil Services 2026 notification released?
UPSC's official notification archive lists 4 February 2026 as the notification date for Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026.
6. Is Railway RRB the same as IBPS RRB?
No. Railway Recruitment Boards recruit for railway posts, while IBPS RRB examinations recruit for participating Regional Rural Banks.
7. Can I apply for multiple government examinations?
Yes, provided you meet the eligibility conditions and complete the separate application requirements for each examination.
8. Are government examination calendar dates final?
Not always. Many annual calendars contain tentative schedules. The latest official examination-specific notice takes precedence over an earlier calendar.
9. How can I download government examination admit cards?
Visit the official recruitment website, open the relevant admit card or call-letter section, and follow the login instructions provided by the recruiting organisation.
10. Which government examinations can graduates apply for?
Depending on age and other eligibility conditions, graduates can explore examinations such as SSC CGL, IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, UPSC Civil Services and certain Railway recruitment posts.
Final Thoughts
The Government Exam Calendar 2026–27 is an important planning resource for candidates preparing for competitive examinations in India.
With IBPS RRB examinations scheduled for November and December 2026, banking recruitment continuing into January 2027, and SSC GD Constable examinations tentatively scheduled for early 2027, candidates should organise their preparation around the latest official announcements.
Those preparing for UPSC should also review the Annual Calendar 2027, which has already been published.
Remember that successful examination planning involves more than remembering dates. Candidates should understand eligibility, follow application deadlines, prepare according to the syllabus and verify official notices regularly.
Bookmark this page on DrillTheDeal for a convenient reference to major examination schedules, and always confirm critical information directly with the recruiting organisation.
Official Sources
- UPSC Examination Calendar
- UPSC Examination Notification Archive
- SSC Official Website
- SSC 2026–27 Tentative Calendar
- IBPS Official Website
- IBPS 2026–27 Calendar
- Railway Recruitment Board Chandigarh
Disclaimer: This article is an informational guide and is not affiliated with any government recruitment organisation. Examination dates, eligibility requirements, vacancies and selection procedures are subject to official notifications and revisions.
Last reviewed: 25 October 2026.