By Aaditya Vikram Parmar, Director, Career Power Mumbai Centres
Most people say UPSC and mean the IAS exam. In fact the Union Public Service Commission runs more than a dozen recruitment exams every year, for graduates, engineers, doctors and Class 12 students. UPSC released its 2027 calendar on 20 May 2026. Here is every exam and who should sit it.
The main exams
| Exam | Who it is for | Leads to |
| Civil Services Examination (CSE) | Graduates in any discipline | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other central services |
| Indian Forest Service (IFoS) | Science, agriculture and engineering graduates | Indian Forest Service. Screening is through the CSE Prelims |
| Engineering Services (ESE) | Engineering graduates | Group A engineering services in railways, roads, defence and other departments |
| Combined Defence Services (CDS) | Graduates | Officer entry to the Army, Navy and Air Force academies |
| NDA and NA | Class 12 pass or appearing | National Defence Academy and Naval Academy |
| CAPF (Assistant Commandant) | Graduates | BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB |
| Combined Medical Services (CMS) | MBBS graduates | Medical officer posts under the central government |
| IES / ISS | Postgraduates in economics or statistics | Indian Economic Service and Indian Statistical Service |
| Combined Geo-Scientist | Geology, geophysics and chemistry postgraduates | Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board |
Civil Services 2027: key dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification | 13 January 2027 |
| Last date to apply | 2 February 2027 |
| Preliminary exam | Sunday, 23 May 2027 |
| Main exam | From 20 August 2027, five days |
UPSC also fills specialist posts through recruitment tests and interviews, such as EPFO enforcement and accounts officers and assistant provident fund commissioners. These are advertised separately through the year.
Which exam should you choose?
Frequently asked questions
Is UPSC only the IAS exam?
No. IAS is one of the services filled through the Civil Services Examination, which is one of many UPSC exams.
How many times a year is the Civil Services exam held?
Once. NDA and CDS are held twice a year.
Where do I find official dates?
On upsc.gov.in under Examinations, Calendar. Dates can be revised, so check before you plan leave or travel.
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