The list of competitive exams in India 2026 includes Bank PO, IAS, SSC, CDS, and more. These entrance exams are held nationally, and the cutoffs are usually high.
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The list of competitive exams in India 2026 includes UPSC, JEE, SSC, GATE, IBPS, GRE, SBI PO, NDA, and IIFT. These exams are conducted for entry into various undergraduate programs and for entry- level jobs. Further, these competitive exams can be classified into categories such as competitive exams after 12th, competitive exams after graduation, and competitive exams for jobs.
After passing the 12th grade exam, students can sign up for a number of competitive exams that are specific to their career path and about 50 sarkari exams are conducted every year that offer employment in India. These exams serve as gateways to premier educational institutions, government jobs, or high-profile careers.
List of Competitive Exams in India 2026
Every year, lakhs of students in India appear for different competitive exams. These exams evaluate candidates on the basis of their technical skills, aptitude, and other aspects. Some of these exams are conducted online, whereas others take place in offline mode. Here is the competitive exams list:
| Examination Name | Exam Date (Tentative) |
| UPSC CSE | Prelims: Jun 2026 Mains: Sep 2026 |
| UPSC IES | Prelims: Feb 2026 |
| Mains: Jun 2026 | |
| SSC CGL | Aug/Sep 2026 |
| UPSC CDS | CDS 1: Apr 2026 |
| CDS 2: Sept 2026 | |
| UPSC NDA | NDA I: Apr 2026 |
| NDA II: Sept 2026 | |
| FCI | May 2026 (tentative) |
| IBPS PO | Prelims: Oct 2026 |
| Mains: Nov 2026 | |
| SBI PO | Prelims: Nov 2026 (tentative) |
| Mains: Dec 2026 (tentative) |
1. UPSC CSE
The UPSE CSE or the Civil Services Examination is a national-level competitive examination in India. It is ranked as the top Civil Service of the Government of India, including the Indian Administrative Service. Besides, it is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This exam falls under the competitive exams list in India.
Further, the qualified candidates are given various Central and All India Civil Service posts according to their ranks in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), etc.
| Events | Dates |
| UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Notification Date | Feb 2026 |
| UPSC CSE 2026 Application Form | Feb 2026 |
| UPSC CSE 2026 Application Form Correction | Mar 2026 |
| UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary Exam Admit Card Release Date | May 2026 |
| UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary Exam Date | May 2026 |
| UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary Exam Result Date | Jun 2026 |
| UPSC CSE 2026 Main Exam Date | Sep 2026 |
Also Read: Competitive Exams after Graduation
2. UPSC IES
The UPSC IES or Indian Engineering Services Examination is the top Engineering job in India. IES is a national-level examination and is conducted by the United Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates must have a degree in engineering from a government recognized university or college.
Additionally, it falls under the category of highly competitive exams in India. Important dates of the exam are as follows:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UPSC IES 2026 Prelims Admit Card Release Date | Feb 2026 |
| UPSC IES 2026 Prelims Exam Date | Feb 2026 |
| UPSC IES 2026 Prelims Result Date | Mar (tentative) |
| UPSC IES 2026 Mains Exam Date | Jun 2026 |
Also Read: List of Competitive Exams in India after Graduation
3. SSC CGL
SSC CGL abbreviated for Staff Selection Commission - Combined Graduate Level Examination. Any candidate who has completed their graduation can apply for this examination. It is a national-level examination conducted by the Government of India annually.
It is categorised as one of the competitive exams in India. The important dates are as follows:
| Events | Dates |
| SSC CGL 2026 Application Process Start Date | Jun 2026 |
| SSC CGL 2026 Application Process End Date (Online) | Jul 2026 |
| SSC CGL 2026 Application Process End Date (Offline) | Jul 2026 |
| SSC CGL 2026 Application Form Correction Dates | Jul 2026 |
| SSC CGL 2026 Tier I Exam | Aug - Sep, 2026 |
Also Read: SSC CGL vs Bank PO: Eligibility, Syllabus, Salary
4. UPSC CDS
UPSC CDS or Combined Defence Services Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Graduates from any field of education are eligible for this examination. Besides, the selected candidates will undergo training at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Trainee Academy (OTA).
The list of competitive exams in India includes CDS. The essential dates are mentioned in the table.
| Events | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Form Release Date |
|
| Close of Registration |
|
| Admit Card Release |
|
| Exam Date |
|
Also Read: Difference Between AFCAT and CDS Exam: Syllabus, Best Books
5. UPSC NDA
The UPSC NDA or National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is conducted for recruiting candidates in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Candidates with Physics/ Chemistry/ Maths as their subjects in their graduation can apply only for this examination.
UPSC conducts the exam. It is held in two stages; one is the written test, and the other is a personal interview. The dates are as follows:
| Events | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Form Release Date |
|
| Close of Registration |
|
| Admit Card Release |
|
| Exam Date |
|
Also Read: List of 10 Entrance Exams After BSc in 2026
6. Food Corporation of India Examination
The FCI (Food Corporation of India) conducts the exam for various posts. It is a national-level exam for various posts under the Government of India. The age limit varies for different groups.
The eligibility criteria also differ for each post. However, few relaxations are given for reserved category candidates. The important dates of the SSC FCI recruitment exam are as follows:
| Important Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Commencement of Online Registration for Application | To be notified |
| Last Date to Register, Pay Online Fee & Edit Application Details | To be notified |
| Last Date to Take Printout of Online Application | To be notified |
| Admit Card Release Date | To be notified |
| FCI Recruitment Date of Exam | To be notified |
| Declaration of Result | To be notified |
Also Read: FCI Manager Salary: In-hand Salary, Pay Scale & Structure
7. IBPS PO
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Exam for Probationary Officer (IBPS PO) is a self-governing recruitment body. Candidates from all categories can apply for the exam only by holding a graduation degree from a UGC recognized university.
IBPS PO exam dates are mentioned in the table.
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| IBPS PO 2026 Application Date | Aug 2026 |
| IBPS Form 2026 Last Date | Aug 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam Dates | Oct 2026 |
| IBPS PO 2026 Mains Exam Date | Nov 2026 |
Also Read: 25 Best IBPS PO Interview Questions and Answers
8. SBI PO
SBI PO exam is conducted to select candidates for the post of Probationary Officers by the State Bank of India. Graduate candidates from the age group of 21 to 30 can apply for the exam. Besides, the exam is conducted in three stages, preliminary, mains, and personal interview.
SBI PO is also mentioned in the list of competitive exams in India 2026. The important dates are as follows:
| SBI PO Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Sep 2026 |
| Availability of Application Form starts from | Sep 2026 |
| Application Form window last date | Oct 2026 |
| Pre-Exam Training or Doubt Clearing Session | Nov/Dec 2026 |
| Prelims Admit Card | Dec 2026 |
| SBI PO Prelims Exam | Dec 2026 |
| Prelims Result | Dec 2026 |
| Mains Admit Card | Dec 2026 |
| SBI PO Mains Exam | Dec 2026 |
| Mains Result | Dec 2026 |
| Group Exercises and Interview Date | Dec 2026 |
| Declaration of Final Result | Dec 2026 |
Also Read: 25 Best SBI PO Interview Questions
Types of Competitive Exams in India 2026
This section provides detailed information on the different types of competitive exams. Various kinds of competitive examinations in India are listed below.
List of Competitive Exams in India After 12th 2026
The big question after 12th is whether the candidate should pursue higher studies or look towards a more professional future in the Government sector. There are several roles that candidates can apply for which do not require a bachelor's degree.
Here is the list of competitive exams in India after 12th 2026.
| Stream | List of Exams | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| Science | Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) | Nov 2026 |
| National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) | June 2026 | |
| Engineering | Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) | Jan 22 to Jan 31, 2026 |
| JEE Advanced | May 18, 2026 | |
| Birla Institute of Technology & Science Admission Test (BITSAT) |
May 20 - 24, 2026 (Session 1) June 24 - 28, 2026 (Session 2) |
|
| COMEDK UGET | May 10, 2026 | |
| IPU CET | Apr 27 - May 12, 2026 | |
| MU OET |
|
|
| VITEEE | Apr 2026 | |
| AMUEEE | May/June 2026 | |
| Law | Common-Law Admission Test (CLAT) | Dec 2026 |
| All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) | Dec 2026 | |
| Medical | National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) | May 5, 2026 |
| AIIMS MBBS | May 5, 2026 | |
| Defense Service | Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET) | Jun 2026 |
| Indian Navy B.Tech Entry Scheme | To be notified | |
| Indian Army Technical Entry Scheme | Sep to Oct, 2026 (tentative) | |
| National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination | Sep 2026 | |
| Social Science | Banaras Hindu University Entrance (BHU NET) | April 2026 |
| Fashion & Design | National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) | Feb 9, 2026 |
| National Institute of Design Admissions (NID) |
|
|
| Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) | Jan 2026 | |
| Symbiosis Institue of Design Exam (SEED) | Jan 2026 |
Also Read: Top 5 Engineering Entrance Exams Other Than JEE Main
List of Competitive Exams in India After Graduation 2026
After graduation, there is a lot more pressure on candidates to choose the right exam and head in the right direction. Our list of competitive exams in India after graduation are displayed below:
| List of Exams | Exam Date |
|---|---|
| GATE | Feb 1, 2, 15 & 16, 2026 |
| GRE | Exam dates are fixed based on the application date |
| GMAT | Exam dates are fixed based on the application date |
| CLAT PG | Dec 1, 2024 |
| JIPMER PG Medical Entrance Exam |
|
| CEED | Jan 2026 |
| LSAT | Jan, Apr & Jun 2026 |
Also Read: Top 10 Flying Schools in India: Entrance Exams, Fees, Eligibility
List of Competitive Exams in India for Government Jobs 2026
Most of the students are going for a Government job and preparing hard for competitive exams. The reason is the better career opportunities that can lead to a better, more stable lifestyle. Additionally, with the rise in competition, the exam gets harder, more strict, and trickier.
Luckily for you, we have a detailed list of competitive exams in India after graduation for jobs and how to tackle them, all listed below.
| Name of competitive Exam | Conducting Authority |
|---|---|
| Civil Services Exam | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| SSC CGL | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| SBI PO | State Bank of India |
| IBPS PO | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection |
| SSC CHSL | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| UPSC NDA | Union Public Service Commission |
| SBI Clerk | State Bank of India |
| IBPS Clerk | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection |
| UPSC CDS | Union Public Service Commission |
| IBPS RRB | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection |
| RBI Assistant | Reserve Bank of India |
| SBI PO | State Bank of India |
| IBPS SO | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection |
| RBI Grade B officer | Reserve Bank of India |
| SSC GD | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| CTET | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| SSC CPO | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| SSC JE | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| SSC MTS | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| RRB ALP | Railway Recruitment Control Board (RRB) |
| RRB JE | Railway Recruitment Control Board (RRB) |
| RRB NTPC | Railway Recruitment Control Board (RRB) |
| RRB Group D | Railway Recruitment Control Board (RRB) |
| DRDO | Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) |
| ISRO Recruitment | ISRO Centralized Recruitment Board |
| ESIC | Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) |
| FCI Recruitment | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| LIC AAO | Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) |
| LIC ADO | Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) |
| SSC Stenographer | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| SSC JHT | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| SSC Scientific Assistant | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
Also Read: Medical Entrance Exams after 12th
How to Prepare for Competitive Exams?
Preparation for a competitive exams is challenging. Whether appearing for the engineering entrance exam, medical entrance exam, MBA entrance exam, CA or CS exam, Bank or PSU recruitment exam, preparation needs to be adequately planned.
To every candidate preparing for competitive exams, here are a few steps that can help clear it with flying colours:
1. Goal Setting: One needs to set a goal and focus all the energy on the achievement of the goal. While setting goals, one needs to consider his ability, availability, and resources. A clear set of goals in advance helps in saving time, which is most important for a candidate. A good strategy would always bring you closer to your goal.
2. Competition Planning: Alongside studying for the exam, one needs to keep an eye on other things also. Analysis of the below-mentioned aspects is critical before the exam preparation:
- Deadline for the application submission
- Minimum eligibility criteria
- The course must have seats available
- Percentage score required
- Previous year cutoff marks
- Age barriers for application
3. Time Management: Managing your time efficiently is the key to success. Preparing a timetable is a routine that has helped several students, toppers, and others. The student should distribute time to each section, and once you have covered all the topics, more time should be allotted to subjects in which you are weak.
4. Mock Tests: Being prepared and ready with the exam format is an advantage. Mock tests aim at providing the candidate with an idea about the exam. Their preparation is analyzed, and it becomes easier to solve problems in the exam.
5. Clarity On The Topic: Basic thing in a competitive exam is to complete in a given time frame, and the candidate needs to complete their exam in slightly restricted and less time. To solve these questions in relatively less time, one needs to have clarity of fundamentals related to mathematics for faster calculation.
6. Examination Day: Weeks before the exam, make sure you revise all the topics from the past two years for which you are preparing. Keep your cool before and during the exam, and attempt the questions calmly. Double-check your hall ticket and stationery you need to carry. Remember, if you did your best during the last 1.5 - 2 years, you need not fear anything.
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