1) UPSC – Union Public Service Commission (Top Civil & Defence Exams)
📌 UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) 2026
🗓️ Notification: 14–20 Jan 2026 (apply Jan–Feb)
📆 Prelims: 24 May 2026
📆 Mains: 21–25 Aug 2026
🎓 Eligibility: Graduate (any stream)
⚡ Stages: Prelims → Mains → Interview
📘 Syllabus Highlights: Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Environment, Ethics, Optional Subject
👉 Great for: IAS/IPS/IFS & other Group A/Group B services Indiatimes+1
📌 UPSC NDA & CDS 2026
🗓️ NDA-I: 12 Apr 2026; NDA-II: Sep 2026
Eligibility: 12th pass (NDA); Graduate (CDS)
👉 Pathway to: Army, Navy, Air Force commissioning Sarkari Resultz.In
📌 Other UPSC Exams
• ESE (Engineering Services) Prelims: 8 Feb 2026
• CAPF AC: Jul 2026
• Geo-Scientist/IES (various dates) adda247
📌 2) SSC – Staff Selection Commission
| Exam | Apply Window | Exam Dates (2026) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC CGL 2026 | Apr–May 2026 | Tier I: Jun–Jul / Tier II: Sep–Oct | Graduate |
| SSC CHSL 2026 | Jun–Jul 2026 | Prelims: Sep–Oct | 12th Pass |
| SSC MTS/Constable | 2025 cycle → early 2026 | Various | 10th/12th |
📌 Important:
SSC CGL Tier-2 dates announced already for Jan 18–19, 2026 (for 2025 cycle qualifiers). The Times of India+1
📘 Syllabus Commonalities:
Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Intelligence/Reasoning, General Awareness → build strong basics + mock tests.
🚆 3) Railways – RRB & RRC Exams
📌 RRB JE & Technical Posts (CEN 05/2025) | Feb–Mar 2026
Recruitment for Junior Engineer & technical profiles – exams scheduled in early 2026. The Times of India
📌 RRB NTPC & Group D
🗓️ Notification: Jan–Mar 2026
🗓️ CBT Exam: Apr–Jun 2026 (expected)
📘 Eligibility: 12th or Graduate
📘 Syllabus: Maths, Reasoning, General Awareness Sarkari Resultz.In
💡 Railway Preparation Tip:
Strong focus on Arithmetic + GA + Reasoning with past papers & sectional tests.
🏦 4) Banking Exams – IBPS, RBI, SBI & More
📌 IBPS PO/Clerk 2026 Cycle
• Prelims: Aug 2026 (PO) / Dec 2026 (Clerk)
• Mains: Oct 2026 (PO) / Jan 2027 (Clerk)
🎓 Graduate | Pattern: Quant + Reasoning + English + GA Sarkari Resultz.In
📌 RBI Grade B 2026
• Notification: Mar–Apr 2026
• Prelims: Sep 2026
🎓 Graduate | strong Econ/Finance + English + Reasoning syllabus. Sarkari Resultz.In
📌 SBI SCO Recruitment 2026
Applications open now, no written exam – selection via shortlisting + interview. The Times of India
📊 Quick Comparison – Eligibility & Focus
| Category | Minimum Qualification | Key Skills to Master |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC CSE | Graduate | GS + Optional Subject + Essay |
| SSC CGL/CHSL | Graduate/12th | Quant + Reasoning + GA |
| RRB (Railways) | 10th/12th/Graduate | Arithmetic + Reasoning + GA |
| Bank Exams | Graduate | Quant + English + GA + Reasoning |
📋 How to Use This Visual Roadmap
✅ Plan by Quarter:
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Jan–Mar 2026: Apply to UPSC CSE/Defence, RRB notifications.
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Apr–May 2026: Major UPSC & Railway CBT begins.
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Jun–Oct 2026: SSC & Banking prelims & mains stages.
✅ Preparation Strategy:
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Build daily study schedule split by sections.
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Focus on mock tests + previous year papers.
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Revise current affairs & fundamentals frequently.