ICS + IDVTC Assessment Rounds 2026 Calendar
Background
CSM v2 debuted Node Operator Types last year, introducing Identified Community Stakers (ICS), a dedicated operator type with benefits that home stakers can apply for.
Since then, four ICS assessment rounds have taken place, with timing adjusted based on demand rather than a fixed calendar.
With CSM continuing to grow (now over 8% of Lido’s stake) and Identified DVT Clusters (IDVTC), which requires cluster members to have ICS, set to arrive this summer, there’s a clear need for a predictable cadence that applicants can plan around.
Assessment cadence
Going forward, ICS and IDVTC assessment rounds will follow a quarterly schedule, broadly consistent with the cadence used so far.
ICS rounds will take place first, followed by IDVTC rounds two weeks later, giving applicants and cluster members a clearer path to plan around both processes.
2026 assessment calendar
The assessment calendar for the rest of 2026 is expected to be:
| Round | Cutoff date |
|---|---|
| ICS Round 5 | June 8 |
| IDVTC Round 1 | June 22 |
| ICS Round 6 | September 7 |
| IDVTC Round 2 | September 21 |
| ICS Round 7 | December 7 |
| IDVTC Round 3 | December 21 |
These dates should be understood as assessment cutoffs. There will be a delay between each cutoff and when applicants will be able to claim as applications are reviewed by the CSM Committee, and enactment requires an Easy Track motion first.
Any changes to the exact dates will be communicated in advance.