UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026 – Complete Guide
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026 notification and opened the online application process on 11 March 2026. Eligible candidates can complete their registration and submit applications through the official UPSC Online portal until 31 March 2026 (6:00 PM IST).
The CMS Exam recruits Medical Officers in central government services like Central Health Services (CHS), Indian Railways, Municipal Corporations (NDMC/MCD), and other departments. It is a highly sought-after government exam for MBBS doctors and medical graduates.
UPSC CMS 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 11 March 2026 |
| Online Registration Starts | 11 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 31 March 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | 01 April – 07 April 2026 (Tentative) |
| Written Examination | 02 August 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Result Declaration | Tentative (October / November 2026) |
| Official website | https://upsconline.nic.in |
Vacancy Details 2026
| Post / Department | Number of Vacancies | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Central Health Services (CHS) | 150* | Includes posts for General Duty Medical Officers in central government hospitals |
| Indian Railways | 80* | Medical Officers posted in Indian Railway hospitals and health units |
| Municipal Corporations (NDMC/MCD) | 50* | Medical Officers in municipal health services |
| Other Central Services | 20* | Various government departments requiring medical officers |
| Total Vacancies | 300* | Tentative, as per official notification |
*Exact vacancy numbers will be finalised in the official UPSC notification at the time of application.
What is the UPSC CMS Exam?
The Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS) is an all-India competitive exam conducted by UPSC to recruit Medical Officers in various central government healthcare departments.
This exam is ideal for MBBS graduates who want to join government medical services. Selection is based on a written test followed by an interview/personality test.Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Must hold a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from a recognised university.
- Final-year MBBS students or interns may also apply; appointment is subject to completion of internship and MBBS degree.
Age Limit
- Below 32 years as of 02 August 2026 (relaxations apply for reserved categories).
Nationality
- Indian citizen, or subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before 1962 for permanent settlement.
- Persons of Indian origin from specified countries intending to permanently settle in India are eligible.
Official Apply Online Link
✅ Apply Online for UPSC CMS 2026:
https://upsconline.nic.in
Candidates must complete the One Time Registration (OTR) before filling out the CMS-specific application form.
How to Apply – Step by Step
Step 1: One Time Registration (OTR)
- Visit https://upsconline.nic.in
- Click on “One Time Registration”.
- Fill in personal details, email, mobile number, and set a password.
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph and signature.
- Note down your Registration ID.
Step 2: CMS Application Form
- Login with your Registration ID.
- Select Combined Medical Services Examination 2026.
- Fill academic and internship details.
- Choose preferred exam centre.
- Upload documents (photo & signature).
- Pay application fee online.
- Review the form and submit.
- Download the confirmation page for reference.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / Female / PwBD | Exempted / Reduced |
CMS Exam Pattern 2026
Written Examination
- 2 papers (Paper I & Paper II)
- Maximum Marks: 500
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
Paper-I: General Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, ENT & Ophthalmology
Paper-II: Preventive & Social Medicine (PSM), Community Medicine, Clinical subjects
Personality Test / Interview
- Maximum Marks: 100
- Evaluates communication skills, medical knowledge, problem-solving, and suitability for service
Syllabus Overview
Paper-I
- General Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Surgery & ENT
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Ophthalmology
Paper-II
- Preventive & Social Medicine (PSM) / Community Medicine
- Clinical subjects including emergency medicine basics
- Public health and healthcare systems
Preparation Tips
- Understand the exam pattern and marking scheme.
- Focus on high-weight subjects: General Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery & OBGYN, PSM.
- Make concise notes for revision.
- Solve previous years’ question papers.
- Join mock test series for exam simulation.
- Revise regularly to retain medical knowledge.
Selection Process
- Written Examination: Qualifying candidates move to next stage.
- Personality Test / Interview: Shortlisted candidates assessed for suitability.
- Final Merit List: Based on written exam marks and interview scores.
Career Prospects & Job Profile
Selected candidates become Medical Officers in:
- Railway Health Services
- Central Health Services (CHS)
- Municipal Corporations (NDMC / MCD)
- Other central government medical establishments
Benefits:
- Government pay scale with allowances
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Promotions and cadre structure
- Diverse work locations across India
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Delaying application submission
- Not completing OTR before application
- Ignoring lower-weight syllabus sections
- Skipping mock tests or previous papers
- Misinterpreting eligibility criteria
Conclusion
The UPSC CMS Examination 2026 provides a prestigious career path for MBBS graduates seeking central government medical service roles. With the application window open until 31 March 2026, aspirants should apply early and begin structured preparation for success.
FAQs:
The Combined Medical Services (CMS) Exam is conducted by UPSC to recruit Medical Officers in central government services, including CHS, Railways, NDMC, and other departments.
Candidates must have an MBBS degree from a recognised university. Final-year MBBS students or interns may also apply, but appointment will be confirmed only after completion of the internship and degree.
Candidates must be below 32 years as of 02 August 2026. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories as per government rules.
The total tentative vacancies are 300, including posts in Central Health Services, Indian Railways, Municipal Corporations, and other central services.
Start Date: 11 March 2026
Last Date: 31 March 2026 (6:00 PM IST)
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