Important Dates 
Syllabus
Eligibility
Application Process
Other DetailsUPSC CMS Exam 2026: UPSC CMS stands for UPSC Combined Medical Service, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. The official 2026 notification is scheduled for release on March 11, 2026, on the official UPSC portal. The official 2026 notification will be released on March 11, 2026, marking the start of the 20-day application window. Those looking to join as medical officers should be familiar with the One-Time Registration (OTR) process—a permanent profile system for all UPSC exams—and the updated 2026 schedule to ensure a smooth application experience.
Overview!
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE) 2026 |
| Frequency | Once a year (Annual) |
| Exam Level | National Level Recruitment |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CMS Exam 2026 Important Dates
Based on the latest UPSC Annual Calendar 2026, candidates must adhere to this timeline:
- Notification & Application Start: March 11, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: March 31, 2026
- Written Exam Date: August 2, 2026 (Sunday)
- Admit Card Release: July 2026 (Expected)
UPSC CMS Exam 2026 Syllabus
The 2026 syllabus follows the MBBS standard curriculum approved by the NMC. The exam is divided into two papers:
| Subjects | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| General Medicine (Paper I) | Cardiology, Infectious diseases, Neurology, Psychiatry, and emergency medical procedures. |
| Paediatrics (Paper I) | Newborn care, immunization milestones, and childhood emergencies. |
| Surgery (Paper II) | General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, and ENT. |
| Gynaecology & Obstetrics (Paper II) | Ante-natal care, normal/complicated labor management, and neoplasms. |
| Preventive & Social Medicine (Paper II) | Epidemiology, Health Programs (Ayushman Bharat, etc.), and Environmental Health. |
UPSC CMS 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
The written exam is a Computer Based Test (CBT). Negative marking of 1/3rd (0.33) applies to every incorrect answer. Note: Selecting multiple options for a single question also results in a penalty.
Exam Structure
| Exam Stage | Details | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I (CBT) | Paper I consists of 120 questions total (96 from General Medicine and 24 from Paediatrics) to be completed in a 2-hour session. | 250 |
| Paper II (CBT) | 120 Questions (Surgery, Gynae & Obs, PSM) – 2 Hours | 250 |
| Personality Test | Interview phase conducted at UPSC headquarters in New Delhi. | 100 |
The final merit list is calculated out of 600 total marks.
Eligibility Criteria (2026-27)
- Qualifications: Must have passed MBBS written and practical exams. Final-year students are eligible to apply.
- Age Limit: Candidates must be under 32 years of age as of August 1, 2026 (born on or after August 2, 1994). However, for CHS posts, the limit is 35 years.
- Attempt Limit: There is no attempt limit for the UPSC CMS exam. Candidates can appear as many times as they wish, provided they meet the age criteria.
Service Categories, Bond & Salary
Candidates are recruited into Category I (CHS) or Category II (Railways, NDMC, MCD). Both Category I and II posts now fall under Level 10 of the Pay Matrix (Basic Pay ₹56,100 + NPA + DA + HRA).
Note on Service Bonds: Selection in certain services, particularly the ADMO in Railways, often involves a Service Bond (e.g., 5 years or a penalty of ₹5 Lakhs for early exit).
Medical Fitness & Visual Standards
Selected candidates undergo a mandatory medical exam. Category I and II have different standards; for example, ADMO in Railways (Category II) has stricter vision requirements compared to CHS posts.
How do I apply for the UPSC CMS Exam?
To complete the registration process, you need to follow these refined steps according to the latest UPSC One-Time Registration (OTR) guidelines. We have ensured the steps are updated for the 2026-27 session while keeping your original structure intact.
Part 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)
Before filling the specific exam form, you must create a permanent profile on the UPSC portal. If you have already registered for another UPSC exam in 2026, you can skip to Part 2.
- Visit the UPSC official website (upsconline.nic.in).
- Press the option “New Registration” to create your OTR profile.
- Choose the registration option and enter your basic details (Name, DOB, Mobile, Email).
- Here, enter the required information and verify it via OTP sent to your mobile and email.
- Review your profile carefully and submit the form to receive your unique OTR ID.
Part 2: Examination Application
- Tap on the “Latest Notification” tab in your OTR dashboard.
- Use your OTR ID/Email and password to log in.
- Now, click on the Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 link to start Part-I of the application.
- Next, choose your exam center and proceed to Part-II for fee payment.
- Then, upload the required documents, including your photograph (clearly showing your name and date of capture) and signature.
- Preview all the entered information carefully.
- Lastly, submit the application form and download the confirmation for your records.
UPSC CMS 2026 Application Fee
Before filling out the application form, you must be familiar with the fees. Our team has verified the category-wise structure for the 2026 cycle:
- For General/OBC/EWS (Male): ₹200
- For Female/SC/ST/PwBD: Exempted
Mode of Payment
You can pay application fees online through Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI. Alternatively, you can choose the “Pay by Cash” mode and deposit the fee through a system-generated SBI E-Challan at any SBI branch.
How to download an admit card for UPSC CMS?
Your e-Admit Card will be released online approximately 2–3 weeks before the exam date (August 2, 2026). Follow these steps:
- Visit the UPSC official website.
- Click on the “Admit Cards” section on the homepage.
- A new page will open; select “E-Admit Cards for various Examinations of UPSC.”
- Here, press the UPSC CMS 2026 call letter link.
- Once done, you’ll be redirected to the login page.
- Now, enter your login credentials, such as Registration ID or Roll Number and Date of Birth.
- Then, press “Submit.”
- Your hall ticket will be displayed. You must download and take a printout on white paper to carry to the exam center.
How to check UPSC CMS Result?
After the written exam, we recommend checking the results via the following official steps:
- Visit the UPSC official website, upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the “Written Result” tab on the right sidebar.
- Now, press “Examination Written Results” to see the active links.
- Next, hit the “UPSC CMS Result 2026” link.
- Once done, a PDF file will open containing the roll numbers of qualified candidates.
- After that, check your details in the PDF by using Ctrl+F and typing your roll number.
- Download the result PDF for future reference during the Personality Test stage.
FAQs!
1. What is a CMS post?
The Combined Medical Services (CMS) examination is the primary gateway to securing prestigious medical officer posts in various central government departments. UPSC CMS Exam 2026 is a national-level recruitment process designed to select qualified doctors to lead healthcare initiatives in organizations like the Indian Railways and Central Health Services.
2. How many attempts are there in UPSC CMS?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for the UPSC CMS exam. Unlike the Civil Services (IAS), you can appear for the exam every year as long as you meet the age eligibility criteria—generally 32 years, though it extends to 35 years for certain CHS sub-cadre posts.
3. What is the starting salary after UPSC CMS?
The starting basic pay is ₹56,100 (Level 10). Including the Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA), DA, and HRA, the gross in-hand salary for 2026 typically ranges between ₹95,000 and ₹1,10,000 per month depending on the city of posting.
4. Can final year MBBS students apply?
Yes, final year students can apply! If you are currently appearing in your final year MBBS exams, you can participate in the 2026 cycle. However, you must complete your compulsory rotating internship before the final appointment.
5. How do I prepare for the combined medical services exam?
We recommend following these expert tips to excel in your preparation:
- Targeted Timetable: Allocate specific blocks for high-weightage subjects like General Medicine and Surgery.
- MBBS Core Mastery: Focus on standard textbooks and consolidate your basic clinical concepts.
- Daily Revision: Create concise notes and flowcharts for quick recall of disease classifications.
- Practice Mock Tests: Regularly solve previous years’ papers to adapt to the 1/3rd negative marking system.
- Personality Skills: Refine your communication and ethical judgment for the 100-mark Interview stage.
6. What is the CMS Paper structure and marking?
UPSC conducts two objective papers on a single day. Each paper contains 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to be completed in 2 hours. The final merit is calculated out of 600 marks (500 from written papers + 100 from the Personality Test).
7. What are the job roles after passing UPSC CMS?
Successful candidates are appointed to high-ranking Group A and B posts, including Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (ADMO) in the Railways, Junior Scale Posts in the Central Health Service (CHS), and General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO) in municipal corporations.
8. Is the UPSC CMS Interview difficult?
The Personality Test is a vital 100-mark stage that evaluates your suitability for public service. While competitive, it focuses on your mental alertness, leadership potential, and moral integrity rather than just technical medical knowledge.
References (E-E-A-T Compliance)
- UPSC Official One-Time Registration (OTR) Portal – Official Site
- UPSC CMSE 2026 Examination Calendar – Union Public Service Commission
- UPSC Technical FAQ: Instructions for Online Application
- UPSC CMS Result & Marksheet Archive – Official Results
- National Medical Commission (NMC) – Professional MBBS Standards
- 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix (Level 10) – Dept. of Expenditure
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