UPSC Combined Medical Services CMS 2026

Job Description

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the much-anticipated Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026, a prestigious gateway for medical professionals seeking a stable and rewarding career in the Central Government health services. This national-level examination is a golden opportunity for MBBS graduates to secure coveted positions as Medical Officers in various prestigious departments under the Government of India.

A career selected through UPSC CMS is not just a job; it is a service to the nation with excellent growth prospects, job security, and the privilege of contributing to public health infrastructure. Successful candidates will be appointed to key roles in the Central Health Service (CHS) and other nodal organizations like the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the Railways, playing a vital role in delivering healthcare across the country.

Why This is a Great Opportunity:

  • Prestigious Government Service: Become part of the esteemed Central Government machinery with all associated benefits and respect.
  • Diverse Postings: Opportunities in metropolitan and other locations across India, offering varied professional experiences.
  • Attractive Remuneration: A lucrative salary package as per the 7th Pay Commission, along with allowances and perks.
  • Career Progression: Clear promotion avenues to senior medical and administrative positions within the health cadre.
  • Job Security & Stability: The hallmark of a UPSC-selected position is unparalleled job security and long-term stability.

This examination is highly competitive and requires dedicated preparation. Aspirants must carefully read the official notification to understand the detailed eligibility criteria, syllabus, and examination pattern to plan their studies effectively.

Important Dates
EventDate
Application Begin11/03/2026
Last Date for Apply Online31/03/2026 (upto 06:00 PM)
Last Date for Fee Payment31/03/2026
Exam Date02/08/2026
Admit Card DownloadTo be announced (Usually 2-3 weeks before exam)
Exam Fee
  • General / OBC / EWS Category: ₹200/- (Two Hundred Indian Rupees only)
  • SC / ST / PH (Person with Disability) Category: ₹0/- (Exempted from fee payment)
  • All Category Female Candidates: ₹0/- (Nil fee)
Age Limit
  • Maximum Age: 32 years as on the closing date of application (31/03/2026).
  • Minimum Age: Not specified (as per notification, candidate must have completed the required educational qualification).
  • Age Relaxation: Concession in the upper age limit is applicable for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Ex-Servicemen, and other specified categories as per the norms of the Government of India. Detailed relaxation rules must be verified in the official notification.
Vacancy Details

The total advertised vacancies are for the post of Medical Officers Grade in the General Duty Medical Officers (GDMO) Sub-Cadre of the Central Health Service (CHS).

Post NameTotal VacanciesEligibility
Medical Officers Grade (GDMO Sub-Cadre, CHS)864MBBS Degree: Passed or appearing in the final year of MBBS from any recognized University in India. Registration: Must possess a permanent registration as a Medical Practitioner with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or a State Medical Council.

Note: Other specific posts like Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (ADMO) in Railways and General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO) Grade-II in NDMS are also listed in some communications. Candidates must refer to the official notification for the complete, final, and categorized vacancy distribution for each service/posting.

Important Links
DescriptionLink
Official Websitehttps://upsc.gov.in/whats-new
Apply Online (Through OTR)https://upsconline.nic.in/
Download Official NotificationNotification-CMSE-2026-English-110326.pdf
Download Admit CardLink will be activated on the official website before the exam.
Download Exam Notice / CorrigendumTo be published on the official website if required.
Download ResultWill be declared on the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in).
Download Interview Schedule / MarksWill be notified separately for qualified candidates.
Download Cutoff MarksWill be released post-examination on the official website.
How to Apply?

Candidates must apply online only through the official UPSC website. Follow these steps meticulously:

  1. One-Time Registration (OTR): If you are a new user, you must first complete the One-Time Registration process on the UPSC online portal (https://upsconline.nic.in/). This requires a valid email ID and mobile number. Keep your details and login credentials safe.
  2. Read the Notification: Crucially, download and read the official notification PDF thoroughly. Understand all eligibility conditions, required documents, and instructions to avoid any mistakes.
  3. Login & Fill Application Form: After OTR, log in using your registration ID and password. Select the "Combined Medical Services Examination, 2026" and fill in the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details.
  4. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of recent passport-size photograph, signature, and required supporting documents (like MBBS degree/proof, MCI registration certificate, category certificate if applicable) as per the specifications mentioned in the notification.
  5. Pay Application Fee: Pay the requisite examination fee online through the available payment gateways (Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI). Ensure successful payment and note the transaction details.
  6. Final Submission & Printout: Review all entered information carefully. After final submission, a comprehensive application summary will be generated. Take multiple printouts of the final submitted online application form for your future reference and records.
  7. Note Application Number: Safely note down your unique Application Number generated after submission. This is essential for all future communications and accessing admit cards/results.

Important: The application window is strictly from 11/03/2026 to 31/03/2026 (06:00 PM). No applications will be accepted after the last date under any circumstances.

Selection Process

The selection of candidates for the UPSC CMS 2026 will be based on the following stages:

  1. Written Examination: This is the primary screening stage. The exam is typically objective (MCQ) type and is conducted offline (pen-paper mode) across various centers in India.

    • Subjects Covered: The syllabus generally includes topics from:
      • General Medicine & Paediatrics (including core medical knowledge)
      • General Surgery (including Gynecology & Obstetrics & Ophthalmology & ENT)
      • Preventive & Social Medicine
    • The question paper is designed to test the candidate's medical knowledge, clinical acumen, and awareness of public health concepts.
    • The paper carries a maximum of 250 marks and is of 2 hours duration.
  2. Personality Test / Interview: Candidates who qualify the Written Examination by securing the minimum qualifying marks (as decided by UPSC) will be called for the Personality Test (Interview).

    • The interview carries a maximum of 100 marks.
    • It aims to assess the candidate's overall personality, mental alertness, depth of interest, intellectual curiosity, and suitability for a career in the medical services of the Central Government.
  3. Final Selection & Allotment:

    • The final merit list will be prepared based on the total marks obtained in the Written Examination and the Personality Test.
    • Selections and service/cadre allotment will be made strictly in order of merit and as per the vacancies available, preferences exercised by the candidates, and applicable reservation rules.
  4. Document Verification: After the final selection, all recommended candidates will be required to produce original certificates and documents for verification at the time of joining or as directed by UPSC. This includes proof of age, educational qualifications, medical registration, and category certificates (if applicable). Any discrepancy can lead to the cancellation of candidature.

All information regarding the exam pattern, detailed syllabus, qualifying marks, and interview procedure is definitive only as per the official notification. Candidates must rely on the notification for absolute accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CMS 2026?

The last date to apply online is 31st March 2026 (up to 06:00 PM). No applications will be accepted after this deadline.

What is the educational qualification required?

Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the final year of an MBBS degree from a recognized university in India. Permanent registration with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or a State Medical Council is also required.

What is the application fee?

The fee is ₹200 for General, OBC, and EWS categories. SC, ST, PH candidates, and all female candidates are exempted from fee payment.

What is the maximum age limit?

The maximum age is 32 years as on 31st March 2026 (the closing date of application). Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government rules.

How many vacancies are there?

A total of 864 vacancies are advertised for the post of Medical Officers Grade in the General Duty Medical Officers Sub-Cadre of the Central Health Service (CHS).

What is the selection process?

Selection is based on a Written Examination (Objective type, 250 marks) followed by a Personality Test/Interview (100 marks). The final merit is prepared on the aggregate of both.

When is the exam scheduled?

The Written Examination is scheduled for 2nd August 2026. The exact admit card download date will be announced on the official UPSC website.

How can I apply for this examination?

Applications must be submitted online only via the UPSC portal (upsconline.nic.in). New users must first complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) before filling the application form.

What documents are required during application?

Candidates need to upload scanned copies of a recent passport-size photograph, signature, MBBS degree/proof, MCI registration certificate, and category certificate (if applicable) as per specifications in the notification.

Where can I download the official notification and admit card?

The official notification is available on the UPSC website (upsc.gov.in). The admit card will be released on the same website a few weeks before the exam date.

All the Best
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