How Many Candidates Applied for UPSC CMS Exam 2026?

How Many Candidates Applied for UPSC CMS Exam 2026: The Combined Medical Services (CMS) examination, conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is one of the most prestigious gateways for MBBS graduates to enter government medical services. As the UPSC CMS 2026 cycle approaches, medical aspirants are increasingly curious about the level of competition they will face. 

Understanding how many candidates applied for the UPSC CMS exam in previous years provides critical insight into the competition level and helps aspirants strategize their preparation.

Also Read - UPSC CMS Syllabus 2026

How Many Candidates Applied for UPSC CMS 2026?

The exact number of applicants for the UPSC CMS exam in 2026 will be clearer once the registration window closes in late March 2026. However, based on the rising interest in stable government medical roles, experts predict a steady pool of serious candidates.

Typically, several thousand MBBS graduates apply for these positions. While the number of applicants for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) often reaches 13 lakh, the CMS exam is more specialized, restricted only to medical graduates, resulting in a more focused and high-quality competition pool.

UPSC CMS Vacancy 2026 (Expected)

UPSC CMS Vacancy 2026 details will be officially released alongside the notification. Based on recent trends, the total vacancies are expected to range between 700 and 900.

• Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (Railways): 400–500 (Expected)

• GDMO in NDMC & Municipal Hospitals: 150–200 (Expected)

• Assistant Medical Officer (IOFHS): 80–100 (Expected)

• Central Health Services (Medical Officer): 50–100 (Expected)

For comparison, the UPSC CMS 2025 session saw a total of 844 vacancies (initially announced as 705).

How Many Candidates Take UPSC CMS Exam? (Historical Trends)

Analyzing historical data reveals that while a large number of doctors register, the actual number of candidates who take the UPSC CMS exam is slightly lower due to the rigorous nature of the medical profession.

 Factors Influencing Competition and Cut-off

The UPSC CMS competition and the subsequent cut-off marks are dynamic and depend on three primary factors:

1. Number of Vacancies: More seats often lead to a lower cut-off.

2. Difficulty Level: A tougher paper usually results in lower qualifying marks.

3. Number of Applicants: A higher number of candidates appearing for the exam increases the competitive pressure.

Previous Year Final Cut-off (Out of 600)