
UPSC CMS 2026: The UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS) 2026 notification has officially been released, marking the beginning of the recruitment process for 1,358 medical officer vacancies across various central government departments. Aspiring doctors can now register on the official portal, with the application window remaining open from March 11 to March 31, 2026. This national-level examination, scheduled for August 2, 2026, offers MBBS graduates a prestigious pathway into the Central Health Service and Indian Railways. To secure a position, candidates must navigate a rigorous selection process comprising a computer-based written exam followed by a personality test.
The UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination is a national-level test. It recruits medical professionals for various government posts. The Union Public Service Commission conducts this exam. Candidates can secure roles like Assistant Medical Officer within the Indian Government departments.
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UPSC CMS 2026 Overview |
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Particulars |
Details |
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Exam Name |
Union Public Service Commission Combined Medical Service |
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Commonly Known As |
UPSC CMS |
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Conducting Body |
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
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Post Name |
Assistant Medical Officer |
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Vacancies |
1,358 |
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Notification Release Date |
March 11, 2026 |
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Notification Download Link |
https://upsconline.nic.in |
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Application Start Date |
March 11, 2026 |
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Application Mode |
Online |
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Last Date to Apply |
March 31, 2026 |
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Exam Date |
August 2, 2026 |
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Official Website |
upsc.gov.in |
The official UPSC CMS 2026 Notification PDF (Advt No. 09/2026-CMS) is the most critical document for candidates,as it outlines the detailed syllabus, revised vacancy breakdown, and specific age relaxation rules. You can download the complete document directly from the "What's New" section of the official website at upsc.gov.in. It is highly recommended to save a copy of this PDF to refer to the physical and medical standards required for the 864 posts in the Central Health Service and 450 posts in the Railways. For your convenience, the direct download link is active on the portal, providing a transparent overview of the One-Time Registration (OTR) process and the mandatory live photo upload requirements for this year.
UPSC CMS Notification 2026 PDF
Keeping track of important dates helps candidates plan their preparation and application. The UPSC CMS Exam Dates 2026 are crucial for all aspirants. Ensure all steps, from application to exam, are completed within the specified timelines.
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UPSC CMS 2026 Important Dates |
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Event |
Date |
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Notification Release |
March 11, 2026 |
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Application Start Date |
March 11, 2026 |
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Application End Date |
March 31, 2026 |
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Admit Card Release Date |
To be announced |
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Exam Date |
August 2, 2026 |
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Result Date |
To be announced |
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Interview Date |
To be announced |
The Union Public Service Commission has announced a total of 1,358 vacancies for the CMS 2026 session, distributed across two primary categories and various central government medical departments. These posts offer medical graduates a direct entry into Group 'A' services, providing significant career growth in public healthcare administration.
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UPSC CMS 2026 Vacancy Details |
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Category |
Service/Department |
Total Vacancies |
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Category-I |
Medical Officers Grade in General Duty Medical Officers Sub-cadre of Central Health Service |
864 |
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Category-II |
Assistant Divisional Medical Officer in the Railways |
450 |
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Category-II |
General Duty Medical Officer in New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) |
14 |
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Category-II |
General Duty Medical Officer Grade-II in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) |
30 |
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Total |
All Services Combined |
1,358 |
Candidates must meet specific eligibility conditions to apply for UPSC CMS 2026. These criteria cover nationality, age limit, and educational qualifications. Fulfilling these requirements is mandatory for all applicants.
Candidate must be a citizen of India. Also, subjects of Bhutan or Nepal are eligible. Indian-origin migrants who have permanently settled in India from specific East African countries (Uganda, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Zaire, Burma) or Tibetan refugees who settled before January 1, 1962, with a Government of India certificate, can apply.
Candidates must not be more than 32 years old as of August 1, 2026. Upper age relaxation is provided for certain categories as per government rules.
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Category |
Age Relaxation |
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OBC |
3 years |
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SC/ST |
5 years |
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Defence Services Personnel Disabled |
3 years |
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ECOs/SSCOs |
5 years |
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J&K Domicile (Jan 1, 1980 - Dec 31, 1989) |
5 years |
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Physically Disabled Candidates |
10 years |
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Ex-servicemen (Including ECOs, Commissioned Officers, SSCOs) |
5 years |
Applicants must hold an MBBS degree. Candidates who have passed the written and practical parts of the final MBBS examination can apply. Those appearing in the final year of the MBBS examination are also eligible.
The UPSC CMS Application Form 2026 is commenced on 11 March 2026. Candidates must complete a two-part application process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure successful submission.
Steps to Apply Online:
Visit official website – upsc.gov.in.
Click "Apply Online" link.
Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) with personal and contact details.
Login using valid credentials (Email ID/Mobile number and OTP/Password, or OTR ID and OTP/Password).
Fill the UPSC CMS 2026 application form in two parts. This includes personal details, fee payment, uploading scanned documents (signature, photograph, photo identity card), and selecting exam centers.
Ensure scanned signature and photograph meet specifications (20 KB to 300 KB).
Review all entered details carefully. Edits are not possible after submission.
After submission, download the generated registration number and take a printout.
The application fee for the UPSC CMS 2026 exam is Rs. 200. Candidates should check the official notification for any category-wise fee exemptions.
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Category |
Fee |
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General |
Rs. 200 |
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OBC |
Rs. 200 |
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Other Categories |
Refer Official Notification |
The UPSC CMS Selection Process 2026 involves two main stages. Candidates must clear both stages to be considered for recruitment. This structured process ensures the selection of qualified medical professionals.
Written Examination: This is a Computer-Based Examination (CBE). It consists of two papers, each for 250 marks.
Personality Test: Candidates who qualify the written examination appear for a Personality Test. This stage carries 100 marks.
The final result considers combined performance in both the CBE and the Personality Test.
The UPSC CMS 2026 admit card for the Computer-Based Exam (CBE) is expected to be released in July 2026 on the official website upsc.gov.in. Candidates can download their hall tickets by logging in with their Registration ID or Roll Number. The exam is scheduled for 2nd August 2026.
The UPSC CMS 2026 selection consists of a two-stage process: a Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by a Personality Test, totalling 600 marks. Both CBT papers are 2-hour MCQ exams with negative marking, covering key medical subjects.
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UPSC CMS Exam Pattern 2026 |
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Stage |
Paper / Section |
Marks |
Duration |
Format |
Questions/Section |
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Stage 1: CBT |
Paper 1: General Medicine & Pediatrics |
250 |
2 Hours |
MCQ |
96 questions: General Medicine & allied subjects (Dermatology, Psychiatry, Pharmacology); 24 questions: Pediatrics |
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Stage 1: CBT |
Paper 2: Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, PSM |
250 |
2 Hours |
MCQ |
~40 questions each from Surgery (including ENT, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Anesthesia), Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Preventive & Social Medicine |
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Stage 2: Personality Test |
Interview |
100 |
– |
– |
Evaluates mental alertness, moral integrity, leadership, and communication skills |
The UPSC CMS 2026 syllabus consists of two 250-mark computer-based papers and a 100-mark interview. It tests clinical knowledge, diagnosis skills, and understanding of national health programs.
Paper I: General Medicine & Paediatrics
General Medicine: Cardiology, Respiratory diseases, Gastro-intestinal, Genito-Urinary, Neurology, Haematology, Endocrinology, Metabolic disorders, Infections (Viral, Bacterial, Rickettsial, Protozoan, Fungal), Dermatology, Musculoskeletal System, Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine, Common Poisoning, Snakebite, Tropical Medicine, Critical Care Medicine.
Paediatrics: Common childhood emergencies, Basic newborn care, Normal developmental milestones, Accidents and poisonings in children, Birth defects and counselling, Immunization, National programmes related to child health.
Paper II: Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, PSM
Surgery: General Surgery (Wounds, Infections, Tumours), ENT, Ophthalmology, Anaesthesiology, Urology, Orthopaedics.
Gynaecology & Obstetrics: Pregnancy, Labour, Postnatal care, Genital tract infections, Neoplasms, Uterine displacement, Contraception, Infertility, Emergency procedures.
Preventive & Social Medicine (PSM): Concept of health and disease, Epidemiology, Health planning and management, Environmental health, Nutrition, Occupational health, Genetics, National health programs.
Interview (100 Marks)
Assesses professional, social, and academic knowledge, along with personality traits suitable for a medical officer.
Selected candidates for UPSC CMS 2026 will receive competitive salaries and allowances. The pay scale and grade pay vary based on the specific post. The job profile primarily involves serving as a medical officer in various central government departments. This includes providing medical services and fulfilling administrative duties as required.
Assistant Divisional Medical Officer in the Railways: PB-3, Rs. 15,600 - Rs 39,100 with Grade Pay of Rs. 5,400.
Junior Scale Posts in the Central Health Service: Level-10 (Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500) of the pay matrix.
General Duty Medical Officer in New Delhi Municipal Council: Pay Matrix Level-10 Rs. 56,100-1,77,500 + restricted Non-practicing allowance (NPA).