UPSC CMS 2026 Notification – Combined Medical Services Examination

UPSC CMS 2026 notification released for 1,300+ Medical Officer vacancies in Central Health Service, Railways, NDMC and MCD. MBBS graduates can apply online at upsconline.nic.in from 11 March to 31 March 2026; exam on 02 August 2026.


Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE) 2026 for recruitment of Medical Officers in various Central Government organisations. Eligible MBBS graduates can apply online from 11 March 2026 to 31 March 2026.


UPSC CMS 2026 – Quick Overview

  • Exam name: UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS) 2026
  • Conducting body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
  • Posts: Medical Officers in CHS, Railways, NDMC and MCD
  • Total vacancies (tentative): 864 (CHS) + 450 (Railways) + 14 (NDMC) + 30 (MCD)
  • Qualification: MBBS (final exam passed; interns can apply, appointment after internship)
  • Age limit: Up to 32 years (35 years for CHS GDMO) with relaxations as per rules
  • Application mode: Online only at https://upsconline.nic.in
  • Application dates: 11 March 2026 to 31 March 2026 (till 06:00 PM)
  • Exam date: 02 August 2026
  • Selection process: Computer‑based written exam (Paper I + II, 500 marks) + Personality Test (100 marks)
  • Official website and notice: https://upsc.gov.in (Examinations → Active Examinations → CMS 2026)

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Importance of UPSC CMS 2026 Medical Officer Roles

Medical Officers recruited through UPSC CMS play a crucial role in strengthening India’s public health system by delivering clinical services in central government hospitals, railway health units and urban local body facilities. They act as frontline doctors for preventive, promotive and curative care, often serving large and diverse populations.

These positions provide structured career growth, stable pay with Non‑Practising Allowance (NPA), and opportunities to work in multidisciplinary teams that support national health programmes. For MBBS graduates seeking long‑term, secure and meaningful government service, UPSC CMS is one of the most important recruitment pathways.


UPSC CMS 2026 – Important Dates

  • Notification date: 11 March 2026
  • Start date of online application: 11 March 2026
  • Last date for online application: 31 March 2026 up to 06:00 PM
  • Date of written examination: 02 August 2026
  • e‑Admit Card: Available on UPSC website in the week preceding the exam

UPSC CMS 2026 – Posts and Vacancies

UPSC will conduct CMSE 2026 for recruitment to the following services/posts. All vacancies are tentative and subject to change.

Category I – Central Health Service (CHS)

  • Medical Officers Grade in General Duty Medical Officers Sub‑cadre of Central Health Service – 864 posts

Category II – Railways, NDMC and MCD

  • Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (ADMO) in the Railways – 450 posts
  • General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO) in New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) – 14 posts
  • General Duty Medical Officer Grade‑II in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) – 30 posts

PwBD Reservation

  • CHS GDMO: 34 vacancies reserved for specified Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
  • ADMO Railways: 18 vacancies reserved for eligible locomotor disability categories
  • NDMC GDMO: Nil vacancy reserved for PwBD
  • MCD GDMO Grade‑II: 2 vacancies reserved for PwBD

Reservation for SC, ST, OBC, EWS and PwBD will be applicable as per Government of India rules.


UPSC CMS 2026 – Pay Scale and Job Profile

Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (ADMO) – Railways

  • Pay Level: Level‑10 of Pay Matrix (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) plus Non‑Practising Allowance (NPA) as per rules
  • Service: Indian Railway Health Service, Group ‘A’, Junior Scale
  • Probation: Generally 1 year, extendable as per rules
  • Posting: Anywhere on Indian Railways
  • Important: Private practice is strictly prohibited

Medical Officers Grade – GDMO Sub‑cadre, Central Health Service (CHS)

  • Pay Level: Level‑10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) with NPA as per Government orders
  • Nature: Group ‘A’ posts, probation usually 2 years
  • Posting: Central Government hospitals and dispensaries across India
  • Private practice: Not permitted

General Duty Medical Officer – NDMC

  • Pay Level: Level‑10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) plus restricted NPA
  • Probation: 2 years
  • Posting: NDMC hospitals, dispensaries, MCH/Family Welfare Centres, PHCs etc.
  • Private practice: Not allowed

General Duty Medical Officer Grade‑II – MCD

  • Pay Level: Level‑10 (basic ₹56,100) plus NPA and usual allowances
  • Probation: 2 years
  • Posting: MCD hospitals, dispensaries, M&CW/Family Welfare Centres, PHCs etc.
  • Private practice: Not allowed

Who Should Apply for UPSC CMS 2026?

UPSC CMS 2026 is particularly suitable for candidates who:

  • Hold an MBBS degree (or are in final year / internship and will complete all requirements before joining).
  • Desire a stable, long‑term career in Government health services instead of private or corporate practice.
  • Are interested in a combination of clinical duties, public health responsibilities and basic administration.
  • Are comfortable with all‑India service liability and postings in different states or urban local bodies.
  • Are willing to work in emergency and on‑call settings and strictly avoid private practice as per rules.

If you enjoy clinical medicine, community health and want a structured central government career path, you should seriously consider applying for UPSC CMS 2026.


UPSC CMS 2026 – Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

Candidate must be either:

  • Citizen of India, or
  • Subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
  • Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with intention of permanently settling in India, or
  • Person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries (such as Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, certain East African countries, Vietnam) with intention of permanently settling in India.

Non‑Indian citizens must obtain a certificate of eligibility from Government of India.

Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)

  • For all posts except CHS GDMO: Maximum 32 years (born not earlier than 02 August 1994).
  • For Medical Officers Grade in GDMO Sub‑cadre of CHS: Maximum 35 years.

Upper Age Relaxation

  • SC/ST: 5 years
  • OBC (Non‑Creamy Layer): 3 years
  • Defence Services personnel disabled in operations: 3 years
  • Ex‑servicemen including ECOs/SSCOs with at least 5 years military service (as per conditions): up to 5 years
  • Certain ECOs/SSCOs with extended service and release certificate from MoD: up to 5 years
  • Persons with Benchmark Disability in eligible categories: up to 10 years

Cumulative relaxation is permitted where more than one category applies. Date of birth as in Matriculation/Higher Secondary or equivalent certificate only will be accepted; no change is allowed later.

Educational Qualification

  • Candidate must have passed the written and practical parts of the final MBBS examination.

Also permitted:

  • Candidates who have appeared or are yet to appear in the final MBBS exam may apply; their admission is provisional and they must produce proof of having passed within the time limit announced by UPSC after the written result.
  • Candidates who have not yet completed compulsory rotating internship are educationally eligible to appear; appointment will be given only after completion of internship.

Valid proof includes degree certificate, final marksheet or provisional degree certificate issued by a competent authority.

Physical and Medical Standards

Candidates must be physically and medically fit as per standards prescribed for Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 in the official rules.


UPSC CMS 2026 – Application Fee

  • Examination fee: ₹200

Fee Exemption

  • All female candidates
  • Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates
  • Persons with Benchmark Disability (subject to meeting medical fitness requirements for the posts)

Mode of Payment

  • Net Banking of any bank
  • Visa/Master/RuPay credit/debit card
  • UPI

Fee paid through any other mode will not be accepted. Fee once paid is non‑refundable and cannot be adjusted against any other examination.


UPSC CMS 2026 – How to Apply Online

Applications are to be submitted in online mode only.

Structure of Online Application

The UPSC Online Application Portal has four main modules:

  • Account Creation
  • Universal Registration Number (URN) – one time for all UPSC exams
  • Common Application Form (CAF)
  • Examination‑Specific Module (CMS 2026)

On completing URN registration, a permanent URN is generated. After filling the CMS‑specific module, a separate application number for this exam is generated.

Step‑by‑Step Application Process

  1. Visit the UPSC Online portal and create an account or log in with existing credentials.
  2. Complete the URN Profile by entering personal details and details of one valid Photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN/Passport/Driving Licence/other Government photo ID).
  3. Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) with personal, category and educational details, and upload required documents.
  4. Open the Examination‑Specific Module for Combined Medical Services Examination 2026, select exam centre, and fill all exam‑specific details.
  5. Pay the application fee (if applicable) using available online modes.
  6. Submit the application and download/print the final application for future reference.

Photograph, Live Photo and Signature

  • Upload a recent colour passport‑size photograph as per size and format guidelines on UPSC portal.
  • Capture a live photograph while filling the CAF, using the facility on the portal.
  • Upload scanned signature: sign three times with black ink on white paper and scan as per required size and format.

Refer to “Instructions and FAQs → Instructions for filling the form → Photos and Signature” on the UPSC Online portal for exact technical details.

Edit and Withdrawal Rules

  • No withdrawal of application is allowed after final submission.
  • No correction, alteration or modification is allowed in any field of the submitted Application Form.
  • One‑time edit facility exists only for URN Profile; changes apply only to future applications submitted after re‑locking the profile.

UPSC CMS 2026 – Exam Centres

The examination will be conducted at the following centres (subject to change by UPSC):

AGARTALA, AHMEDABAD, AIZAWL, BAREILLY, BENGALURU, BHOPAL, BHUBANESWAR, CHANDIGARH, CHENNAI, CUTTACK, DEHRADUN, DELHI, DHARWAD, DISPUR, FARIDABAD, GANGTOK, GAUTAM BUDDHA NAGAR (NOIDA), GHAZIABAD, GURUGRAM, HYDERABAD, IMPHAL, ITANAGAR, JAIPUR, JAMMU, JORHAT, KANPUR, KOCHI, KOHIMA, KOLKATA, LUCKNOW, MADURAI, MEERUT, MUMBAI, NAGPUR, PANAJI (GOA), PATNA, SRI VIJAYA PURAM (PORT BLAIR), PRAYAGRAJ (ALLAHABAD), RAIPUR, RANCHI, SAMBALPUR, SHILLONG, SHIMLA, SRINAGAR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, TIRUPATI, UDAIPUR, VISAKHAPATNAM.

  • Allotment of centres is on a “first‑apply, first‑allot” basis (except a few centres).
  • Once capacity of a centre is reached, it will not be available for new applicants (non‑PwBD).
  • No request for change of examination centre will be entertained.
  • All examination centres will cater to candidates with benchmark disabilities.

UPSC CMS 2026 – Selection Process and Exam Pattern

The selection process consists of:

  1. Written Examination (Computer‑Based) – 500 marks
  2. Personality Test (Interview) – 100 marks

Written Examination – Paper I and Paper II

There will be two objective‑type papers in computer‑based mode.

Paper I – General Medicine and Paediatrics

  • Total marks: 250
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Questions: 120 (96 from General Medicine, 24 from Paediatrics)
  • Medium: English

Key areas in General Medicine include:

  • Cardiology, respiratory diseases, gastro‑intestinal and genito‑urinary systems
  • Neurology, haematology, endocrinology, metabolic disorders
  • Communicable and non‑communicable diseases, nutrition and vitamin deficiencies
  • Dermatology, musculoskeletal system, psychiatry
  • General and emergency medicine, critical care, poisoning and tropical diseases

Key areas in Paediatrics include:

  • Common childhood emergencies, newborn care and development
  • Accidents and poisoning, congenital disorders and autism
  • Immunization, national child health programmes and management of children with special needs

Paper II – Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Preventive & Social Medicine (PSM)

  • Total marks: 250
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Questions: 120 (40 each from Surgery, G&O and PSM)
  • Medium: English

Surgery (including ENT, Ophthalmology, Traumatology and Orthopaedics) covers:

  • General surgical conditions, peri‑operative care and wound management
  • ENT and ophthalmology basics and common emergencies
  • Orthopaedics, fractures, trauma and anaesthesia principles

Gynaecology & Obstetrics covers:

  • Antenatal, intranatal and postnatal care
  • Management of normal and complicated labour
  • Gynaecological disorders and high‑risk pregnancy
  • Abortions, IUGR, family planning and medicolegal aspects

Preventive & Social Medicine includes:

  • Concepts of health and disease, epidemiology and demography
  • Environmental health, nutrition, occupational health and MCH
  • Communicable and non‑communicable diseases and national health programmes
  • Health education, international health and community diagnosis and management
Negative Marking
  • For each wrong answer, one‑third (1/3) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
  • If more than one option is marked for a question, it will be treated as wrong even if one of the options is correct.
  • No negative marking for questions left blank.
Use of Calculators and Electronic Devices

Use of calculators, mobile phones, smart watches and other electronic devices is not permitted in the examination hall.

UPSC CMS 2026 – Personality Test (Interview)

Candidates who qualify the written examination will be called for Personality Test/Interview for 100 marks.

The interview will assess:

  • Depth of knowledge in medical subjects and general awareness
  • Intellectual curiosity, critical powers of assimilation and balance of judgement
  • Alertness of mind, ability for social cohesion and leadership
  • Integrity of character and suitability for responsible medical posts in Government service.

UPSC CMS 2026 Preparation Guide

Understand Pattern and Syllabus

  • Read the detailed UPSC CMS syllabus and map each topic to MBBS subjects.
  • Identify strong and weak areas across Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery, G&O and PSM.

Make a 10–12 Week Plan

  • Allocate weekly slots for each subject and keep daily goals realistic.
  • Reserve the last 10–14 days for full‑length mock tests and revision of high‑yield areas like emergencies, national programmes and obstetrics.

Practise MCQs with Accuracy

  • Solve previous‑year UPSC CMS papers and standard MBBS‑level MCQ books.
  • Use timed practice and train yourself to avoid random guessing due to negative marking.

Strengthen PSM and National Programmes

  • PSM can be highly scoring with crisp revision of definitions, indicators and programmes.
  • Use authentic sources and create short notes for last‑minute revision.

Prepare for Interview Early

  • Keep notes of clinical cases and responsibilities during internship or current job.
  • Follow important health‑related news, national health schemes and policy updates.
  • Practise mock interviews focusing on clarity, ethics and practical decision‑making.

Facilities and Guidelines for PwBD Candidates

  • Eligible PwBD candidates may use a scribe and avail compensatory time, as per Government rules.
  • Scribe can be chosen by the candidate or arranged by UPSC, subject to prescribed educational and other conditions.
  • Required disability certificates and scribe‑related undertakings must be furnished in the prescribed formats given in the official notification.

e‑Admit Card, Exam Day Rules and Helpdesk

  • e‑Admit Cards will be uploaded on the UPSC Online portal; no hard copy will be sent by post or email.
  • Candidates must bring the e‑Admit Card and the original Photo ID whose details were given in the URN Profile.
  • Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, storage media and any electronic/communication gadgets are strictly banned in the exam premises.
  • Candidates must report at least 30 minutes before the start of each session; no late entry is allowed.
  • Face authentication and frisking at the venue are mandatory.

Question Paper / Answer Key Representation

  • UPSC provides an online facility to raise representations on questions and provisional answer keys within a limited window after the exam.
  • Representations are accepted only through the official online mechanism on the UPSC website, not by email/post/hand.

Helpdesk

  • Helpline for application‑related queries (phone and email) is available during the application window; details are given in the official notification and on the UPSC website.

Official UPSC Links

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UPSC CMS 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is UPSC CMS 2026 only for fresh MBBS graduates?
No. Both fresh MBBS graduates and doctors who have already completed internship and hold valid registration can apply, provided they meet age and other eligibility conditions.

2. Can interns in final year of MBBS apply for UPSC CMS 2026?
Yes, candidates who are appearing or have appeared in the final MBBS exam can apply. They must, however, produce proof of having passed the final MBBS (written and practical) within the time limit given by UPSC.

3. Is compulsory rotating internship mandatory at the time of application?
You can apply and appear in the exam before completing internship, but you must complete the compulsory rotating internship before you can be appointed to any post.

4. Can I choose more than one post (CHS, Railways, NDMC, MCD) with a single CMS application?
Yes. You submit only one application for UPSC CMS 2026 and later indicate preferences for different services/posts. Allocation depends on merit, preferences and availability of vacancies.

5. Is there any bond or service obligation after selection?
Service conditions, including any bond or obligation, are governed by the rules of the concerned cadre/service. Candidates should carefully read the detailed UPSC notification and subsequent instructions of the respective departments.

6. What is the language of UPSC CMS question papers?
Both Paper I and Paper II are conducted in English with objective multiple‑choice questions of MBBS standard.

7. How many attempts are allowed for UPSC CMS?
The exam is governed mainly by age and eligibility criteria. As long as you satisfy all eligibility conditions in a particular year, you can apply for that year’s CMS exam.

8. Can I change my exam centre after submitting the application?
No. UPSC does not entertain any request for change of examination centre once the application is submitted.

9. Are calculators or smart watches allowed in the exam?
No. Calculators, smart watches, mobile phones and other electronic gadgets are not allowed inside the exam hall.

10. Is UPSC CMS a permanent government job?
Yes, posts such as CHS Medical Officer, ADMO in Railways, NDMC/MCD GDMO are regular government posts with probation and subsequent career progression as per service rules.


Key Takeaway for UPSC CMS 2026 Aspirants

UPSC CMS 2026 is one of the most important all‑India recruitment examinations for MBBS doctors seeking permanent central government medical posts. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are comfortable with all‑India postings, you should apply within the deadline and commit to a structured preparation plan covering both clinical subjects and PSM.

Always treat the official UPSC notification and rules as the final authority on eligibility, exam scheme and service conditions, and use this guide as a simplified support tool to help you plan your preparation and application.


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