The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE) 2026, opening the door for medical professionals to serve in prestigious government roles. With 1358 vacancies for Medical Officers across various departments, this is a significant opportunity for MBBS graduates to build a career in the public sector.
UPSC CMS 2026 Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE Exam) |
| Post | General Duty Medical Officers, Assistant Divisional Medical Officers, and Medical Officers |
| Vacancies | 1358 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Registration | 11th to 31st March 2026 |
| Selection Stages | Computer-based examination Personality test |
| Official website | www.upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates and Vacancy Distribution
Aspiring candidates should mark their calendars. The notification was released on 11th March 2026, and the window for online registration closes on 31st March 2026 at 6:00 PM.
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 11th March 2026 |
| Apply Online Starts | 11th March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31st March 2026 (6 pm) |
| Admit Card | July 2026 |
| UPSC CMS Exam Date | 2nd August 2026 |
| Categories | Posts | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Category-I | Medical Officers Grade in General Duty Medical Officers Sub-cadre of Central Health Service | 864 |
| Category-II | Assistant Divisional Medical Officer in Railways | 450 |
| Category-II | General Duty Medical Officer in the New Delhi Municipal Council | 14 |
| Category-II | General Duty Medical Officer Grade-II in Municipal Corporation of Delhi | 30 |
| Total | Total | 1358 |
How to Apply Online for UPSC Combined Medical Service Examination 2026
- Visit the official website of UPSC, www.upsc.gov.in.
- Check the notification section and click on “Apply” for CMS.
- Register yourself to get a Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Log in using the URN and fill out the personal and educational information.
- Upload a passport-size photograph and capture a live photograph while filling out the Common Application Form.
- Sign three times (one below the other) and upload the image.
- Pay the application fee to complete the process using UPSC CMS Application Form 2026 - Click to Apply.
Age Relaxation Categories
Candidates must be under 32 years of age as of 1st August 2026. However, age relaxations apply for specific categories:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- Defence Services personnel (disabled): 3 years
- ECOS/SSCOs: 5 years
- Candidates domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir (Jan 1, 1980 - Dec 31, 1989): 5 years
- Physically disabled candidates: 10 years
- Ex-servicemen, including ECOs, Commissioned Officers and SSCOs: 5 years
Exam Pattern and Salary Structure
The written examination consists of two papers, each carrying 250 marks, totaling 500 marks. Please note that there is a negative marking of 0.33 for every wrong answer.
| Paper | Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Medicine | 96 | 250 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 1 | Pediatrics | 24 | 250 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | Surgery | 40 | 250 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | Gynecology & Obstetrics | 40 | 250 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | Preventive & Social Medicine | 40 | 250 | 2 Hours |
| Total | Total | 240 | 500 | 4 Hours |
Selected candidates will be paid according to the 7th Central Pay Commission, Pay Level 10 (Rs. 56,000 to Rs. 1,77,500).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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