The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026 notification is out, with 1,358 vacancies for Medical Officers in central departments, including Railways and Health Services. Online applications are open from March 11 to March 31, 2026, for MBBS graduates under 32 years old, with the exam scheduled for August 2, 2026. Every year, thousands of MBBS graduates across India compete in this examination to secure government doctor positions in departments such as Railways, Central Health Services, and Municipal Corporation.
The CMS examination is one of the most sought-after recruitment exams for medical professionals who wish to serve the public sector while building a stable and respected career. Through this recruitment process, candidates can become Medical Officers in different government organizations and play a key role in strengthening India’s healthcare system.
The 2026 CMS notification has been released with important details including the application dates, exam schedule, eligibility conditions, and selection process. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply online through the official UPSC portal. The exam will test the medical knowledge, clinical understanding, and professional aptitude of candidates.
This article provides a complete guide to UPSC CMS 2026, including vacancies, important dates, eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualification, application fees, salary structure, selection procedure, and a step-by-step application process. Additionally, we will share helpful tips to improve your chances of success in this highly competitive examination.
UPSC CMS Recruitment 2026 – Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 1,358 Posts |
| Application Dates | March 11, 2026 – March 31, 2026 |
| Exam Date | August 2, 2026 |
| Educational Qualification | MBBS Degree (Passed or Final Year) |
| Age Limit | Up to 32 years (35 years for CHS) |
| Selection Stages | Computer Based Test (500 Marks) + Personality Test (100 Marks) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd of the marks assigned to the question |
| Application Fee | ₹200 (Exempt for Female/SC/ST/PwBD) |
| Starting Salary | Pay Level 10 (approx. ₹56,100 + allowances) |
UPSC CMS Recruitment 2026 – Vacancy Details
The 1,358 vacancies for the UPSC CMS 2026 Examination are divided into two primary categories. Here is the department-wise breakdown:
Category-wise Vacancy Distribution
| Category | Post Name / Department | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Category I | Medical Officers Grade in Central Health Service (CHS) | 864 |
| Category II | Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (ADMO) in Railways | 450 |
| Category II | General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO) in NDMC | 14 |
| Category II | GDMO Grade-II in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) | 30 |
| Total | 1,358 |
Important Dates – UPSC CMS 2026
Candidates planning to apply for the examination must keep track of the important dates mentioned in the notification.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | March 11, 2026 |
| Application Start Date | March 11, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (Online) | March 31, 2026 (until 6:00 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | April 1, 2026 – April 7, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Expected 3 weeks before the exam (July 2026) |
| Written Examination (CBT) | August 2, 2026 |
| Result Declaration (Written) | Expected September/October 2026 |
| Personality Test (Interview) | To be announced |
Candidates should complete the application process well before the last date to avoid technical issues on the website.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the UPSC CMS Examination 2026, candidates must carefully review the eligibility requirements. The commission strictly verifies all documents during the later stages of recruitment.
The major eligibility factors include:
- Nationality
- Age limit
- Educational qualification
- Medical fitness
Only candidates who meet all these criteria will be allowed to participate in the recruitment process.
Age Limit
The age criteria for UPSC CMS 2026 are defined by the Union Public Service Commission.
- Maximum Age Limit: 32 years as of 1 August 2026.
However, candidates who belong to certain categories may receive relaxation in the upper age limit according to government rules.
Age Relaxation
The government provides age relaxation to candidates belonging to reserved categories.
| Category | Age Relaxation | Upper Age Limit (Standard Posts) |
|---|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years | 37 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 Years | 35 Years |
| PwBD (Benchmark Disability) | 10 Years | 42 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen / ECOs / SSCOs | 5 Years | 37 Years |
| Defence Personnel (Disabled in Ops) | 3 Years | 35 Years |
| J&K Domicile (1980–1989) | 5 Years | 37 Years |
Candidates claiming age relaxation must provide valid supporting documents during the verification process.
Educational Qualification
To apply for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination, candidates must meet the required educational criteria.
Essential Qualification
- Candidates must possess an MBBS degree from a recognized university or medical institution.
Final Year Students
Students who are appearing for the final MBBS examination may also apply for the CMS exam. However, they must provide proof of passing the exam before the final selection stage.
Additional Requirements
- Candidates must complete their internship before the appointment stage.
- Medical degrees must be recognized by the National Medical Commission.
This ensures that all selected candidates are properly qualified to perform clinical duties.
Salary / Stipend Structure
The salary for a Medical Officer selected through UPSC CMS 2026 is highly competitive, falling under Pay Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
| Component | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹56,100 |
| NPA (Non-Practicing Allowance) | 20% of Basic Pay (approx. ₹11,220) |
| DA (Dearness Allowance) | As per current govt. rates (approx. 50%+) |
| HRA (House Rent Allowance) | 9% to 27% of Basic (if govt. quarters aren’t used) |
| Transport Allowance | Fixed amount + DA on it |
| Gross Salary | ₹1,05,000+ (in Metro cities) |
In addition to financial benefits, government doctors also receive:
- Job security
- Paid leave
- Career promotions
- Training opportunities
Application Fee Structure
The application fee for the UPSC CMS 2026 is straightforward, with full exemptions provided for several categories to encourage diverse participation.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General (Unreserved) – Male | ₹200 |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) – Male | ₹200 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) – Male | ₹200 |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | Exempted (Nil) |
| SC / ST Candidates | Exempted (Nil) |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) | Exempted (Nil) |
Key Payment Details
- Mode of Payment: You can pay online via Net Banking, Visa/Master/MasterCard/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.
- Offline Option: You can also pay by “Pay by Cash” at any SBI Branch by generating a pay-in-slip during the online application process.
- Deadline for Cash Payment: If paying by cash, the slip must be generated by March 30, 2026 (11:59 PM), and the cash deposited the next day.
- Non-Refundable: Once paid, the fee will not be refunded under any circumstances.
Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC CMS 2026 is a two-stage competitive journey designed to test both your medical knowledge and your professional suitability for government service.
Stage 1: Computer-Based Examination (CBT)
This stage consists of two objective papers held on the same day. Each paper is worth 250 marks (Total: 500 marks).
| Feature | Paper I | Paper II |
|---|---|---|
| Subjects | General Medicine (96 Qs) & Paediatrics (24 Qs) | Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, PSM (40 Qs each) |
| Total Questions | 120 Questions | 120 Questions |
| Duration | 2 Hours | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | -1/3rd for every wrong answer | -1/3rd for every wrong answer |
- Medium: The exam is conducted only in English.
- Qualifying: You must score above the minimum cutoff (released category-wise) to move to the next stage.
Stage 2: Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates who qualify for the written exam are called for an interview conducted by the UPSC board in New Delhi.
Total Marks: 100 Marks
Focus Areas:
- Intellectual Curiosity: Your awareness of recent medical advancements.
- Critical Thinking: How you handle clinical or administrative dilemmas.
- Leadership/Integrity: Assessment of your character and suitablity for a Gazetted post.
- Medical Ethics: Knowledge of legal and ethical boundaries in practice.
The Final Merit List
- Combined Score: Your final rank is determined by the sum of Written Exam (500) + Interview (100) = 600 Marks.
- Service Allocation: Based on your rank and the order of preference you fill in the Detailed Application Form (DAF), you will be assigned to CHS, Railways, NDMC, or MCD.
Medical Examination
After the final result, successful candidates must undergo a physical fitness test at designated central hospitals to ensure they meet the medical standards for government service (including vision, hearing, and general health).
How to Apply for UPSC CMS 2026
Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC portal. Follow these steps to submit the application successfully.
Step 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)
Before applying for any specific exam, you must register on the UPSC platform.
- Visit the UPSC Online Portal.
- Click on “New Registration”.
- Enter your basic details: Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Father’s/Mother’s Name, Mobile Number, and Email ID.
- Verify your details via the OTP sent to your mobile and email.
- Create a Password and note down your OTR ID.
Note: If you have already registered for a previous UPSC exam, you can skip this step and log in directly.
Step 2: Fill Part-I of the Application
- Log in using your Email/Mobile/OTR ID and password.
- Go to the “Latest Notifications” tab and select Combined Medical Services Examination 2026.
- Fill in your educational qualifications (MBBS details) and address.
- Select your Category (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS). If applying under a reserved category, ensure you have a valid certificate issued before the closing date.
Step 3: Fee Payment
- Pay the fee of ₹200 (unless you are a Female, SC, ST, or PwBD candidate, who are exempt).
- Choose Online Mode (Net Banking, Cards, UPI) or Offline Mode (Pay by Cash at SBI).
Step 4: Upload Documents (Photo, Sign, ID)
You must upload scanned copies of the following in JPG/JPEG format:
- Photograph: Recent color photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm).
- Signature: Your official signature on white paper.
- Photo ID Proof: Upload a PDF of the ID you mentioned in Part-I (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, etc.).
Tip: Ensure the file sizes are within the limits specified (usually 20KB to 300KB).
Step 5: Center Selection & Declaration
- Choose your preferred Examination Center from the available list. (Centers are allotted on a “First-Apply-First-Allot” basis).
- Read the Declaration carefully.
- Click “I Agree” to submit your application.
Step 6: Print Confirmation
- Download and save a PDF copy of your completed application form for future reference. You will need this during the Interview (DAF) stage.
| OFFICIAL WEBSITE | CLICK HERE |
| OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION PDF | CLICK HERE |
| APPLY ONLINE | CLICK HERE |
| WHATSAPP LINK | CLICK HERE |
| TELEGRAM LINK | CLICK HERE |
| FACEBOOK LINK | CLICK HERE |
| INSTAGRAM LINK | CLICK HERE |
| MORE UPDATES | CLICK HERE |
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Priyadarshani Palei is a Content Executive at OnlyAspirants.in, responsible for researching and publishing the latest government and private job updates. With over 2 years of experience in job research and recruitment news writing, he/she ensures that all information shared on the platform is accurate, verified, and easy to understand.
He/She completed Graduation and has a strong interest in competitive exams, career opportunities, and employment trends in India. His/Her focus is to help students and job seekers stay updated with timely notifications, eligibility details, important dates, and application procedures.
Through consistent research and dedication, he/she contributes to making OnlyAspirants.in a trusted platform for aspirants looking for reliable job updates and career guidance.