The UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination is one of the most popular competitive exams for MBBS graduates. It is for those who wish to join the Central Government medical services. This exam is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and opens doors to prestigious roles in departments like:
- Indian Railways
- Central Health Services (CHS)
- Municipal Corporations of Delhi
- Indian Ordnance Factories
If you are an MBBS graduate or a medical student planning a stable, reputable, government-backed medical career, CMS is the perfect one for you. This blog will help you understand the CMS exam from eligibility to job roles, salary, preparation strategy, cut-off trends, and more.
What is the UPSC CMS Exam?
The Combined Medical Services (CMS) Exam is a national-level recruitment test held to select medical officers for posts under the Central Government of India. The NEET PG or INI-CET lead to higher medical studies, but CMS offers direct job placement into the Government healthcare system immediately after MBBS.
It is ideal for those who want:
- A stable government job after MBBS
- Fixed duty hours and work-life balance
- Career growth in public health and administrative healthcare roles
- Professional respect, pension, and long-term security
Why Choose a Career Through CMS?
Here are the top reasons thousands of MBBS graduates choose UPSC CMS every year:
| Benefits | Highlights |
| Strong Job Security | Central Government employment |
| Balanced Work-Life | More structured working hours than hospital practice |
| Growth Opportunities | Promotions to senior medical administrative roles |
| Social Impact | Serve society through public healthcare |
| Financial Stability | Attractive salary + allowances + pension |
Exam Conducting Body
The CMS exam is organized by:
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) – India’s premier recruitment body responsible for high-level Government exams.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CMS 2026
Before applying, candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions:
1. Nationality
You must be either:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962, or
- A person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries with intent to settle in India
2. Educational Qualification
- Must have an MBBS degree (passed or appearing in the final year).
- Final-year candidates can apply, but need a provisional or final pass certificate during the interview stage.
3. Internship Requirement
- Candidates should have completed their compulsory rotating internship.
- Those yet to complete at the time of exam can still apply, but must finish before appointment.
4. Age Limit
- Maximum age: 32 years as of exam year
- Relaxations apply:
- OBC: +3 years
- SC/ST: +5 years
- PwBD: +10 years
5. Physical Fitness
Candidates must meet the physical medical standards specified by UPSC for various posts.
UPSC CMS 2026 Exam Pattern
The CMS examination is conducted in two stages:
| Stage | Mode | Marks |
| Part-I: Written Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | 500 |
| Part-II: Personality Test (Interview) | Face-to-Face | 100 |
Part-I: Written Exam Structure
| Paper | Subjects Covered | Duration | Marks | Type |
| Paper-I | General Medicine & Paediatrics | 2 hours | 250 | MCQ |
| Paper-II | Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, PSM | 2 hours | 250 | MCQ |
Important:
- Both papers have negative marking for incorrect answers.
- Objective-type questions only.
Detailed Syllabus Breakdown
Below is a high-level overview of the important syllabus areas:
Paper – I
General Medicine
- Cardiology, Respiratory, Endocrinology, Gastrointestinal diseases
- Neurology, Psychiatry, Blood disorders
- Infectious diseases, Dermatology, Allergy/Immunology
Paediatrics
- Growth & development milestones
- Nutrition, vaccination & immunization programs
- Common childhood illnesses
- Neonatal health
Paper – II
Surgery
- General, ENT, Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics and emergency trauma management
Gynaecology & Obstetrics
- Pregnancy, labour, delivery & complications
- Menstrual disorders & reproductive health
Preventive & Social Medicine (PSM)
- Epidemiology & Biostatistics
- National Health Programs
- Environmental & occupational health
- Family planning, immunization & public health policies
Posts Offered Through CMS
After clearing the exam, candidates are appointed to various Government medical services such as:
- Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (ADMO) – Indian Railways
- General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO) – Central Health Service (CHS)
- GDMO – Municipal Corporation of Delhi
- Medical Officer – Indian Ordnance Factories
- Junior Scale Posts in Central Health Services
Salary, Perks & Career Growth
Salary Structure (7th Pay Commission)
| Component | Amount (Approx.) |
| Basic Pay | ₹56,100 |
| In-Hand Salary with allowances | ₹80,000 – ₹1,10,000/month |
Allowances Include:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Medical Benefits
- Pension & Retirement Benefits
Career Growth
Medical Officers can rise to positions like:
Senior Medical Officer → Chief Medical Officer → Deputy Director → Director of Health Services
CMS Previous Year Cut-off Trends
| Category | Written Cut-off (Out of 500) | Final Cut-off (Out of 600) |
| General | 260–265 | 350–355 |
| OBC | 225–230 | 320–325 |
| SC | 220–225 | 295–300 |
| ST | 190–195 | 265–270 |
| PwBD | 90–110 | 220–230 |
Recommended Books & Study Resources
| Subject | Recommended Books |
| Medicine | Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine (Selective Reading) |
| Paediatrics | O.P. Ghai + D.C. Dutta Pediatrics |
| Surgery | Manipal Manual of Surgery |
| Obs & Gynae | D.C. Dutta |
| PSM | Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine |
| MCQs Practice | Mudit Khanna, Pritesh Singh, Previous Year Papers |
Step-by-Step Preparation Strategy
Here’s a practical 3-month plan for CMS aspirants:
Month 1 – Foundation & Core Concepts
- Revise major MBBS subjects again
- Create short notes for quick revision
- Study PSM thoroughly
Month 2 – Concept + MCQ Practice
- Solve at least 100–150 MCQs daily
- Attempt sectional topic-wise tests
- Focus on weak areas
Month 3 – Revision + Mock Tests
- Solve past 10 years’ papers
- Give full-length mock tests twice a week
- Analyze mistakes and improve accuracy
Bonus Tips:
- Prioritize PSM – high scoring
- Practice speed + accuracy together
- Focus more on repeated topics
Final Thoughts
The UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination is a golden opportunity for MBBS graduates looking for a secure, respected, and impactful career in public healthcare services. It provides financial stability, work-life balance, social prestige, and a long-term growth path within the Government health sector.
With proper preparation, consistent practice, and clarity of exam pattern, cracking CMS is achievable for any dedicated medical graduate.
Every day counts when preparing for CMS. Get clarity, focus, and a personalized plan by talking directly with our experts today!
