So, you’ve finished your MBBS and are thinking, “Now what? Private hospitals, long shifts, low appreciation… or a stable government job?” Well, that’s exactly why you should consider UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS) 2026.
CMS is a respected government medical career, it can be in railways, central hospitals, or municipal healthcare services. It gives you job security, decent pay, and structured growth.
The clock is ticking, and UPSC CMS 2026 is just around the corner. Missing deadlines or underestimating preparation could cost you a lot. But don’t worry, in this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to pass the exam on the first attempt.
UPSC CMS 2026: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Level | National |
| Eligibility | MBBS Graduates |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Selection Stages | Written Exam + Personality Test/Interview |
| Official Website |
UPSC CMS 2026 Important Dates
Here’s a clear view of all the key dates for CMS 2026:
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | March 11, 2026 |
| Online Application Start | March 11, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 31, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | July 2026 (tentative) |
| Exam Date | August 2, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | September 2026 (tentative) |
| Interview/Personality Test | November 2026 (tentative) |
| Final Result | December 2026 (tentative) |
UPSC CMS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, make sure you tick all the eligibility boxes:
- Educational Qualification: Must have passed the written and practical parts of the final MBBS examination. Completion of compulsory internship is mandatory before the date of appointment.
- Age Limit:
- Maximum age: 32 years as of August 1, 2026
- Age relaxation: Applicable as per government norms for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD categories.
- Nationality:
- Citizen of India, or
- Subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently, or
- Person of Indian origin who migrated from eligible countries.
UPSC CMS 2026 Vacancy Details (Expected)
UPSC usually announces vacancies along with the notification. Based on previous years, here’s an expected breakup:
| Post | Expected Vacancies |
| Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (Railways) | 400–500 |
| GDMO in NDMC & Municipal Hospitals | 150–200 |
| Assistant Medical Officer | 80–100 |
| Other Posts | 50–100 |
| Total | 700–900 |
UPSC CMS 2026 Exam Pattern
The UPSC CMS 2026 selection is a two-stage process: Written Examination followed by a Personality Test.
| Stage | Type | Marks | Duration | Mode |
| Paper I | General Medicine & Paediatrics | 250 | 2 hrs | CBT |
| Paper II | Surgery, Gynaecology & Preventive Medicine | 250 | 2 hrs | CBT |
| Personality Test | Interview/Personality Test | 100 | - | In-person |
- Total Marks: 600 (Written) + 100 (Interview)
- Each paper: 120 multiple-choice questions
- Negative marking: 1/3rd for each wrong answer
- Language: English only
UPSC CMS 2026 Application Process
Applying online is straightforward if you follow these steps:
- Visit upsc.gov.in
- Click on “Apply Online” under CMS 2026 notification
- One-Time Registration (OTR): Enter your basic details
- Complete Part II of the application, including document uploads and fee payment
- Application Fee:
- General/OBC male candidates: ₹200
- Female/SC/ST/PwBD candidates: Exempted
- Submit and download the confirmation page
UPSC CMS Salary & Job Profile
The CMS exam opens doors to central government healthcare jobs with a structured career path.
| Component | Approximate Pay |
| Basic Pay | ₹56,100 (Level 10) |
| Gross Salary | ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000 per month |
| Benefits | DA, HRA, TA, Pension, Medical Allowances |
Work Profile:
- General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO) in central hospitals
- Assistant Divisional Medical Officer in railways
- Preventive and social medicine duties in municipal hospitals
UPSC CMS 2026 Recruitment Process
- Written Exam: Two papers, CBT mode
- Interview/Personality Test: Conducted by UPSC panel
- Document Verification & Medical Examination
- Final Selection: Based on merit + post preferences
How to Prepare for UPSC CMS 2026
Preparation for CMS requires strategy and consistency:
- Focus Areas: Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Gynaecology & Preventive Medicine
- Reference Books:
- Medicine: Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine
- Surgery: Bailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery
- Paediatrics: Ghai Essential Pediatrics
- Preventive & Social Medicine: Park’s Textbook
- Practice Papers: Solve previous years’ CMS papers and take mock tests
- Revision: Keep notes handy for last-minute revision
- Current Affairs: Focus on national health programs, immunization schedules, and policies
Tips to Crack CMS 2026
- Understand high-yield topics rather than trying to memorize everything
- Take timed mock tests to improve speed and accuracy
- Revise PSM concepts regularly, as it has a high weightage
- Avoid last-minute panic; keep mental and physical health in check
- Join online communities or forums for resource sharing and guidance
Final Takeaway
The UPSC CMS 2026 is a golden opportunity for MBBS graduates looking to serve in government. You will earn a good salary, and enjoy job stability.
All you need to do is apply on time, prepare for the exam with proper coaching and that’s it!
Your dream of becoming a government medical officer is just a click away. If you need any guidance or help with preparation, reach out to the experts at Academically. They have some of the best courses for the doctors. They will help you from the start till the end to make your dream come true.
