UPSC CMS 2026 Notification Released: 1358 Medical Officer Posts, Exam on 2 August, Apply by 31 March

UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 Notification Released

The Union Public Service Commission has released the official notification for the Combined Medical Services Examination 2026. This examination is conducted every year to recruit MBBS graduates into various government medical services across India. The exam is one of the most important opportunities for doctors who want to work in central government healthcare services such as the Central Health Service and Indian Railways medical services. The recruitment process is conducted according to the rules notified by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Important Dates for CMS Examination 2026

The notification for the examination was released on 11 March 2026. The online application process has started from the same date. Candidates can submit their applications online until 31 March 2026 till 6:00 PM. The Combined Medical Services Examination will be conducted on 2 August 2026 across multiple examination centres in India. Candidates are advised to apply early because allocation of exam centres is done on a first apply first allot basis.

Posts and Tentative Vacancies in CMS 2026

The examination is conducted for recruitment to several medical posts under the central government. The tentative number of vacancies notified for the CMS Examination 2026 is 1358 posts. These include

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

Assistant Divisional Medical Officer in the Railways – 450 posts

General Duty Medical Officer in New Delhi Municipal Council – 14 posts

General Duty Medical Officer Grade II in Municipal Corporation of Delhi – 30 posts

These posts form an important part of the government healthcare system and provide doctors with stable government employment along with administrative and clinical responsibilities. The number of vacancies mentioned in the notification is tentative and may change depending on government requirements.

Reservation for Different Categories

Reservation in the Combined Medical Services Examination is provided according to the policies of the Government of India. Vacancies are reserved for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.

For example, 34 vacancies in the Central Health Service medical officer posts are reserved for persons with benchmark disabilities. Similarly, 18 vacancies in Assistant Divisional Medical Officer posts in Railways are reserved for candidates with locomotor disability. Reservation benefits are available only to candidates who possess valid certificates issued by the competent authority before the closing date of application.

Eligibility Criteria for Candidates

Candidates applying for the CMS examination must have passed the written and practical parts of the final MBBS examination. However, candidates who are appearing for their final MBBS examination are also eligible to apply. Such candidates will have to produce proof of passing the final MBBS examination later during the selection process.

Candidates must also complete their compulsory rotating internship before appointment to any of the posts. Only candidates who satisfy all eligibility conditions will be considered for final selection.

Age Limit and Relaxation Rules

The upper age limit for most posts in the Combined Medical Services Examination is 32 years as on 1 August 2026. This means the candidate must not have been born earlier than 2 August 1994.

However, for the post of Medical Officer in the Central Health Service, the upper age limit is 35 years. Age relaxation is provided according to government rules. Candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes can receive relaxation of up to five years, while candidates belonging to Other Backward Classes can receive relaxation of up to three years. Additional relaxation is also available for ex servicemen and persons with benchmark disabilities.

Pay Scale and Salary of Medical Officers Selected Through CMS

Candidates selected through the Combined Medical Services Examination are appointed as Medical Officers in various central government services such as the Central Health Service, Indian Railways and municipal bodies. These posts are generally placed in Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix, which corresponds to a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month. In addition to the basic pay, doctors receive several allowances such as Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance and other applicable government benefits. Depending on the posting city and allowances, the gross monthly salary usually ranges between ₹80,000 to ₹1,00,000 or more. Government medical officers are also entitled to benefits such as pension under the National Pension System, paid leave, medical facilities and opportunities for promotion to senior administrative medical posts in the future.Application Process and Required Documents

Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC online application portal. The application process includes creation of an account, universal registration number generation, and submission of the examination specific application form.

Applicants must upload their photograph and signature while filling the application form. They are also required to capture a live photograph during the application process. Candidates must provide details of a valid identity card such as Aadhaar card, voter ID card, passport or driving licence for identity verification during the examination process.

Application Fees for CMS Examination

The application fee for the Combined Medical Services Examination is ₹200. The fee can be paid through online payment modes such as net banking, debit card, credit card, RuPay card or UPI.

However, female candidates and candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities are exempted from paying the application fee. Candidates belonging to OBC and EWS categories must pay the full fee. The fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.

Scheme and Pattern of the Examination

The CMS examination consists of two stages. The first stage is a written examination carrying 500 marks. It includes two objective type papers of 250 marks each.

Paper I covers General Medicine and Paediatrics.

Paper II covers Surgery, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, and Preventive and Social Medicine.

Each paper has a duration of two hours. Candidates who qualify the written examination will be called for the second stage which is the Personality Test carrying 100 marks. The final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks obtained in the written examination and the personality test.

Examination Rules and Important Instructions

Strict rules are followed during the examination to maintain transparency. Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, pen drives and other electronic communication devices are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall. Candidates must reach the examination venue at least 30 minutes before the start of the examination.

The commission will also conduct face authentication at the examination centre to verify the identity of candidates. Any candidate found using unfair means or violating examination rules may face disqualification and disciplinary action.

Probation Period After Selection

Candidates selected through the Combined Medical Services Examination are usually appointed on a probation period of two years in their respective services such as the Central Health Service, Railways or municipal medical services. During this period, the newly recruited medical officers are expected to undergo departmental training and demonstrate satisfactory performance in their duties. Their work, conduct and professional competence are regularly assessed by the concerned department. After successful completion of the probation period, the officer is confirmed in the service. If the performance during probation is found unsatisfactory, the probation period may be extended according to the rules of the respective department.Opportunity for MBBS Graduates in Government Health Services

Opportunity for MBBS Graduates in Government Health Services

The Combined Medical Services Examination provides MBBS graduates with an opportunity to join the central government healthcare system. Selected candidates work in institutions such as government hospitals, railway hospitals and municipal health services. These posts offer stable career growth, government pay scales and the opportunity to contribute to public healthcare delivery in India.

Every year thousands of medical graduates compete in this examination for a chance to secure a government medical officer position through UPSC.