UPSC Combined Medical Services Exam 2026 — Apply by 31 March

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS) 2026, a significant opportunity for medical graduates seeking a career in central government services. The examination is scheduled for August 2, 2026, with the detailed notification set to be released on March 11, 2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill various medical officer positions across different departments and organizations under the Government of India.

Vacancy & Post Details

While the exact number of vacancies for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 has not been specified in the initial announcement, the detailed notification on March 11, 2026, will provide a comprehensive breakdown. Historically, the CMS exam recruits for posts such as Assistant Divisional Medical Officer in Railways, Junior Scale Posts in Central Health Services, General Duty Medical Officer in NDMC, and General Duty Medical Officer in East Delhi Municipal Corporation, North Delhi Municipal Corporation, and South Delhi Municipal Corporation. These positions are highly sought after, offering stable careers and opportunities for professional growth within the central government framework. Candidates are advised to refer to the full notification for category-wise and post-wise vacancy distribution.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026, candidates must meet specific educational and age requirements. The primary educational qualification mandates possession of a recognized MBBS degree. Candidates must have successfully completed the written and practical parts of the final MBBS examination. Those who are appearing for the final MBBS examination may also apply, provided they produce proof of passing the examination along with the application for the main examination/interview, if qualified. The detailed educational qualifications, including any specific requirements for different posts, will be outlined in the official notification to be released on March 11, 2026.

The age limit for most posts under UPSC CMS is typically 32 years as on a specified cut-off date, which will be mentioned in the detailed advertisement. Age relaxation is provided for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and Ex-servicemen, as per the Government of India rules. For instance, OBC candidates usually receive a 3-year relaxation, while SC/ST candidates receive a 5-year relaxation. The precise age calculation date and relaxation details will be available in the full notification.

Salary & Benefits

The posts filled through the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 fall under the ambit of the 7th Pay Commission, ensuring an attractive salary package and comprehensive benefits. While the exact Pay Level and salary range will be specified in the detailed notification, medical officers typically receive a competitive basic pay along with various allowances. Key components of the salary include Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) depending on the city of posting, and Transport Allowance (TA).

Beyond the monetary compensation, employees are entitled to a robust benefits package. This includes medical facilities for self and family, a Contributory Provident Fund (CPF), Gratuity, and a pension scheme under the National Pension System (NPS). Other benefits encompass leave travel concession (LTC), paid leaves, and opportunities for professional development. The overall compensation package makes these positions highly desirable for medical professionals.

Selection Process

The selection process for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 is rigorous and multi-staged, designed to identify the most competent medical professionals. It primarily consists of two main components: a Computer Based Examination (CBE) and a Personality Test/Interview. The CBE, scheduled for August 2, 2026, comprises two papers, Paper-I and Paper-II, each carrying 250 marks and lasting two hours. Paper-I typically covers General Medicine and Paediatrics, while Paper-II focuses on Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, and Preventive & Social Medicine. Both papers consist of objective-type (Multiple Choice Questions) questions.

Candidates who qualify in the CBE will be called for a Personality Test/Interview, which carries 100 marks. This stage assesses the candidate's general knowledge, intellectual abilities, and suitability for the medical services. Following the interview, selected candidates undergo document verification to confirm their eligibility and a thorough medical examination to ensure they meet the physical standards required for the posts. The final merit list is prepared based on the combined scores of the Computer Based Examination and the Personality Test.

How to Apply — Step by Step

Candidates interested in the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 must apply online through the official UPSC website. The application window opens on March 11, 2026, and the last date for submission is March 31, 2026. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to upsconline.nic.in.
2. One Time Registration (OTR): If not already registered, complete the One Time Registration process by providing basic details.
3. Login: Use your OTR ID and password to log in.
4. Fill Application Form: Select the 'Combined Medical Services Examination 2026' link and fill in all required personal, educational, and other details accurately.
5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and any other necessary documents as per the specified format and size.
6. Pay Application Fee: The application fee, typically ₹200 for General/OBC male candidates, must be paid online through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or by generating a pay-in-slip for cash payment at SBI branches. Female, SC, ST, and Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) candidates are usually exempted from paying the application fee.
7. Review and Submit: Carefully review all entered information before final submission.
8. Print Application: After successful submission, take a printout of the completed application form for future reference.

Ensure all details are correct as no changes are allowed after the final submission.

Important Dates

Important Links

• Official Notification PDF: Will be available on March 11, 2026
• Apply Online Link: https://upsconline.nic.in
• Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in

Q: When will the UPSC CMS 2026 detailed notification be released?

A: The detailed notification for UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 is scheduled to be released on March 11, 2026.

Q: What is the last date to apply for UPSC CMS 2026?

A: The last date to submit online applications for UPSC CMS 2026 is March 31, 2026.

Q: What is the exam date for UPSC CMS 2026?

A: The Computer Based Examination for UPSC Combined Medical Services 2026 will be conducted on August 2, 2026.

Q: What is the required educational qualification for UPSC CMS?

A: Candidates must possess a recognized MBBS degree to be eligible for the UPSC CMS examination.

Q: How can I apply for UPSC CMS 2026?

A: Applications must be submitted online through the official UPSC website, upsconline.nic.in, starting from March 11, 2026.

Q: What is the typical age limit for UPSC CMS posts?

A: Generally, candidates must be below 32 years of age, with age relaxations applicable for reserved categories as per government norms.

Get Instant Alerts for Union Public Service Commission

Be the first to know about Union Public Service Commission updates. Join thousands of aspirants.