UPSC Combined Medical Services Exam 2026: Major Opportunity for Doctors in the Central Government
The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS) 2026 Notification for the recruitment of medical professionals in various central government organizations. This prestigious national-level examination provides a gateway for MBBS graduates to secure highly respected medical officer positions in departments such as the Central Health Service, Indian Railways, and major municipal corporations.
According to the official notification, Examination Notice No. 9/2026-CMS dated 11 March 2026, the online application process has already begun, and eligible candidates must submit their applications before 31 March 2026. The written examination is scheduled to be conducted on 02 August 2026 across multiple examination centers in India. The UPSC CMS Exam 2026 is one of the most important recruitment examinations for medical graduates seeking government jobs in the healthcare sector.
Table of Contents
Highlights of UPSC CMS Examination 2026
- Organization: Union Public Service Commission
- Exam Name: Combined Medical Services Examination 2026
- Advertisement No.: 9/2026-CMS
- Total Vacancies: 1358 Posts (Tentative)
- Application Mode: Online
- Job Type: Central Government Medical Jobs
- Qualification: MBBS
- Application Last Date: 31 March 2026
- Examination Date: 02 August 2026
- Selection Process: Written Exam + Personality Test
Total Vacancies
The UPSC Combined Medical Services Exam 2026 includes the following tentative vacancies:
| Category | Vacancies |
| Medical Officers (General Duty Medical Officers Sub-Cadre of Central Health Service) | 864 |
| Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (Railways) | 450 |
| General Duty Medical Officer – NDMC | 14 |
| General Duty Medical Officer Grade-II – MCD | 30 |
| Total Vacancies | 1358 |
These vacancies are tentative and may be revised by the government depending on administrative requirements.
Advertisement No.
Examination Notice No.: 9/2026-CMS
Notification Release Date: 11 March 2026
The official notification contains detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, exam pattern, application process, and selection procedure.
Short Description – UPSC CMS Recruitment 2026
The UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit qualified medical professionals into various government healthcare services.
Through this examination, candidates are appointed to important medical roles such as:
- Medical Officers in Central Health Services
- Assistant Divisional Medical Officers in Indian Railways
- General Duty Medical Officers in municipal healthcare departments
The recruitment aims to strengthen the public healthcare infrastructure across India by appointing qualified MBBS doctors to critical healthcare positions.
Candidates who have passed the final MBBS examination or are appearing for it may apply for the UPSC CMS Exam 2026.
Important Dates and Application Fee – UPSC Combined Medical Services Exam 2026
| Event | Date |
| Application Begins | 11 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 March 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Admit Card | Last week before the exam |
| Examination Date | 02 August 2026 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female | Exempted |
Mode of Payment
The application fee can be paid through:
- Net Banking
- Debit Card / Credit Card
- UPI Payment
Applications submitted without the prescribed fee will be rejected unless an exemption is applicable.
Posts, Vacancy, Age Limit, Pay Scale, and Qualification Details – UPSC CMS Eligibility 2026
| Post Name / Pay Scale | Total Vacancy | Educational Qualification |
| Medical Officer – Central Health Service | 864 | Passed or appearing in the Final MBBS Examination |
| Assistant Divisional Medical Officer – Railways | 450 | MBBS Degree from a recognized university |
| General Duty Medical Officer – NDMC | 14 | MBBS Degree |
| General Duty Medical Officer Grade II – MCD | 30 | MBBS Degree |
Note
Age Limit
- Maximum Age: 32 years as on 1 August 2026
- For Central Health Service Medical Officers: 35 years maximum age
Age Relaxation
Age relaxation is applicable as per the government rules:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- Defence Personnel: 3 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities: Up to 10 years
Cut-Off Date for Age Calculation
Age will be calculated as of 01 August 2026.
How to Apply – UPSC CMS Online Application 2026
Candidates must apply online through the UPSC application portal.
Steps to apply:
- Visit the UPSC online portal.
- Create an account and obtain a Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Complete the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Fill the Examination Specific Module for CMS 2026.
- Upload a photograph, signature, and required documents.
- Pay the application fee if applicable.
- Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.
Candidates must ensure that all details are correct before submitting the form, as modifications are not allowed after submission.
Documents Required – UPSC CMS Application 2026
Applicants should keep the following documents ready:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- MBBS degree certificate or final year proof
- Internship completion certificate (if applicable)
- Identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport, etc.)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) if applicable
- Disability certificate (PwBD candidates)
Ensure that all uploaded documents meet the size and format requirements specified by UPSC.
Selection Process – UPSC CMS Examination 2026
The UPSC Combined Medical Services Exam 2026 selection process consists of two stages:
1. Written Examination (500 Marks)
The written exam includes two objective-type papers:
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper I | General Medicine & Paediatrics | 250 |
| Paper II | Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Preventive Social Medicine | 250 |
2. Personality Test / Interview
Candidates who qualify in the written exam will be called for the Personality Test, which carries 100 marks.
Final selection is based on the combined marks of the written exam and interview.
Important Instructions: UPSC Combined Medical Services Exam 2026
Candidates should carefully follow these important guidelines:
- Only online applications are accepted.
- Candidates must ensure they fulfill eligibility conditions before applying.
- Mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall.
- Candidates must report to the examination center at least 30 minutes before the exam begins.
- Admit cards will be available only through the UPSC website and will not be sent by post.
- Any incorrect information or fraudulent documents may lead to disqualification.
The final decision regarding eligibility and selection rests with the UPSC.
Why This Job Is Perfect for Medical Graduates
The UPSC Combined Medical Services Exam 2026 offers one of the most prestigious career opportunities for MBBS graduates in India. Doctors selected through this examination work in government healthcare institutions that serve millions of citizens across the country.
Apart from attractive salaries and job security, these positions offer significant professional growth opportunities and the chance to contribute directly to public health services. Working as a medical officer in central government departments also offers benefits such as pension schemes, promotions, and the opportunity to work in diverse healthcare environments, including hospitals, railways, and municipal healthcare systems.
For young doctors aspiring to serve the nation while building a stable and rewarding career, the UPSC CMS 2026 recruitment is an excellent opportunity.
FAQs: UPSC Combined Medical Services Exam 2026
1. What is the last date to apply for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Exam 2026?
The last date to submit the online application form is 31 March 2026 till 6:00 PM.
2. How many vacancies are available in UPSC CMS 2026?
There are 1358 tentative vacancies for various medical officer posts.
3. What is the educational qualification for the UPSC CMS Exam 2026?
Candidates must have passed or appeared in the final MBBS examination from a recognized university.
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