Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS) 2026 notification, inviting eligible candidates to apply online for 1358 vacancies across various medical officer posts. This is a central government job offering a salary of Pay Matrix Level-10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) + NPA. The last date to apply is 31 March 2026.
This highly anticipated recruitment drive offers a golden opportunity for medical graduates seeking a stable and rewarding career in government service. The UPSC CMS examination is renowned for its rigorous selection process, ensuring only the most competent medical professionals join the Central Health Service, Railways, and municipal bodies like NDMC and MCD. Aspiring candidates are advised to meticulously review the official notification and prepare thoroughly for the competitive examination.
The selection process for UPSC CMS 2026 involves a written examination followed by a personality test, designed to assess both academic knowledge and essential professional attributes. Successful candidates will contribute significantly to public health services across India, making this a prestigious and impactful career choice.
The Union Public Service Commission has announced a total of 1358 vacancies for the Combined Medical Services Examination 2026. These posts are distributed across various medical officer roles within different government departments as detailed below:
| Category | Post Name | Total Posts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category-I | Medical Officers Grade in General Duty Medical Officers Sub-cadre of Central Health Service (CHS) | 864 | Passed Final MBBS Examination |
| Category-II | Assistant Divisional Medical Officer in the Railways | 450 | Passed Final MBBS Examination |
| Category-II | General Duty Medical Officer in New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) | 14 | Passed Final MBBS Examination |
| Category-II | General Duty Medical Officer Grade-II in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) | 30 | Passed Final MBBS Examination |
| Total | 1358 |
Additionally, specific vacancies are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) categories:
| Post | PwBD Vacancies | Sub-category |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Officers Grade – General Duty (CHS) | 34 | OA, OL, BL, OAL, CP, LC, DW, AAV: 17 | SLD + MD involving above: 17 |
| Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (Railways) | 18 | Locomotor Disability: OA, OL, BL, LC & AAV (without joint involvement) |
| General Duty Medical Officer (NDMC) | NIL | – |
| General Duty Medical Officer Grade-II (MCD) | 2 | Locomotor Disability: 0 | SLD: 1 | MD involving above: 1 |
Candidates applying for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 must meet the following eligibility criteria as on 01 August 2026:
Candidates must have passed the written and practical parts of the final MBBS Examination from a university recognized by the Medical Council of India. Those who have appeared or are yet to appear in the final MBBS Examination may apply provisionally, but their admission will be subject to producing proof of passing within the stipulated time after the written examination result. Completion of the compulsory rotating internship is also a prerequisite for appointment, even if one is eligible to appear for the exam without completing it.
All posts filled through UPSC CMS 2026 offer a lucrative salary structure as per the 7th Pay Commission. Appointed candidates will receive a salary in the Pay Matrix Level-10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500). This includes a basic pay range along with a Non-Practising Allowance (NPA) as per government orders. Private practice of any kind, including lab and consultant practice, is strictly prohibited for all positions.
For General Duty Medical Officers in NDMC, there are additional promotion avenues up to Senior Medical Officer (Level-11: ₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700), Chief Medical Officer (Level-12: ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200), Chief Medical Officer (NFSG) (Level-13: ₹1,18,500 – ₹2,14,100), and Senior Administrative Grade (Level-14: ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200). All appointed candidates will be governed by the Contributory Pension System (NPS) effective from 01.01.2004.
The selection for UPSC Combined Medical Services 2026 is a two-stage process, comprising a Written Examination and a Personality Test, totaling 600 marks:
Negative Marking: 1/3rd (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each incorrect answer. No penalty for unanswered questions. The Commission has the discretion to fix qualifying marks in any or both papers.
Tie-Breaking Principle: In case of equal final marks, the candidate with higher marks in the Written Total will be ranked higher. If still tied, the older candidate will be ranked higher. If the date of birth is also the same, the candidate whose internship completion date is earlier will be ranked higher. Further ties are resolved at the Commission's discretion.
Exam Centres: The examination will be conducted at 48 centres across India, including major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Patna. Allotment of centres is on a "first-apply-first-allot" basis.
The UPSC CMS 2026 examination comprises two objective papers. While a detailed syllabus is available in the official notification, the exam pattern is structured as follows:
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Medicine + Paediatrics (Paper-I) | 96 + 24 = 120 | 250 | 2 Hours |
| Surgery + Gynaecology & Obstetrics + Preventive & Social Medicine (Paper-II) | 40 + 40 + 40 = 120 | 250 | 2 Hours |
Candidates are strongly advised to refer to the official UPSC CMS 2026 notification for the comprehensive syllabus and detailed topics for each subject to ensure thorough preparation.
The application fee for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 is as follows:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200/- |
| SC / ST / PwD | Exempted (Free) |
| Female Candidates | Exempted (Free) |
| Payment Mode | Online (Net Banking, Visa/Master/RuPay/Credit/Debit Card/UPI) |
Note: The application fee, once paid, is non-refundable and cannot be reserved for any other examination. Applications submitted without the prescribed fee (unless exempted) will be summarily rejected.
Keep track of these crucial dates for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 11 March 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 11 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 31 March 2026 (06:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 31 March 2026 (06:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | Last working day of the preceding week of exam date (approx. 25 July 2026) |
| Exam Date | 02 August 2026 |
| Representation Window on Question Paper / Provisional Answer Keys | 3rd day to 7th day (06:00 PM) after the Examination date |
| Result Declaration | To Be Announced |
Follow these steps carefully to submit your application for UPSC Combined Medical Services 2026 before the last date:
⚠️ Pro Tip: Keep your Aadhaar card, educational certificates (MBBS mark sheets), caste/EWS/PwBD certificate (if applicable), and a recent passport-size photo ready before starting the form to avoid last-minute issues. Apply well in advance to secure your preferred examination centre.
Ensure you have the following documents ready for the online application and future stages of the UPSC CMS 2026 recruitment:
| Apply Online | Click Here ↗ |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here ↗ |
| Official Website | Click Here ↗ |
The last date for submission of the online application for UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 is 31 March 2026, up to 06:00 PM. Candidates are strongly advised to complete their applications well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical issues or server congestion on the official UPSC online portal.
Posts filled through UPSC CMS 2026 offer a salary in Pay Matrix Level-10, ranging from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month. This includes a Non-Practising Allowance (NPA) as per government rules. Additionally, some posts like GDMO NDMC have promotion avenues up to Pay Matrix Level-14, offering a higher earning potential.
The maximum age limit for UPSC CMS 2026 is 32 years for General category candidates, calculated as on 01 August 2026. However, for Medical Officers Grade in General Duty (CHS), the upper age limit is 35 years. Age relaxations are provided for SC/ST, OBC, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen categories as per government norms.
To apply online for UPSC CMS 2026, visit the official UPSC online portal at upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in. Complete the Universal Registration (URN Profile) if new, then fill the Common Application Form and the Examination Specific Module. Upload required documents, pay the application fee (if applicable), and submit the form before 31 March 2026.
The selection process for UPSC CMS 2026 involves two main stages: a Written Examination (500 marks) and a Personality Test/Interview (100 marks). The written exam consists of two objective-type papers covering General Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, and Preventive & Social Medicine. Candidates qualifying the written exam proceed to the interview.
Yes, there is an application fee of ₹200/- for General, OBC, and EWS category candidates applying for UPSC CMS 2026. However, all female candidates, as well as those belonging to SC, ST, and Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) categories, are fully exempted from paying the application fee. Payment is accepted online only.
For the UPSC CMS 2026 online application, candidates need scanned copies of their photograph and signature, along with a live photograph. Essential documents include 10th/12th certificates, MBBS degree/mark sheets, caste/EWS/PwBD certificates (if applicable), and a valid Photo ID proof. Completion of internship is crucial for final appointment.
The UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 is officially scheduled to be held on 02 August 2026. The examination will be conducted across 48 designated centres throughout India. Candidates are advised to download their e-Admit Cards from the UPSC website in the last week preceding the examination date.
To be eligible for UPSC CMS 2026, candidates must have successfully passed both the written and practical parts of the final MBBS Examination from a recognized university. While candidates appearing for their final MBBS can apply provisionally, they must provide proof of passing within the specified timeframe after the written exam result.