UPSC CMS Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 1358 Medical Officer Posts
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS) 2026. Through this examination, UPSC will recruit Medical Officers in Central Government departments such as Central Health Service, Railways, NDMC, and MCD. Interested candidates who have completed MBBS can apply online through the UPSC portal before the last date.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 11 March 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 11 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 March 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | Last working day before exam week |
| Exam Date | 02 August 2026 |
The recruitment examination will be conducted on 2 August 2026.
These dates are mentioned in the official examination notice on page 1 of the notification.
UPSC CMS Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 |
| Notification No. | 9/2026-CMS |
| Total Vacancies | 1358 (Tentative) |
| Qualification | MBBS |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
Number of Vacancies
Total 1358 vacancies (tentative) are available under different services.
| Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Medical Officer Grade (Central Health Service) | 864 |
| Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (Railways) | 450 |
| General Duty Medical Officer (NDMC) | 14 |
| General Duty Medical Officer Grade II (MCD) | 30 |
The number of vacancies may change depending on government requirements.
Reservation
Reservation is applicable as per Government of India rules for:
- SC
- ST
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)
- EWS
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
Example of PwBD reservation:
- 34 posts reserved in Central Health Service
- 18 posts reserved in Railways
- 2 posts reserved in MCD
Candidates must have valid certificates issued before 31 March 2026 to claim reservation benefits.
Age Limit
Maximum age: 32 years as on 1 August 2026
However for Central Health Service Medical Officer posts the upper age limit is 35 years.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 Years |
| Defence Personnel Disabled in Operations | 3 Years |
| PwBD | 10 Years |
Age relaxation rules are described in eligibility section of the notification.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have:
- Passed final MBBS examination (written + practical).
Candidates appearing in the final MBBS exam can also apply, but must submit proof of passing before the interview stage.
Candidates who have not completed the mandatory rotating internship can apply, but appointment will be given only after completing the internship.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200 |
| Female | Exempted |
| SC / ST | Exempted |
| PwBD | Exempted |
Payment can be made through:
- Net Banking
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- UPI
Fees once paid are non-refundable.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of two stages:
1. Written Examination (500 Marks)
Two objective papers:
| Paper | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Medicine + Pediatrics | 250 |
| Paper II | Surgery + Gynecology & Obstetrics + Preventive & Social Medicine | 250 |
Each paper duration: 2 hours.
2. Personality Test / Interview
Marks: 100
Final selection will be based on written exam + interview marks.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
UPSC does not prescribe fixed minimum marks in the notification. Candidates must score sufficiently high to qualify for the Personality Test stage based on merit.
Exam Pattern
Paper I
Subjects include:
- Cardiology
- Respiratory Diseases
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
- Psychiatry
- Emergency Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Immunization and Child Health
Paper II
Subjects include:
- Surgery
- ENT
- Orthopedics
- Ophthalmology
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Preventive & Social Medicine
- Community Medicine
All questions are objective type (MCQ) and the paper will be in English only.
Exam Centres
The exam will be conducted across India including cities like:
- Delhi
- Dehradun
- Lucknow
- Kanpur
- Jaipur
- Bengaluru
- Mumbai
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Chennai
- Patna
- Ranchi
- Shimla
- Srinagar
Centres are allotted on a first-apply-first-allot basis.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through the UPSC portal.
Steps to apply:
- Visit UPSC Online Portal
- Create Universal Registration Number (URN)
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Upload photograph and signature
- Select exam centre and pay the fee
- Submit the application form
Apply Online:
https://upsconline.nic.in
Applications must be submitted before 31 March 2026 (6:00 PM).
Important Instructions
- Mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly banned in exam halls.
- Candidates must reach the exam centre 30 minutes before the exam.
- Face authentication may be used at exam centres for identity verification.
- Candidates must carry a valid photo ID during the exam.
General Conditions
- Admission to the exam is provisional until document verification.
- Submission of false information may lead to disqualification and legal action.
- Selected candidates must meet medical and physical standards required for the service.
- Success in the exam does not guarantee appointment unless the government approves the candidate’s suitability.

