UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE) 2026
Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE) 2026
| Post Name | Total Post | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Officers Grade in General Duty Medical officers Sub Cadre of Central Health Service | 864 | Passed / Appearing Medical Degree in MBBS at Any Recognized University in India. |
| Assistant Division Medical Officer ADMO in Railway | 450 | Passed / Appearing Medical Degree in MBBS at Any Recognized University in India. |
| General Duty Medical Officer GDMO Grade II in NDMS | 14 | Passed / Appearing Medical Degree in MBBS at Any Recognized University in India. |
| General Duty Medical Officer GDMO in Various Delhi Municipal Council | 30 | Passed / Appearing Medical Degree in MBBS at Any Recognized University in India. |
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | 200/- |
| SC / ST | 0/- (Exempted) |
| PH / PWD | 0/- (Exempted) |
| Female | 0/- (Nil) |
| Ex-Servicemen | Not Mentioned |
| Payment Mode | Through Debit / Credit Card or Net Banking or E Challan |
Extra as per UPSC CMS 2026 Recruitment Rules
Candidates applying for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE) 2026 must possess a Medical Degree (MBBS) from any university recognized in India. Those who are in their final year of MBBS and are appearing for their examinations are also eligible to apply, provided they meet all other criteria as specified in the official notification.
The selection process for UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE) 2026 typically involves two main stages:
- Written Examination: Candidates will first appear for a computer-based written examination consisting of two papers, each carrying 250 marks.
- Personality Test/Interview: Candidates who qualify the written examination will be called for a Personality Test/Interview, which carries 100 marks. The final merit list is prepared based on the combined scores of the written examination and the interview.
For detailed information on the scheme of examination and syllabus, candidates are advised to refer to the official UPSC CMSE 2026 notification.
The UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE) 2026 comprises a Computer Based Examination (CBE) followed by a Personality Test. The CBE consists of two papers:
- Paper I (General Medicine & Paediatrics): This paper will cover topics related to General Medicine and Paediatrics. It will be a computer-based test with multiple-choice questions.
- Paper II (Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Preventive & Social Medicine): This paper will focus on Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, and Preventive & Social Medicine. It will also be a computer-based test with multiple-choice questions.
Each paper is typically of 2 hours duration and carries 250 marks. The questions are designed to assess the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of various medical disciplines. There is usually a negative marking for incorrect answers. The Personality Test/Interview carries 100 marks and evaluates the candidate’s general awareness, communication skills, and suitability for the medical officer role.
When applying online for the UPSC CMSE 2026, candidates will typically need the following:
- Live Photo: A recent live photograph of the candidate is required during the online application process.
- Scanned Signature: A scanned image of the candidate’s signature in the prescribed format.
- Scanned Left Thumb Impression: A scanned image of the candidate’s left thumb impression.
- Educational Qualification Certificates: Mark sheets and degree certificates for MBBS and other relevant medical qualifications.
- Age Proof: Birth Certificate or Matriculation/10th class certificate showing date of birth.
- Category Certificate: SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PH/PWD certificate, if applicable, issued by a competent authority.
- Identity Proof: Aadhar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, or any other government-issued ID.
- Other Relevant Documents: Any other documents as specified in the official notification for age relaxation or specific eligibility criteria.
Candidates must ensure all documents are in the prescribed format and size for online submission. It is crucial to read the official notification thoroughly for the exact list and specifications.
To successfully apply for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE) 2026, follow these steps:
- One Time Registration (OTR): First and foremost, candidates must complete their One Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC online application portal (upsconline.nic.in). Applications will not be accepted without a valid OTR.
- Access the Application Portal: Visit the official UPSC online application website (upsconline.nic.in) and navigate to the CMSE 2026 application link.
- Fill the Application Form: Log in using your OTR credentials and proceed to fill out the detailed application form. Provide all personal, educational, and contact details accurately.
- Upload Documents: Upload your live photograph, scanned signature, and left thumb impression as per the specifications mentioned in the notification. Ensure the live photo requirement is met.
- Select Exam Center: Choose your preferred examination center. Be aware that centers have limited capacity, and popular cities may fill up quickly (indicated by red color). Apply early to secure your desired location.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the examination fee online using a Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or through E-Challan, as applicable to your category. Female, SC, ST, and PH candidates are exempted from fee payment.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information entered in the application form before final submission. Make sure there are no errors.
- Print Final Application: After successful submission and fee payment, take a printout of the final application form for your records.
- Read Notification: Always refer to the full official notification for any specific instructions, guidelines, or updates before and during the application process.
Preparing for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE) 2026 requires a strategic and disciplined approach, given the comprehensive syllabus covering various medical disciplines. Success in this highly competitive exam hinges on thorough understanding, consistent revision, and effective time management.
Understanding the Exam Pattern and Syllabus:
The CMSE consists of two papers in a Computer Based Examination (CBE) and a Personality Test. Paper I covers General Medicine and Paediatrics, while Paper II includes Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, and Preventive & Social Medicine. Each paper is for 250 marks, and the Personality Test is for 100 marks. Familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus provided in the official notification to identify key areas and allocate study time accordingly.
Recommended Book Topics:
- General Medicine: Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine (for in-depth understanding), Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine (for concise review), or a standard Indian textbook like API Textbook of Medicine. Focus on common diseases, their diagnosis, management, and recent advancements.
- Paediatrics: Ghai Essential Pediatrics or Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Emphasize growth and development, common childhood illnesses, immunizations, and nutritional deficiencies.
- Surgery: Bailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery or Schwartz’s Principles of Surgery. Concentrate on surgical principles, common surgical conditions, pre- and post-operative care, and emergency surgery.
- Gynaecology & Obstetrics: Dutta’s Textbook of Gynaecology and Textbook of Obstetrics. Focus on reproductive physiology, common gynaecological disorders, antenatal care, labour, delivery, and postnatal complications.
- Preventive & Social Medicine (PSM): Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine. This is crucial for public health concepts, epidemiology, biostatistics, health programs, and environmental health.
Study Plan:
- Phase 1 (Months 1-3: Foundation Building):
- Dedicate 2-3 hours daily to each of the major subjects (Medicine, Surgery, Gynae/Obs, Paediatrics, PSM).
- Start with core concepts and make concise notes.
- Focus on understanding rather than rote memorization.
- Regularly revise topics covered weekly.
- Phase 2 (Months 4-6: In-depth Study & Practice):
- Deep dive into specific topics, referring to standard textbooks.
- Solve previous year’s question papers to understand the exam pattern and important areas.
- Practice MCQs daily from each subject.
- Identify weak areas and spend extra time on them.
- Phase 3 (Month 7-8: Revision & Mock Tests):
- Intensive revision of all subjects using your notes.
- Take full-length mock tests regularly to simulate exam conditions and improve time management.
- Analyze mock test performance to pinpoint remaining weaknesses.
- Focus on high-yield topics and frequently asked questions.
Example Practice Questions:
- A 45-year-old male presents with sudden onset severe retrosternal chest pain radiating to the left arm, associated with sweating and nausea. ECG shows ST-segment elevation in leads V2-V5. What is the most likely diagnosis and immediate management?
- Discuss the National Health Mission (NHM) in India, highlighting its key components and achievements in improving maternal and child health.
- A 7-year-old child presents with fever, sore throat, and a characteristic ‘strawberry tongue’. On examination, a fine, sandpaper-like rash is noted over the trunk and extremities. What is the probable diagnosis, causative organism, and recommended treatment?
- Outline the common causes of postpartum hemorrhage and describe the steps involved in its active management.
- Explain the principles of epidemiological studies, differentiating between case-control and cohort studies with suitable examples.
Beyond academics, maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage stress, and stay updated with current affairs related to health and medicine. Consistent effort and a positive mindset are key to cracking the UPSC CMSE.