UPSC CMS Recruitment 2026: Applications Open for 1,300 Medical Posts; Check Eligibility, Last Date and How to Apply
UPSC CMS Recruitment 2026: The Union Public Service Commission has started the application process for the Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026. The recruitment drive aims to fill around 1,300 medical officer positions in various central government departments.
Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website until March 31, 2026. The examination is scheduled to be conducted on August 2, 2026.
This recruitment offers an excellent opportunity for MBBS graduates who want to pursue a government career in the medical field.
UPSC CMS 2026: Vacancy Details
The recruitment will be conducted for medical officer positions in different government services. The distribution of vacancies is as follows:
| Post | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| General Duty Medical Officer Grade | 864 |
| Assistant Divisional Medical Officer | 450 |
| General Duty Medical Officer (NDMC) | 14 |
| General Duty Medical Officer Grade-II (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) | 30 |
Selected candidates will be appointed in departments such as Indian Railways, municipal corporations, and other central government health services.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CMS 2026
Educational Qualification
Candidates applying for the CMS exam must meet the following educational requirements:
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Must hold an MBBS degree from a recognized institution approved by the National Medical Commission (formerly the Medical Council of India).
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Candidates in the final year of MBBS or currently undergoing internship are also eligible to apply.
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Foreign medical graduates can also apply if their qualifications are recognized in India.
Applicants must provide valid proof of qualification such as a degree certificate, final marksheet, or provisional certificate issued by the relevant authority.
Age Limit
The maximum age limit for candidates is 32 years as of August 1, 2026.
This means applicants must not have been born earlier than August 2, 1994. Age relaxations will apply for candidates belonging to reserved categories as per government rules.
Application Fee
Candidates need to pay an application fee of ₹200 to apply for the UPSC CMS exam.
However, the following categories are exempted from paying the fee:
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Women candidates
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SC category candidates
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ST category candidates
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PwBD candidates
The fee can be paid through:
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Net banking
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Visa / Master / RuPay debit or credit cards
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UPI payments
How to Apply for UPSC CMS Recruitment 2026
Candidates can follow these steps to submit the online application:
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Visit the official website upsc.gov.in.
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Click on the registration link for the CMS 2026 examination.
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Complete the online registration process.
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Fill in the application form with the required details.
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Upload scanned copies of required documents.
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Pay the application fee (if applicable).
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Submit the form and download a copy for future reference.
Applicants are advised to carefully verify all information before submitting the application.
UPSC CMS 2026 Exam Pattern
The Combined Medical Services examination is conducted in two stages:
1. Computer-Based Examination
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Two papers
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Each paper carries 250 marks
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Subjects include:
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General Medicine
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Surgery
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Gynecology and Obstetrics
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Pediatrics
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Preventive and Social Medicine
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2. Personality Test / Interview
Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be invited for a 100-mark personality test conducted by UPSC.
Why UPSC CMS Is a Good Career Opportunity
Clearing the UPSC CMS exam allows candidates to work as medical officers in prestigious government services, including railways and municipal healthcare systems. These positions offer:
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Stable government employment
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Opportunities for career growth
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Competitive salary and benefits
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The chance to contribute to public healthcare services
For MBBS graduates seeking a secure and impactful career in government healthcare, the UPSC CMS examination remains one of the most important recruitment opportunities in India.

