For MBBS graduates aspiring to serve in central government medical services, the UPSC CMS (Combined Medical Services) Examination 2026 is one of the most prestigious and coveted opportunities. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, this examination recruits doctors directly into central government health services, railways, and municipal health organizations — offering outstanding job security, excellent pay, and the prestige of a UPSC selection.
This year’s CMS has 1,358 vacancies distributed across four key government health departments. The application window is very short — just 21 days from 11 March to 31 March 2026. MBBS graduates and final-year MBBS students (appearing candidates) must act immediately to avoid missing the deadline. The written examination is scheduled for 02 August 2026, giving selected applicants approximately four months to prepare after submission.
UPSC CMS 2026 – Key Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 1,358 Posts |
| Application Start Date | 11 March 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 31 March 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 31 March 2026 |
| Exam Date | 02 August 2026 |
| Admit Card | Before Examination |
| Application Fee | ₹200/- (General/OBC/EWS) | Free (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Minimum Qualification | MBBS Degree |
| Maximum Age | 32 Years (as on 01 August 2026) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CMS 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 11 March 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 31 March 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 31 March 2026 |
| Admit Card | Before the Examination |
| CMS Written Examination | 02 August 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | To be Announced |
| Result Declaration | To be Announced |
| Personality Test / Interview | After Written Result |
UPSC CMS 2026 – Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS Candidates | ₹200/- |
| SC / ST Candidates | Free (No Fee) |
| PwD / Divyang Candidates | Free (No Fee) |
| Female Candidates | Free (No Fee) |
Payment via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or Bank Challan before 31 March 2026.
UPSC CMS 2026 – Age Limit (As on 01 August 2026)
| Criteria | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | Not specified (No lower limit) |
| Maximum Age | 32 Years |
| Age Relaxation | As per Government of India norms for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Ex-Servicemen |
Age Calculated as on 01 August 2026: The maximum age of 32 years is calculated as on the examination date — 01 August 2026. Candidates born on or after 02 August 1994 are eligible if they have not crossed 32 years by 01 August 2026.
UPSC CMS 2026 – Post-Wise Vacancy Details (Total: 1,358 Posts)
| Post Name | Department | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO) | Central Health Services (CHS) | 864 |
| Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (ADMO) | Indian Railways | 450 |
| General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO Grade II) | NDMS / EDMC / SDMC | 14 |
| General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO) | Various Delhi Municipal Corporations | 30 |
| Grand Total | 1,358 |
About the Posts:
- GDMO – Central Health Services: Posted across central government hospitals, ESI hospitals, and health units nationwide under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
- ADMO – Railways: Stationed at Railway Hospitals and health units across India — one of the most sought-after postings in railway medical services
- GDMO Grade II – NDMS/EDMC/SDMC: North Delhi Municipal Corporation, East Delhi Municipal Corporation, South Delhi Municipal Corporation
- GDMO – Delhi Municipal: General medical duty in municipal health facilities in Delhi
UPSC CMS 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | MBBS degree from a recognized university in India (included in Schedule or under Section 11(2) of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956) |
| Appearing Candidates | Final year MBBS students appearing in the degree examination are also eligible to apply — subject to completing the degree before joining |
| Medical Registration | Candidates must be registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or State Medical Council at the time of appointment |
| Maximum Age | 32 Years as on 01 August 2026 |
| Nationality | Indian Citizen |
Appearing Students Can Apply: Final year MBBS students who are yet to complete their degree are eligible to appear in the UPSC CMS 2026 examination. However, they must complete their MBBS degree (including internship requirements as per the official notification) before being considered for final appointment.
UPSC CMS 2026 – Selection Process
- Written Examination (02 August 2026): Objective type papers covering subjects from the MBBS curriculum. UPSC CMS typically has two papers — Paper I (General Medicine and Paediatrics) and Paper II (Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, and Preventive & Social Medicine).
- Personality Test / Interview: Candidates shortlisted based on written exam performance are called for a personality test conducted by the UPSC board. This evaluates communication skills, clinical aptitude, and suitability for government medical service.
- Final Merit List & Appointment: A final merit list is prepared based on combined written exam and interview scores. Selected candidates are posted to their respective departments.
How to Apply Online – UPSC CMS 2026
The application process is entirely online at upsconline.nic.in or upsc.gov.in. Follow these steps before 31 March 2026 (6:00 PM):
- Visit the official UPSC portal: upsc.gov.in or the online application portal upsconline.nic.in (direct link in Important Links below).
- Click on “Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC”.
- Select “Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026”.
- Register with your basic details and create an account if you don’t already have a UPSC One Time Registration (OTR) profile.
- Complete Part I (Personal information) and Part II (Educational qualifications and examination preferences).
- Upload your photograph and signature in the specified format.
- Pay the application fee (₹200/- for General/OBC/EWS; free for SC/ST/PwD/Female) through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or Bank Challan.
- Review the complete application using the Preview option before final submission.
- Click Submit before the deadline of 31 March 2026 at 6:00 PM.
- Download and save the application form PDF. Keep it for future reference.
Only 21 Days to Apply: The application window is just 21 days (11–31 March 2026). UPSC does not grant deadline extensions typically. Apply as early as possible — last-minute portal congestion is common for UPSC examinations. Do not wait for the deadline day.
UPSC CMS 2026 – Important Links
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online – UPSC CMS 2026 | Click Here – upsconline.nic.in |
| Download Official UPSC CMS 2026 Notification | Available at upsc.gov.in |
| Official UPSC Website | upsc.gov.in |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – UPSC CMS 2026
Q1. What is the UPSC CMS Examination 2026?The UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026 is a prestigious national-level competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit MBBS-qualified doctors into central government medical services. The 2026 edition has1,358 vacanciesacross four departments — Central Health Services GDMO, Railway ADMO, NDMS/EDMC/SDMC GDMO Grade II, and Delhi Municipal Corporation GDMO.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CMS 2026?The application last date is31 March 2026 at 6:00 PM. Applications opened on 11 March 2026. The window is only 21 days — apply without delay. Fee payment must also be completed by 31 March 2026.
Q3. What is the eligibility for UPSC CMS 2026?Candidates must hold anMBBS degreefrom a recognized Indian university (included under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956) or be afinal-year MBBS student appearing in the degree examination. The maximum age is32 years as on 01 August 2026. Candidates must be Indian citizens and registered with MCI or State Medical Council at the time of appointment.
Q4. Can final-year MBBS students apply for UPSC CMS 2026?Yes. Final-year MBBS students who are yet to pass their degree examination are eligible to apply and appear in the UPSC CMS 2026 written exam. However, they must complete their MBBS degree (including any mandatory internship as per the official notification conditions) before being considered for final appointment to any of the posts.
Q5. What are the posts under UPSC CMS 2026?The 1,358 vacancies are distributed as:864 GDMOposts in Central Health Services,450 ADMOposts in Indian Railways,14 GDMO Grade IIposts in NDMS/EDMC/SDMC, and30 GDMOposts in Delhi Municipal Corporations. The Railway ADMO posts are among the most sought-after in this examination due to the comprehensive benefits and postings.
Q6. What is the application fee for UPSC CMS 2026?The application fee is₹200/-for General, OBC, and EWS candidates.SC, ST, PwD (Divyang), and all Female candidates are completely exemptfrom the application fee. Payment can be made via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or SBI Bank Challan.
Q7. What is the selection process for UPSC CMS 2026?UPSC CMS selection has two stages: (1)Written Examination on 02 August 2026— objective type, typically covering Paper I (General Medicine, Paediatrics) and Paper II (Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Preventive & Social Medicine); and (2)Personality Test / Interviewfor candidates shortlisted based on written performance. The final merit list determines department allocation.