The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS) 2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill 1,358 Medical Officer vacancies across various government departments in India.
Through this examination, selected candidates will be appointed to prestigious government organizations such as Central Health Service, Indian Railways, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The exam provides an excellent opportunity for MBBS graduates and final-year medical students seeking a stable government career in the medical field.
Important Dates for UPSC CMS 2026
- Online Application Start Date: March 11, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: March 31, 2026
- Written Examination Date: August 2, 2026
- Personality Test / Interview: Date to be announced later
Candidates must complete the application process before the deadline, as applications submitted after March 31, 2026 will not be accepted.
Vacancy Details
A total of 1,358 vacancies will be filled through the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026. The posts are distributed among different departments as follows:
- Medical Officers Grade (Central Health Service) – 864 posts
- Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (Indian Railways) – 450 posts
- General Duty Medical Officer (NDMC) – 14 posts
- General Duty Medical Officer Grade-II (MCD) – 30 posts
The Central Health Service accounts for the largest number of vacancies in this recruitment cycle.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for UPSC CMS Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must hold an MBBS degree from a recognized institution.
- Students currently in the final year of MBBS are also eligible to apply.
Age Limit
- Maximum Age: 32 years
- For some posts under Central Health Service, the age limit is up to 35 years.
Applicants are advised to check the detailed eligibility conditions in the official notification before applying.
Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 will be conducted in two stages:
- Written Examination – 500 marks
- Personality Test / Interview
Candidates who qualify in the written exam will be shortlisted for the Personality Test, where their professional skills, knowledge, and suitability for the role will be assessed.
Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates will receive salary under Pay Level-10 of the government pay scale.
- Starting Salary: ₹56,100 per month
- Maximum Salary: ₹1,77,500 per month
In addition to the salary, medical officers will also receive:
- Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA)
- Various government allowances and benefits
- Pension benefits, medical facilities, and job security
These benefits make the UPSC CMS exam one of the most sought-after government exams in the medical field.
Application Fee
The application fee structure is as follows:
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹200
- Female / SC / ST / PwBD: No fee
Candidates can pay the fee through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI during the online application process.
Conclusion
The UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 offers a great career opportunity for MBBS graduates and final-year medical students looking for a stable government job in the healthcare sector.
Interested candidates should carefully read the official notification on the Union Public Service Commission website and submit their application before March 31, 2026 to avoid missing this opportunity.
