Combined Medical Services Exam 2026: Notification, Exam Date & Apply Online Guide

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has set the stage for one of the most prestigious recruitment drives for doctors in India. The Combined Medical Services Exam 2026 schedule is out via the official UPSC Annual Calendar. If you are an MBBS aspirant aiming for a Class I Officer post in Indian Railways or Central Health Services, this is your ultimate opportunity.

The commission is expected to release the detailed notification PDF in April 2026, but the exam date has already been locked. Is there a change in the syllabus this year? Read below to get the confirmed schedule, vacancy breakdown, and direct application links.

Overview Table: UPSC CMS 2026

Combined Medical Services Exam 2026: Notification Analysis

According to the UPSC Annual Programme of Examinations 2026, the official notification for the Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 is scheduled to be released on 08th April 2026.

This exam serves as the gateway for medical graduates to join the Central Government workforce. The recruitment typically covers:

• Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (ADMO) in Railways.
• Assistant Medical Officer in IOF (Indian Ordnance Factories).
• General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO) in New Delhi Municipal Council.
• General Duty Medical Officer Gr-II in East, North, and South Delhi Municipal Corporations.

Note: Candidates appearing in their final MBBS examination can also apply provisionally!

Important Dates: Mark Your Calendar

Don’t miss a single deadline. Here is the official schedule based on the UPSC Calendar.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

Before filling out the form for the Combined Medical Services Exam 2026, ensure you meet the strict eligibility norms.

1. Educational Qualification:

• Candidate must have passed the written and practical parts of the final M.B.B.S. Examination.
• Final Year Students: Candidates who have appeared or are yet to appear at the final M.B.B.S. examination may also apply. However, they must produce proof of passing the written and practical parts of the final M.B.B.S. examination before the detailed application form (DAF) stage.

2. Age Limit (As of 1st August 2026):

• Maximum Age: You must not have attained the age of 32 years.
• Relaxation:
  • OBC: 3 Years
  • SC/ST: 5 Years
  • PwBD: 10 Years

Read: Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Exam 2026 Date Announced

Exam Pattern & Syllabus (Detailed)

The Combined Medical Services Exam 2026 will be conducted in two stages.

Stage 1: Computer Based Examination (500 Marks)

This stage consists of two objective papers, each of 2 hours duration.

Paper I (Code 1):

• Subject: General Medicine and Paediatrics.
• Questions: 120 (96 from Gen. Medicine, 24 from Paediatrics).
• Marks: 250.

Paper II (Code 2):

• Subject: Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Preventive & Social Medicine.
• Questions: 120 (40 questions from each section).
• Marks: 250.

Negative Marking: There is a penalty of 1/3rd marks for every wrong answer.

Stage 2: Personality Test (100 Marks)

Candidates who qualify for the written exam are called for an Interview/Personality Test which carries 100 marks. It tests general knowledge, academic prowess, and leadership traits.

How to Apply for CMS 2026

Follow this step-by-step guide to avoid rejection:

1. OTR Registration: Visit upsconline.nic.in and complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if not done already.
2. Login: Use your Email/Mobile/OTR ID to log in.
3. Find Notification: Go to “Latest Notifications” -> “Combined Medical Services Examination 2026”.
4. Fill Part-I: Enter personal details and educational qualifications.
5. Fill Part-II: Pay the fee (₹200 for General/OBC Men; Free for Female/SC/ST/PwBD), select Exam Centre, and upload Photo/Signature.
6. Final Submit: Save the PDF for future reference.

Direct Important Links

FAQs: Combined Medical Services Exam 2026

Q1: What is the exam date for UPSC CMS 2026?

Ans: As per the UPSC Annual Calendar, the exam will be held on 19th July 2026.

Q2: Can final year MBBS students apply for CMS 2026?

Ans: Yes, final year students are eligible to apply provisionally.

Q3: Is there a negative marking in the CMS exam?

Ans: Yes, 0.33 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.

Q4: What is the age limit for the CMS exam?

Ans: Candidates must be below 32 years of age as of August 1, 2026.

Q5: When will the CMS 2026 Notification be released?

Ans: The official notification is expected to be released on 08 April 2026.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is based on the tentative UPSC Annual Calendar and previous years’ trends. For the most accurate and updated information, please refer to the official notification at upsc.gov.in. We are an information portal.