UPSC Combined Medical Service (CMS) Recruitment 2026 – Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released its official notification (No. 09/2025-CMS) for the Combined Medical Service (CMS) Examination 2026, presenting a significant career opportunity for medical graduates across India. This highly anticipated recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 1358 vacancies for various medical officer positions in prestigious central government departments, including the Central Health Service, Railways, and Delhi Municipal Councils. Securing a position through the UPSC CMS is a prestigious milestone, offering a stable and rewarding career path with the chance to contribute directly to the nation’s public health infrastructure. This examination is the primary gateway for doctors looking to serve in a government capacity.
To be eligible for the examination, candidates must have passed the written and practical parts of the final M.B.B.S. examination. Candidates who are appearing for their final M.B.B.S. exam are also provisionally eligible to apply. The age limit is set at a maximum of 32 years, with a relaxation up to 35 years for General Duty Medical Officer roles, with the crucial date for age calculation being August 01, 2026. Age relaxation for reserved categories will be applicable as per government norms. The application fee is a nominal ₹ 200/- for General and OBC male candidates, while all female candidates, as well as candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PH categories, are fully exempted from payment.
The online application window will open on March 11, 2026, providing aspiring doctors with a limited time to register. It is imperative that all interested candidates complete and submit their application forms by the firm deadline of March 31, 2026, as no extensions will be granted. The fee payment must also be completed by this date. The computer-based examination, which is the first stage of the selection process, is scheduled to be held nationwide on August 02, 2026. Candidates should start their preparation well in advance to succeed in this competitive exam.
Key Highlights
- Total Vacancies: 1358 Posts
- Eligibility: Final M.B.B.S. Examination Passed/Appearing
- Last Date to Apply: March 31, 2026
- Application Fee: ₹ 200/- (Gen/OBC), ₹ 0/- (Female/SC/ST/PH)
- Pay Scale: Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level-10)
- Exam Date: August 02, 2026
How to Apply
The application process for the UPSC CMS 2026 examination is entirely online. Candidates must visit the official UPSC portal at http://www.upsc.gov.in/ to begin their application. The process involves a one-time registration (OTR) followed by filling out the detailed application form with personal, academic, and contact information. After filling the form, candidates must upload scanned copies of their photograph and signature as per the specified guidelines and proceed to pay the application fee, if applicable. It is essential to double-check all details before the final submission to avoid any discrepancies.
Don’t miss this opportunity — apply online before March 31, 2026 at http://www.upsc.gov.in/.