UPSC Combined Medical Services 2026 Notification: Salary, Eligibility & Complete Guide
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026, inviting applications from eligible medical professionals to fill 1,358 vacancies as Medical Officers and related positions. With a competitive salary structure and an All India examination, this is a prestigious opportunity for MBBS graduates. The examination will test your medical knowledge through a rigorous written exam and interview process, making it ideal for doctors aspiring to serve under the government. If you’re looking for UPSC recruitment notifications, this is a great opportunity.
Applications are open from 11 March 2026 to 31 March 2026 (6 PM), and the written examination is scheduled for 2 August 2026. This article covers all essential details including vacancy breakdown, eligibility criteria, salary structure, selection process, and step-by-step application instructions. Keep reading to ensure you don’t miss any important details while applying. Visit GovtJobsAlert.in for regular updates on government job notifications and recruitment alerts.
Key Highlights: UPSC Combined Medical Services 2026
The UPSC is one of India’s most prestigious government institutions, responsible for recruiting officers at the Union level across various services. This CMS examination is held to fill positions in different government medical departments, offering excellent career growth and stable government employment.
- Post Names: Medical Officer (CHS), Additional Deputy Medical Officer (Railways), Government Dental Medical Officer (NDMC), Government Dental Medical Officer (MCD)
- Total Vacancies: 1,358 Posts
- Salary / Pay Level: Pay Level 10 (₹56,100–₹1,77,500) + National Pension Allowance (NPA)
- Job Location: Pan-India (48 examination centers)
- Last Date to Apply: 31 March 2026 (6:00 PM)
UPSC CMS 2026 Vacancy Breakdown: Post-Wise Details
| Post Name | Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Officer (CHS) | All | 864 |
| Additional Deputy Medical Officer (Railways) | All | 450 |
| Government Dental Medical Officer (NDMC) | All | 14 |
| Government Dental Medical Officer (MCD) | All | 30 |
UPSC CMS 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Qualification & Age Limit
Educational Qualification
- Mandatory: MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) from a university recognized by the Medical Council of India
- Both written exam and practical parts must be passed at the time of application
- Registration: Applicants must be registered with the Medical Council of India or a State Medical Council as on the date of application
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years (as on 01 August 2026)
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST candidates: +5 years (maximum 37 years)
- OBC candidates: +3 years (maximum 35 years)
- PwBD candidates: +10 years (maximum 42 years)
- Ex-Servicemen candidates: +5 years (maximum 37 years)
What is the Salary and In-Hand Pay for UPSC CMS 2026?
The salary structure for UPSC CMS 2026 positions is based on the 7th Central Pay Commission. Medical Officers appointed under this examination will be placed in Pay Level 10, which offers competitive compensation along with various allowances and benefits.
- Basic Pay (Level 10): ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500
- National Pension Allowance (NPA): ₹7,000 per month (non-pensionable)
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Currently around 46% of basic pay (varies periodically)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): 24% of basic pay in metro cities, 20% in non-metro cities
- Transport Allowance (TA): ₹2,400 per month
After including all allowances, the approximate in-hand salary ranges from ₹95,000 to ₹1,30,000 per month, depending on posting location, seniority, and current DA rates.
Beyond salary, employees receive benefits like National Pension Scheme (NPS), subsidized medical facilities, leave encashment, LTC (Leave Travel Concession), and performance-linked incentives. Government medical officers also enjoy significant job security and prestige associated with serving the nation.
What is the Selection Process for UPSC CMS 2026?
The UPSC CMS examination follows a two-stage selection process: a written examination followed by an interview. The final merit list is prepared based on combined scores from both stages. Understanding each stage helps you prepare effectively.
Stage 1: Written Examination (500 Marks)
The written examination consists of 2 papers conducted on the same day (02 August 2026), totaling 240 multiple-choice questions covering medical subjects.
- Paper I: General Medicine (96 questions + 24 Paediatrics questions = 120 questions total)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Marks: 250
- Topics: Internal medicine, pediatric medicine, infectious diseases, clinical pharmacology
- Paper II: Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Public Health & Social Medicine (40 + 40 + 40 = 120 questions)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Marks: 250
- Topics: General surgery, orthopedics, gynecology, public health, epidemiology
Negative Marking: For every wrong answer, 1/3 mark is deducted. Unanswered questions carry zero marks. Qualifying candidates typically score above 40% in written exam.
Stage 2: Interview (100 Marks)
- Duration: Personal interview panel discussion
- Marks: 100
- Focus: Medical knowledge, communication skills, aptitude for government service
- Qualifying Mark: Typically 40% in interview
Final Merit: Candidates are ranked based on combined written exam (500 marks) + interview (100 marks) = total 600 marks.
How to Apply Online for UPSC CMS 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for UPSC CMS 2026 is straightforward through the official UPSC online portal. Ensure you keep your educational documents, registration certificate, and contact information ready before starting the application process.
- Visit the official UPSC website (direct link in Essential Links below)
- Click on “New Registration” under the Examination Notification
- Create your account with a valid email ID and mobile number
- Fill in your personal details (name, date of birth, address, contact information)
- Upload scanned documents (MBBS degree certificate, registration certificate from Medical Council, photograph, signature as per specifications)
- Review the application form for accuracy and correctness
- Pay the application fee (₹200, exempted for SC/ST/Female/PwBD candidates) via credit card, debit card, or net banking
- Submit the application and save your registration number and password securely
- Download the confirmation page and keep it for future reference
Important Note: Applications submitted after 6:00 PM on 31 March 2026 will NOT be accepted. Submit your application with ample time to avoid technical issues.
UPSC CMS 2026 Important Dates: Application Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 11 March 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 11 March 2026 |
| Online Application End | 31 March 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Written Examination Date | 2 August 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Around mid-July 2026 (tentative) |
| Interview Date | To be announced (typically October-November 2026) |
| Final Result | Expected by February 2027 |
UPSC CMS 2026 Application Fees: Payment Details
| Candidate Category | Application Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹200 | Online |
| SC / ST | Free (Exempted) | Online |
| Female Candidates | Free (Exempted) | Online |
| Persons with Disability (PwBD) | Free (Exempted) | Online |
Payment Method: Online payment is accepted via Credit Card, Debit Card, Internet Banking, and UPI. Ensure payment is completed before the application submission deadline. No refund is provided after payment.
Essential Links for UPSC CMS Examination 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for UPSC CMS 2026
- Visit UPSC Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
- UPSC Syllabus Download
- Medical & Healthcare Government Jobs
Don’t let this opportunity slip away! The UPSC Combined Medical Services examination is one of the most prestigious government medical recruitment processes in India. If you have completed your MBBS and are registered with the Medical Council, this is your chance to serve the nation while building a stable government career. Start your application today and secure your future in government medical service. Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for more such government job updates and recruitment alerts.