The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026. This presents a prestigious opportunity for medical professionals to build a career within various central government organisations, including Indian Railways and the Central Health Service.

With a total of 1,358 vacancies available, eligible candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline of March 31, 2026.

1. Overview of UPSC CMS Recruitment 2026

2. Vacancy Breakdown

3. Eligibility Criteria

4. Salary & Benefits

5. Selection Process

6. How to Apply

7. Important Dates & Links

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Overview of UPSC CMS Recruitment 2026 {#overview}

The UPSC CMS examination is conducted annually to recruit medical officers for various departments under the Government of India. The 2026 recruitment drive aims to fill positions in the Central Health Service, Indian Railways, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

2. Vacancy Breakdown {#vacancy-breakdown}

A total of 1358 posts are being offered across different categories:

Medical Officers Grade in General Duty (CHS): 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

3. Eligibility Criteria {#eligibility-criteria}

Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed the final MBBS examination (both written and practical). Notably, final-year-appearing candidates are also eligible to apply.
Age Limit (as of August 1, 2026):

General: 32 years.
Central Health Service (CHS): 35 years.
Relaxations apply as per government norms.

4. Salary & Benefits {#salary-benefits}

Selected candidates will be placed in Pay Level-10 of the Seventh Pay Commission.

Pay Scale: ₹56,100 - ₹177,500.
Additional Perks: Non-Practising Allowance (NPA) and other central government benefits.

5. Selection Process {#selection-process}

The recruitment process consists of two major parts:

1. Part I: Written Examination (500 Marks): Scheduled for August 2, 2026.

2. Part II: Personality Test/Interview (100 Marks): For candidates who qualify for the written exam.

6. How to apply {#how-to-apply}

Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC portal.

Step 1: Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) at upsconline.nic.in
Step 2: Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF).
Step 3: Upload a scanned photograph (live capture required), signature, and relevant documents (MBBS mark sheets, DOB proof, etc.).
Step 4: Pay the application fee of ₹200 (female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are exempted).
Step 5: Submit and print the final application.