UPSC CMS Exam Pattern 2026: Papers, Marks and Personality Test

The UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination has a written objective examination and a Personality Test or Interview. The written examination carries 500 marks and the Personality Test carries 100 marks.

Written examination

Candidates take two objective papers. Each paper carries a maximum of 250 marks and has a duration of two hours.

Paper I is General Medicine and Paediatrics. It has 120 questions: 96 from General Medicine and 24 from Paediatrics.

Paper II is Surgery, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, and Preventive and Social Medicine. It has 120 questions: 40 from each of the three components.

The exact instructions, question format and qualifying provisions must be checked in the latest notification. Wrong answers in the objective question papers attract negative marking.

Personality Test

The Personality Test carries 100 marks and is held for candidates who qualify the written examination. Prepare clinical fundamentals, internship experience, academic subjects, public health, national programmes, medical ethics, health administration, the services and posts selected, and current healthcare issues.

Answer clinical and situational questions in a structured way: identify the problem, prioritise safety, explain the assessment, state the management approach and mention referral or escalation where appropriate. The interview is not a substitute for clinical knowledge or professional judgement.

CMS 2026 dates and vacancies

The official notification was issued on 11 March 2026. The last date for applications was 31 March 2026 at 6:00 PM, and the written examination was scheduled for 2 August 2026. The notice listed 1,358 tentative vacancies across Central Health Service, Railways, NDMC and MCD posts. Vacancies may change.

Negative marking and exam-day rules

Plan attempts carefully because incorrect answers carry a penalty. Reach the venue at least 30 minutes before the session; late entry is not allowed. Candidates must undergo face authentication at the venue. Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, cameras, storage media and other prohibited electronic items are banned, even when switched off.

Carry the required photo ID used in the application and follow the e-admit card instructions. Check paper codes, question numbering and time allocation before starting.

Score improvement strategy

Use two separate mock strategies. For Paper I, practise medicine and paediatrics in proportion to the question distribution. For Paper II, allocate preparation time across surgery, gynaecology and obstetrics, and PSM rather than over-focusing on one subject. Review every incorrect and guessed question.

Build short revision sheets for emergencies, infections, vaccines, national programmes, obstetric management, surgery indications, screening and biostatistics. In the final weeks, prioritise previous papers, timed mocks and error revision.

FAQs

Is CMS an objective examination?

The written examination consists of objective papers, followed by a Personality Test for candidates qualifying the written stage.

How many marks is the written exam?

The written examination carries 500 marks: two papers of 250 marks each.

How many questions are in each paper?

Each paper has 120 questions.

Can final-year MBBS candidates apply?

Candidates who have appeared or are yet to appear in the final MBBS examination may apply provisionally, subject to the proof and deadlines in the notification.

Can candidates without internship apply?

A candidate who has not completed compulsory rotating internship may be educationally eligible, but appointment is made only after completing it.

Official links

Always confirm marks, duration, dates, eligibility and instructions from the latest UPSC notification.

UPSC CMS Exam Pattern 2026: Papers, Marks, Duration and Interview

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