UPSC CMS
Union Public Service Commission — Combined Medical Services Examination
UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination (UPSC CMS)
The UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination (UPSC CMS) is a national-level recruitment exam conducted every year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select MBBS graduates as Medical Officers (GDMO / Assistant Surgeons) in central government medical services. In recent cycles the written papers are fully Computer-Based Tests (CBT), and UPSC publishes official demo files for practice.
Selected doctors are posted to the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)/Central Health Service (Assistant Surgeon Grade-I, GDMO), Indian Railways (Assistant Divisional Medical Officer), Indian Ordnance Factories Health Service, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). With one common written exam plus an interview, CMS is a direct route for fresh MBBS graduates to enter central government service without NEET-PG.
Overview / Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Medium of Papers | English |
| Selection Stages | Written Exam → Interview / Personality Test → Medical Exam & Document Verification |
| Papers | 2 written papers + 1 interview |
| Negative Marking | Yes — 1/3rd of the marks for each wrong answer |
| Total Written Marks | 500 (Paper I: 250 + Paper II: 250) |
| Interview Marks | 100 |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
Selection Process
- Written Examination: Paper I and Paper II are held on the same day in two CBT sessions, carrying 500 marks.
- Shortlisting: A category-wise merit list is drawn from written marks; candidates above the cut-off are called for the Interview.
- Interview / Personality Test: 100 marks, assessing medical aptitude, alertness and suitability for the post.
- Final Merit: Written (500) + interview (100) = 600 marks; selection is by merit subject to reservation rules.
- Medical Exam & Document Verification: Recommended candidates undergo medical fitness tests and verification of MBBS, internship, registration and category certificates before joining.
Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subjects Covered | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Medicine and Paediatrics | 120 (approx.) | 250 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | Surgery, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Preventive and Social Medicine | 120 (approx.) | 250 | 2 Hours |
- Both papers are objective (MCQ) with four options each; the ~120 questions per paper figure is based on recent CBT cycles and is tentative.
- There is negative marking of one-third of the marks allotted to a question for each incorrect answer; unattempted questions carry no penalty. The written exam is qualifying-cum-merit, and both papers count equally towards the 500-mark total.
Detailed Syllabus
The syllabus follows the official UPSC CMS scheme, expanded into standard MBBS-level topics that form the question bank.
Paper I — General Medicine
- Cardiovascular: ischaemic heart disease, cardiac failure, hypertension, valvular heart disease, infective endocarditis, arrhythmias
- Respiratory: pneumonia, asthma, COPD, pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, lung cancer
- Gastrointestinal: peptic ulcer disease, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, GI bleeding
- Renal: acute and chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, urinary tract infections, electrolyte and acid-base disorders
- Endocrine: diabetes mellitus and complications, thyroid, adrenal and pituitary disorders, osteoporosis
- Haematology: anaemias, bleeding disorders, leukaemias, lymphomas, transfusion practice
- Infectious diseases: malaria, typhoid, dengue, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, tetanus, rabies, leprosy, parasitic infections
- Neurology: stroke, epilepsy, meningitis, encephalitis, headache, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy
- Dermatology and rheumatology: eczema, psoriasis, drug eruptions, urticaria, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, gout
- Emergency medicine: CPR, shock, snake bite, organophosphorus poisoning, anaphylaxis; nutrition, metabolic disorders, psychiatry basics
Paper I — Paediatrics
- Growth and development: anthropometry, developmental milestones, puberty, WHO growth charts
- Neonatology: prematurity, birth asphyxia, neonatal jaundice, neonatal sepsis, breastfeeding
- Immunisation: National Immunisation Schedule, vaccine-preventable diseases, cold chain, AEFI
- Nutritional disorders: PEM (kwashiorkor, marasmus), vitamin and mineral deficiencies, rickets, childhood obesity
- Common infections: acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea and dehydration, pneumonia, meningitis, childhood TB
- Paediatric cardiology: congenital heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, cardiac failure
- Paediatric neurology: febrile seizures, epilepsy, cerebral palsy; haematology: thalassaemia, sickle cell disease, haemophilia
- Paediatric emergencies: severe dehydration, status epilepticus, poisoning, foreign body aspiration
- Bronchial asthma and allergies, IMNCI/IMCI approach, adolescent health, common surgical conditions (intussusception, pyloric stenosis, congenital anomalies)
Paper II — Surgery
- General principles: wound healing, asepsis, pre- and post-operative care, fluid and electrolyte balance
- Trauma and emergencies: head injury, chest injury, abdominal trauma, shock, burns
- Surgical infections: tetanus, gas gangrene, cellulitis, abscess, surgical site infections
- GI surgery: appendicitis, hernias, intestinal obstruction, peptic ulcer surgery, colorectal and anorectal conditions (haemorrhoids, fistula, fissure)
- Hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery: gallstones, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, portal hypertension, liver abscess
- Breast: carcinoma breast, fibroadenoma, mastitis; thyroid: goitre, nodules, thyroid carcinoma
- Urology: renal stones, BPH, carcinoma prostate, urinary retention, scrotal swellings
- Vascular surgery: varicose veins, DVT, peripheral arterial disease, diabetic foot
- Orthopaedics: fractures and dislocations, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, bone tumours, back pain
- ENT and ophthalmology: epistaxis, tonsillitis, otitis media, sinusitis, foreign bodies, cataract, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, refractive errors, corneal ulcer, trachoma
- Anaesthesia basics and oncology surgery: pre-anaesthetic evaluation, general and regional anaesthesia, airway management, cancer staging, skin grafting
Paper II — Gynaecology
- Physiology of menstruation and reproduction, female pelvic anatomy
- Menstrual disorders: abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea
- Uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and tumours, endometriosis
- Gynaecological malignancies: carcinoma cervix, endometrium and ovary; PAP smear and HPV screening, staging
- Pelvic inflammatory disease and sexually transmitted infections
- Infertility and assisted reproductive techniques
- Contraception: barrier methods, IUCD, oral pills, injectables, emergency contraception
- Menopause and post-menopausal disorders, hormone replacement therapy, osteoporosis
- Leucorrhoea, genital prolapse, urinary incontinence
Paper II — Obstetrics
- Antenatal care: diagnosis of pregnancy, routine check-ups, nutrition and anaemia, high-risk pregnancy
- Normal labour: mechanism, stages, partograph, management
- Medical complications: pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, gestational diabetes, heart disease, TORCH, HIV, hepatitis B
- Antepartum haemorrhage: placenta praevia, abruptio placentae; multiple pregnancy, IUGR, Rh incompatibility
- Complications of labour: obstructed labour, foetal distress, malpresentations, cord prolapse, uterine rupture
- Postpartum care: postpartum haemorrhage, puerperal sepsis, puerperal breast problems
- Operative obstetrics: caesarean section, forceps and vacuum delivery, episiotomy
- Abortion and MTP Act, ectopic pregnancy
- Newborn care: APGAR, immediate newborn care, birth asphyxia, neonatal resuscitation
Paper II — Preventive and Social Medicine (Community Medicine)
- Epidemiology: principles, study designs, measures of disease frequency, screening, transmission and prevention
- National health programmes: RMNCH+A, UIP, National TB Elimination Programme, NACP (HIV), NVBDCP (malaria, dengue), leprosy, NCD programmes, Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY)
- Demography and family planning: census, vital statistics, population control
- Health care delivery in India: sub-centres, PHC, CHC, district hospitals, referral systems, health committees
- Communicable disease epidemiology: vector-, water- and air-borne diseases, zoonoses, outbreak investigation
- Non-communicable disease epidemiology: CVD, diabetes, hypertension, cancers
- Environmental health: water, sanitation, waste disposal, air and noise pollution, food hygiene
- Nutrition: macro- and micronutrients, nutritional assessment, deficiency disorders, food fortification
- Occupational health: hazards, prevention, ESI scheme; mental, adolescent, geriatric and school health; international health (WHO, UNICEF)
- Health education and communication, IEC, MCH strategies; biostatistics: rates, ratios, sampling, tests of significance
Marking Scheme
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Marks per Question | Approx. 2 marks (250 / ~120 questions) — tentative, per recent CBT cycles |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd of the marks allotted to a question per wrong answer; none for unattempted |
| Written Exam Total | 500 marks (Paper I: 250 + Paper II: 250) |
| Interview / Grand Total | 100 marks / 600 marks |
| Qualifying Nature | Written exam is qualifying-cum-merit; candidates above the cut-off proceed to interview |
| Cut-off Factors | Vacancies, difficulty level, number of candidates, reservation, previous-year trends |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | MBBS from a university recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC), with NMC/State Medical Council registration. Final-year/internship candidates may apply provisionally per the notification. |
| Age Limit | 21 to 32 years (as on 1 August of the exam year, based on previous cycles) — tentative; confirm the reference date from the current notification |
| Age Relaxation | Standard relaxations per Government rules: OBC up to 3 years, SC/ST up to 5 years, PwBD up to 10 years, plus ex-servicemen and others — tentative |
| Attempts | No upper limit for UPSC CMS (unlike Civil Services) — tentative, subject to age limits |
| Nationality | Citizen of India; or subject of Nepal/Bhutan; or Tibetan refugee (pre-1962); or PIO from specified countries |
Application Process & Fees
- Apply online only at the official UPSC portal: https://upsconline.nic.in. There is no offline mode.
- Fee is Rs. 200 for General / EWS / OBC male candidates; SC/ST, PwBD and all female candidates are exempt. One Rs. 200 fee covers two UPSC exams in the same calendar year.
- Pay online via net banking, cards, UPI or SBI e-challan. Notification is normally in March–April and the exam on a single day in July–August (tentative).
- Apply early, keep a printout of the application and fee receipt, and check the portal for the admit card.
Salary / Pay Scale
| Post / Organisation | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Pay Band |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Officer (GDMO), Central Health Service / CGHS | Level 8 | Rs. 47,600 – 1,51,100 |
| Assistant Divisional Medical Officer, Indian Railways | Level 8 | Rs. 47,600 – 1,51,100 |
| Medical Officer, Indian Ordnance Factories Health Service | Level 8 | Rs. 47,600 – 1,51,100 |
| Medical Officer, MCD / NDMC | Level 7/8 | Rs. 44,900 – 1,51,100 (depending on level) |
- Medical officers additionally get DA, HRA, Transport Allowance and Non-Practising Allowance (about 20% of basic pay), giving an entry-level in-hand salary of roughly Rs. 75,000–95,000 per month (tentative, depends on the posting city).
- Benefits typically include CGHS medical cover, pension (GPF/NPS), LTC and gratuity. Confirm the exact level and allowances from the official notification of the year you apply.
Official Links & PDFs
- UPSC official website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
- UPSC Medical Services examination page: https://www.upsc.gov.in/examinations/medical-services
- Official CMS demo files (CBT, Paper I and Paper II): https://www.upsc.gov.in/examinations/demo-files-computer-based-combined-medical-service-examination
- UPSC examination notifications page (current CMS notification PDF): https://www.upsc.gov.in/exams-related-info/exam-notification
- Apply online: https://upsconline.nic.in
Preparation Tips & Strategy
- Use standard MBBS textbooks: Davidson's/Harrison's (Medicine), Ghai's/Nelson's (Paediatrics), Bailey & Love (Surgery), Dutta's (Gynae & Obstetrics) and Park's (PSM).
- Solve previous years' papers (available on the UPSC website) — concepts repeat, so this is the highest-return activity.
- Practise NEET-PG/NMC-style MCQ banks for speed and accuracy, since the CMS pattern is similar.
- Focus on high-yield topics: TB, malaria, hypertension, diabetes, surgical emergencies, normal and high-risk labour, and the National Health Programmes in PSM.
- Respect the negative marking: with a 1/3rd penalty and ~120 questions in 2 hours, avoid blind guessing and manage time across both papers.
- Practise the official demo files to master the CBT interface, and keep the last 4–6 weeks for rapid revision with concise notes and flashcards, especially for the factual PSM subject.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is the UPSC CMS examination?
A: An annual UPSC recruitment exam selecting MBBS graduates as Medical Officers (GDMO/Assistant Surgeons) for CGHS, Indian Railways, Indian Ordnance Factories Health Service, MCD and NDMC.
Q: Is UPSC CMS the same as NEET-PG?
A: No. NEET-PG is for MD/MS admission, while UPSC CMS is direct recruitment for government Medical Officer posts. Both can be attempted independently.
Q: Is there negative marking?
A: Yes. One-third of the marks allotted to a question is deducted for each wrong answer; unanswered questions carry no penalty.
Q: What is the age limit?
A: At least 21 and not more than 32 years as per the notification's reference date, with relaxations of up to 3 years (OBC), 5 years (SC/ST) and 10 years (PwBD).
Q: Do female candidates pay the application fee?
A: No. Female, SC/ST and PwBD candidates are exempt; General, EWS and OBC male candidates pay Rs. 200.
Q: Is the written exam online or offline?
A: Online, as a Computer-Based Test. Paper I and Paper II are held on the same day in two sessions, with official demo files available for practice.
Keep following the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) and the examination notifications page for the latest CMS notification, dates, syllabus and results. Figures marked tentative (dates, question counts, pay levels, relaxations) are based on recent cycles and subject to change — the current year's official notification is the sole authority.