UPSC CMS Admit Card 2026 Released for 1358 Medical Officer Vacancies!
Download your hall ticket now for the August 2, 2026 exam directly from UPSC's official website.
Get direct links & steps to access your CMS 2026 Admit Card.
How to Download Your UPSC CMS 2026 Admit Card
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially released the admit cards for the Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026 on August 5, 2026. This release follows the Computer-Based Test (CBT) which took place on August 2, 2026. Candidates who appeared for this crucial examination can now access their admit cards to review their exam details and for future reference. This year's examination aims to fill a substantial 1358 vacancies across various medical officer roles in central government departments, marking a significant opportunity for medical professionals.
To ensure a smooth download process, candidates should have their registration number or roll number and date of birth ready. Follow these steps to retrieve your admit card:
- Visit the official UPSC website: https://www.upsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the "Admit Cards" section on the homepage.
- Click on the link for "e-Admit Card - Combined Medical Services Examination 2026".
- You will be redirected to a new page. Read the instructions carefully and click on "Click Here" to proceed.
- Select your preferred method for accessing the admit card: "By Registration ID" or "By Roll Number."
- Enter your Registration ID/Roll Number and Date of Birth in the designated fields.
- Enter the captcha code as displayed on the screen.
- Click on the "Submit" button.
- Your UPSC CMS Admit Card 2026 will be displayed on the screen.
- Verify all the details mentioned on the admit card.
- Download and take a printout of the admit card for your records and for potential future stages of the selection process.
Details Printed on the Admit Card
Upon downloading, candidates must meticulously check all the information printed on their UPSC CMS 2026 Admit Card. Any discrepancy should be immediately reported to the UPSC authorities. Key details typically include:
- Candidate's Name
- Roll Number
- Registration ID
- Father's Name
- Mother's Name
- Date of Birth
- Category (UR, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwBD)
- Photograph and Signature of the Candidate
- Exam Date: August 2, 2026
- Exam Time/Session
- Examination Centre Name and Address
- Important Instructions for the Examination
Exam Day Instructions (Recap)
Although the exam has already been conducted on August 2, 2026, it is crucial for candidates to remember the general instructions for any future stages or for understanding the protocol followed. For the Computer-Based Test (CBT), candidates were typically advised to:
- Carry a printout of their e-Admit Card.
- Bring a valid photo identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID).
- Arrive at the examination centre well in advance of the reporting time.
- Strictly adhere to all COVID-19 safety protocols, if applicable.
- Refrain from carrying prohibited items such as mobile phones, electronic gadgets, books, notes, etc., into the examination hall.
- Ensure that their photograph on the admit card is clear and matches their appearance.
UPSC CMS 2026 Exam Pattern Recap
The Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 comprised two main stages: a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and a Personality Test/Interview. The CBT itself was divided into two papers, both featuring negative marking.
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
The written examination consisted of two objective-type papers:
- Paper I: Focused on General Medicine and Paediatrics. This paper carried 250 marks and candidates were allotted 2 hours to complete it.
- Paper II: Covered Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, and Preventive & Social Medicine. Similar to Paper I, this paper was for 250 marks with a duration of 2 hours.
Both papers included negative marking for incorrect answers, typically a deduction of 1/3rd or 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question, though the exact fraction was not specified in the provided data. The combined score from these two papers forms the basis for shortlisting candidates for the next stage.
Personality Test/Interview
Candidates who qualify in the CBT will be called for a Personality Test/Interview, which carries 100 marks. This stage assesses the candidate's personality, aptitude, and suitability for the medical officer roles. It typically involves questions on general knowledge, current affairs, medical ethics, and situational judgment. This is the final stage for merit list preparation after the written examination.
Subsequent Stages
Following the interview, candidates provisionally recommended for appointment will undergo Document Verification and a Medical Examination to ascertain their physical and mental fitness. Successful candidates will then proceed to mandatory departmental training relevant to their allocated service/post.
UPSC CMS 2026 Vacancy Details
A total of 1358 vacancies were announced for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination 2026, offering significant opportunities for medical graduates across various central government departments. The distribution of these vacancies across different posts is as follows:
| Post Name | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Medical Officers Grade in General Duty Medical Officers Sub-cadre of Central Health Services | 864 |
| Assistant Divisional Medical Officer in the Railways | 450 |
| General Duty Medical Officer in New Delhi Municipal Council | 14 |
| General Duty Medical Officer Grade-II in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi | 30 |
| Total | 1358 |
It is important to note that the provided data does not contain a category-wise vacancy breakdown (UR, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwBD) for any of these posts.
Eligibility Criteria Recap
To be eligible for the UPSC CMS 2026, candidates needed to meet specific educational and age criteria.
Educational Qualification:
Aspirants were required to hold an MBBS degree. Candidates appearing in their final year of MBBS were also eligible to apply, with the crucial condition that they must complete their internship before the date of appointment.
Age Limit:
The maximum age limit for candidates was 32 years as of August 1, 2026. However, specific age relaxations were applicable for reserved categories:
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years relaxation
- OBC candidates: 3 years relaxation
- PwBD candidates: 10 years relaxation
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 years relaxation
Notably, in previous years (2024 and 2025), the upper age limit for Medical Officers Grade in General Duty Medical Officers Sub-cadre of Central Health Services was 35 years. While not explicitly stated for 2026 in the provided data, it is likely that this specific relaxation continued.
Application Fee Recap
The application fee structure for the UPSC CMS 2026 remained consistent with previous years:
- General/OBC/EWS candidates: ₹200
- SC/ST/Female/PwBD candidates: Nil (Exempted from fee payment)
Important Dates (Recap)
The timeline for the UPSC CMS 2026 examination was as follows:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 2026-03-11 |
| Application Start Date | 2026-03-11 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 2026-03-31 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 2026-03-31 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 2026-07-24 |
| Exam Date | 2026-08-02 |
| Answer Key Available | 2026-08-05 |
Year-over-Year Analysis: UPSC CMS 2026 vs. 2025
The UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination in 2026 presented a significantly expanded opportunity for medical professionals compared to the previous year. Here’s a detailed look at the changes:
| Aspect | 2025 Data | 2026 Data | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 705 | 1358 | +92.62% |
| Medical Officers Grade in General Duty Medical Officers Sub-cadre of Central Health Services Vacancies | 226 | 864 | +282.30% |
| Assistant Divisional Medical Officer in the Railways Vacancies | 450 | 450 | 0% |
| General Duty Medical Officer in New Delhi Municipal Council Vacancies | 9 | 14 | +55.56% |
| General Duty Medical Officer Grade-II in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi Vacancies | 20 | 30 | +50% |
| Age Limit (Maximum) | 32 years as of August 1, 2025 (35 for Medical Officers Grade in General Duty Medical Officers Sub-cadre of Central Health Services) | 32 years as of August 1, 2026 | No change in general age limit; specific post age limit for Medical Officers Grade in General Duty Medical Officers Sub-cadre of Central Health Services not explicitly mentioned for 2026, but was 35 in 2024 and 2025. |
| Qualification Required | MBBS degree (passed or appearing in final year), completion of internship required before appointment | MBBS degree (passed or appearing in final year), completion of internship required before appointment | No change |
| Application Fee (General/OBC/EWS) | ₹200 | ₹200 | No change |
| Application Fee (SC/ST/Female/PwBD) | Nil | Nil | No change |
| Exam Pattern | Computer-Based Test (Paper I & Paper II) and Personality Test/Interview, Negative Marking: Yes (1/3rd mark deduction for wrong answers) | Computer-Based Test (Paper I & Paper II) and Personality Test/Interview, Negative Marking: Yes | No significant change in structure or negative marking policy. |
| Syllabus | Paper I: General Medicine & Paediatrics; Paper II: Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, & Preventive Social & Community Medicine (MBBS standard) | Paper I: General Medicine & Paediatrics; Paper II: Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, & Preventive Social & Community Medicine (MBBS standard) | No significant change in broad topics. |
| Notification Release Date | February 19, 2025 | March 11, 2026 | Later by approximately 3 weeks |
| Application Start Date | February 19, 2025 | March 11, 2026 | Later by approximately 3 weeks |
| Last Date to Apply Online | March 11, 2025 | March 31, 2026 | Later by approximately 3 weeks |
| Exam Date | July 20, 2025 | August 2, 2026 | Later by approximately 2 weeks |
| Posts Added/Removed | Medical Officers Grade in General Duty Medical Officers Sub-cadre of Central Health Services, Assistant Divisional Medical Officer in the Railways, General Duty Medical Officer in New Delhi Municipal Council, General Duty Medical Officer Grade-II in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi | Medical Officers Grade in General Duty Medical Officers Sub-cadre of Central Health Services, Assistant Divisional Medical Officer in the Railways, General Duty Medical Officer in New Delhi Municipal Council, General Duty Medical Officer Grade-II in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi | No change in the types of posts offered. |
Trend Analysis:
The UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination in 2026 demonstrated a significant upward trend in the total number of vacancies, nearly doubling compared to 2025. This remarkable increase was primarily driven by a substantial rise in vacancies for 'Medical Officers Grade in General Duty Medical Officers Sub-cadre of Central Health Services,' which saw an increase of over 280%. The number of Assistant Divisional Medical Officer positions in the Railways remained consistent, while roles in the New Delhi Municipal Council and Municipal Corporation of Delhi also saw healthy increases.
The application timeline for 2026 was generally later than in 2025, with the notification, application start, and last dates all shifted by approximately three weeks. The exam date also moved later by about two weeks. This shift in schedule is a notable point for future aspirants to consider in their preparation. For more details on post-exam activities, candidates can refer to the UPSC CMS Answer Key 2026.
