The UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS) Exam is a prestigious examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruiting medical officers in various government departments and organisations. It offers an excellent opportunity for medical graduates to serve the nation in central government healthcare services, including the Indian Railways, Indian Ordnance Factories, and various autonomous bodies. The exam is highly competitive and requires thorough preparation covering diverse medical subjects, clinical knowledge, and general awareness. Read on to get an overview of the UPSC CMS Exam 2025, highlighting its key features, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, preparation tips, and comparisons with other government medical exams
What is the UPSC CMS exam?
The UPSC CMS Exam is conducted annually to select qualified medical graduates for appointments as Medical Officers in various central government organisations. Candidates with an MBBS degree who meet the eligibility criteria can apply. The exam is designed to assess a candidate’s theoretical knowledge and practical application in medicine and allied subjects.
Selected candidates are offered positions across departments such as:
-Indian Railways
-Central Health Services (CHS)
-Indian Ordnance Factories Health Services
-Municipal corporations and other government health services
UPSC CMS exam 2025: Key highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam level | National |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Mode of exam | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Number of papers | Two written papers plus Personality Test |
| Exam duration | 2 hours per paper |
| Total marks | 100 marks each for written papers; 50 marks for interview |
| Eligibility | MBBS degree from recognised university |
| Age limit | 21 to 32 years (varies by category) |
| Number of attempts | No official limit, but age criteria apply |
UPSC CMS Syllabus 2025
The syllabus is broadly based on the MBBS curriculum with emphasis on:
-General Medicine: Pathology, Pharmacology, Medicine, Psychiatry.
-Paediatrics: Neonatology, Child Health.
-Surgery: General Surgery, Orthopedics, Anaesthesia.
-Gynaecology and Obstetrics: Reproductive health, antenatal care.
-Preventive and Social Medicine: Epidemiology, Public health, Immunization.
-Allied Subjects: Radiology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine.
UPSC CMS eligibility criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational qualification | MBBS degree from a recognized university |
| Age limit | 21 to 32 years (General); relaxations for reserved categories apply |
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Registration | Must be registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or State Medical Council |
| Physical fitness | Candidates must be medically fit as per government standards |
UPSC CMS preparation strategy
-Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly: Cover all MBBS subjects with focus on high-weightage topics.
-Practice Previous Papers: Solve past year question papers to understand exam trends.
-Regular Revision: Create a revision timetable to retain concepts.
-Mock Tests: Take timed mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
-Focus on Personality Development: Prepare for the interview by practicing communication and confidence-building exercises.
-Stay Updated: Follow current health policies, recent medical advancements, and government health schemes.
-Time Management: Allocate study hours based on your strengths and weaknesses.
UPSC CMS vs Other medical govt exams
| Exam | Conducting body | Level | Courses/ posts | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC CMS | UPSC | National | Medical Officer posts | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| NEET PG | NBE | National | MD/MS/Postgraduate admissions | Online (Computer Based) |
| AIIMS PG | AIIMS | National | MD/MS/DNB admissions | Offline/Online varies |
| AFMS/ army medical | Ministry of Defence | National | Medical Officers in Armed Forces | Offline/Online varies |
For further medical exams and courses, check details about the neet pg exam.
UPSC CMS admit card and exam day guidelines
The admit card will be released online on the official UPSC website.
-Candidates must download and print the admit card.
-Carry the admit card and a valid photo ID to the exam center.
-Follow all instructions regarding reporting time, permissible items, and dress code.
-Electronic devices and study material are strictly prohibited.
-Candidates should reach the center well ahead of time to complete security checks.
Conclusion
The UPSC CMS Exam 2025 is a prestigious gateway for medical graduates seeking government medical service positions. With a clear understanding of the exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategy, aspirants can improve their chances of success. Proper financial planning can also support your medical career ambitions. Explore options like a doctor loan by Bajaj Finance and check current doctor loan interest rate to fund your studies or professional development.
