The UPSC CMS 2026 exam pattern has two stages: Written Exam (2 objective papers) and Personality Test (Interview). The written exam is fully MCQ-based with significant negative marking. Both papers test clinical knowledge at MBBS graduate level.
Written Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Medicine + Paediatrics | 120 | 250 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | Surgery + Obs & Gynae + PSM | 120 | 250 | 2 Hours |
| Total Written | 240 | 500 | 4 Hours total |
Marking Scheme
| Paper | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I (120 questions) | +2.083 marks | −0.694 marks (1/3 deduction) |
| Paper II (120 questions) | +2.083 marks | −0.694 marks (1/3 deduction) |
Personality Test (Interview)
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Personality Test | 100 |
| Grand Total (Written + Interview) | 600 |
Key Pattern Notes
- All questions are Single Best Answer (SBA) MCQ type – one correct answer from 4 options
- Questions are clinical scenario-based – not direct fact recall
- Medium: English only (no Hindi medium option for CMS)
- Written exam shortlists candidates for Personality Test at approximately 3–4 times the vacancies
- Final merit = Written (500) + Interview (100) = 600 marks
Question Distribution by Subject (Typical)
| Paper | Subject | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Medicine | 60–65 |
| Paper I | Paediatrics | 55–60 |
| Paper II | Surgery | 55–60 |
| Paper II | Gynaecology & Obstetrics | 40–45 |
| Paper II | PSM / Community Medicine | 40–45 |