Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is expected to release the UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS) Answer Key 2026 for Paper 1 and Paper 2 through its official website. Candidates who appeared in the examination can use the provisional key to verify their responses and estimate scores before the result is announced. The final number of CMS vacancies for the 2026 recruitment cycle is to be announced in the detailed notification.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Medical Officers and other posts under Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | To be announced (TBA) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start | 11 March 2026 |
| Last Date | 31 March 2026 |
| Exam Date | 2 August 2026 |
| Result Date | TBA |
Candidates should note that the answer key release date and result schedule will be confirmed separately by UPSC. They are advised to monitor the official portal regularly for updates.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed the written and practical parts of the final MBBS examination from a recognised institution.
- Applicants who have appeared or are yet to appear in the final MBBS examination may be permitted to take the CMS written examination provisionally, subject to the conditions prescribed by UPSC.
- Candidates who have not completed the compulsory rotating internship may be eligible to appear, but appointment will be offered only after completion of the internship.
- Medical qualifications must meet the recognition requirements specified in the official CMS notification.
Age Limit
- The standard upper age limit is generally 32 years as of the cut-off date specified in the notification.
- A separate upper age limit may apply to certain posts or services, including posts under the Central Health Service.
- Relaxation in the upper age limit is available to SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, ex-servicemen and other eligible categories under Central Government rules.
- Candidates must verify the post-wise age requirements in the detailed notification before applying.
Fees
- General, OBC and EWS male candidates are generally required to pay an application fee of ₹200.
- Female, SC, ST and eligible PwBD candidates are exempt from paying the application fee.
- Payment can normally be completed online through the payment options provided on the UPSC application portal.
- Any bank or transaction charges, where applicable, must be paid by the candidate.
Selection Process
- Computer-Based Examination: Candidates take two objective-type papers—Paper 1 and Paper 2. Each paper carries 250 marks, making the written examination worth a total of 500 marks.
- Personality Test/Interview: Candidates qualifying in the written examination are called for a personality test carrying 100 marks.
- Document Verification and Medical Requirements: Final appointment is subject to verification of educational, category and identity documents, along with fulfilment of internship and prescribed medical requirements.
The provisional answer key helps candidates assess their performance in the computer-based examination. The final score will be determined using the final answer key prepared after examination of valid objections, if an objection facility is provided.
How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in and open the examination or recruitment section.
- Select the link for the Combined Medical Services Examination 2026 and read the notification carefully.
- Complete the required online registration or One-Time Registration process using a valid mobile number and email address.
- Fill in personal, academic, internship and category details accurately, and upload the required photograph, signature and identity documents.
- Pay the applicable examination fee and submit the application before the deadline. Save the confirmation page for future reference.
- To check the answer key, open the CMS 2026 examination page and select the Paper 1 or Paper 2 Answer Key PDF link.
- Compare the question booklet series, question number and official response carefully. If objections are invited, submit supporting evidence within the prescribed window.
Important Links
FAQs
1. Where can I download the UPSC CMS Answer Key 2026?
The Paper 1 and Paper 2 answer key PDFs can be downloaded from upsc.gov.in after their official release.
2. Is the UPSC CMS provisional answer key final?
No. A provisional answer key may be revised after valid objections are reviewed. Results are prepared using the final key.
3. What are the total marks for the UPSC CMS written examination?
The written examination carries **500 mar
