Are you an MBBS graduate aspiring to serve in prestigious government medical services like the Indian Railways, Central Health Services, or Indian Ordnance Factories? The UPSC CMS Exam 2026 (Combined Medical Services Examination) is your gateway to these rewarding careers. Conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this exam tests your medical knowledge and analytical skills.
With the UPSC CMS 2026 notification expected in early 2026, now is the perfect time to dive into the UPSC CMS Syllabus 2026. This comprehensive guide breaks down the syllabus, exam pattern, high-yield topics, and proven preparation strategies. Whether you’re a fresher or revisiting the exam, mastering this syllabus will boost your chances of cracking it on the first attempt.
Keywords: UPSC CMS Syllabus 2026, CMS Exam Pattern, UPSC Medical Services Syllabus PDF, Preparation Tips for CMS 2026
What is the UPSC CMS Exam 2026?
The UPSC CMS Exam recruits medical officers for various central government departments. It consists of two stages: a written exam (Computer-Based Test or CBT) and a Personality Test (Interview). The total marks are 600 (500 for written + 100 for interview), with a focus on your MBBS-level knowledge.
Key Highlights for UPSC CMS 2026:
- Eligibility: MBBS degree from a recognized university; final-year students can apply provisionally.
- Vacancies: Typically 500–800 (exact numbers in notification).
- Exam Date: Expected in July 2026 (check official UPSC calendar).
- Application Fee: ₹200 (exemptions for SC/ST/PwD/females).
The syllabus remains largely unchanged year-to-year, so the 2025 structure applies to 2026 unless revised.
UPSC CMS 2026 Exam Pattern: A Quick Overview
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective time management. The written exam is objective-type with negative marking (1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers).
| Stage | Details | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Medicine & Paediatrics | 250 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Preventive Social Medicine | 250 | 2 Hours |
| Total Written | – | 500 | 4 Hours |
| Personality Test | Interview | 100 | – |
| Grand Total | – | 600 | – |
- Question Type: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- Medium: English only.
- Negative Marking: Yes, to discourage guesswork.
Pro Tip: Aim for 60–70% accuracy to counter negative marking. Download the official UPSC CMS Syllabus PDF from upsc.gov.in for the exact pattern.
Detailed UPSC CMS Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Breakdown
The UPSC CMS Syllabus 2026 mirrors the MBBS curriculum but emphasizes clinical application, recent guidelines, and public health. Below is a detailed topic-wise syllabus for both papers.
Paper I: General Medicine and Paediatrics (120 Questions, 250 Marks)
This paper tests your core medical knowledge.
Focus on diagnosis, management, and preventive aspects.General Medicine (96 Questions)
- Cardiology: Ischemic heart disease, hypertension, valvular disorders, arrhythmias.
- Respiratory Diseases: Asthma, COPD, pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer.
- Gastro-Intestinal: Peptic ulcer, IBD, liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis), pancreatitis.
- Genito-Urinary: Renal failure, UTI, prostate disorders, STDs.
- Neurology: Stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, meningitis.
- Haematology: Anemias, leukemias, bleeding disorders, thalassemia.
- Endocrinology: Diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal diseases.
- Metabolic Disorders: Obesity, gout, electrolyte imbalances.
- Infections/Communicable Diseases: Viral (HIV, hepatitis), bacterial (typhoid), spirochetal (syphilis), protozoan (malaria), metazoan/fungus infections.
- Nutrition/Growth: Malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies (beriberi, scurvy).
- Diseases of the Skin (Dermatology): Eczema, psoriasis, leprosy.
- Musculoskeletal System: Arthritis, osteoporosis, myopathies.
- Psychiatry: Depression, psychosis, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia.
- General Topics: Emergency medicine, common poisoning (opioids, pesticides), snakebite, tropical medicine, critical care.
- Emphasis Areas: Pathophysiological basis of diseases, vaccines (preventable vs. non-preventable), medical procedures.
Paediatrics (24 Questions)
- Common childhood emergencies (febrile seizures, dehydration).
- Basic newborn care (resuscitation, jaundice).
- Normal developmental milestones (gross/fine motor, language).
- Accidents and poisonings in children.
- Birth defects and counseling (autism, Down syndrome).
- Immunization in children (national schedule, adverse effects).
- Recognizing children with special needs and management.
- National programmes related to child health (ICDS, RCH).
Paper II: Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Preventive & Social Medicine (120 Questions, 250 Marks)
This paper covers surgical and community health aspects. Prioritize operative techniques and national health policies.
Surgery (40 Questions)
- General Surgery: Wounds, infections, tumors, lymphatic system, blood vessels, cysts/sinuses, head & neck, breast cancer, alimentary tract (oesophagus, stomach, intestines, anus), developmental anomalies, liver/bile/pancreas/spleen, peritoneum, abdominal wall injuries.
- Urological Surgery: Kidney stones, prostatectomy, bladder tumors.
- Neuro Surgery: Head injuries, tumors, hydrocephalus.
- Otorhinolaryngology (ENT): Sinusitis, tonsillitis, hearing loss.
- Thoracic Surgery: Pneumothorax, empyema, lung resection.
- Orthopedic Surgery: Fractures, dislocations, arthritis management.
- Ophthalmology: Cataract, glaucoma, refractive errors.
- Anesthesiology: Local/general anesthesia, complications.
- Traumatology: Polytrauma, burns, shock.
- Key Concepts: Diagnosis/management of common ailments, pre/post-operative care, medicolegal/ethical issues, wound healing, fluid/electrolyte management, shock pathophysiology.
Gynaecology & Obstetrics (40 Questions)
- Obstetrics:
- Ante-natal conditions (anemia, hypertension).
- Intra-natal conditions (labor dystocia, fetal distress).
- Post-natal conditions (PUERPERAL sepsis, breastfeeding issues).
- Management of normal/complicated labor (forceps, C-section).
- Gynaecology:
- Applied anatomy/physiology of menstruation and fertilization.
- Infections in genital tract (PID, candidiasis).
- Neoplasms (cervical/ovarian cancer).
- Displacement of uterus (prolapse).
- Normal/safe delivery practices.
- High-risk pregnancy (GDM, preeclampsia).
- Abortions (spontaneous, induced).
- Intra-uterine growth retardation.
- Medico-legal aspects (rape examination).
- Family Planning:
- Conventional contraceptives (barrier, hormonal).
- U.D. and oral pills.
- Operative procedures (tubectomy, vasectomy).
- Organization of programs in urban/rural areas.
- Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP).
Preventive & Social Medicine (PSM) (40 Questions)
- Social and Community Medicine: Concept of health, disease, preventive medicine.
- Health Administration and Planning: National health policy, Ayushman Bharat.
- General Epidemiology: Measures of disease frequency, screening.
- Demography and Health Statistics: Population dynamics, vital statistics.
- Communicable Diseases: Control of TB, malaria, COVID-19.
- Environmental Health: Water/sanitation, pollution.
- Nutrition and Health: Balanced diet, micronutrients.
- Non-Communicable Diseases: Diabetes, hypertension prevention.
- Occupational Health: Industrial hazards, ergonomics.
- Genetics and Health: Genetic counseling, screening.
- International Health: WHO programs, global health threats.
- Medical Sociology and Health Education: Behavior change communication.
- Maternal and Child Health: RMNCH+A strategy.
- National Programmes: NRHM, NPCDCS.
- Management Skills: Monitor health programs, investigate outbreaks, community problem-solving (malnutrition, emergencies).
How to Prepare for UPSC CMS Syllabus 2026: Step-by-Step Strategy
Cracking UPSC CMS requires 6–12 months of dedicated prep. Here’s a roadmap:
- Build a Strong Foundation: Cover MBBS textbooks first. Allocate 40% time to Medicine/Surgery, 30% to Gynae/PSM, 20% to Paediatrics, 10% to revision.
- Focus on High-Yield Topics: Prioritize national health programs in PSM, common emergencies in Medicine/Surgery.
- Practice MCQs Daily: Solve 100–200 questions; analyze errors to improve.
- Mock Tests and Previous Papers: Take full-length mocks weekly. Time yourself strictly.
- Revision Plan: Use mind maps for diseases, flowcharts for management protocols.
- Interview Prep: Practice DAF-based questions on ethics, current health issues (e.g., telemedicine).
Pro Tip: Join online forums like Telegram groups for CMS aspirants to stay updated.
Best Books for UPSC CMS 2026 Preparation
- General Medicine: Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine (key chapters).
- Paediatrics: OP Ghai.
- Surgery: Bailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery.
- Gynaecology & Obstetrics: DC Dutta.
- PSM: Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine.
- MCQ Practice: UPSC CMS previous years’ papers, AIIMS/NEET PG books.
Download free UPSC CMS Syllabus PDF 2026 from the official site once released.
FAQs on UPSC CMS Syllabus 2026
Is the UPSC CMS Syllabus 2026 changed from 2025?
No major changes expected; it’s based on the MBBS curriculum.
How to download UPSC CMS Syllabus PDF?
Visit upsc.gov.in > Examinations > CMS > Syllabus.
What is the weightage of PSM in UPSC CMS?
40 questions in Paper II – focus on national programs for quick scores.
Can I prepare for UPSC CMS without coaching?
Yes, with self-discipline and online resources like Marrow or Prepladder.
Ready to ace UPSC CMS 2026? Start today with a study timetable and consistent practice. Share your prep tips in the comments below, and subscribe for more updates on UPSC exams. Good luck!
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