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About CMSE

A Gateway to Prestigious Medical Careers in India

The Union Public Service Commission Combined Medical Services Examination (UPSC CMSE) is a highly regarded national-level examination conducted annually by the UPSC to recruit medical professionals into various Central Government organizations and services. For medical graduates aspiring to serve in esteemed government roles, the UPSC CMSE represents a golden opportunity to combine clinical expertise with administrative responsibility, offering a stable career, competitive salary, and significant societal impact. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the UPSC CMSE, including its prestige, branches, job roles, exam day guidelines, and the latest details for 2025.


What is the UPSC CMSE?

The UPSC CMSE is a two-stage competitive examination designed to select medical officers for various Central Government departments. It consists of:

Computer-Based Examination (CBT): Two objective papers (Paper I and Paper II), each worth 250 marks, totaling 500 marks.

  • Paper I: General Medicine and Pediatrics (120 MCQs).
  • Paper II: Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics, and Preventive & Social Medicine (120 MCQs).

Personality Test (Interview): A 100-mark assessment of candidates’ suitability, general knowledge, and interpersonal skills.

The exam targets MBBS graduates (or final-year students awaiting internship completion) under 32 years of age (with relaxations for reserved categories). The UPSC CMSE 2025 notification, released on February 19, 2025, announced 705 vacancies across various services, with applications accepted until March 11, 2025.

How Prestigious is the UPSC CMSE?

The UPSC CMSE is widely respected in India’s medical and civil services ecosystem for several reasons:

  • UPSC Legacy: Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, the same body responsible for the IAS/IPS exams, it carries an unparalleled reputation for fairness, rigor, and transparency.
  • Central Government Roles: Successful candidates secure Group A and Group B positions, offering job security, prestige, and perks like pensions and allowances that private-sector jobs rarely match.
  • Competitive Selection: With over three lakh applicants annually for fewer than 1,000 seats, clearing the CMSE signals exceptional competence, elevating one’s professional standing.
  • Societal Impact: Roles involve shaping public health policy and serving in critical institutions like the Indian Railways and Central Health Services, making it a noble career choice.

While less grueling than the UPSC Civil Services Exam (IAS), the CMSE is a prestigious milestone for doctors seeking a blend of clinical practice and administrative influence.


Branches and Divisions of the UPSC CMSE

The UPSC CMSE recruits for distinct categories and services, each with unique responsibilities:

Category I:
    Junior Scale Posts in Central Health Services (CHS): Under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, these roles involve public health administration and clinical care at government hospitals and dispensaries.

Category II:
    Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (ADMO) in the Railways: The largest recruiter (e.g., 450 vacancies in 2024), offering medical care to railway employees and managing railway hospitals.

    Assistant Medical Officer in Indian Ordnance Factories Health Services (IOFHS): Focuses on occupational health for factory workers.

    General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO) in New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC): Involves urban healthcare delivery.

    General Duty Medical Officer Grade-II in Municipal Corporations (e.g., East, North, South Delhi): Public health management in metropolitan areas.

These divisions span clinical, preventive, and administrative domains, offering diverse career paths within government service.

Job Roles After Selection

Once selected, UPSC CMSE candidates assume roles with significant responsibility:

  • Clinical Duties: Diagnosing and treating patients in government hospitals, railway clinics, or municipal facilities.
  • Administrative Oversight: Managing healthcare facilities, supervising staff, and ensuring compliance with health policies.
  • Public Health: Implementing vaccination drives, disease control programs, and community health initiatives.
  • Emergency Response: Handling medical emergencies, especially in railways or industrial settings.
  • Research and Policy: Contributing to health program development and modern medical practices.

Starting salaries range from INR 56,100 to INR 1,77,500 (Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission), with additional allowances (e.g., HRA, TA, DA) and benefits like health insurance and paid leave. After a two-year probation, officers may rise to senior administrative roles.

UPSC CMSE 2025 Exam Date

The UPSC CMSE 2025 examination is scheduled for July 20, 2025 (Sunday), as per the UPSC annual calendar. The CBT will occur in two shifts:

  • Paper I: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
  • Paper II: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The Personality Test is expected between October and November 2025, with final results by late 2025.


Exam Day Guidelines: What to Bring and Do (or Not Do)

To ensure a smooth experience on July 20, 2025, follow these instructions:

  • What to Bring:

    • Admit Card: Download from upsc.gov.in (available ~3 weeks prior) and carry a printed copy.
    • Photo ID: Government-issued ID (e.g., Aadhaar, passport, voter ID) matching your application.
    • Black Ballpoint Pen: For filling OMR sheets.
    • Simple Watch: To track time (smartwatches banned).
    • Water Bottle: Transparent, for hydration.

What to Do:

    • Arrive at least 60 minutes early (gates close 30 minutes before each paper)
    • Verify your exam center details in advance (allocated on a first-apply, first-allot basis).
    • Read instructions on the admit card and question paper carefully.
    • Manage time: ~1 minute per MCQ (120 questions in 2 hours per paper).
    • Stay calm and focused—negative marking (1/3rd per wrong answer) rewards accuracy over guesswork.

What Not to Do:

    • Don’t bring electronic devices (mobiles, calculators, smartwatches) or study materials—lockers may not be available.
    • Avoid wearing jewelry or heavy accessories—stick to simple attire.
    • Don’t attempt to cheat; UPSC enforces strict invigilation and penalties.
    • Don’t leave the exam hall until permitted, even if you finish early.

How PrepCMS.com Can Help You Succeed

For UPSC CMSE aspirants, PrepCMS.com, offers a streamlined, no-frills preparation platform:

  • 10 Years of Solved Papers: 2,400 MCQs with concise, exam-ready explanations.
  • 5 AI-Curated Question Banks: Tailored to the 2025 syllabus and high-yield topics.
  • AI Performance Analysis: Real-time pass probability and weak area insights.
  • Clean, Ad-Free Interface: Accessible across devices for focused study.

With authentic practice, instant feedback, and a minimalist design, PrepCMS.com empowers candidates to master the CMSE efficiently.