CMSE

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a degree in Medicine (MBBS) from a recognized university or institute.
• Age Limit: The candidate must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of the exam date. Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules for reserved categories.
• Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal, Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Written exam held offline (pen and paper-based).
• Number of Questions: Total 200 multiple-choice questions divided into two papers.
• Marking Scheme: Each paper consists of 100 questions carrying 200 marks in total (2 marks per question). Negative marking of 0.5 mark for each wrong answer.
• Subjects Covered: Paper I - General Medicine (85 questions), Paediatrics (15 questions); Paper II - General Surgery (85 questions), Gynaecology & Obstetrics (15 questions).
• Exam Frequency: Usually conducted once a year.
• Notification Release: The official notification for the exam is usually released around April every year.
• Exam Month: The exam is generally conducted in July or August.

Syllabus

• Paper I: General Medicine and Paediatrics
  • General Medicine: Nutrition, Infections, Haematology and Oncology, Endocrinology, Cardiology, Pulmonology, Neurology, Rheumatology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Psychiatry, Clinical Pharmacology, etc.
  • Paediatrics: Growth and development, Immunization, Neonatal care, Child nutrition, Paediatric infections, Paediatric emergencies, etc.
• Paper II: General Surgery and Gynaecology & Obstetrics
  • General Surgery: Wounds, Infections, Burns, Anaesthesia, Surgical procedures, Trauma, Surgical emergencies, Organ systems including head, neck, thorax, abdomen, etc.
  • Gynaecology & Obstetrics: Menstruation and fertility, Antenatal and postnatal care, Delivery procedures, Family planning, Reproductive tract infections, etc.

Application Process

1. Visit the official UPSC website https://www.upsc.gov.in/.
2. Navigate to the "Examinations" section and select "Combined Medical Services Examination".
3. Click on the "Apply Online" link during the application window.
4. Register by providing the necessary personal details and create a login ID and password.
5. Fill in the detailed application form with educational qualifications, personal information, and preferred exam centers.
6. Upload scanned copies of photograph and signature as per specifications.
7. Pay the application fee online through available modes (credit/debit card, net banking).
8. Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.

Courses Offered

The Combined Medical Services Examination recruits candidates primarily for Medical Officers in various government departments such as Indian Railways, Indian Ordnance Factories, Municipal Corporations, and other central government organizations.

Facts about the Entrance Exam

• It is a prestigious examination conducted by UPSC for medical graduates seeking government service.
• Provides a gateway to secure government medical jobs with attractive salary and career growth.
• Highly competitive due to limited vacancies and nationwide applicants.

Admit Card

1. Admit cards are released approximately 3 weeks before the exam date on the UPSC official website.
2. Visit the UPSC admit card download page and enter your registration ID and date of birth to download the hall ticket.
3. Carry the printed admit card to the exam center along with a valid photo ID.
4. Check all exam details on the admit card carefully and report any discrepancy immediately.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results are announced on the UPSC official website following the exam and evaluation process.
• Shortlisted candidates are called for personality test/interview.
• Cut-off marks vary each year based on difficulty level and vacancies but generally range between 50-60% of total marks.

Preparation Tips

• Understand the syllabus thoroughly and focus on high-weightage topics.
• Practice previous years' question papers and mock tests extensively.
• Refer to standard medical textbooks like Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, Bailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery, and others.
• Stay updated with current medical guidelines and protocols.
• Time management and regular revision are crucial for success.

FAQs

• Who can apply for the Combined Medical Services Exam? - Candidates with an MBBS degree and meeting age and nationality criteria.
• Is there a negative marking in the exam? - Yes, 0.5 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
• How to download the admit card? - Admit card is available on the UPSC website about 3 weeks before the exam.
• What is the selection process? - Written exam followed by personality test/interview.
• Are there any reservation provisions? - Yes, as per Government of India rules for SC/ST/OBC and other categories.
• Can final year MBBS students apply? - No, candidates must have the degree at the time of application.