✅ Eligibility Criteria
UPSC CMS Eligibility Criteria 2026
The UPSC Combined Medical Services examination has specific eligibility requirements regarding educational qualification, nationality, and age. Candidates must satisfy all criteria at the time of application.
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India. Certain exceptions apply for candidates of Nepalese, Bhutanese, Tibetan refugee origin or persons of Indian origin who have migrated from certain countries with the intention of permanently settling in India, subject to eligibility certificates issued by the Government of India.
Educational Qualification
| Degree | MBBS or equivalent medical degree from a university included in the First or Second Schedule of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 |
| Internship | Candidate must have completed the compulsory rotating internship by the time of their Personality Test / Interview |
| Registration | Must be registered or eligible for registration in the Medical Register of a State Medical Council or the Medical Council of India |
| Foreign Degrees | Candidates with foreign medical degrees must have their degree recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI/NMC) and must have passed the relevant screening test |
Note: Candidates appearing in their final MBBS examinations can also apply, subject to fulfilment of all conditions before the interview. Always verify from the official notification.
Age Limit (as on August 2, 2026)
| General (UR) | Maximum 32 years |
| OBC | Maximum 35 years (3 years relaxation) |
| SC / ST | Maximum 37 years (5 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (General/OBC) | Maximum 42 years (10 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | Maximum 47 years (15 years relaxation) |
| Ex-Servicemen | Age relaxation as per Government of India rules |
Important: Age is calculated as on the date of the written examination (August 2, 2026). Candidates must have been born not earlier than August 2, 1994 (for general category).
Number of Attempts
UPSC CMS does not have a formal restriction on the number of attempts, unlike some other UPSC examinations. However, candidates must satisfy the upper age limit at the time of each application. As a result, the practical number of attempts is governed by the age limit.
Physical Standards
Candidates selected for appointment must satisfy the physical and medical standards prescribed by the relevant service rules. These are assessed at the time of medical examination post-selection. Candidates with certain disabilities may be eligible for PwBD relaxations depending on the post applied for.
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