The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), headquartered at Shahjahan Road, Dholpur House in New Delhi, has officially announced the Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2025 for the recruitment of Group-A Medical Officers across the country. The notification was issued under Advertisement No. 08/2025-CMS and opens the door for qualified medical professionals seeking permanent positions within the central government healthcare system.
The CMS Examination is one of the most sought-after medical recruitment pathways in India, offering candidates a chance to serve in key central government health organisations. Successful candidates are appointed as Medical Officers in departments such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), municipal corporations, and various other central government health services.
The recruitment process conducted through the CMS Examination carries significant weight, as it serves as the primary gateway for entry-level Group-A medical postings under the central government. Candidates who clear the written examination and subsequent medical qualification verification are placed in various health service roles spanning multiple states and union territories.
As per the official notification, the application window for CMS Examination 2025 commenced on 1st June 2024. The UPSC has indicated that the online application deadline is set for 16th September 2026, though prospective candidates are advised to verify the exact timeline directly on the UPSC official website upspsc.org, as recruitment cycles occasionally see adjustments to advertised dates.
The CMS Examination typically consists of a written paper followed by a skill test and document verification stage. The written component generally tests candidates across subjects including General Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Surgery — all aligned with the competencies expected of a Group-A Medical Officer serving in government facilities.
Medical graduates holding a valid registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or a State Medical Council are eligible to apply. The examination is conducted once a year, and the CMS recruitment has historically drawn lakhs of applicants from across India and abroad.
Candidates interested in applying are encouraged to visit the official UPSC portal and carefully review the detailed notification, which includes specifics on age limits, reservation categories, examination fee, and the complete selection procedure.
