Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS)
Overview
The Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS) is a competitive examination conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit medical officers for various central government organizations.
CMS officers play an essential role in public health management, medical administration, and healthcare delivery in departments such as railways, armed forces, municipal corporations, and health services.
The exam attracts MBBS graduates aspiring for secure and prestigious government medical positions.
Recruiting Body
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Recruiting Exam
Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS)
Type of Service
Group A & Group B Medical Services
Service Domain
Medical Officer & Healthcare Administration roles
Year of Commencement
1959
Controlling Ministry
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Entry Level Post
Assistant Medical Officer / Medical Officer
Highest Post
Director General / Additional DGHS
Training Academy
National Institute of Health & Family Welfare (NIHFW) and other institutions
Recruitment and Entry
Recruitment through CMS is conducted for MBBS graduates to serve across various central healthcare organizations such as:
- Indian Railways Medical Services
- Central Health Service
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi
- Ordnance Factory Health Services
- Armed Forces Headquarters Medical Service
Stages of the Examination
- Computer-Based Examination (Paper I & II): Objective-type questions from General Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Gynecology, and Preventive Medicine
- Personality Test: Assesses medical knowledge, decision-making, and suitability for government service
Selected candidates are appointed to Group A and Group B medical officer posts.
Services / Cadres under CMS
Central Government Medical Services
- Central Health Service (CHS)
- General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO)
- Junior Scale Medical Officer
- Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (Railways)
Municipal & Defence Medical Services
- Municipal Corporation Medical Officer (MCD)
- Ordnance Factory Medical Officer
- Armed Forces Headquarters Medical Service
- Specialist Medical Officer (various disciplines)
Career Hierarchy and Designations
| Level | Typical Designation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | Medical Officer / ADMO | Clinical & field responsibilities |
| Mid-Level | Senior Medical Officer | Hospital/Unit administration |
| Senior Level | Chief Medical Officer | Regional supervision & management |
| Top Level | Deputy Director / Director | Policy implementation |
| Apex Level | Director General Health Services | Top administrative & policy leadership |
Pay Structure and Salary
| Grade | Experience | Designation | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Scale | Entry | Medical Officer / ADMO | ₹56,100 / month |
| Senior Scale | 4–5 years | Senior Medical Officer | ₹67,700 – ₹1,18,500 |
| Chief Medical Grade | 10+ years | Chief Medical Officer | ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200 |
| Selection Grade | 15 years | Director / Specialist | ₹1,18,500 – ₹2,14,100 |
| Super Time Scale | 20+ years | Additional DGHS | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 |
| Apex Scale | 25+ years | DGHS | ₹2,25,000 (fixed) |
Allowances: Non-Practice Allowance (NPA), DA, HRA, TA, and other benefits as per Central Government rules.
Training of CMS Officers
Training is conducted by respective ministries to provide exposure in public health, medical administration, and preventive healthcare systems.
Training Phases
- Foundation Course: Basic administration training at designated academies.
- Specialized Medical Training: Conducted at NIHFW, railway hospitals, and defence medical institutes.
- On-the-Job Training: Field posting in hospitals, public health centers, or emergency service units.
Cadre Management and Posting Policy
CMS officers serve in central government departments under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Railways, Defence, Municipal bodies, and other organizations.
Postings and promotions follow central government service rules and departmental cadre policies.
Significance of the CMS
CMS officers are crucial in strengthening India’s healthcare system through:
- Public health administration
- Medical services in railways and defence
- National disease control programs
- Urban healthcare management
- Emergency and preventive healthcare
They contribute to initiatives like National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat, Polio Eradication, Maternal & Child Health Programs, and Digital Health Mission.
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