Combined Medical Services Examination

Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE) is a competitive examination in India conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to various posts of medical officers in different organizations working under the Government of India such as the Indian Railways, Indian Ordnance Factories, Central Health Services, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and New Delhi Municipal Council among others. The examination is held annually and is open to candidates who have completed or are in their final year of MBBS.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the CMSE, a candidate must:

• Be a citizen of India.
• Have completed or be in the final year of their MBBS degree at the time of application. Candidates who have yet to complete their internship are also eligible but are required to complete the internship before the appointment.
• Meet the age criteria specified by the UPSC in the examination notification.

Examination Pattern

The CMSE is divided into two parts: Part I and Part II.

Part I

Part I is a computer-based examination consisting of two papers, each of 250 marks and two hours in duration. The papers are:

• Paper I: General Medicine and Paediatrics
• Paper II: Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, and Preventive & Social Medicine

Each paper contains 120 objective type questions.

Part II

Part II is a Personality Test carrying 100 marks. Only candidates who qualify in the computer-based examination are called for the Personality Test. The test assesses the candidate's leadership, initiative, intellectual curiosity, and other personal attributes suitable for a career in government medical services.

Syllabus

The syllabus for the CMSE covers a broad range of subjects within the field of medicine:

• General Medicine including Cardiology, Neurology, Dermatology, and Psychiatry.
• Paediatrics
• Surgery including ENT, Ophthalmology, Traumatology, and Orthopaedics.
• Gynaecology & Obstetrics
• Preventive & Social Medicine

Application Process

Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC website. The application involves filling out a detailed form and paying an examination fee, except for female candidates and candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes/Persons with Benchmark Disability categories who are exempted from payment of the fee.

Selection Process

The selection process for the CMSE includes the computer-based examination and the Personality Test. The final merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained by candidates in both parts of the examination.

Training and Appointment

Candidates who are selected through the CMSE are appointed as medical officers in the respective services/organizations and are required to undergo a specified period of training.

Conclusion

The Combined Medical Services Examination is a crucial step for medical graduates in India who aspire to serve in government medical services. It not only tests their medical knowledge and skills but also their aptitude for a career in public service.