UPSC CMS Syllabus 2025: PDF, Exam Pattern & Subject-wise Topics
Discover the complete UPSC CMS 2025 syllabus with downloadable PDF, paper-wise exam pattern, subject-wise topic breakdown (General Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, OBG & PSM), and preparation insights.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Combined Medical Services (CMS) Exam is a prestigious gateway for medical professionals aspiring to work in central government services such as Railways, Ordnance Factories, Municipal Corporations, and other public sector medical roles. The CMS exam is conducted annually and attracts thousands of candidates due to its prestigious nature, job stability, and growth prospects.
This article provides the complete UPSC CMS Syllabus 2025, exam pattern, subject-wise topic breakdown, marks distribution, syllabus PDF download, recommended books, preparation tips, specialization options, and more.
The Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination is conducted by UPSC for recruitment to medical officer posts in various organizations under the Government of India. The CMS exam is intended for candidates who have completed or are about to complete their MBBS degree.
UPSC CMS 2025 Exam Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Combined Medical Services Exam (CMS) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Annual |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Papers | 2 (Paper-I and Paper-II) |
| Total Marks | 500 (250 each paper) + 100 Interview |
| Duration | 2 hours per paper |
| Language | English |
| Educational Qualification | MBBS Degree |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CMS Syllabus PDF Download
You can download the complete official syllabus PDF of UPSC CMS 2025 directly from the UPSC website or by clicking the link below:
Download UPSC CMS Syllabus 2025 PDF
UPSC CMS Paper-Wise Syllabus 2025
The CMS examination consists of two objective papers:
Paper I: General Medicine and Pediatrics
| Subjects | Topics |
|---|---|
| General Medicine | – Cardiology – Respiratory diseases – Gastrointestinal – Neurology – Hematology – Endocrinology – Metabolic disorders – Infections (communicable and non-communicable) – Dermatology – Psychiatry – Rheumatology |
| Pediatrics | – Growth and Development – Common childhood illnesses – Vaccination/immunization schedules – Pediatric emergencies – Neonatology |
Marks Distribution:
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Medicine | 96 |
| Pediatrics | 64 |
| Total | 160 MCQs (250 Marks) |
Paper II: Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics, and Preventive & Social Medicine
| Subjects | Topics |
|---|---|
| Surgery | – General surgery – ENT – Orthopedics – Ophthalmology – Wound healing – Infections – Tumors – Anesthesia – Shock – Blood transfusion – Urology |
| Gynecology & Obstetrics | – Antenatal care – Common gynecological disorders – Contraception – Menstrual irregularities – Normal and complicated labor – Postpartum care |
| Preventive & Social Medicine (PSM) | – Epidemiology – Biostatistics – Environmental health – Occupational diseases – Nutrition – National health programs – Demography – Immunization – International health organizations (WHO, UNICEF etc.) |
Marks Distribution:
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| Surgery | ~80 |
| Gynecology & Obstetrics | ~80 |
| Preventive & Social Medicine | ~90 |
| Total | 250 Marks |
Recommended Books for UPSC CMS 2025
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| General Medicine | – Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine – API Textbook of Medicine |
| Pediatrics | – Ghai Essential Pediatrics |
| Surgery | – SRB’s Manual of Surgery – Bailey and Love’s Short Practice of Surgery |
| Gynecology & Obstetrics | – DC Dutta’s Textbook of Obstetrics – DC Dutta’s Textbook of Gynaecology |
| Preventive & Social Medicine | – Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine |
| MCQ Practice | – Mudit Khanna CMS MCQs – Across: A Complete Review of Short Subjects |
Preparation Strategy for UPSC CMS 2025
A smart preparation strategy is essential to clear this highly competitive exam.
1. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly
Read the official UPSC CMS syllabus carefully. Focus more on clinical concepts and high-yield topics.
2. Follow a Study Schedule
Allocate time to each subject based on weightage. For example, spend more time on General Medicine and PSM as they cover more marks.
3. Practice MCQs Daily
Use books like Mudit Khanna and Across to practice CMS-level MCQs. Solve at least 100 MCQs per day.
4. Focus on Time Management
Each paper is 2 hours long with 120 questions. So, you get only 1 minute per question. Practice mock tests to increase speed.
5. Revise Regularly
Keep a revision notebook. Make sure to revise each subject at least 3 times before the exam.
6. Stay Updated
Be aware of recent guidelines from WHO, ICMR, and national health programs.
Specialization & Career Opportunities after CMS
After clearing CMS, candidates are recruited to the following posts:
| Post Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (ADMO) | Railways |
| Junior Scale Posts | Central Health Services |
| General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO) | NDMC, Municipal Corporations |
| Medical Officer | Indian Ordnance Factories |
Career Growth:
- Promotion to senior ranks like Senior Medical Officer, Chief Medical Officer
- Postings in Railways, CHS, Army Medical Corps (on deputation)
- Opportunity for specialization after joining (DNB/PG courses)
Conclusion
The UPSC CMS Exam 2025 offers a golden opportunity for medical graduates to serve in India’s central government healthcare sector. With the right strategy, dedication, and the knowledge of subject-wise syllabus, aspirants can crack this exam confidently. Focus on conceptual clarity, clinical understanding, and regular MCQ practice to achieve success.
FAQs on UPSC CMS Syllabus 2025
Q1. How many papers are there in UPSC CMS?
There are 2 papers – Paper I (General Medicine & Pediatrics) and Paper II (Surgery, OBG & PSM).
Q2. Is the UPSC CMS syllabus based on MBBS level?
Yes, the syllabus is based entirely on MBBS standard subjects.
Q3. Is there any interview in the CMS exam?
Yes, candidates who qualify the written exam are called for a Personality Test (100 marks).
Q4. Is coaching necessary for UPSC CMS?
Not mandatory. But for better speed, concept revision, and MCQ practice, coaching or test series can be helpful.
Q5. Can final-year MBBS students apply?
Yes, final-year students who are about to complete their internship can apply provisionally.
