UPSC CMS 2026 Provisional Answer Key Released
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially published the provisional answer key for the Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026. This announcement was made on 5 August 2026, just four days following the exam, which took place on 2 August 2026. Candidates who participated in the CMS 2026 can now access and download the answer keys for both Paper I and Paper II from the UPSC's official website, upsc.gov.in. Additionally, there is a provision for raising objections regarding the answer key during the designated representation window.
Overview of UPSC CMS Answer Key 2026
| Details | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) | Conducting Body |
| Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS) 2026 | Exam Name |
| 09/2025-CMS | Advertisement No. |
| 2 August 2026 | Exam Date |
| 5 August 2026 (Provisional) | Answer Key Release Date |
| Online, PDF, on upsc.gov.in | Answer Key Mode |
| 1358 posts | Total Vacancies |
| Answer Key | Category |
| upsc.gov.in | Official Website |
Key Dates for UPSC CMS 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 11 March 2026 | Online Application Start Date |
| 31 March 2026 | Online Application Last Date |
| 31 March 2026 | Last Date for Fee Payment |
| 24 July 2026 | Admit Card Released |
| 2 August 2026 | Exam Date |
| 5 August 2026 | Provisional Answer Key Released |
| Begins on the third day following the exam date, and closes by 6:00 PM on the seventh day after the exam date | Objection/Representation Window |
Exam Format for UPSC CMS 2026
| Subjects | Paper | Marks | Timing | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Medicine & Paediatrics | Paper I | 250 | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM | 120 |
| Surgery (40), Gynaecology & Obstetrics (40), Preventive & Social Medicine (40) | Paper II | 250 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 120 |
Both papers are conducted in an offline format, utilizing pen-and-paper, and consist of objective-type multiple-choice questions entirely in English. The combined maximum score for the written part is 500 marks. Those who meet the cut-off will be invited for a Personality Test worth 100 marks.
Marking Scheme for UPSC CMS 2026
The marking criteria for the examination are as follows: each question offers four choices, with one-third (0.33) of the marks deducted for each incorrect answer. Selecting multiple answers for a single question is considered incorrect as well, and unattempted questions receive no penalties.
Steps to Download the UPSC CMS Answer Key 2026
Follow these instructions to obtain the answer key for UPSC CMS 2026:
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to either the "Examinations" section or the "What's New" section located on the homepage.
- Click on the link for "Combined Medical Services Examination, 2026 – Provisional Answer Key."
- Select the PDF for either Paper I or Paper II based on your requirement.
- Download the PDF and compare it with your own response sheet or marked options.
How to Challenge the UPSC CMS Answer Key 2026
Candidates can submit objections concerning the question paper and the provisional answer key exclusively via the UPSC's official online portal. No submissions via email, post, or in person will be accepted.
- Login at upsconline.nic.in using your registered credentials.
- Go to the "Examinations" section and choose "Representations on Question Paper & Provisional Answer Keys."
- Pick the relevant question, paper, and specify the reason for your objection.
- Where applicable, provide supporting justification within the allowed fields.
- Submit your objection prior to the deadline of 6:00 PM on the 7th day from the exam date; late submissions will not be considered.
UPSC CMS 2026 Vacancy Information
| Number of Posts | Post Name |
|---|---|
| 864 | Medical Officer (General Duty Medical Officer Sub-Cadre), Central Health Service |
| 450 | Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (ADMO), Railways |
| 14 | General Duty Medical Officer Grade II, NDMC |
| 30 | General Duty Medical Officer, various Delhi Municipal Council posts |
| 1358 | Total |
Important Instructions for Candidates
It is crucial for candidates to verify their question booklet series or set code against the correct answer key PDF before calculating their scores. Note that the answer key available now is provisional; the final version, which will be utilized for result computation, will be released after the review of objections. Any objection submitted without valid rationale or after the deadline will not be taken into account.
Links to Important Resources
| Link | Resource |
|---|---|
| Click Here | Download Provisional Answer Key |
| Click Here | UPSC Official Website |
UPSC CMS Answer Key 2026 - FAQs
When was the UPSC CMS 2026 answer key released?
The provisional answer key for both papers of the CMS 2026 was released on 5 August 2026, three days after the examination held on 2 August 2026.
Is this the final answer key or the provisional one?
This is the provisional answer key. UPSC issues it so candidates can review and contest; the final answer key will become available following the assessment of objections.
How can I download the UPSC CMS Paper 1 and Paper 2 answer key PDF?
The PDFs for both Paper I and Paper II answer keys can be downloaded separately from upsc.gov.in in the "What's New" or "Examinations" sections — no login is required.
What is the last date to challenge the UPSC CMS answer key 2026?
The window for submitting objections is available for five days starting from the third day after the exam date until 6:00 PM on the 7th day. No additional objections will be accepted after this cutoff or via email/post.
Is there negative marking in UPSC CMS 2026?
Yes, negative marking is in effect. One-third of the marks allotted to a question will be deducted for each incorrect response. Choosing more than one answer will also be treated as incorrect. Unattempted questions do not incur penalties.