UPSC CMS Answer Key 2026 Released: Download Paper 1 & 2 PDF

UPSC CMS Answer Key 2026 Released

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the provisional answer key for the Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026 on 5 August 2026. This release comes just three days after the examination was conducted on 2 August 2026. The answer key is available in separate PDFs for Paper I (General Medicine and Paediatrics) and Paper II (Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, and Preventive & Social Medicine). Candidates who appeared for the UPSC CMS 2026 exam can download both answer keys from the official website upsc.gov.in. It is crucial to note that this is a provisional answer key, and candidates have the opportunity to raise objections within the specified representation window if they believe any answer is incorrect.

The release of the answer key is a significant step in the recruitment process, allowing candidates to estimate their scores before the final results are announced. The UPSC CMS exam is a highly competitive national-level examination for medical graduates seeking positions in various government health services. With a total of 1358 vacancies across multiple departments, the stakes are high, and the answer key provides a transparent mechanism for candidates to verify their performance.

About Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India's premier central recruiting agency, responsible for conducting a wide range of examinations for appointments to various civil services and posts under the Government of India. Established under the Constitution of India, UPSC is known for its rigorous and transparent selection processes. The Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination is one of the key examinations conducted by UPSC to select medical officers for various central government departments, including the Central Health Service, Railways, and municipal bodies.

The CMS exam is designed to assess the medical knowledge and aptitude of candidates who have completed their MBBS degree. The selection process typically involves a written examination followed by a personality test (interview). The written exam consists of two papers, each carrying 250 marks, making a total of 500 marks. The final merit list is prepared based on the combined performance in the written exam and the personality test, which carries 100 marks.

For the 2026 cycle, UPSC issued Advertisement No. 09/2025-CMS, inviting applications from eligible candidates. The application process began on 11 March 2026 and concluded on 31 March 2026. The exam was held on 2 August 2026, and the provisional answer key was released on 5 August 2026. This quick turnaround reflects UPSC's commitment to timely updates and transparency.

UPSC CMS Answer & Objection Window

The provisional answer key for UPSC CMS 2026 has been released for both papers. Paper I covers General Medicine and Paediatrics, while Paper II covers Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, and Preventive & Social Medicine. Each paper consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, with a total of 250 marks per paper. The answer key PDFs are available for download on the official UPSC website.

Candidates can raise objections against the provisional answer key through the official online portal. The objection window opens on the 3rd day from the exam date and closes at 6:00 PM on the 7th day from the exam date. For the 2026 exam held on 2 August, the window is expected to open on 5 August and close on 9 August 2026. It is essential to note that UPSC does not accept objections via email, post, or in-person submissions. All representations must be submitted online through the designated portal.

The objection process is a critical opportunity for candidates to point out any discrepancies in the answer key. UPSC reviews all valid objections and may revise the answer key if necessary. The final answer key, after considering objections, will be used to compute the results. Therefore, candidates are advised to carefully review the answer key and submit well-justified objections if they find any errors.

How to Challenge Answer Key

To raise an objection against the UPSC CMS 2026 provisional answer key, candidates must follow a systematic online process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the official UPSC online portal at upsconline.nic.in.
2. Log in using your registered credentials (Registration ID and Password).
3. Navigate to the "Examinations" section and select "Representations on Question Paper & Provisional Answer Keys."
4. Choose the relevant paper (Paper I or Paper II) and the specific question number for which you wish to raise an objection.
5. Select the reason for the objection from the provided options and provide a detailed justification.
6. If required, upload supporting documents or references to substantiate your claim.
7. Submit the representation before the deadline. The portal will confirm the submission, and you may receive a reference number for tracking.

It is crucial to submit objections within the specified window. Late submissions will not be entertained under any circumstances. Additionally, objections without valid justification or evidence are likely to be rejected. Candidates should ensure that their objections are clear, factual, and supported by authoritative references, such as standard medical textbooks or official guidelines.

Step-by-Step Download Guide

Downloading the UPSC CMS 2026 answer key is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to access the PDFs:

1. Open your web browser and go to the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.
2. On the homepage, look for the "What's New" section or the "Examinations" tab.
3. Click on the link titled "Combined Medical Services Examination, 2026 – Provisional Answer Key."
4. You will be redirected to a page with links for Paper I and Paper II answer key PDFs.
5. Click on the respective link to open the PDF in a new tab or download it to your device.
6. Save the PDFs for future reference and cross-check your answers.

No login is required to download the answer key PDFs. However, for raising objections, you will need to log in to the UPSC online portal. It is advisable to download the answer key as soon as possible and keep a copy for your records.

Official Key Download Link

Here are the direct links to download the UPSC CMS 2026 provisional answer key and other important resources:

These links will take you directly to the relevant pages on the UPSC website. Ensure that you have a stable internet connection and a PDF reader installed on your device to view the files.

UPSC CMS 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Understanding the exam pattern is essential for candidates to evaluate their performance using the answer key. The UPSC CMS 2026 written examination consisted of two papers, both conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper) with objective-type multiple-choice questions. The exam was held in English only.

The marking scheme includes negative marking: one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer. If a candidate marks more than one answer for a question, it is treated as a wrong answer, and the same penalty applies. Unattempted questions carry no penalty. This scheme emphasizes accuracy, as careless guessing can significantly reduce the total score.

UPSC CMS 2026 Vacancy Details

The UPSC CMS 2026 recruitment aims to fill a total of 1358 vacancies across various medical officer positions. The distribution of vacancies is as follows:

These vacancies are spread across different central government departments, offering candidates a variety of work environments and career growth opportunities. The final selection will be based on the candidate's performance in the written exam and the personality test, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.

Important Instructions for Candidates

• Cross-check the question booklet series/set code with the correct answer key PDF before calculating your score. Different sets may have different answer orders.
• The answer key released now is provisional; the final key used for result computation will be issued after objections are reviewed.
• Objections without valid justification, or submitted after the deadline, will not be considered.
• Keep your registration details handy for logging in to the objection portal.
• Stay updated with the official UPSC website for further announcements regarding the final answer key and results.

Candidates are advised to regularly check the UPSC website and their registered email for updates. The final answer key and results are expected to be released in the coming months, and candidates should prepare accordingly.

Important Dates

These dates are crucial for candidates to track their progress through the selection process. Missing any deadline can result in disqualification, so it is essential to mark these dates on your calendar.

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