UPSC CMS answer key 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026 on August 2, 2026, in two computer-based sessions across the country. While candidates are awaiting the official answer key, the Commission is expected to release it only after the recruitment process concludes and the final results are declared.In the meantime, several medical coaching institutes and educators have published memory-based answer keys and solved paper analyses through online platforms, allowing candidates to estimate their likely scores before the official evaluation is completed.Official answer key to be released after final selectionThe official UPSC CMS 2026 answer key is expected to be uploaded in January 2027, after the declaration of the final merit list. UPSC traditionally publishes answer keys only after the entire recruitment cycle, including the personality test and final selection process, has been completed.Once released, candidates can download the Paper I and Paper II answer keys by visiting the official UPSC website, selecting the Examinations section and opening the Answer Keys page. Separate PDF files will be available for Paper I, covering General Medicine and Paediatrics, and Paper II, covering Surgery, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, and Preventive and Social Medicine.Exam pattern and marking schemeThe written examination comprised two computer-based papers carrying 250 marks each, taking the total written score to 500 marks. Each paper contained 120 objective-type multiple-choice questions, making a total of 240 questions across both sessions.Each correct response carries approximately 2.08 marks. A penalty of one-third of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for every incorrect answer, while unanswered questions do not attract negative marking.Paper I was conducted from 9.30 am to 11.30 am and assessed candidates in General Medicine and Paediatrics. Paper II was held from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm and covered Surgery, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, along with Preventive and Social Medicine.Recruitment schedule and vacanciesThe UPSC CMS 2026 recruitment drive aims to fill 1,358 vacancies across Category I and Category II Medical Officer posts. The application process began on March 11, 2026, and closed on March 31, 2026, while admit cards were issued on July 24, 2026.The written examination results are expected in September 2026. Candidates shortlisted in the written stage will be required to submit the Detailed Application Form (DAF) in October, followed by the personality test scheduled between November and December. The interview carries 100 marks and forms part of the final merit assessment. The final merit list and cut-offs are expected in January 2027, followed by the release of the official answer key.
