Paper I: Composition and Strategy
- General Medicine: 100 questions
- General Surgery: 100 questions
- Total: 200 questions, 120 minutes
- Style: Long clinical vignettes, integration-heavy
Paper II: Composition and Strategy
- OBG: ~25 questions
- Paediatrics: ~25 questions
- PSM: ~20 questions
- ENT, Ophthalmology: ~20 each
- Orthopaedics, Dermatology, Anaesthesia, Psychiatry, FSM, Radiology: remaining
- Total: 200 questions, 120 minutes
- Style: Mix of image-based and direct knowledge
Study Time Allocation
- Medicine: 35% (highest weightage, longest vignettes)
- Surgery: 25%
- OBG + Paediatrics: 15%
- PSM: 8%
- ENT + Ophthalmology: 7%
- Others: 10%
Exam Day Tactics
Start with Paper I when your concentration is highest. Use Paper II break to mentally reset. Avoid discussing Paper I during the break.
References & further reading
Every clinical claim in this article is anchored to a primary source. Click through to verify, and use the same habit in your revision.
Revision history
- 19 September 2026 — Initial publication
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between UPSC CMS Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Paper I focuses on: General Medicine (100Q) + General Surgery (100Q) = 200Q. Paper II covers: OBG, Paediatrics, PSM, ENT, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Dermatology, Anaesthesia, Psychiatry, FSM, Radiology = 200Q.
Which paper is harder?
Paper I is generally considered harder due to longer clinical vignettes and deeper Medicine/Surgery questions. Paper II has more image-based and direct-knowledge questions.
How should I divide my study time between the papers?
60% on Paper I (Medicine + Surgery), 40% on Paper II (all other subjects). Medicine and Surgery alone carry 50% of the total marks.
Related reading
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