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UPSC CMS is conducted in offline pen-and-paper mode with two papers of 120 MCQs each. Here is the complete exam pattern, marking scheme, subject-wise distribution, and negative marking rules for the 2026 cycle.
| Component | Paper I | Paper II |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 | 120 |
| Total Marks | 480 | 480 |
| Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Marks per Question | 4 | 4 |
| Negative Marking | -0.33 | -0.33 |
| Mode | Offline (OMR) | Offline (OMR) |
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Medicine | 96 | 384 |
| Paediatrics | 24 | 96 | |
| Dermatology | ~12 | ~48 | |
| Psychiatry | ~12 | ~48 | |
| Radiology | ~12 | ~48 | |
| Paper II | General Surgery | 40 | 160 |
| OBG (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) | 40 | 160 | |
| PSM (Preventive & Social Medicine) | 40 | 160 | |
| ENT | ~15 | ~60 | |
| Ophthalmology + Orthopaedics + Anaesthesia | ~25 | ~100 |
* Subject-wise distribution is based on past papers. UPSC may vary the exact count slightly each year.
+4
Marks for each correct answer
-0.33
Negative marking per wrong answer
0
Marks for unattempted questions
With -0.33 negative marking, the expected score for a random guess is slightly negative. Rule of thumb: attempt only if you have eliminated at least 2 options.
UPSC CMS is conducted in offline pen-and-paper (OMR) mode. Candidates mark answers on an OMR sheet with a black ballpoint pen. The exam is not computer-based.
Each correct answer carries 4 marks. Each wrong answer attracts a penalty of -0.33 marks. Unattempted questions carry 0 marks. There is no negative marking for leaving a question blank.
Yes, UPSC CMS has negative marking of -0.33 for every wrong answer. This is relatively mild compared to INI-CET (-1) or NEET PG (no negative marking). The strategy is to attempt questions only when reasonably confident.
UPSC CMS has 240 MCQs total — 120 in Paper I and 120 in Paper II. Both papers carry 480 marks each, for a total of 960 marks.
UPSC CMS does not have a fixed qualifying percentage. Candidates are ranked based on total marks out of 960. The cutoff varies yearly by category. General category cutoffs have ranged 340-400 out of 960 in recent years.