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UPSC CMS Part I is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with two papers of 120 MCQs each, followed by a 100-mark Personality Test. Here is the complete exam pattern, marking scheme, subject-wise distribution, and negative marking rule for the 2026 cycle.
| Component | Paper I | Paper II |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 | 120 |
| Total Marks | 250 | 250 |
| Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Marks per Question | ≈ 2.08 | ≈ 2.08 |
| Negative Marking | ⅓ of the question's marks (≈ −0.69) | ⅓ of the question's marks (≈ −0.69) |
| Mode | CBT | CBT |
Written total: 500 marks. Personality Test: 100 marks. Final merit: 600 marks.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Medicineincluding Cardiology, Neurology, Dermatology and Psychiatry | 96 | 200.0 |
| Paediatrics | 24 | 50.0 | |
| Paper II | Surgeryincluding ENT, Ophthalmology, Traumatology and Orthopaedics | 40 | 83.3 |
| Gynaecology & Obstetrics | 40 | 83.3 | |
| Preventive & Social Medicine | 40 | 83.3 |
* Question split as given in the UPSC CMS notice. Always re-check the current notification on upsc.gov.in.
+2.08
Marks for each correct answer (250 ÷ 120)
−0.69
Deducted per wrong answer (one-third of the question's marks)
0
Marks for unattempted questions
With one-third negative marking, a blind guess among four options has an expected value of zero. Rule of thumb: attempt when you have eliminated at least two options.
UPSC CMS has two papers of 120 MCQs each (240 in total), 120 minutes and 250 marks per paper (500 written marks), conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Candidates who qualify then take a 100-mark Personality Test, for 600 marks in all.
UPSC CMS Part I is a Computer-Based Test (CBT): both papers are answered on a computer at the exam centre. Check the admit card and the current notification on upsc.gov.in for the exact instructions.
Each paper has 250 marks for 120 questions, so a correct answer is worth about 2.08 marks. A wrong answer costs one-third of that (about 0.69 marks). Unattempted questions carry 0 marks.
Yes — one-third of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer (about 0.69 of 2.08). Leaving a question blank costs nothing, so attempt a question when you can rule out at least two options.
UPSC CMS has 240 MCQs in total — 120 in Paper I and 120 in Paper II. Each paper carries 250 marks, for 500 written marks.
UPSC does not fix a qualifying percentage in advance. Candidates are shortlisted for the Personality Test on their written score out of 500, and the cut-off varies by year and category. Recent General-category written cut-offs have been roughly 280-310 out of 500; verify on upsc.gov.in.