The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination is a highly competitive test aimed at recruiting medical officers in various organizations under the Government of India. A clear understanding of the UPSC CMS exam pattern is crucial for all aspirants aiming to crack this examination. Here’s an in-depth look at the first part of the exam structure, focusing on the overall format and the specifics of the written examination.
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Overview of the Examination
The UPSC CMS exam is designed to assess the eligibility of candidates for roles such as Assistant Divisional Medical Officers in the Railways, General Duty Medical Officers in various Delhi Municipal Councils, and similar positions. The examination is structured in two main stages: the written exam and a subsequent personality test. The primary focus here is on the written exam, which plays a critical role in the selection process.
UPSC CMS Exam Pattern: Complete Details
Format and Phasing
The UPSC CMS examination consists of two main phases:
- Written Examination: This phase is subdivided into two papers, each aimed at testing different areas of medical knowledge.
- Personality Test: This subsequent phase assesses the interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and ethical judgment necessary for roles in public service.
Written Examination
The written test is designed to rigorously test medical knowledge and application skills across various domains, structured as follows:
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Paper 1: General Medicine and Paediatrics
- Number of Questions: 120
- General Medicine: 96 questions
- Paediatrics: 24 questions
- Total Marks: 250
- Duration: 2 hours
- Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Coverage: The paper covers extensive medical topics as per the standard MBBS syllabus along with focused pediatric care questions.
- Number of Questions: 120
-
Paper 2: Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, and Preventive & Social Medicine
- Number of Questions: 120
- Surgery: 40 questions
- Gynaecology & Obstetrics: 40 questions
- Preventive & Social Medicine: 40 questions
- Total Marks: 250
- Duration: 2 hours
- Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Coverage: This paper tests practical knowledge in surgical procedures, maternal health, and community medicine initiatives.
- Number of Questions: 120
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Marking Scheme
- Negative Marking: The exam includes a negative marking system where 0.33 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer, which underscores the importance of accuracy over attempts.
- Scoring: Each paper can score up to 250 marks, making the total for the written exam 500 marks.
Personality Test
Following the written exam, successful candidates proceed to the Personality Test. This stage is crucial as it evaluates not only the professional knowledge but also the personal attributes critical to public service roles:
- Total Marks: 100
Key Traits Evaluated
- Leadership and Initiative: Candidates are evaluated on their potential to lead and take initiative in critical situations.
- Decision Making and Judgment: The test seeks to understand the candidate’s ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
- Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication and empathy are critical in the medical field, and candidates are assessed on these fronts.
- Intellectual Curiosity and Alertness: Reflects the candidate’s ongoing engagement with developments in the medical field and general awareness.
These skills are indicative of a candidate’s readiness to handle the responsibilities that come with the roles available through the CMS examination.
Last Words
Understanding every aspect of the UPSC CMS exam pattern and preparing accordingly can significantly enhance a candidate’s ability to perform well. The combination of thorough knowledge-based preparation for the written tests and focused development of interpersonal skills for the Personality Test can provide the edge needed to succeed in this competitive examination.