UPSC Drops 2025 Exam Calendar for CMS & IES/ISS: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the 2025 exam calendar for two of its most competitive and prestigious recruitment exams: the Combined Medical Services (CMS) and the Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service (IES/ISS). If you’re someone aiming to build a future in public service—especially in healthcare, economics, or statistics—these exams open the gateway to respected and impactful careers in the Indian government.
These exams are more than just tests—they’re opportunities to serve the nation while enjoying job security, prestige, and professional growth. With this announcement, thousands of aspirants across India have begun mobilizing their preparation strategies. But what exactly do these exams entail? How can you prepare effectively and stand out from the competition? That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this comprehensive guide.
UPSC Drops 2025 Exam Calendar for CMS & IES/ISS
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Names | Combined Medical Services (CMS), Indian Economic Service (IES), Indian Statistical Service (ISS) |
| Conducted By | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| IES/ISS Exam Dates | June 20–22, 2025 |
| CMS Exam Date | July 20, 2025 |
| Total Vacancies (2025) | CMS: 705, IES: 12, ISS: 35 |
| Exam Level | National |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
With the release of the UPSC 2025 exam schedule for CMS and IES/ISS, a golden opportunity is knocking at the doors of aspirants nationwide. These exams represent more than just jobs—they are prestigious public service roles that allow you to shape national development and policy. By adopting a structured approach, using trusted resources, and committing to smart preparation, you can maximize your chances of success.
Remember, it’s not just about how hard you study—it’s about how smartly you plan, revise, and execute. Start now, stay disciplined, and you’ll be well on your way to cracking one of India’s most elite exams.
Why the UPSC CMS & IES/ISS Exams Matter
The UPSC is synonymous with excellence and trust in public service recruitment. Year after year, it handpicks India’s brightest minds to serve the country in key administrative, technical, and scientific roles.
The CMS Exam serves as the gateway to medical officer positions in organizations such as the Indian Railways, Municipal Corporations, and Central Health Services. These jobs are critical to maintaining and improving public health systems in India. Meanwhile, the IES/ISS Exams aim to identify individuals with analytical and quantitative prowess to aid in economic planning and data-based policymaking.
Beyond the handsome salary packages and career security, these roles offer a chance to contribute meaningfully to the nation. Whether it’s building a better healthcare infrastructure or crafting robust financial policies, your work can truly shape lives.
UPSC IES/ISS 2025 Exam Schedule & Structure
The IES and ISS examinations are scheduled over three consecutive days, starting from June 20 to June 22, 2025. Candidates should prepare for a combination of objective and descriptive papers. The goal is to evaluate both technical knowledge and general aptitude.
IES/ISS Exam Timetable (June 20–22, 2025)
| Date | Time | IES Paper | ISS Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 20 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | General English | General English |
| 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | General Studies | General Studies | |
| June 21 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | General Economics-I | Statistics-I (Objective) |
| 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | General Economics-II | Statistics-II (Objective) | |
| June 22 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | General Economics-III | Statistics-III (Descriptive) |
| 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Indian Economics | Statistics-IV (Descriptive) |
Each paper is 3 hours long and covers a specialized domain. This design allows the UPSC to holistically assess a candidate’s domain knowledge, analytical thinking, and written communication.
UPSC CMS 2025 Exam Details
The CMS 2025 examination is scheduled for July 20, 2025, and is conducted in two sessions. Both papers are objective-type, focusing on core medical subjects and practical knowledge relevant to public health services.
CMS Paper Breakdown
| Time | Paper | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM | I | General Medicine and Paediatrics |
| 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | II | Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Preventive Medicine |
Each paper carries 250 marks, making the total for written papers 500 marks. Shortlisted candidates are also invited for a Personality Test worth 100 marks, focusing on general awareness, decision-making ability, and communication skills.
What Makes These Exams So Competitive?
There are several reasons why CMS and IES/ISS are among the most competitive exams in India:
- Low Vacancy Numbers: With just 12 IES, 35 ISS, and 705 CMS positions available in 2025, the acceptance rate is extremely low.
- High Candidate Turnout: In past years, over 3 lakh candidates have registered for CMS alone, with similar enthusiasm seen in IES/ISS.
- Academic Rigor: The syllabus demands in-depth preparation, covering everything from subject-matter expertise to current affairs and general knowledge.
- Prestige & Perks: High salary, government housing, healthcare, pensions, and job security make these jobs very desirable.
How to Prepare for UPSC CMS and IES/ISS Exams
Cracking these exams requires not just intelligence, but discipline, planning, and the right resources. Here’s a step-by-step plan that can be tailored based on your academic background and daily schedule:
1. Understand the Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Download the syllabus and past question papers from the official UPSC website. Get familiar with paper formats, question trends, and time distribution.
2. Build a Smart Study Plan
Break down your preparation over 6 to 10 months. Allocate dedicated slots for reading, revision, and mock tests. Consider using time-management techniques like the Pomodoro method to enhance productivity.
3. Choose the Right Study Material
Recommended Books:
- IES: HL Ahuja’s Macroeconomics, Mishra & Puri, Economic Survey of India
- ISS: SC Gupta & VK Kapoor’s Statistics, B.L. Agarwal
- CMS: Harrison’s Internal Medicine (Selective Reading), Park’s PSM, Lippincott for Surgery basics
Supplement your learning with free and paid online platforms like BYJU’S, Unacademy, Drishti IAS, and InsightsIAS.
4. Practice Mock Tests Religiously
Solving previous years’ papers and taking timed mock tests weekly will help build confidence. Join test series from reputed coaching institutes to benchmark your performance.
5. Revise, Reflect, and Repeat
Revision isn’t a one-time task. Create short notes, flashcards, or mind maps for quick recaps. Weekly revisions ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.
6. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
For CMS and IES/ISS, being aware of national and international developments is important. Read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express, and follow monthly current affairs magazines.
DBRAU 2025 Exam Dates for UG/PG Released — Get the April-May Schedule PDF Here
DBT BET Exam Date 2025 Announced—Check Full Schedule, Centres, Pattern & Syllabus Now
MSEDCL Vidyut Sahayyak Exam Date 2025 Announced—Admit Card to Be Released Soon!
FAQs about UPSC Drops 2025 Exam Calendar for CMS & IES/ISS
Q1. When will the UPSC CMS and IES/ISS 2025 admit cards be released?
A: UPSC typically releases admit cards 1-2 weeks before the exam. Candidates can download them from upsc.gov.in using their registration details.
Q2. What is the upper age limit to apply?
A: For CMS, it is generally 32 years; for IES/ISS, it is 30 years. Age relaxations apply for SC/ST, OBC, PwD, and ex-servicemen.
Q3. Is coaching necessary?
A: Not necessarily. While coaching provides structured guidance, many toppers have succeeded with self-study. What matters is consistency, clarity of concepts, and strategic preparation.
Q4. Can final-year students apply?
A: Yes, candidates in their final year can apply. However, they must present proof of eligibility at the time of interview/document verification.
Q5. Are there any changes in the 2025 syllabus?
A: As of now, UPSC has not announced any changes. But it’s advisable to regularly check the official UPSC notifications for updates.
