By M3 Academy – India’s Premium Online Coaching for UPSC CMS Aspirants Still unsure which CER (Cadre/Employing Route) to opt for in the UPSC CMS 2025 application? You're not alone. Every year, thousands of aspirants struggle with this one crucial choice that defines their posting, PG chances, job lifestyle, and future options. At M3 Academy, our faculty mentors regularly help students navigate this tricky decision. Here's a 360° guide comparing CGHS/CHS, Railways, NDMC, and MCD, covering all pros, cons, career scope, and resignation policies.
What is CER in CMS Form? 📝
CER stands for Cadre/Employing Route – the department where you will work post-selection. You must select your preferred employer carefully during application.
The four CERs are:
- CGHS/CHS (Central Government Health Scheme / Central Health Services)
- Railways
- NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Council)
- MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi)
Understanding Category 1 vs Category 2 🧾
- Category 1: Only for CGHS
- Category 2: For Railways, NDMC, and MCD
- Example:
- If CGHS is your top choice → Select Category 1 = CGHS (Rank 1)
- Then assign Category 2 order: e.g., 1. Railways, 2. NDMC, 3. MCD
This distinction is crucial for a valid submission.
Can You Change Your CER After Submission? 🔁
Yes! UPSC opens an edit window for 3–4 days post submission. This is your final chance to correct your CER choice. After this, the preference is locked forever.
What’s Common Across All CERs? ✅
No matter which CER you choose, the following remain the same:
- Salary 💰
- Promotion Policy 📈
- Study Leave Eligibility 📚
1. CGHS / CHS – Best for PG Prep, Postgraduates & Metro Lovers 🏙️📖
Includes:
- RML, Lady Hardinge, Safdarjung Hospitals
- VIP/Parliament dispensaries
- Posting mostly in Metro cities
Pros:
- Working hours: 9 am to 2/4 pm
- No emergency duties, Weekends off
- Excellent for PG preparation
- Postgraduates work in top institutes as AP
- Resignation needs only 1-month notice
- 2-year probation to become permanent
- Access to maternity, childcare, and medical leaves
Cons:
- Metro cities only – not hometowns
- Limited seats due to high demand
Recommended For:
- Those already PG-qualified
- Doctors preparing for NEET PG
- Anyone wishing for a stable Delhi/Metro-based life
2. Railways – Perfect for PG Sponsorship Aspirants & Future Transfers 🚆🩺
Pros:
- DNB Sponsorship Quota – your shortcut to PG in high-demand specialties
- Railway pass for entire family
- On-campus housing in railway colonies
- Only 1-year probation – shortest among all
- Option for all-India transfer, ideal if city plans are undecided
Cons:
- Emergency & shift duties common
- Longer hours: 9 am to 6–7 pm
- Frequent, forced transfers
- Strict bond policy: Early exit = refund salary or serve 1-year notice
- May be posted in rural or isolated regions
Recommended For:
- Doctors wanting PG through DNB Sponsorship
- Unmarried or location-flexible aspirants
- Those unsure about settling in Delhi long-term
3. NDMC – Prestigious, Peaceful & Delhi-Exclusive 🏛️
Pros:
- Posting only in Delhi
- Relaxed work hours: 9 am to 2/3 pm
- Resignation with 1-month notice only
- PG doctors posted in CH Pala Hospital
Cons:
- Extremely limited seats (under 5 annually)
- 2-year probation
- Tough to get unless rank is high
Recommended For:
- Delhi-based doctors
- PG-qualified aspirants with top CMS ranks
4. MCD – Easygoing, Delhi-Only but Salary Delays Are Real 🏢⏳
Pros:
- Posting in Delhi dispensaries and maternity centers
- PGs may get Hindu Rao Hospital
- Fixed hours: 9 am to 2/3 pm
- Resignation possible with 1-month notice
Cons:
- Initial salary delays (first payment after 4–5 months)
- 2-year probation period
- Not suitable if finances are tight
Recommended For:
- Those prioritizing Delhi location
- Doctors needing non-clinical work balance
Which CER is Right for YOU? 🎯 M3 Academy’s Suggested Preference Table
| Your Goal | Best Preference Order |
|---|
| Already PG | CGHS > NDMC > MCD > Railways |
| Want Metro City Life | CGHS > NDMC > MCD > Railways |
| Want Delhi Only | NDMC > MCD > CGHS > Railways |
| Want to Prepare for PG | CGHS > NDMC > MCD > Railways |
| Want PG + CMS Simultaneously (Dual Selection) | CGHS > Railways > NDMC > MCD |
| Want City Change Flexibility | Railways > CGHS > NDMC > MCD |
| Want PG via Sponsorship Quota (DNB) | Railways > CGHS > NDMC > MCD |
| Joining as MBBS, PG Later Plan | CGHS > NDMC > MCD > Railways |
| Color Blind (with restrictions) | CGHS > NDMC > MCD > Railways |
Final Takeaway from M3 Academy: Don’t Gamble with Your CER! ⚠️
- Once the UPSC CMS edit window closes, you can’t undo your CER selection
- Choose based on your PG goals, lifestyle needs, and career flexibility
- Our students at M3 Academy have often seen 90%+ question match in exams, but CER is what stays for life
Smart choice = long-term satisfaction. Don’t rush this.
