General Duty Doctor Recruitment 2026: Latest Vacancies, Syllabus & Exam Pattern

General Duty Doctor Jobs 2026: A Comprehensive Guide

The role of a General Duty Doctor in government service is vital for delivering accessible healthcare across India. Aspiring doctors can look forward to numerous opportunities in 2026 with various government organizations. This guide provides an in-depth look at the recruitment process, eligibility, job profile, and career prospects for General Duty Doctors.

Key Highlights: General Duty Doctor Recruitment 2026

Job Profile & Responsibilities

A General Duty Doctor is responsible for providing primary medical care to patients. Their day-to-day duties include:

• Conducting physical examinations and diagnosing common illnesses and injuries.
• Prescribing medication and advising patients on treatment plans.
• Performing minor surgical procedures and providing emergency medical first aid.
• Maintaining patient records and documenting medical histories.
• Referring patients to specialists when necessary.
• Conducting health check-ups and participating in public health initiatives.
• Working in shifts, including evenings, nights, and weekends, especially in hospital settings.

Eligibility Criteria for General Duty Doctor in 2026

Prospective candidates must meet the following essential criteria:

• Educational Qualification: A Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree or equivalent from a recognized institution. A valid permanent Medical Registration Certificate (MRC) issued by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or any State Medical Council is mandatory.
• Age Limit: Generally, candidates should be between 18 to 35 years of age. Age relaxations are applicable for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Ex-Servicemen as per government directive.
• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
• Skills: Strong diagnostic, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential. Ability to handle medical emergencies efficiently is critical.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The selection process for Government General Duty Doctor positions typically involves multiple stages, designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical competence.

• Phase 1: Written Examination: This is usually the first stage, evaluating candidates on subjects like General Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Community Medicine, and sometimes General Aptitude/Reasoning. The pattern often includes Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Phase 2: Skill Test/Practical Assessment (if applicable): Some recruitments might include a practical demonstration or a clinical skills assessment.
• Phase 3: Interview: A personal interview is conducted to gauge a candidate's suitability, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and overall personality.
• Document Verification: Candidates who qualify in the preceding stages will need to verify their original documents.

Syllabus Focus: Candidates should focus on the core subjects of their MBBS curriculum, with emphasis on common diseases, emergency management, and public health principles relevant to the Indian context.

Salary Structure & Allowances

General Duty Doctors in government service are compensated well, with a salary typically falling under the **Pay Level-10** of the 7th Pay Commission. The basic pay starts at approximately Rs. 56,100 and can go up to Rs. 1,77,500 per month, depending on the pay matrix level and increments. In addition to the basic salary, they are entitled to various allowances:

• Dearness Allowance (DA): A percentage of the basic pay, adjusted periodically.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided for accommodation.
• Grade Pay: Applicable as per government pay scales.
• Transport Allowance (TA): To cover commuting expenses.
• Other Allowances: Such as Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) for doctors in specific government roles.

Total Emoluments: The total monthly salary, inclusive of all allowances, can range significantly, often starting from around Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 and increasing with experience and promotions.

How to Apply for General Duty Doctor Vacancies

Government notifications for General Duty Doctor positions are released through various channels:

• UPSC & State PSCs: Check the official websites of the Union Public Service Commission (upsc.gov.in) and respective State Public Service Commissions for detailed advertisements and application links.
• Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS): Recruitment for doctors in the Army, Navy, and Air Force is conducted through specific entrance exams (like INET) and separate recruitment drives on afms.nic.in.
• Central/State Government Departments & Hospitals: Keep an eye on the 'Recruitment' or 'Careers' sections of the official websites of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Municipal Corporations, and other relevant government bodies.
• Newspapers & Employment News: Major recruitment notifications are often advertised in leading national dailies and the 'Employment News' weekly.

Candidates must carefully read the official notification to understand the specific application procedure, deadlines, and required documents for each recruitment drive.

Preparation Tips for General Duty Doctor Exams

• Master MBBS Syllabus: Thoroughly revise all subjects covered in your MBBS curriculum.
• Focus on Clinical Subjects: Give extra attention to Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, and OB/GYN, as these often form the bulk of the exam.
• Practice Previous Year Papers: Solving past question papers helps understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and important topics.
• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of recent advancements in medical science and public health policies in India.
• Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to evaluate your preparation and improve time management.
• Read Standard Textbooks: Refer to standard textbooks like Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, etc., for conceptual clarity.