NAM Kerala Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About NAM Kerala Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

Launched to strengthen the AYUSH sector in the state, National AYUSH Mission Kerala functions under the State AYUSH Health Society. It operates with a 60:40 funding pattern between the Central and State governments. The mission’s primary objective is to mainstream traditional medicine systems into the mainstream healthcare service delivery by upgrading hospitals, dispensaries, and establishing state-of-the-art AYUSH Health and Wellness Centers (HWC).

With administrative units in all 14 districts, NAM Kerala plays a pivotal role in public health projects like "Ayurkarma" and "Drishti." It works in tandem with the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM) and the Department of Homoeopathy to ensure quality standardization (KASH standards) and the availability of affordable, holistic medicine to the rural and urban populations of Kerala.

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Medical Officer (Ayurveda/Homoeopathy/Unani): These roles require BAMS/BHMS/BUMS degrees. Medical Officers are responsible for clinical consultations at dispensaries, implementation of mission-mode projects, and community health education.
• Yoga Instructor: A vital role in the HWC ecosystem. Instructors conduct daily yoga sessions for the public, design therapeutic yoga modules, and promote preventive health through physical culture.
• AYUSH Nurse/Pharmacist: Supporting technical staff who manage the dispensing of traditional medicines and provide nursing care in integrated AYUSH hospitals.

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

Most positions under NAM Kerala are recruited on a contractual/tenure basis, though permanent vacancies in parent departments follow state pay scales.

• Consolidated Remuneration: For contractual roles, Medical Officers typically receive ₹35,000 to ₹50,000 per month. Yoga Instructors and Therapists usually receive between ₹14,000 and ₹15,000.
• State Pay Scales: Permanent roles in the Dept. of ISM/Homoeopathy are aligned with the Kerala State Pay Revision, often starting at Level-10 (approx. ₹45,000 basic) for Gazetted officers.
• Allowances: Contractual staff may receive project-linked incentives and travel allowances (TA) for field visits. Permanent staff enjoy HRA, DA, and pension benefits as per Kerala Government rules.

🎯 Selection Process

The recruitment is decentralized, primarily handled by the District Programme Management & Support Unit (DPMSU).

1. Notification & Application: Vacancies are announced per district. Candidates must submit offline or online applications to the respective District Medical Office (AYUSH).
2. Shortlisting: Based on academic merit and relevant experience.
3. Written Test: If the number of applicants exceeds a specific threshold (usually 20+), an OMR-based screening test is conducted.
4. Skill Test/Interview: Mandatory for Yoga Instructors (demonstration) and Medical Officers (clinical interview).
5. Final Rank List: A merit list is published on the official NAM Kerala website, and appointments are made based on vacancy availability.

💡 Expert Tips (How to Crack NAM Kerala Exams)

Focus on Practical Clinical Protocols

For Medical Officer interviews, focus on the standard treatment protocols (STP) issued by the Ministry of AYUSH. Knowledge of Kerala-specific traditional practices (like Keraleeya Panchakarma) is often a distinct advantage.

Proficiency in Malayalam

Since most roles involve grassroots interaction in rural Kerala, proficiency in the Malayalam language is essential. Candidates should be comfortable communicating medical advice and conducting public awareness sessions in the local tongue.

Stay Updated on Mission Projects

Familiarize yourself with NAM Kerala’s flagship projects such as Sukhayusham (for geriatric care) or Supraja (for maternal and child health). Questions about the integration of these projects within the primary health system are common in interviews.