National Health Mission (NHM) Jobs 2026
The National Health Mission (NHM) is a flagship program of the Indian government that aims to strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure and deliver essential health services to all citizens. NHM regularly announces vacancies for various positions at state, district, and block levels to support its extensive network of healthcare facilities. Aspiring candidates seeking government jobs in the health sector can find opportunities in diverse roles within the NHM framework.
Key Highlights of National Health Mission (NHM) Jobs 2026
| Category/Role Type |
Recruiting Bodies |
Usual Age Limit |
Salary Range (Approx.) |
|---|
| Various Health & Administrative Roles |
State Health Societies, District Health Societies, NHM State/District Units |
18-40 Years (Varies by post and category) |
Pay Level-1 to Pay Level-7 (Approx. Rs. 18,000 - Rs. 1,12,400 per month) |
Job Profile & Responsibilities
The National Health Mission employs individuals across a wide spectrum of roles, from frontline health workers to administrative and managerial positions. Typical responsibilities can include:
- Medical Officers/Community Health Officers (CHOs): Providing primary healthcare services at health and wellness centers, managing common illnesses, promoting preventive healthcare, and referring complex cases.
- Staff Nurses/ANMs/GNMs: Assisting doctors, administering medications, providing patient care, conducting health camps, and supporting maternal and child health programs.
- Health Assistants/Paramedics: Supporting medical staff, managing patient records, assisting in diagnostic procedures, and ensuring the smooth functioning of health facilities.
- Administrative Staff (Accountants, Managers, Clerks): Managing finances, project planning, record-keeping, coordinating program activities, and ensuring compliance with guidelines.
- Specialists (e.g., Pediatricians, Gynecologists): Providing specialized medical care at higher-tier facilities supported by NHM.
Eligibility Criteria (Detailed)
Eligibility criteria for NHM positions vary significantly based on the specific post. However, general requirements usually include:
- Educational Qualification: Ranging from 10th pass to 12th pass, Diploma in relevant fields (e.g., GNM, ANM, Pharmacy), Bachelor's Degree (e.g., B.Sc Nursing, BAMS, BHMS, MBBS), Master's Degree, or equivalent qualifications from recognized institutions.
- Technical Skills: Depending on the role, specific skills like typing proficiency (for clerical posts), knowledge of medical software, basic computer operation, or specific laboratory techniques might be required. Certification in specific courses (e.g., Community Health) may also be mandatory for certain positions like CHOs.
- Age Limit: Generally, the minimum age is 18 years. The maximum age limit typically ranges from 30 to 40 years, with relaxations applicable for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PWD) as per government norms.
- Experience: Some specialized or managerial roles may require relevant work experience in the healthcare sector.
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
The selection process for NHM jobs is multi-stage and designed to assess a candidate's suitability for the role. Common stages include:
- Application: Candidates usually apply online through the official website of the respective State Health Society or through a designated recruitment portal.
- Screening/Written Examination: A preliminary screening may involve reviewing applications. For many posts, a written objective-type exam is conducted. The syllabus typically covers:
- General Aptitude & Reasoning
- General Knowledge & Awareness
- Basic Arithmetic/Quantitative Aptitude
- Subject-specific knowledge related to the post (e.g., General Medicine, Public Health, Nursing, Administration)
- English Language (sometimes)
- Skill Test/Practical Test: For certain roles (e.g., data entry, computer operator, nursing), a practical or skill-based test might be conducted.
- Interview: A Personal Interview is usually the final stage to assess a candidate's communication skills, domain knowledge, and overall suitability for the role and the organization's ethos.
- Document Verification: Successful candidates undergo verification of their original documents.
Salary Structure & Allowances
Salaries in the National Health Mission are determined as per the 7th Pay Commission guidelines, state government pay scales, and the specific pay level assigned to the post. A typical salary structure includes:
- Basic Pay: The fundamental salary amount, varying by Pay Level (e.g., Pay Level-1 for Group D posts, up to Pay Level-7 for professional roles).
- Dearness Allowance (DA): A percentage of the basic pay, adjusted periodically to offset inflation.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided to employees not residing in government accommodation.
- Grade Pay: Formerly part of the pre-7th CPC system, its elements are now merged into the revised pay matrix.
- Other Allowances: Depending on the post and location, additional allowances like transport allowance, medical allowance, and specific project-related allowances may be applicable.
For instance, a Community Health Officer (CHO) might be placed at a Pay Level offering a monthly salary ranging from approximately Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 35,000 (plus allowances), while senior positions can command salaries up to Rs. 1,12,400 (Pay Level-7) and above.
How to Apply for NHM Jobs
Recruitment for NHM positions is primarily managed by the State Health Societies (SHSs) or Directorate of Health Services (DHS) in each state. The application process typically involves the following steps:
- Official Notifications: Keep a close watch on the official websites of the National Health Mission for your specific state (e.g., NHM Maharashtra, NHM UP, NHM Rajasthan) or the Directorate of Health Services of your state.
- Online Application: Most applications are invited through online portals. Look for the 'Recruitment' or 'Career' section on the official state NHM website.
- Registration & Form Filling: Register on the portal by providing basic details. Fill in the application form accurately with personal information, educational qualifications, and other required data.
- Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and relevant certificates (educational, caste, experience, etc.) in the specified format and size.
- Application Fee: Pay the application fee online, if prescribed, using net banking, credit/debit card, or other available methods.
- Submission & Printout: Submit the application form and take a printout of the submitted application for future reference.
Note: Always refer to the official notification for the exact application procedure, deadlines, and specific requirements for each recruitment drive.
Preparation Tips for NHM Exams
To excel in NHM recruitment exams, candidates should focus on:
- Understanding the Syllabus: Carefully analyze the official syllabus for the specific post you are applying for.
- Subject-Specific Knowledge: Thoroughly revise concepts related to medical, nursing, public health, or administrative subjects as per your role. Standard textbooks and reference materials are crucial.
- General Awareness: Stay updated with current affairs, especially those related to health policies, government schemes, and general knowledge of India.
- Aptitude & Reasoning: Practice quantitative aptitude and logical reasoning questions from standard competitive exam preparation books.
- Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to assess your preparation level, identify weak areas, and improve time management.
- Previous Year Papers: Solving previous years' question papers can provide valuable insights into the exam pattern and types of questions asked.