Senior Medical Officer Recruitment 2026

Key Highlights

Job Profile & Responsibilities

A Senior Medical Officer in the government sector plays a multifaceted role. Their daily duties often include:

• Providing advanced medical care and diagnosis to patients in government hospitals and dispensaries.
• Supervising junior medical staff, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
• Managing hospital operations, including resource allocation, patient flow, and administrative tasks.
• Implementing public health programs and policies.
• Maintaining medical records and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
• Conducting health check-ups and issuing medical certificates.
• Participating in emergency response and disaster management.

Eligibility Criteria (Detailed)

The eligibility for a Senior Medical Officer post generally includes:

• Educational Qualification: A recognized MBBS degree followed by a postgraduate degree (MD/MS) or Diploma in a relevant specialty from a recognized university/institution. A compulsory rotating internship is usually required.
• Experience: Several years of post-MBBS experience, often with prior experience in a junior medical officer role or residency. Specific years vary by recruiting body and specialty.
• Age Limit: Generally between 30 to 45 years. Age relaxations are applicable for SC/ST, OBC, and other reserved categories according to government norms.
• Registration: Valid registration with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or State Medical Council.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The selection process for government Senior Medical Officer positions typically involves multiple stages:

1. Written Examination: A competitive exam often covering subjects like General Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Preventive and Social Medicine (PSM), and general aptitude.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates from the written exam are called for a personal interview to assess their knowledge, experience, communication skills, and suitability for the role.
3. Document Verification: Candidates need to submit original documents for verification.

Exam Pattern: Questions are generally objective (MCQs) in the written exam. The syllabus focuses heavily on the MBBS curriculum and medical specialties.

Salary Structure & Allowances

Senior Medical Officers are appointed in higher pay scales. The salary is determined as per the 7th Central Pay Commission recommendations:

• Basic Pay: Typically starts at Pay Level-11 (Rs. 67,700 - 2,08,700) and can go higher for more senior positions.
• Allowances: In addition to basic pay, they receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and other benefits like medical facilities for self and dependents, pension, and leave encashment as per government rules.

How to Apply

Senior Medical Officer vacancies are announced through various government channels. Candidates should:

• Regularly visit the official websites of UPSC, State Public Service Commissions (e.g., UPPSC, MPSC, PPSC), and specific departments like ESIC or Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
• Look for detailed recruitment notifications that include application links, eligibility criteria, syllabus, and exam dates.
• Apply online through the portal mentioned in the notification, carefully filling in all required details and uploading necessary documents before the deadline.