Interested aspirants aiming for a stable government career in the health sector will be glad to know that NHM Community Health Officer (CHO) Recruitment 2026 is very much active across India, with several State Health Missions currently accepting applications and fresh cycles expected from July 2026 onward. The National Health Mission recruits Community Health Officers to run Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Health & Wellness Centres) at the village and block level, making this one of the most sought-after openings for nursing graduates. Kindly note that CHO is a state-wise recruitment, so the notification, vacancies and dates differ from one state to another.
As of 3 July 2026, big cycles such as Uttar Pradesh NHM CHO are expected shortly, while states like Maharashtra and West Bengal have already conducted their recent rounds. Candidates are advised to keep this page handy and track their own state NHM portal for the live application window.
Overview
| Recruiting Body | National Health Mission (NHM), respective State Health Societies |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Community Health Officer (CHO) / Mid-Level Health Provider (MLHP) |
| Category | Medical / Nursing Government Jobs (Contractual) |
| Total Vacancies | Varies by state (UP expected 4,000+; MP 10,000+ over cycles; expected, based on the previous cycle) |
| Job Location | Across India (state-wise postings at HWCs / Ayushman Arogya Mandirs) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://nhm.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | State-wise, from July 2026 onward (Expected for UP & other states) |
| Application Start Date | To be announced in the official notification (Expected) |
| Last Date to Apply | Approximately 15–21 days after start (Expected, based on previous cycle) |
| Exam Date | To be notified (Expected 4–6 weeks after last date) |
| Admit Card | 7–10 days before exam (Expected) |
Vacancy Details
Since CHO is recruited state-wise, the total number of posts is decided by each State Health Society as per the number of vacant Health & Wellness Centres. Going by the previous cycle, Uttar Pradesh NHM is expected to release around 4,000 or more CHO posts, Madhya Pradesh has been filling several thousand positions in phases, and smaller states like Uttarakhand notified 134 posts while districts under West Bengal advertised around 111 posts. These figures are indicative and expected, based on the previous cycle. The exact category-wise reservation for SC, ST, OBC, EWS and PwD will be provided as per the respective state government norms in the official notification.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
As per the official notification pattern followed across states, applicants should hold one of the following:
- B.Sc Nursing / Post Basic B.Sc Nursing from an institution recognised by the Indian Nursing Council, along with the six-month Certificate in Community Health (CCH) / Bridge Programme (MLHP); or
- B.Sc Nursing candidates from the 2021 batch onward who have the integrated community health component (BPCCHN / CCH) in their curriculum; or
- GNM qualification with the prescribed bridge course, where the state permits.
In all cases, candidates must be registered with the concerned State Nursing Council. The CCH / community health bridge certificate is the key differentiator for CHO posts, so applicants are advised to keep it ready.
Age Limit
The age limit differs by state. Broadly, the minimum age is 18–21 years and the maximum is 38–42 years as on the cut-off date mentioned in the notification (for example, UP has used up to 35 years, Maharashtra up to 38 years, and Haryana up to 42 years in recent cycles). Age relaxation is provided to reserved categories — usually 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and additional relaxation for PwD and departmental candidates as per state rules. Kindly refer to your state notification for the exact cut-off date.
Application Fee
The application fee also varies from state to state. In several states, including recent UP NHM cycles, the CHO application has been free of cost for all categories. Where a fee applies, the general/OBC fee is usually in the range of Rs 300 to Rs 500, with a reduced fee for SC/ST/PwD candidates. The fee, wherever applicable, is to be paid online through net banking, debit/credit card or UPI. The exact amount will be confirmed as per the official notification.
Salary / Pay Scale
Community Health Officers are engaged on a contractual basis with a consolidated monthly remuneration plus performance-linked incentives. The fixed component generally ranges between Rs 20,000 and Rs 40,000 per month depending on the state, along with a performance-based incentive of up to Rs 15,000 per month for meeting HWC targets. Some states offer an additional hardship allowance of around Rs 15,000 for postings in remote or difficult areas. In effect, a CHO can earn a healthy monthly package, which makes this role financially attractive for freshers as well as experienced nurses.
Selection Process
The selection is primarily merit-based through a written examination. The broad stages are:
- Online / OMR-based Written Examination (Computer Based Test in most states)
- Merit list preparation on the basis of marks obtained
- Document Verification
- Counselling / Final posting to the allotted HWC
A few states may also add a skill-based or interview component; however, the written exam score remains the decisive factor for generating the merit rank.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus Highlights
As per the general pattern, the CHO written exam is objective (MCQ) type. Typically it carries 100 questions of 1 mark each for a total of 100 marks, with a duration of 2 hours (some states use 100–150 marks and 2 to 2.5 hours). Negative marking is not applicable in many states but is present in a few — kindly verify from your state notification.
Important topics include Anatomy and Physiology, Community Health Nursing, Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, Maternal and Child Health, Immunization, Family Planning, Adolescent Health, Nutrition, Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, National Health Programmes, along with analytical and communication skills. The syllabus is largely nursing and public-health oriented, which works to the advantage of B.Sc Nursing graduates.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official National Health Mission website or your respective State NHM portal.
- Open the “Recruitment” / “Career” section and click on the active CHO notification link.
- Read the detailed advertisement carefully to confirm your eligibility.
- Register with a valid email ID and mobile number, then log in.
- Fill in the online application form with correct personal, educational and registration details.
- Upload a scanned photograph, signature and required certificates (degree, CCH/bridge certificate, nursing council registration).
- Pay the application fee online, if applicable to your state.
- Submit the form and download a printout for future reference.
- Apply through the official website: https://nhm.gov.in
Admit Card & Result
The admit card / hall ticket is released online on the state NHM portal, usually about a week before the examination. Candidates will need their registration number and date of birth or password to download it. Kindly note that no admit card is sent by post. After the exam, the answer key (where applicable) and the merit list / result are published on the same official website. Selected candidates are then called for document verification and counselling in the order of merit.
Preparation Tips & Document Checklist
Candidates are advised to focus on community health nursing, national health programmes and MCH topics, as these carry good weightage. Solving previous years’ CHO papers and taking regular mock tests helps in time management. Revising the bridge course (CCH) material is highly recommended.
Keep the following documents ready before applying: Class 10 and 12 certificates, B.Sc/GNM nursing degree and mark sheets, CCH / bridge course certificate, State Nursing Council registration, caste/category certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, PwD certificate (if applicable), a recent passport-size photograph and signature, and a valid ID proof such as Aadhaar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the NHM CHO 2026 notification come?
CHO notifications are released state-wise throughout the year. Several states are expected to publish fresh CHO advertisements from July 2026 onward, including a large Uttar Pradesh cycle. Candidates should track their own state NHM portal regularly.
Is the CCH bridge course compulsory for CHO?
Yes, in most states the six-month Certificate in Community Health (CCH) / MLHP bridge course is mandatory for B.Sc/Post Basic B.Sc Nursing graduates, unless the community health component was already integrated in your degree (2021 batch onward).
Can GNM candidates apply for CHO?
In some states GNM holders with the prescribed bridge course are eligible, while others require B.Sc Nursing. Kindly check your specific state notification for the exact qualification.
What is the salary of a Community Health Officer?
The consolidated pay generally ranges from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 per month plus performance incentives of up to Rs 15,000, with the exact figure varying by state.
Is there negative marking in the CHO exam?
It depends on the state. Many states have no negative marking, while a few deduct marks for wrong answers. Always confirm from the official notification.
Important Links
Official Website / Apply Online
Disclaimer: The details given above are for general guidance only and are based on previous recruitment cycles and available sources. NHM CHO recruitment is conducted state-wise and dates, vacancies, fees and eligibility may change. Candidates are advised to verify all information on the official website (https://nhm.gov.in) or their respective State NHM portal before applying.