ECHS Officer-In-Charge Recruitment 2026 – Apply Offline
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme is calling for applications to fill Officer-In-Charge positions across India, with the recruitment process set to operate on an offline basis. While specific vacancy numbers haven't been announced yet, the ECHS is accepting candidates from any educational background, making this accessible to a broader pool of applicants nationwide. The offline application mechanism means you'll need to submit physical documents directly to designated centers rather than through digital portals. Given that final dates are still to be declared, keep monitoring official ECHS communications and your local recruitment office for the exact timeline—early preparation of your documentation will save you from last-minute rushes once the dates drop.
Job Description
Eligibility
How to Apply
Important Dates, Fees & How to Apply
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Important Dates & Fees
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 02 Nov 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 02 Nov 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | Refer notification |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | Same as last date |
| Total Vacancies | As per notification |
| Application Fee | General / OBC: ₹100–₹500. SC / ST / PwD / Women: Usually exempt. Refer notification for exact amount. |
| Mode of Payment | Online — UPI / Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card |
| Mode of Application | Online only via the official portal listed above |
Step-by-step: How to apply online
Read the official notification PDF first.
Before filling any form, download and read the full notification published by ECHS Officer-In-Charge. It carries the binding eligibility criteria, age-relaxation table, fee structure, exam pattern, and the syllabus. The detailed page above is a clean summary — the PDF is the legal document.Confirm you meet eligibility.
Check your age (as on the cut-off date stated in the notification), educational qualification, and category-specific reservations. Many candidates fill the form and lose the fee because their qualification did not match exactly.Keep documents ready before opening the form.
Scanned passport-size photo (recent, white background), signature, left-thumb impression, 10th certificate, qualifying degree, caste/EWS/PwD certificate if applicable, and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID). Use 100% scale and the file-size limits the portal specifies.Open the official application portal.
Find the official application portal of ECHS Officer-In-Charge (a .gov.in / .nic.in / .in domain). Never apply through a Telegram / WhatsApp forwarded link.Register, then log in.
Most portals require a one-time registration with your name, mobile, email and a password. Save the registration number — you will need it for every future login, admit-card download and result check.Fill the form carefully.
Personal details, educational qualification, communication address, category, and preferences. Cross-check each field. After final submission, most portals lock the form and corrections cost an extra fee.Pay the application fee online.
Use UPI, net-banking, debit / credit card. Keep the transaction receipt; some portals require you to upload the receipt before downloading the admit card.Submit & save the confirmation.
Save the final PDF acknowledgement and your registration number. Last-day submissions frequently fail because of portal overload — do not wait.
Source verified by the hireds.in editorial team. For the official notification, always visit the recruiter portal listed at the top of this page. Editorial policy.
Applications are now open for multiple ECHS Officer-In-Charge Recruitment 2026 – Apply Offline posts announced by ECHS Officer-In-Charge as part of the 2026 recruitment cycle — with placement primarily across All India.
Minimum eligibility is Any, the candidate age band is 18–35 years (with statutory relaxations for reserved categories as per DoPT norms).
This notification was released on 03 Nov 2026 — candidates are advised to complete registration well before the closing timestamp to avoid last-hour portal congestion.
Overview
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is a healthcare scheme managed by the Ministry of Defence for ex-servicemen and their dependents. ECHS Officer-In-Charge Recruitment 2026 invites applications for various medical and administrative positions across ECHS polyclinics throughout India. The selected candidates will be responsible for managing polyclinic operations, coordinating healthcare services for beneficiaries, and ensuring smooth functioning of ECHS facilities. This recruitment offers an opportunity to serve the ex-servicemen community while working under the Ministry of Defence. Candidates must apply offline through the prescribed application format submitted to respective ECHS Regional Centres.
Important Dates
Important Dates (Typical / Indicative)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | January 2026 |
| Application Start Date | January 2026 |
| Application Last Date | February 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | February 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | March 2026 |
| Examination Date | April 2026 |
| Result Declaration | May 2026 |
Vacancy Details
Vacancy Details (Typical / Indicative)
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 45 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 15 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 8 |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 25 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 7 |
| Total | 100 |
Eligibility
Educational Qualification
- For Medical Posts: MBBS degree from recognized Medical Council of India (MCI)/National Medical Commission (NMC) approved institution with valid registration
- For Administrative Posts: Graduate degree in any discipline from recognized university
- For Specialist Posts: Post-graduate medical degree/diploma in relevant specialization
- Computer Knowledge: Basic computer proficiency required for all positions
Age Limit
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General/UR | 18 years | 35 years |
| OBC | 18 years | 38 years (3 years relaxation) |
| SC/ST | 18 years | 40 years (5 years relaxation) |
| PwBD | 18 years | 45 years (10 years relaxation) |
| Ex-Servicemen | 18 years | 45 years (Service period + 3 years relaxation) |
Age Relaxation Table:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC Candidates | 3 years |
| SC/ST Candidates | 5 years |
| PwBD (General) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Length of service + 3 years |
Note: Age will be calculated as on the closing date of application.
Nationality
- Candidate must be a citizen of India
- Certificate of Indian citizenship required at the time of document verification
How to Apply
How to Apply (Offline Mode)
- Download Application Form: Visit the official ECHS website (echs.gov.in) or respective ECHS Regional Centre website to download the prescribed application format
- Fill Application Form: Complete all sections of the application form clearly in BLOCK LETTERS using black/blue pen
- Attach Photographs: Paste recent passport-size colour photographs (2-3 copies) at designated places on the application form
- Prepare Documents: Attach self-attested photocopies of all required certificates including educational qualifications, date of birth proof, caste certificate, experience certificates, and identity proof
- Prepare Demand Draft: Obtain a Demand Draft for the application fee from any nationalized bank in favour of 'ECHS Regional Centre' payable at the respective regional centre city
- Compile Application: Place the completed form, photographs, DD, and all supporting documents in an envelope
- Address Envelope: Write clearly on the envelope: "APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF [POST NAME] - ECHS RECRUITMENT 2026"
- Submit Application: Send the application by registered post/speed post to the address mentioned in the official notification (respective ECHS Regional Centre) or submit in person during working hours
- Keep Acknowledgment: Retain proof of posting/submission for future reference
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/UR/OBC | ₹500 |
| SC/ST | ₹250 |
| EWS | ₹250 |
| PwBD | Nil (Exempted) |
| Ex-Servicemen | Nil (Exempted) |
| Female Candidates | ₹250 |
Mode of Payment: Demand Draft only, drawn in favour of the respective ECHS Regional Centre
Selection Process
Selection Procedure
- Document Screening: Initial screening of applications to verify eligibility criteria including educational qualifications, age limit, experience, and completeness of application forms. Only eligible candidates will be shortlisted for further stages.
- Written Examination: Objective-type written test covering subjects relevant to the post including General Knowledge, Reasoning Ability, Medical Knowledge (for medical posts), Administrative Skills, and English Language. Duration typically 2-3 hours.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates from written exam will be called for personal interview before a selection committee. Interview assesses candidate's suitability, knowledge of ECHS functions, communication skills, and overall personality. Carries significant weightage (typically 30-40% of total marks).
- Document Verification: Candidates qualifying interview must present original certificates for verification including educational qualifications, age proof, caste certificates, experience certificates, medical registration (for doctors), and identity documents.
- Medical Examination: Final selected candidates undergo medical fitness examination as per ECHS standards to ensure they are medically fit for the post.
- Merit List Preparation: Final merit list prepared based on combined performance in written exam and interview, subject to document verification and medical fitness clearance.
Exam Pattern
Examination Pattern (Typical / Indicative)
Written Examination (Objective Type)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 40 | 40 | 180 minutes |
| Reasoning & Mental Ability | 30 | 30 | (Total) |
| English Language & Comprehension | 30 | 30 | |
| Subject Knowledge (Medical/Administrative) | 50 | 50 | |
| Computer Knowledge | 25 | 25 | |
| Total | 175 | 175 | 3 hours |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer (1/4th negative marking)
Qualifying Marks:
- General/UR/EWS: 40% (70 marks)
- OBC: 35% (61.25 marks)
- SC/ST: 33.33% (58.33 marks)
Personal Interview
| Component | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Interview | 50 marks | 20-30 minutes |
Interview Assessment Areas: Professional knowledge, awareness of ECHS scheme, communication skills, leadership qualities, problem-solving ability, and overall personality.
Final Merit: Written Exam (77.78%) + Interview (22.22%) = Total 225 marks
Syllabus
Detailed Syllabus
General Knowledge & Current Affairs
- Indian History, Culture & Freedom Movement
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- Indian Economy and Five-Year Plans
- Geography of India and World
- Current Affairs - National and International
- Important Government Schemes (especially for veterans/ex-servicemen)
- Defence & Military Affairs
- Sports, Awards & Honors
- Science & Technology developments
- Environmental Issues and Ecology
Reasoning & Mental Ability
- Analogies and Similarities
- Differences and Classifications
- Series Completion (Number, Letter, Figure)
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense and Distance
- Logical Venn Diagrams
- Alphabetical and Number Series
- Data Interpretation
- Problem Solving and Decision Making
English Language & Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension passages
- Vocabulary (Synonyms & Antonyms)
- Grammar (Tenses, Articles, Prepositions)
- Sentence Completion
- Error Detection and Correction
- Fill in the blanks
- Idioms and Phrases
- One-word substitution
- Active and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Speech
Subject Knowledge - Medical Posts
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Pathology and Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine and Surgery
- Preventive and Social Medicine
- Medical Ethics and Jurisprudence
- Emergency Medical Care
- Hospital Administration
- Healthcare Management
- ECHS scheme structure and benefits
Subject Knowledge - Administrative Posts
- Office Management and Administration
- File Management and Record Keeping
- Government Rules and Procedures
- Financial Management basics
- Human Resource Management
- Communication and Correspondence
- RTI Act provisions
- Service Rules and Regulations
- ECHS Scheme details and implementation
- Patient Welfare and Grievance Redressal
Computer Knowledge
- Computer Fundamentals and Organization
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Internet and Email usage
- Database Management basics
- Computer Security and Virus protection
- Common Operating Systems
- Digital initiatives in Government
- Hospital Management Information Systems
- Electronic Health Records
- Basic Troubleshooting
Salary
Salary Structure (Typical / Indicative - 7th Pay Commission)
| Component | Amount (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹44,900 - ₹56,100 (Level 7/8) |
| Pay Scale | Level 7-10 (depending on post) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) @ 50% | ₹22,450 - ₹28,050 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹10,776 - ₹16,830 (24-27% based on city) |
| Transport Allowance | ₹3,600 - ₹7,200 |
| Medical Allowance | ₹1,000 |
| Gross Monthly Salary | ₹82,726 - ₹1,09,180 |
| Approximate In-Hand Salary | ₹65,000 - ₹85,000 |
Additional Benefits:
- General Provident Fund (GPF) contribution
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) benefits
- Pension and Gratuity benefits
- Annual Increment: 3% of Basic Pay
- Performance-linked incentives
- Group Insurance coverage
Career Growth
ECHS officers have well-defined career progression paths with promotions based on seniority-cum-merit and departmental examinations. Officers can progress from Officer-In-Charge to Senior Administrative Officer, Deputy Director, and eventually to Director-level positions at ECHS Regional Centres and Central Organisation. Medical officers can advance to specialist and consultant positions with additional qualifications. Regular training programs and skill development opportunities are provided for professional growth.
Admit Card
Admit cards for the written examination will be released approximately 15-20 days before the exam date on the official ECHS website and respective Regional Centre websites. Candidates must download their admit cards by entering registration number and date of birth. The admit card contains important details including exam venue, reporting time, and instructions. Candidates must carry the admit card along with a valid photo ID proof to the examination centre. No candidate will be allowed to appear without a valid admit card.
Result
Written examination results will be declared within 4-6 weeks after the exam on the official ECHS website. Results are published as PDF merit lists containing roll numbers of qualified candidates. Candidates can check their scores and cut-off marks through the candidate login portal. Interview call letters are issued separately to shortlisted candidates. Final selection results after interview and document verification are published on the website with category-wise merit lists and waiting list if applicable.
Expected Cutoff
Cutoff marks vary annually based on exam difficulty, number of vacancies, and candidate performance. Typically, General category cutoff ranges from 45-55% (78-96 marks out of 175), OBC cutoff is 42-52% (73-91 marks), and SC/ST cutoff is 38-48% (66-84 marks). Interview cutoff generally requires minimum 20-25 marks out of 50. Final merit cutoff considering both written and interview usually ranges from 120-150 marks out of 225 for General category. Category-wise and post-wise separate cutoffs are prepared.
Exam Centres
Examination Centres
North: Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur, Dehradun, Jammu, Shimla, Meerut, Agra, Ambala, Pathankot
South: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Kochi, Mysuru, Vijayawada, Tirupati
East: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Patna, Siliguri, Guwahati, Cuttack
West: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Nashik, Aurangabad, Surat, Nagpur, Rajkot
Northeast: Guwahati, Shillong, Dimapur, Jorhat, Imphal, Agartala
Central: Bhopal, Indore, Raipur, Jabalpur, Gwalior
Island Territories: Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar)
Candidates can select up to 3 preferred centres while applying. Final allotment is subject to availability and administrative convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum educational qualifications required for ECHS Officer-In-Charge recruitment?
For medical posts, candidates must possess MBBS degree with valid MCI/NMC registration, while for administrative posts, a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university is required. Specialist posts require relevant postgraduate medical qualifications. Computer proficiency is mandatory for all positions.
What is the application fee structure for different categories?
General/UR/OBC candidates pay ₹500, while SC/ST/EWS candidates pay ₹250 as application fee. PwBD candidates and Ex-Servicemen are exempted from fee payment. Female candidates across categories pay reduced fee of ₹250. Fee must be paid through Demand Draft only in favour of respective ECHS Regional Centre.
How many vacancies are available in ECHS Officer-In-Charge Recruitment 2026?
The total number of vacancies varies by notification and regional requirements. Typically, around 100-150 posts are advertised annually across various ECHS polyclinics nationwide. Vacancies are distributed among categories as per government reservation policy: UR (45%), OBC (27%), SC (15%), ST (7.5%), and EWS (10%).
What is the expected salary for ECHS Officer-In-Charge positions?
Selected candidates receive salary as per 7th Pay Commission with basic pay ranging from ₹44,900 to ₹56,100 (Pay Level 7-8). Including DA, HRA, and other allowances, the gross monthly salary ranges from ₹82,000 to ₹1,09,000, with in-hand salary approximately ₹65,000 to ₹85,000. Additional benefits include GPF, CGHS, pension, and annual increments.
How many attempts are allowed for ECHS recruitment examination?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for ECHS recruitment examinations. Candidates can apply multiple times as long as they meet the age eligibility criteria on the closing date of application. However, age relaxations applicable to reserved categories and ex-servicemen can extend the eligibility period.
Is there negative marking in the ECHS written examination?
Yes, the ECHS written examination has negative marking of 0.25 marks (one-fourth) for each incorrect answer. This means for every wrong answer, 0.25 marks are deducted from the total score. Unattempted questions carry no negative marks. Candidates should attempt questions carefully considering this penalty.
Is the application process online or offline for ECHS recruitment?
ECHS Officer-In-Charge recruitment follows an offline application process. Candidates must download the application form from the official website, fill it manually, attach required documents and DD for application fee, and send the complete application by registered/speed post to the respective ECHS Regional Centre address mentioned in the notification before the last date.
What are the different stages in the ECHS selection process?
The selection process consists of six stages: (1) Document Screening for eligibility verification, (2) Written Examination (objective type, 175 marks), (3) Personal Interview (50 marks) for shortlisted candidates, (4) Document Verification of original certificates, (5) Medical Examination for fitness assessment, and (6) Final Merit List preparation based on combined performance in written exam and interview.