CHO stands for Community Health Officer — a mid-level healthcare provider recruited under the National Health Mission (NHM) to lead Health & Wellness Centres (Ayushman Bharat – Ayushman Arogya Mandir). CHO recruitment is conducted state-wise (UP, Rajasthan, Bihar, MP, Maharashtra, Gujarat and others), and eligibility usually requires B.Sc Nursing / Post Basic B.Sc Nursing / GNM with a CCH (Certificate in Community Health) bridge programme, depending on the state. Selection is mainly through a written/CBT examination focused on nursing and public health.
The Community Health Officer (CHO) is one of the most popular government nursing roles in India, offering a stable career at the grassroots level of public healthcare. CHOs are the backbone of India's Health & Wellness Centres, delivering primary and preventive care close to communities. This guide explains the CHO full form, role, eligibility, salary, selection process and the state-wise exam pattern for CHO Exam 2026.
CHO Full Form & Meaning
CHO = Community Health Officer. A CHO is a trained mid-level health professional posted at a Health & Wellness Centre (HWC) / Sub-Health Centre under the Ayushman Bharat programme. CHOs provide comprehensive primary healthcare, manage common ailments, run wellness and screening activities, and coordinate with ASHA and ANM workers.
CHO Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Community Health Officer (CHO) |
| Conducting Authority | State NHM / State Health Departments |
| Posting | Health & Wellness Centre (Ayushman Arogya Mandir) |
| Recruitment Level | State-wise (separate notifications per state) |
| Selection Process | Written/CBT Exam (+ document verification) |
| Application Mode | Online (state NHM portals) |
CHO Eligibility Criteria 2026
Eligibility varies slightly by state, but the common requirements are:
- B.Sc Nursing or Post Basic B.Sc Nursing from a recognized institution, OR
- GNM with an integrated/bridge Certificate in Community Health (CCH) programme (as required by the state), OR
- B.Sc Nursing graduates who have completed the Community Health certification, where mandated
- Valid State Nursing Council registration
Note: Each state's notification specifies the exact qualification, CCH requirement, age limit and reservation rules. Always check the official state NHM notification before applying.
CHO Salary 2026
CHOs are generally engaged on a contractual basis under NHM with a fixed monthly remuneration plus performance-based incentives. The fixed pay and incentive structure vary by state (commonly a fixed component in the range of around ₹25,000–₹40,000 per month plus incentives, depending on the state and year). Candidates should refer to their state NHM notification for the exact figures.
CHO Exam Pattern 2026 (State-wise)
The CHO exam pattern varies across states, but the core focus stays on nursing and public health. Below is a state-wise breakdown:
| State | Exam Mode | Key Sections | Questions | Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | Online (CBT) | Nursing (80%), Aptitude & Reasoning (20%) | 100 | 100 | No |
| Maharashtra | Online (CBT) | Nursing (70%), Public Health (20%), Aptitude (10%) | 100 | 100 | No |
| Rajasthan | Offline (OMR) | Nursing (80%), Current Affairs (10%), GK (10%) | 150 | 150 | Yes |
| Gujarat | Online (CBT) | Nursing & Midwifery (75%), GK (15%), Computer Basics (10%) | 100 | 100 | Yes |
| Bihar | Offline (OMR) | Nursing (50%), Public Health (30%), Local Knowledge (10%), Aptitude (10%) | 100 | 100 | No |
| Madhya Pradesh | Online (CBT) | Nursing (65%), Public Health & allied subjects | 100 | 100 | Varies |
Exam patterns are based on recent state CHO notifications and may change year to year. Always confirm with the official state NHM notification.
CHO Syllabus 2026 (Core Topics)
Across all states, the CHO syllabus is heavily weighted towards nursing and community/public health. Key areas include:
- Community Health Nursing & Primary Health Care
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Child Health (Paediatric) Nursing & Midwifery / Obstetric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Public Health, National Health Programmes & Ayushman Bharat
- Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology & Pharmacology basics
- General Knowledge, Current Affairs & Aptitude (state-specific weightage)
CHO Selection Process 2026
- Online application through the state NHM portal.
- Written examination (CBT or OMR-based, as per state).
- Merit list preparation based on exam scores.
- Document verification.
- Final selection and posting at a Health & Wellness Centre.
Conclusion
CHO (Community Health Officer) is a rewarding government nursing career under the National Health Mission, with state-wise recruitment opening regularly across India. Since eligibility, exam pattern and salary differ by state, aspirants should always verify details from their official state NHM notification, focus their preparation on nursing and public health, and apply within the announced window.
