The NHM Maharashtra CHO (Community Health Officer) exam is one of the most promising entry points for a government healthcare career. Conducted by the National Health Mission (NHM), Maharashtra, it selects BAMS, BUMS and B.Sc Nursing graduates to serve as frontline public health officers under the Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centre (AB-HWC) initiative. This complete guide covers the Maharashtra CHO Syllabus 2026, exam pattern, section-wise marks, detailed subject-wise topics and preparation tips.
NHM Maharashtra CHO Syllabus 2026 Overview
The NHM Maharashtra CHO Syllabus 2026 covers public health, community health, maternal health, child health, family planning, communicable and non-communicable diseases, nutrition and the basics of the human body. The exam follows the syllabus recommended by NHSRC Delhi. Here is a quick overview:
NHM Maharashtra CHO Exam Pattern 2026
As per the official NHM notification, the Maharashtra CHO exam is a Computer-Based (Online) objective test. Understanding the exam pattern helps in managing time and maximizing your score.
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | Online Objective Test (Computer-Based) |
| Total Questions | 100 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Marks per Question | 1 Mark |
| Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Negative Marking | No Negative Marking |
| Language | Bilingual (Marathi & English) |
| Qualifying Marks | Minimum 45 Marks (as per notification) |
Maharashtra CHO Section-wise Marks Distribution 2026
The 100 questions are distributed across three broad sections. The core nursing and public health topics carry the highest weightage:
| Section | No. of Questions | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Core Subjects (Child Health, Maternal Health, Family Planning, Diseases, Nutrition, Public Health, etc.) | 60 | 60 |
| General Knowledge | 20 | 20 |
| NHM Program Related | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
NHM Maharashtra CHO Syllabus 2026 (Detailed Topic-Wise)
The syllabus is designed to assess community health knowledge, primary care skills and understanding of public health programs. Below is the complete topic-wise breakdown:
| Section | Topics Included |
|---|---|
| Child Health | Anemia, Abuse in pregnancy, Autism, ADHD, Hearing loss, Vision loss, Lactation support, Leukemia, Hematology basics, Cognitive impairment, Cardiomyopathy, Hypovolemic shock, HIV, Cellular therapy fundamentals, Developmental disorders |
| Maternal Health | Antenatal care, Postnatal care, HIV and AIDS, Malaria in pregnancy, Respectful maternity care, Preterm birth, Maternal & newborn health integration, Family planning linkages, Perinatal mental health |
| Family Planning | Contraceptive services, Pregnancy testing, Basic infertility services, Preconception health, Breast & pelvic examinations, Breast & cervical cancer screening, STI & HIV prevention, Counseling and referral services |
| Communicable & Non-Communicable Diseases | Cardiovascular diseases, COPD, Diabetes, Malnutrition, Skin cancer, Obesity, Chronic kidney disease, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Alzheimer’s disease |
| Nutrition | Balanced diet, Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Nutrition in pregnancy, Child nutrition, Under-nutrition and over-nutrition |
| Basics of the Human Body | Structure and function of organs, Basic physiology, Basic anatomy, Body systems, Vital signs |
| Public Health Concepts | Community health structure, Primary healthcare, Disease prevention, Health promotion, Screening programs, National health programs |
| Adolescent Health | Reproductive & sexual health education, Menstrual hygiene, Peer counseling, Substance abuse prevention, Growth and developmental changes |
| Mental Health | Stress management, Depression, Anxiety disorders, Counseling skills, Community mental health awareness |
| Skill-Based Questions | Basic clinical procedures, Measuring vital signs, First aid, Infection control, Hand hygiene, Emergency management |
| Referral Linkage | Referral hierarchy in public health, Coordination between Sub-centre, PHC, CHC and district hospital, Patient follow-up systems |
| Elderly & Palliative Care | Geriatric health assessment, Home-based care, Pain management, End-of-life support, Counselling of family caregivers |
| Emergency Services | CPR, Shock, Burns, Poisoning, Fractures, Trauma management, Disaster response basics |
| Oral & ENT Health | Oral hygiene, Common ENT infections, Hearing loss, Oral cancer awareness, Preventive dental care |
| General Knowledge | Current health affairs, Indian Constitution basics, Health-related national policies, Maharashtra health statistics and government initiatives |
| NHM Program Related | Ayushman Bharat, Health & Wellness Centres (HWC), RMNCH+A, RNTCP, NPCB, NVBDCP, NACO, NCD program, Mission Indradhanush, National Mental Health Program and other NHM flagship schemes |
Expert Tip – High Weightage Topics
Based on previous years’ CHO papers, Maternal Health, Public Health Concepts and National Health Programs carry the highest weightage. Focus on these areas first, then move to Skill-Based and Emergency Services topics.
NHM Maharashtra CHO Syllabus 2026 Download PDF
The Maharashtra CHO Syllabus 2026 download PDF option helps in offline study. The PDF includes subject-wise topics, exam pattern and official details, so candidates can prepare systematically. Visit the official NHM Maharashtra website to download the official syllabus PDF.
NHM Maharashtra CHO Syllabus 2026 Preparation Tips
Good preparation improves your chances of scoring well. Here are practical preparation tips for the Maharashtra CHO Syllabus 2026:
- Begin with the Full Syllabus: Read the entire syllabus, understand the topics and identify areas that need more attention.
- Follow the Exam Pattern: Use the section-wise marks distribution to plan targeted study.
- Create a Study Plan: Divide the syllabus into weekly goals with small, manageable daily targets.
- Focus on Public Health Basics: Revise national programs, screening methods and community health practices.
- Practice MCQs Daily: Solve at least 50 MCQs daily based on the detailed syllabus.
- Revise Repeatedly: Use summaries and short notes to revise topics regularly and improve memory.
Conclusion
The NHM Maharashtra CHO exam offers a rewarding career for nursing and medical graduates aiming to serve in community healthcare. By understanding the exam pattern, focusing on high-weightage topics like Maternal Health, Public Health and NHM programs, and practising regularly, candidates can secure a top rank in the CHO merit list. Keep checking the official NHM Maharashtra website for the latest updates on the notification, exam date and vacancies.
