The demand for skilled healthcare professionals in India is rising due to public health initiatives, growing population needs, and expanding rural healthcare systems. From paramedics to pharmacists and nursing officers to medical officers, government jobs in healthcare offer job security, social impact, and career growth. If you’re preparing to join this noble sector, here are the top government exams for healthcare jobs in 2025 that you should watch out for.
Major Government Healthcare Exams in 2025
1. AIIMS Nursing Officer (NORCET)
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) conducts the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET) for Grade B nursing positions in AIIMS and affiliated hospitals.
- Eligibility: B.Sc. Nursing / GNM with State Nursing Council registration
- Age Limit: 18–30 years
- Selection: Online test (CBT)
- Salary: Level 7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400)
🔗 Related Links: AIIMS NORCET Official Site
2. ESIC Paramedical & Nursing Staff Recruitment
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) conducts recruitment for paramedical roles including lab technicians, radiographers, ECG technicians, pharmacists, and nursing officers.
- Eligibility: Varies by post (Diploma/degree in relevant field)
- Selection: Written exam
- Vacancies: Centralized recruitment with pan-India postings
🔗 Related Links: ESIC Recruitment Portal
3. UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the CMS exam for recruitment of MBBS graduates to Group A positions in government health services, including railways, municipal hospitals, and defense services.
- Eligibility: MBBS degree
- Age Limit: Under 32 years
- Selection: Written exam + Interview
- Salary: Approx. ₹56,000/month + allowances
🔗 Related Links: UPSC CMS Notification
4. NHM (National Health Mission) State-Level Exams
State health departments under NHM recruit ANMs, GNM nurses, community health officers (CHOs), lab technicians, and more on contract or permanent basis.
- Eligibility: Depends on role (Diploma/Degree in Nursing, Paramedical Sciences, Public Health)
- Hiring Pattern: Each state issues its own notification (e.g., NHM UP, NHM Maharashtra)
- Focus: Rural & primary healthcare
🔗 Related Links: NHM State Portals (e.g., UP NHM)
5. DSSSB Healthcare Recruitment (Delhi Govt.)
The Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) regularly recruits nursing staff, pharmacists, OT technicians, physiotherapists, and public health workers for Delhi government hospitals.
- Eligibility: Diploma/Degree in the respective field
- Selection: CBT + Document Verification
- Salary: As per Delhi Govt. pay scale
🔗 Related Links: DSSSB State Portal
6. Indian Railways Paramedical Recruitment (RRB)
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) conduct nationwide recruitment for staff nurses, lab assistants, pharmacists, health inspectors, etc.
- Eligibility: 10+2 with diploma/degree in relevant discipline
- Selection: CBT + Document verification
- Perks: Free travel, pension scheme, job security
🔗 Related Links: Indian Railways RRB Portal
7. UPPSC/State PSC Medical Officer Exams
State Public Service Commissions like UPPSC, MPPSC, TNPSC, KPSC recruit medical officers, dental surgeons, and specialists for state hospitals.
- Eligibility: MBBS/BDS/Postgraduate specialization
- Selection: Written exam + Interview
- Job Role: Diagnostic, treatment, and public health duties
🔗 Related Links: UPPSC/State PSC Portal
8. Indian Army AFMS Recruitment
The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) offers permanent and short service commission for doctors, dentists, nurses, and physiotherapists.
- Eligibility: MBBS/BDS/PG + medical fitness
- Salary & Rank: Starts at Captain/Equivalent
- Perks: Military service benefits, canteen, housing, pension
🔗 Related Links: AFMS Portal
Preparation Tips
- Focus on subject-specific knowledge, especially for nursing, paramedical, or medical posts
- Study general awareness and current affairs for PSC and CMS exams
- Practice previous year papers and mock tests from reliable platforms
- Keep track of state-level notifications through NHM and health departments
- Prepare basic English, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude if part of exam syllabus
Final Thought
Government healthcare jobs offer stability, growth, and a chance to serve. Choose the right exam, stay focused, and start your journey today.
