The Ex‑Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has officially announced a fresh round of contractual recruitments covering medical, para‑medical and non‑medical cadres. A total of 57 vacancies are on offer, ranging from specialist doctors to clerical staff, and the application window closes on 16 February 2026. The notification, released on 10 January 2026, stresses that no application fee will be charged and both ex‑servicemen and civilian candidates are encouraged to apply. Interested aspirants must submit their completed offline forms to the ECHS Cell in Chennai before the deadline to be considered for the upcoming vacancy period (01 April 2026 – 30 September 2026).
Recruitment Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Department/Board | Ex‑Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) |
| Post Name | Medical, Para‑Medical & Non‑Medical Staff (Various Posts) |
| Exam Name | Not applicable (offline recruitment) |
| Total Vacancy | 57 |
| Category | New Recruitment |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Official Website | echs.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Newspaper Publication Date | 10 January 2026 |
| Last Date (Newspaper Extract) | 15 February 2026 |
| Last Date for Receipt of Application (Notice) | 16 February 2026 |
| Vacancy Period (Service) | 01 April 2026 – 30 September 2026 |
| Interview Date | To be intimated via Email/SMS |
Application Fee details
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | No Application Fee |
| Payment Mode | Not applicable (offline) |
Vacancy & Eligibility Criteria
Age Limits (Post‑wise)
| Post Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Medical Specialist / Radiologist / Gynaecologist | 68 years |
| Medical Officer | 66 years |
| Officer‑in‑Charge | 63 years |
| Para‑Medical Staff | 56 years |
| All Other Posts | 53 years |
Age relaxations as per government rules apply.
Educational Qualifications & Experience
| Post Name | Total Posts | Minimum Qualification & Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Specialist (e.g., Cardiology) | 03 | MBBS + MD/MS/DNB; relevant experience |
| Radiologist | 02 | MBBS + MD/DNB in Radiology; experience |
| Gynaecologist | 01 | MBBS + MD/DNB in Obstetrics & Gynaecology; experience |
| Medical Officer | 10 | MBBS with required years of service |
| Lab Assistant | 02 | Diploma in Laboratory Technology or equivalent; experience |
| Pharmacist | 03 | Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) or B.Pharm; experience |
| Radiographer | 01 | Diploma/Certificate in Radiography; experience |
| Physiotherapist | 01 | Diploma/Bachelor in Physiotherapy; experience |
| Dental Assistant / Technician / Hygienist | 01 | Diploma in Dental Assisting or related field; experience |
| Officer‑in‑Charge (Medical) | 01 | MBBS with senior clinical experience |
| Clerk & DEO (Data Entry Operator) | 06 (Clerk) / 02 (DEO) | Graduate (Clerk) / Graduate/Diploma (DEO) |
| IT Network Technician | 01 | Diploma/Certificate in IT Networking; experience |
| Driver | 03 | 10th Pass; valid driving licence & experience |
| Female Attendant | 02 | 8th Pass; experience in housekeeping |
| Safaiwala (Cleaner) | 08 | 8th Pass; prior cleaning experience |
| Chowkidar (Watchman) | 02 | 8th Pass; prior security experience |
| Peon | 08 | 8th Pass; prior office assistance experience |
| Total | 57 | — |
Both ex‑servicemen and civilians meet the eligibility criteria. Candidates must attach self‑attested copies of all certificates, a recent passport‑size photograph, and ensure the form is signed.
How to Apply (Offline)?
Follow these precise steps to submit your application without any digital hurdles:
- Visit the official portal – open echs.gov.in and navigate to the ‘Recruitment’ or ‘Notifications’ section.
- Download the application form titled “ECHS Recruitment 2026 – Medical, Para‑Medical & Non‑Medical Staff”.
- Print the form in duplicate (two copies).
- Fill in all fields legibly using black ink; avoid any corrections.
- Paste a recent passport‑size photograph (2 cm × 2 cm) on the designated spot.
- Attach self‑attested copies of your educational certificates, experience letters, age proof, and service records (if ex‑serviceman).
- Affix a self‑addressed stamped envelope (optional, for acknowledgment).
- Send the completed duplicate forms to the following address before 16 February 2026:
OIC ECHS Cell, Station Headquarters, Fort Saint George, Chennai – 600009 - Retain the acknowledgement receipt (if any) for future reference.
Tip: Dispatch your application via registered post or speed‑post to obtain a tracking number. This helps verify that your form reaches the ECHS Cell within the stipulated deadline.
Important Links
| Link Name | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Offline – Download Form | Download Application Form |
| Download Notification | ECHS Recruitment 2026 Notification (PDF) |
| Official Website | echs.gov.in |
| Join WhatsApp Group | Join Now |
| Join Telegram Channel | Join Now |
Conclusion
The ECHS 2026 offline recruitment opens a valuable gateway for both ex‑servicemen and civilians to serve in the healthcare ecosystem. With 57 diverse posts, competitive salaries, and no application fee, the window closes quickly—16 February 2026. Candidates are urged to read the full notification, verify eligibility, and submit the hard copy before the deadline to avoid missing this opportunity.
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for ECHS Recruitment 2026?
Ans: The offline application must be received by 16 February 2026.
Q2. How many vacancies are released in the ECHS 2026 recruitment?
Ans: A total of 57 positions across medical, para‑medical and non‑medical categories have been announced.
Q3. What is the official website for this recruitment?
Ans: Candidates can access forms and detailed information at echs.gov.in.
