What Is the CHO Exam and Who Can Apply
Community Health Officer exam is conducted state-wise for BSc Nursing, GNM, and BAMS graduates. The selected candidates are posted at Health and Wellness Centres under Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Basic eligibility:
- BSc Nursing / Post Basic BSc Nursing, or
- GNM with bridge course completion, or
- BAMS degree holders
Age limit is generally 18 to 40 years. This varies by state — Rajasthan, UP, Bihar, MP all have slightly different rules. Always check your state’s official notification.
One Thing Most Students Miss
CHO is a contractual post in most states. Not a permanent government job. Contract period is usually 2 years, sometimes extendable. Some states have moved toward regularization — but it is not guaranteed everywhere.
If permanent job is your only goal — CHO is a stepping stone, not the destination.
CHO Exam 2026 Pattern — What the Paper Actually Looks Like
Most state CHO exams follow this structure:
| Section | Topics | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Community Health Nursing | Primary healthcare, NPHP, immunization | 40-50 |
| General Nursing | Medical-surgical, obstetrics, pediatrics | 30-40 |
| Health Schemes & Programs | Ayushman Bharat, NHM, national programs | 20-25 |
| General Knowledge | Current health affairs, basic GK | 10-15 |
Total marks: usually 100 to 120. Duration: 2 hours.
What Has Changed in 2026
States like Rajasthan and UP have increased the weightage of National Health Programs section. Students who only focus on clinical nursing topics get stuck here. Government schemes — PMSMA, RBSK, Janani Suraksha — these are not optional anymore.
CHO Exam Cutoff 2026 — Realistic Numbers
Cutoffs change every year based on vacancy count and exam difficulty. Here are approximate cutoffs from recent years:
| Category | Expected Cutoff (Out of 120) |
|---|---|
| General | 85 — 95 |
| OBC | 78 — 88 |
| SC | 70 — 80 |
| ST | 65 — 75 |
Why Cutoffs Are Rising Every Year
More nursing graduates are passing out every year. Vacancy count stays limited. Simple math — competition is increasing, not decreasing. Students who scored 75 and got selected two years ago are now getting rejected with the same score.
This means you cannot afford to leave any section weak. One weak section — say, health schemes — can push you below cutoff even if your clinical nursing is strong.
CHO Salary 2026 — The Real Numbers
This is where most blogs stay vague. Here is the direct breakdown.
Monthly Salary by State
Rajasthan CHO: Fixed contractual pay — approximately ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per month. Some districts offer additional rural allowance.
Uttar Pradesh CHO: Around ₹25,000 per month consolidated. No separate DA or HRA in contractual phase.
Bihar CHO: Approximately ₹20,000 to ₹23,000 per month.
MP CHO: Around ₹22,000 to ₹25,000 per month.
After Regularization
If a state regularizes CHO posts — salary moves to Pay Matrix Level 4 or 5, which means ₹35,000 to ₹45,000 in hand depending on allowances. But regularization timelines are unpredictable.
The Salary Truth Nobody Says Out Loud
₹25,000 per month for a BSc Nursing graduate with a government posting sounds decent. But compare it to a private hospital staff nurse in a metro city — they earn ₹18,000 to ₹22,000. The gap is not huge. CHO’s real advantage is job security and rural health exposure, not salary.
If someone is telling you CHO is a high-paying job — they are misleading you.
CHO Bond Condition — Read This Carefully
Most states impose a service bond after selection. You are required to serve for a minimum period — usually 2 to 3 years — in the allotted posting area.
Breaking the bond means paying a penalty. This amount ranges from ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh depending on the state.
Rural posting is almost guaranteed in the first contract period. If you are not comfortable working in a rural or semi-urban Health and Wellness Centre — think before applying.
How to Prepare for CHO Exam 2026 — Section by Section
Community Health Nursing
This section carries the highest weightage. Focus on:
- Levels of prevention — primary, secondary, tertiary
- National Health Programs — RNTCP, NVBDCP, NPCDCS
- Ayushman Bharat — HWC roles and CHO responsibilities
- Reproductive and Child Health program
- Immunization schedule — every vaccine, age, dose
Health Schemes and Government Programs
Students hate this section. That is exactly why toppers score here. Study these specifically:
- PMSMA — Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan
- RBSK — Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram
- Janani Suraksha Yojana
- Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
- NHM components
General Nursing
Do not go deep here. Revise high-yield topics only:
- Normal lab values
- Drug calculations
- Obstetric emergencies
- Pediatric milestones
How Many Hours Per Day Is Enough
Honest answer — 3 hours daily for 4 months is enough if your study is focused. Most students study 6 hours and waste 4 of them on low-yield topics.
Priority order: Community Health → Health Programs → General Nursing → GK
Mock tests are non-negotiable in the last 6 weeks. One full mock per week minimum.
Common Mistakes That Cost Students the Exam
- Ignoring health schemes section completely
- Studying clinical nursing in too much depth
- Not checking state-specific cutoff trends
- Skipping mock tests until the last week
- Preparing for the wrong state’s pattern
Is CHO a Good Career Move in 2026
Yes — with conditions.
If you want government sector experience, rural health exposure, and a stable contractual income while preparing for higher exams like NORCET or DSSSB — CHO is a smart move.
If you expect a high salary, urban posting, or permanent job immediately — you will be disappointed.
Conclusion
CHO Exam 2026 is one of the most accessible government nursing exams available right now. The syllabus is defined, the pattern is predictable, and with 4 months of focused preparation — it is absolutely clearable.
But go in with realistic expectations. Contractual salary, rural posting, bond conditions — these are part of the deal. Students who understand this from day one prepare better and adjust faster after selection.
The ones who fail are not always the ones who studied less. Most of the time they studied the wrong things, skipped mock tests, or ignored the health schemes section entirely.
Fix those three things — and your chances go up significantly.
If you are serious about CHO 2026 preparation, stop overthinking and start now. Four months is enough. But only if you start today.
Frequently Asked Questions — CHO Exam 2026
Is CHO a permanent government job?
No. In most states, CHO is a contractual post for 2 years. Some states offer regularization after the contract period, but it is not guaranteed. Always check your state’s official notification before applying.
What is the salary of CHO in Rajasthan in 2026?
The approximate salary is ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per month on a contractual basis. Rural postings may include additional allowances. After regularization, salary can reach ₹35,000 to ₹45,000 depending on pay matrix level.
Can GNM students apply for CHO exam?
Yes. GNM graduates are eligible in most states, but they may need to complete a bridge course. Eligibility criteria vary by state — always verify from the official notification.
How many months of preparation is needed for CHO exam?
3 to 4 months of focused preparation is sufficient for most students. The key is prioritizing Community Health Nursing and Health Schemes sections, which carry the highest weightage.
