The CHO Exam 2025 guide covers CHO full form, eligibility, qualifications, age limit, state-wise exam dates, salary, recruitment updates, syllabus, required documents, and preparation tips.
Priyanka Agarwal19 Nov, 2025
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Community Health Officer (CHO Full Form) exams serve as a gateway for healthcare professionals with a passion for transforming lives at the grassroots level. These exams, championed by the National Health Mission (NHM) and other medical organizations, seek to identify and empower skilled individuals dedicated to strengthening primary healthcare services across the nation. As the backbone of community health programs, CHOs play a critical role in delivering impactful healthcare solutions. If you’re dreaming of a meaningful career in this field, here’s a comprehensive guide to the CHO exams for 2025, covering tentative schedules, application procedures, eligibility criteria, and preparation tips to help you succeed.
What is CHO Exam?
The CHO full form (Community Health Officer) and the role is designed to bridge the gap in healthcare services at the community level. Selected candidates are posted at Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs), where they are responsible for preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare delivery. With the increasing demand for CHOs across India, states regularly organize recruitment exams.
States Conducting CHO Exams (MP, Gujarat, WB, Maharashtra & Others)
Nearly all states in India conduct CHO exams under NHM or their respective health departments. Here’s a list of major states that typically conduct CHO recruitment:
CHO Exam Dates 2025 (State-Wise Expected Schedule)
Although the exact dates for CHO exams in 2025 are yet to be released, but some states has released the CHO Exam Dates 2025,. The recruitment processes generally follow a similar timeline each year. Based on previous trends, here’s a tentative schedule:
Note: Always refer to official state health department websites for the most accurate information.
CHO Eligibility Criteria & Qualification Requirements
Candidates aiming to appear for CHO exams must meet specific CHO eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications for CHO, age limits, and other essential requirements. The table below summarizes these key prerequisites for aspiring applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
Details
CHO Qualification
- BSc Nursing/Post Basic BSc Nursing degree from a recognized institution
- Registered with the State Nursing Council
- GNM candidates may be eligible in some states with a bridge course certification
Age Limit
- 21 to 40 years
- Relaxation for reserved categories as per government norms
Additional Requirements
- Proficiency in the state’s local language may be mandatory in some regions
How to Apply for Community Health Officer (CHO)
The application process for CHO exams is conducted online through the official websites of the respective state health missions. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Visit the Official Website :
For NHM exams, the state-specific NHM portal is the key platform. For example:
Create an account using a valid email ID and phone number.
Ensure all personal details are accurate.
Fill the Application Form :
Enter educational qualifications, experience (if any), and other details.
Upload necessary documents such as:
Scanned passport-size photograph
Signature
Nursing registration certificate
Pay the Application Fee :
The fee varies by state and category. Online payment modes include net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI.
Submit and Print :
Review the application form carefully before submitting.
Take a printout of the application form for future reference.
CHO Exam Pattern & Syllabus (Latest)
The exam pattern for Community Health Officer (CHO) recruitment varies slightly across states, but the core focus remains on nursing and public health. Below is a detailed breakdown of CHO exam pattern and CHO Exam Syllabus for key states in India:
State
Exam Mode
Sections
Total Questions
Marks
Duration
Negative Marking
Uttar Pradesh
Online (CBT)
- Nursing Subjects (80%) - General Aptitude & Reasoning (20%)
100
100
2 hours
No
Maharashtra
Online (CBT)
- Nursing (70%) - Public Health (20%) - General Aptitude (10%)
100
100
2 hours
No
Rajasthan
Offline (OMR)
- Nursing (80%) - Current Affairs (10%) - General Knowledge (10%)
150
150
2.5 hours
Yes
Gujarat
Online (CBT)
- Nursing and Midwifery (75%) - General Knowledge (15%) - Computer Basics (10%)
100
100
2 hours
Yes
Bihar
Offline (OMR)
- Nursing (50%) - Public Health (30%) - Local Knowledge (10%) - General Aptitude (10%)
100
100
2 hours
No
Madhya Pradesh
Online (CBT)
- Nursing (65%) - Public Health and Programs (20%) - Reasoning & GK (15%)
100
100
2 hours
Yes
Punjab
Online (CBT)
- Nursing and Community Health (80%) - English (10%) - General Awareness (10%)
100
100
2 hours
No
Haryana
Offline (OMR)
- Nursing and Public Health (75%) - General Knowledge (15%) - State-Specific GK (10%)
120
120
2 hours
Yes
Chhattisgarh
Offline (OMR)
- Nursing (50%) - State Health Schemes (30%) - Logical Reasoning (10%) - GK (10%)
100
100
2 hours
No
Odisha
Online (CBT)
- Nursing (70%) - Public Health (20%) - General Aptitude (10%)
Most exams focus heavily on Nursing Subjects , with additional emphasis on Public Health , General Knowledge , and Reasoning .
Exam Duration is typically 2 hours, and the Total Marks range from 100 to 150.
Negative Marking is present in some states (e.g., Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh) but absent in others.
Candidates should prioritize state-specific schemes and programs for states like Bihar, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh.
CHO Salary Structure (State-Wise Pay Breakdown)
The salary of a Community Health Officer (CHO) varies across states, depending on the NHM (National Health Mission) guidelines, state incentives, contractual benefits, and performance-based allowances. Based on recent trends, most states offer a fixed monthly salary along with performance-linked incentives, making CHO one of the most stable nursing/healthcare posts at the community level.
Base Salary : ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month (varies by state and experience).
Incentives : Performance-based incentives of up to ₹15,000 per month in some states.
Additional Benefits :
Job security as a government employee.
Opportunities for promotions and increments with tenure and performance.
Provident fund, health insurance, and other government perks depending on the state policies.
State
Base Salary (Per Month)
Performance Incentives
Total Estimated Monthly Salary
Bihar
₹25,000
₹15,000
₹40,000 approx.
Gujarat
₹25,000
₹10,000
₹35,000 approx.
Punjab
₹20,000 – ₹25,000
₹10,000 – ₹12,000
₹30,000 – ₹37,000 approx.
Madhya Pradesh (MP)
₹25,000
₹15,000
₹40,000 approx.
West Bengal (WB)
₹20,000 – ₹25,000
₹8,000 – ₹10,000
₹28,000 – ₹35,000 approx.
Maharashtra
₹25,000
₹5,000 – ₹8,000
₹30,000 – ₹33,000 approx.
Uttar Pradesh (UP)
₹20,000
₹7,000 – ₹9,000
₹27,000 – ₹29,000 approx.
Documents Required for CHO Exams
Before applying for CHO exams, make sure you gather all the necessary documents to avoid any last-minute hassle. These documents are crucial for verifying your eligibility and completing the application process smoothly. Below is the list of essential CHO documents required for you’ll need:
Preparing for CHO exams requires a strategic approach and consistent effort. Follow these quick tips to enhance your chances of success.
Understand the Syllabus : Focus on nursing, community health, and key public health programs.
Use Reliable Study Material : Refer to standard textbooks, previous papers, or join online courses.
Time Management : Develop a study plan with dedicated hours for each topic.
Mock Tests : Take mock exams to get familiar with the pattern and improve speed.
Stay Updated : Regularly visit state NHM websites for the latest updates.
Why Choose a Career as a CHO?
A CHO career combines professional stability with the opportunity to make a meaningful social impact. Here are the top reasons to pursue this rewarding role:
Stability and Growth : Enjoy financial security, job stability, and ample career development opportunities.
Contribute to Society : Make a difference by enhancing healthcare at the community level.
Attractive Remuneration : Earn ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month, plus performance-based incentives.
CHO exams are a gateway to a fulfilling career in community health. With the right preparation and timely application, aspiring candidates can secure this vital role. Keep track of announcements from NHM and other health authorities, and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. A systematic approach to studying and staying informed will help you succeed in the 2025 CHO exams.
Explore the Nursing Courses to access essential resources for Nursing exam preparation, including detailed insights and strategies. Dive into the Nursing for structured courses and focused study plans designed to help aspirants excel in their exams.
CHO Exams FAQs
What is the CHO full form?
CHO full form is Community Health Officer.
What is CHO in nursing?
In nursing, CHO refers to a Community Health Officer, a trained health professional who works at Health & Wellness Centres under NHM to deliver primary healthcare services.
Who can apply for the CHO exam?
Candidates with B.Sc Nursing, Post Basic B.Sc Nursing, or GNM who are registered with their State Nursing Council can apply for the CHO exam.
What is the salary of a CHO?
The average salary of a CHO ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month, with performance-based incentives and government benefits like job security and promotions.
What is the CHO exam date 2025?
CHO exam dates differ by state, but most CHO recruitment exams are conducted between March to December 2025 based on vacancy announcements.
How to become a CHO?
To become a CHO, complete BSc Nursing / PB BSc Nursing / GNM, register with the nursing council, apply for NHM CHO recruitment in your state, and clear the CHO written exam.
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Priyanka Agarwal19 Nov, 2025
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