ECHS Chennai Recruitment 2026 notification is out for 80 contractual positions across Medical, Para-Medical, and Non-Medical categories at nine polyclinics. Apply offline before 11 July 2026 at Station Headquarters, Fort Saint George, Chennai. Check eligibility, vacancy details, salary, and selection process here.
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) operates a network of polyclinics across South India dedicated to providing quality healthcare to retired military personnel and their families. This recruitment drive represents a meaningful opportunity for medical and non-medical professionals to contribute to a mission-driven organization with strong institutional backing and transparent career progression. The ECHS Chennai polyclinics serve as key healthcare centers for the veteran community, making these positions particularly valued within the social sector.
ECHS Chennai has announced contractual appointments effective October 2026 through March 2027 for both ex-servicemen and civilian candidates meeting specified qualifications. The recruitment encompasses roles ranging from highly specialized medical positions (MD/MS specialists) to support staff, reflecting the comprehensive nature of modern healthcare delivery. All applications must be submitted in physical form with original documents to the recruitment office by the deadline. Candidates are advised to verify all eligibility criteria and document requirements from the official notification at https://www.echs.gov.in before proceeding.
Note: All information is sourced from the official notification. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official website before applying.
ECHS Chennai Recruitment 2026 – Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | ECHS Cell, Station Headquarters Chennai (Ministry of Defence, Government of India) |
| Recruitment Type | Contractual Positions for FY 2026-27 (Phase-2) |
| Total Vacancies | 80 Posts |
| Application Mode | Offline (Hand Delivery) |
| Posting Locations | ECHS Polyclinics at Vellore, Chennai, Avadi, Tiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram, Island Grounds, Villupuram, Puducherry, Cuddalore |
| Official Website | https://www.echs.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Application Submission Opens | 24 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 11 July 2026 |
| Contract Commencement Date | 01 October 2026 |
| Contract End Date | 31 March 2027 |
Contract Period & Duration
| Category | Duration |
|---|---|
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 12 months (01 Oct 2026 to 31 Mar 2027) |
| Civilian Candidates | 11 months |
Vacancy Details & Job Profile
Medical Staff Positions
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Location | Gross Monthly Remuneration | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Specialist | 3 | Chennai (2), Tiruvannamalai (1) | ₹1,30,000 | 68 Years |
| Radiologist | 2 | Vellore (1), Chennai (1) | ₹1,30,000 | 68 Years |
| Gynaecologist | 2 | Vellore (1), Chennai (1) | ₹1,30,000 | 68 Years |
| Medical Officer | 10 | Vellore, Chennai (2), Avadi, Tiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram, Island Grounds, Puducherry, Cuddalore | ₹95,000 | 66 Years |
| Dental Officer | 7 | Vellore, Chennai, Avadi, Tiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore | ₹95,000 | 63 Years |
Para-Medical Staff Positions
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Location | Gross Monthly Remuneration | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lab Assistant | 1 | Vellore | ₹36,500 | 56 Years |
| Lab Technician | 8 | Vellore, Chennai, Tiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram, Island Grounds, Villupuram, Puducherry, Cuddalore | ₹36,500 | 56 Years |
| Pharmacist | 7 | Vellore, Chennai (2), Kanchipuram, Villupuram, Puducherry, Cuddalore | ₹36,500 | 56 Years |
| Nursing Assistant | 10 | Vellore (2), Chennai, Avadi, Tiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram, Island Grounds, Villupuram, Puducherry | ₹36,500 | 56 Years |
| Radiographer | 1 | Vellore | ₹36,500 | 56 Years |
| Physiotherapist | 2 | Chennai (1), Tiruvannamalai (1) | ₹36,500 | 56 Years |
| Dental Assistant/Technician/Hygienist | 7 | Vellore, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Island Grounds, Villupuram, Puducherry, Cuddalore | ₹36,500 | 56 Years |
Non-Medical Staff Positions
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Location | Gross Monthly Remuneration | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Officer-in-Charge | 5 | Vellore, Chennai, Tiruvannamalai, Island Grounds, Puducherry | ₹95,000 | 63 Years |
| Driver | 2 | Avadi (1), Cuddalore (1) | ₹25,600 | 53 Years |
| Female Attendant | 7 | Vellore, Chennai, Avadi, Tiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram, Villupuram, Puducherry | ₹21,800 | 53 Years |
| Safaiwala | 1 | Villupuram | ₹21,800 | 53 Years |
| Chowkidar | 5 | Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore | ₹21,800 | 53 Years |
Note: Medical Specialists, Gynaecologists, and Radiologists may apply for Part-Time positions with remuneration of ₹4,670/day (4 hours), ₹3,500/day (3 hours), or ₹2,330/day (2 hours).
Role & Responsibilities
ECHS positions require professionals capable of delivering patient-centered care within a structured military healthcare framework. Medical specialists focus on diagnosing and treating complex health conditions, conducting consultations during fixed clinic hours, and maintaining detailed patient records according to military health protocols. Para-medical staff, including lab technicians, pharmacists, and nursing assistants, support clinical operations by performing diagnostic tests, dispensing medications, and providing direct patient assistance, responsibilities demanding precision, attention to detail, and the ability to function within a regulated environment. Non-medical staff such as drivers, chowkidars, and female attendants ensure operational continuity through transportation management, facility security, and patient support services. Career advancement within ECHS typically progresses from contract positions to permanent postings based on performance evaluation, with opportunities to specialize in high-demand medical fields and transition into supervisory or managerial roles. The organization maintains professional standards comparable to government medical establishments, offering healthcare workers exposure to veteran-specific medical needs, comprehensive institutional knowledge, and networking within the national defence healthcare ecosystem, benefits that enhance long-term career prospects in both military and civilian medical sectors.
Educational Qualification Requirements
Medical Staff Eligibility
Medical Specialist: MD or MS in the relevant medical specialty, or DNB certification with a minimum of three years of postgraduate clinical experience in the specialized field.
Radiologist: Postgraduate degree in the appropriate radiological specialty with a minimum of three years of postgraduate experience. Medical Council registration is mandatory.
Gynaecologist: MD or MS in obstetrics and gynaecology, or DNB with at least three years of postgraduate experience in the specialty.
Medical Officer: MBBS degree with a minimum of three years of work experience following completion of internship. Additional qualifications in general medicine or surgery are preferred.
Dental Officer: BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) with a minimum of three years of professional dental experience.
Para-Medical Staff Eligibility
Lab Assistant: Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) or Armed Forces Class-I Laboratory Technician Course completion with at least five years of verified experience in medical laboratory operations.
Lab Technician: BSc in Medical Laboratory Technology or 10+2 with Science subjects plus DMLT/Armed Forces Class-I course with minimum three years of experience in laboratory assistant capacity.
Pharmacist: B Pharmacy degree or 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, combined with Diploma in Pharmacy and minimum three years of professional pharmacy experience.
Nursing Assistant: GNM Diploma or Armed Forces Class-I Nursing Assistant Course with at least five years of verified experience in patient care settings.
Radiographer: Diploma in Radiography or Armed Forces Class-I Radiographer Course with minimum five years of experience in radiological imaging services.
Physiotherapist: Diploma in Physiotherapy or Armed Forces Class-I Physiotherapy Course with minimum five years of verified clinical physiotherapy experience.
Dental Assistant/Technician/Hygienist: Diploma in Dental Hygiene or Armed Forces Class-I Dental Hygienist/DORA Course with minimum three years of experience in recognized dental laboratories, clinics, or hospital settings.
Non-Medical Staff Eligibility
Officer-in-Charge: Retired defence personnel with a minimum of five years of documented experience in healthcare institution management or supervisory/managerial capacities in military establishments.
Driver: Completion of Class 8 education or Armed Forces Class-I Motor Vehicle Driver training with a valid civil driving license (LMV category) and minimum five years of professional driving experience.
Female Attendant: Basic literacy qualification with a minimum of five years of verified experience in civilian or military healthcare institution support roles.
Safaiwala: Literate with a minimum of five years of documented service in sanitation, facility maintenance, or similar support positions.
Chowkidar: Class 8 Standard education or Armed Forces GD Trade qualification sufficient for security and surveillance duties.
Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Specialists, Radiologist, Gynaecologist | 68 Years |
| Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Officer-in-Charge | 63-66 Years (varies by post) |
| Para-Medical Staff (Lab, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Dental) | 56 Years |
| Non-Medical Staff (Driver, Female Attendant, Safaiwala, Chowkidar) | 53 Years |
Salary & Remuneration
| Category | Gross Monthly Remuneration |
|---|---|
| Medical Specialist / Radiologist / Gynaecologist | ₹1,30,000 |
| Medical Officer / Dental Officer / Officer-in-Charge | ₹95,000 |
| Lab Assistant / Lab Technician / Pharmacist / Nursing Assistant / Radiographer / Physiotherapist / Dental Assistant/Technician/Hygienist | ₹36,500 |
| Driver | ₹25,600 |
| Female Attendant / Safaiwala / Chowkidar | ₹21,800 |
Part-Time Options: Medical Specialists, Gynaecologists, and Radiologists may apply for part-time engagement with remuneration at ₹4,670/day (4 hours), ₹3,500/day (3 hours), or ₹2,330/day (2 hours).
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories | Nil (No Application Fee) |
Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Written Test | Objective type examination covering relevant subject matter as per the applied position |
| Practical Test | Applicable tests specific to para-medical and technical positions as determined by the recruitment committee |
| Personal Interview | Face-to-face assessment of candidates based on qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role |
| On-Job Training (OJT) | 10 days of mandatory unpaid training before contract finalization |
Important Notes:
- Shortlisted candidates will receive interview intimation via SMS, email, or telephone.
- Travel allowance (TA) and daily allowance (DA) are not provided for attending the interview.
- Selected candidates must complete the 10-day On-Job Training program (unpaid but compulsory) before formal contract execution.
How to Apply for ECHS Chennai Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official ECHS website at https://www.echs.gov.in to download the prescribed application form for your chosen post.
- Print the application form and complete all fields legibly with your personal, educational, and professional details.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph in the designated space on the application form.
- Write “Application for the post of [Post Name]” clearly on the top of the envelope.
- Gather all required supporting documents, including original copies of educational certificates, medical registration certificates, experience letters, and identity proof.
- Enclose copies of PPO (Pension Payment Order), Discharge Book, ESM Identity Card, Aadhar Card, PAN Card, educational mark sheets, valid professional registration certificate, computer training certificate, medical fitness certificate, and NOC from current employer (if employed).
- Submit the completed application with all attachments in person or by registered post to Station Headquarters ECHS, Fort Saint George, Chennai – 600009 on or before 11 July 2026.
- Upon shortlisting, candidates will receive notification regarding the test/interview schedule through email or SMS.
- Attend the written test, practical test (if applicable), and personal interview on the notified date with all original documentation.
💡 Expert Tip: Prepare a separate folder for each post you apply to, and maintain a checklist of documents to ensure nothing is missed during submission. ECHS recruiters conduct thorough document verification, and missing even one required certificate can result in rejection. Begin gathering documents immediately after the shortlisting notification arrives.
Important Instructions
- Applications must be submitted in the prescribed format only; digital or online submissions are not accepted.
- Incomplete applications or applications missing required document copies will face outright rejection without any correspondence from the organization.
- Each candidate must submit individual applications for each post they wish to apply for; a single application for multiple positions is not permissible.
- Candidates claiming ex-servicemen status must provide valid proof through an original ESM Identity Card or discharge documentation.
- Educational qualifications must be verified and validated against official documentation; candidates holding qualifications from non-recognized institutions will be disqualified.
- Experience mentioned in applications must be supported by employer certificates bearing an official seal and signatures of authorized personnel.
- Once selected, candidates must undergo 10 days of unpaid on-the-job training; refusal to participate will result in cancellation of selection.
- Contract positions are not eligible for conversion to permanent status; contractual tenure is limited to the specified period ending 31 March 2027.
- Candidates must be willing to serve at any designated polyclinic location within the station jurisdiction as per organizational requirements.
- False claims, fabricated documents, or misrepresentation of qualifications will result in immediate disqualification and may invite legal action.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Download Notification PDF | Download Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in ECHS Chennai Recruitment 2026?
Ans. ECHS Chennai Recruitment 2026 includes 80 contractual positions distributed across Medical, Para-Medical, and Non-Medical staff categories across nine polyclinics.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for ECHS Chennai Recruitment 2026?
Ans. The last date to submit applications is 11 July 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered, regardless of postal delays.
Q3. Can I apply online for these ECHS Chennai positions?
Ans. No, applications must be submitted offline in the prescribed paper format by hand delivery or registered post to Station Headquarters ECHS, Fort Saint George, Chennai – 600009.
Q4. What documents are required at the time of submitting the application?
Ans. Candidates must attach copies of PPO/Discharge Book (for ex-servicemen), ESM Identity Card, Aadhar Card, PAN Card, educational certificates with mark sheets, professional registration certificate, experience certificates from employers, medical fitness certificate, and NOC from current employer if applicable.
Q5. What is the contract period for the selected candidates?
Ans. The contract period is from 01 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. Ex-servicemen contract for 12 months, while civilian candidates contract for 11 months.
Q6. Is the selection process the same for all posts in ECHS Chennai Recruitment 2026?
Ans. The selection process consists of a written test, a practical test (where applicable), a personal interview, and a mandatory 10-day unpaid on-the-job training. The specific nature of tests varies based on the post applied for.
Q7. Are travel allowance and daily allowance provided for attending the interview?
Ans. No, neither travel allowance (TA) nor daily allowance (DA) is provided for candidates attending the written test, practical test, or personal interview.
