State CHO Exams: Syllabus, Pattern, and How to Prepare
The Rise of the CHO
The Community Health Officer (CHO) post has become a major career avenue for nurses in India under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. With thousands of vacancies in states like UP, MP, Rajasthan, and Bihar, it offers a stable government job closer to home. Unlike AIIMS, the CHO exam focuses heavily on Public Health and Primary Care.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus Difference
CHO exams are state-specific. The syllabus is 60-70% Community Health Nursing (CHN). You must master topics like Immunization Schedule, National Health Programs, Communicable Diseases, and MCH (Maternal & Child Health). Medical-Surgical Nursing has lower weightage here compared to NORCET.
Eligibility Criteria
Most states require B.Sc Nursing or GNM. A key requirement now is the CCH (Certificate in Community Health). Many B.Sc curriculums have integrated this, but GNM students often need to undergo a 6-month bridge course after selection.
State-Specific Preparation
Since these are state exams, questions often appear on state-specific health schemes (e.g., Chiranjeevi Yojana in Rajasthan). You must read the local GK and health indicators of the specific state you are applying to.
Salary and Incentives
The salary structure is usually ₹25,000 (Fixed) + ₹15,000 (Performance Based Incentive). So, a CHO can earn up to ₹40,000 per month. It is a contractual post initially but many states are moving towards regularization.
Recommended Books & Resources
For CHO exams, "Community Health Nursing" by K. Park is the bible. However, it is too vast. We recommend the NPrep CHO Module which condenses Park's textbook into exam-relevant notes.
Previous Year Papers
Solving state-wise PYQs is crucial. MP CHO paper might be different from UP CHO. Download the specific state papers from our PYQ Hub.
The Bond System
Be aware that most CHO posts come with a surety bond (ranging from ₹1 Lakh to ₹3 Lakhs) to serve for a minimum period (usually 3 years). Read the notification carefully before applying.
Job Profile
As a CHO, you lead a Health & Wellness Center (HWC). Your job involves OPD, telemedicine consultation, and managing ASHAs/ANMs. It is a leadership role at the village level.
Conclusion
If you want a job near your hometown and have an interest in public health, CHO is an excellent option. It is less competitive than AIIMS but requires specific preparation in CHN.
Start Early
Don't wait for the notification. CHN is a vast subject.
Focus on Data
Memorize MMR, IMR, and other health indicators.
Practice MCQs
Solve 100 CHN questions daily.
Stay Updated
New vaccines and schemes are asked frequently.
Join NPrep
Our CHO specific batch covers all states.
Final Word
CHO is a respectable and stable career path.
CHO Syllabus Weightage (Typical)
| Subject | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Community Health Nursing | 40% |
| Obs & Gynae (MCH) | 20% |
| Pediatrics | 10% |
| Medical Surgical | 10% |
| General Awareness/GK | 20% |
Top 5 Topics for CHO Exams
| Topic | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Immunization Schedule | Very High |
| Family Planning Methods | High |
| Communicable Diseases (TB, Malaria) | High |
| NCD Screening (HTN, Diabetes) | Medium |
| Biomedical Waste Management | Medium |
CHO vs Nursing Officer
| Feature | CHO | Nursing Officer (AIIMS) |
|---|---|---|
| Workplace | Health & Wellness Center (Village) | Tertiary Hospital (City) |
| Role | Primary Care/Public Health | Clinical Care |
| Salary | ₹40k (approx) | ₹80k+ |
| Competition | Moderate | Very High |
Quick Summary
Common Mistakes
Roadmap to Become a CHO
- 1
Check eligibility (B.Sc/GNM + CCH requirement).
- 2
Master the "K. Park" book concepts (or NPrep notes).
- 3
Solve last 3 years papers of your specific state.
- 4
Apply when notification is released.
- 5
Clear the exam and document verification.
- 6
Complete the bridge course (if applicable) and join.