Zilla Swasthya Samiti Sambalpur NHM Walk-in Recruitment 2026 | 33 Vacancies for MO Ayush, Manager, Psychologist & Other Posts

Zilla Swasthya Samiti, Sambalpur Recruitment 2026 – Complete Overview

Zilla Swasthya Samiti, Sambalpur under the National Health Mission (NHM), Odisha has officially released Advertisement No. 395 for the recruitment of medical and paramedical professionals across 19 different posts. A total of 33 vacancies have been announced on a contractual basis for 11 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and requirement. The selection will be conducted through a Walk-in Interview scheduled on 24th and 25th February 2026 at the O/o DPMU, NHM, DHH Sambalpur. Candidates are advised to note that the registration time is strictly between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM only, and no applications will be entertained after this window. This recruitment is unique because the primary criterion for selection is not a written test but the highest length of incumbency under the society in the same post, making it a priority-based hiring for existing contractual employees.

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Eligibility, Unique Selection Process & Key Highlights for Freshers and Experienced Candidates

Unlike conventional government recruitments that rely heavily on written examinations, the Zilla Swasthya Samiti, Sambalpur NHM Recruitment 2026 emphasizes prior service duration under the same society. Candidates who are already working as contractual employees under the Odisha State Health & Family Welfare Society in other districts and desire a posting in Sambalpur district are particularly invited to apply. However, fresh candidates fulfilling the eligibility criteria are also eligible to participate. The notification does not specify detailed educational qualifications in the main body, which is unusual, and candidates are expected to possess the standard qualifications prescribed by the Odisha NHM for respective posts. This walk-in drive is an excellent opportunity for Medical Officers, AYUSH practitioners, Hospital Managers, Block Programme Managers, and specialized roles like Clinical Psychologists and Occupational Therapists to secure a position in the Sambalpur district health setup. The application form must be downloaded from the official district website, filled meticulously, and submitted physically at the venue with all required self-attested documents.

Understanding the Importance of Strict Registration Timeline

The Zilla Swasthya Samiti, Sambalpur has enforced an extremely rigid registration window of only one hour, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on both interview days. This is not a suggestion; it is a strict eligibility filter. In the context of walk-in interviews conducted by government health societies in Odisha, late arrival is the single most common reason for rejection. Candidates often assume that since the interview lasts the entire day, they can arrive late. This is a fatal mistake. The authority has explicitly stated that "no application will be received after scheduled date & time of registration." What does this mean practically? It means that if you reach the venue at 11:05 AM, even if you are the most qualified candidate, your application will not be accepted. The cut-off for age calculation has not been mentioned in the notification, which is unusual. In such cases, the date of the advertisement (11th February 2026) is generally considered the baseline, or candidates may be calculated against the date of interview. It is advisable to keep your age proof ready assuming the advertisement date as the cut-off to avoid last-minute discrepancies. Since no correction window exists, the application you submit at the venue is final. There is no second chance to edit your post preference, category, or personal details. Therefore, the onus of accuracy falls entirely on the candidate before stepping out of their home.

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Zero Application Fee: What It Means for Candidates

The notification does not mention any application fee, and the mode of payment is also not specified. This clearly indicates that the recruitment process is completely free of cost. There is no fee for General, OBC, SC, ST, or any other category. Candidates should be aware of a critical practical implication here: since no fee is collected, there is no financial barrier to entry. This often results in a very high turnout at the venue. However, it also opens the door for fraudulent touts. Unscrupulous elements may contact candidates claiming that there is an "offline processing charge" or "administrative fee" to get their application accepted. Please understand that Zilla Swasthya Samiti does not collect any money at any stage of this recruitment. If anyone demands money in exchange for a application form, preference in selection, or guaranteed job, it is a scam. Report such instances immediately. The absence of a fee also means the recruitment authority does not owe you a refund or any confirmation beyond the physical receipt of your application. Treat this as a direct opportunity where your documents and your presence are the only currency required.

About Vacancy Details: Understanding the Provisional Nature

The Zilla Swasthya Samiti, Sambalpur has advertised 33 vacancies across 19 distinct posts. However, the notification carries a critical disclaimer: "Vacancies are provisional and may increase or decrease depending upon actual vacancy." This is not standard legal jargon; it has a direct and practical impact on your candidature. In the NHM recruitment framework, district societies often advertise positions based on sanctioned strength, but actual vacancies arise only when incumbent employees resign, retire, or are transferred. If a current employee continues or if a freeze is imposed by the Mission Directorate, the vacancy may be reduced or even cancelled without prior notice. Candidates, especially those appearing for single-vacancy posts like Clinical Psychologist or Block Programme Manager, must understand that if the lone vacancy is withheld, the selection for that post may not happen on the interview day. Conversely, if additional needs arise in the district, the number may increase on the spot. The authority reserves the right to cancel any or all applications without assigning any reason. This means that even if you are selected, the appointment is contingent upon the final administrative approval. Do not resign from your current job solely based on this notification. Treat this as a potential opportunity until you have the formal appointment letter in hand.

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About Eligibility Criteria: The Incumbency Rule Explained

This is the most distinctive and misunderstood aspect of this recruitment. The notification explicitly states that "Criteria of selection shall be the highest length of incumbency under the society." This is not a typical eligibility criterion; it is the selection method itself. In plain language, the candidate who has served the longest in the exact same post under the Zilla Swasthya Samiti or Odisha State Health & Family Welfare Society will be selected, provided they belong to the correct reservation category. The phrase "last uninterrupted service in the same post under the Society shall be taken into account" is legally significant. If you worked for 3 years, took a break of even one day, and then rejoined, only the most recent continuous stretch counts. Gaps in service reset the incumbency clock. This rule heavily favors existing contractual employees of NHM Odisha who are seeking a transfer to Sambalpur district. Fresh candidates, unless they possess extraordinary qualifications, will find it extremely difficult to compete against an incumbent with 4-5 years of continuous service. Therefore, before applying, honestly assess whether you have prior NHM service. If you do, attach your experience certificates and NOC-cum-Continuation Certificate meticulously. If you are a fresher, focus on posts where the incumbent pool is shallow, such as specialized DEIC roles or newly created positions.

Decoding the Reservation Matrix for AYUSH Officers

The Zilla Swasthya Samiti has provided an extremely detailed caste-wise breakdown for AYUSH posts, but has conspicuously omitted it for the remaining 15 non-AYUSH positions. This creates a two-tier information scenario. For MO AYUSH posts, the reservation policy is explicitly implemented with vertical (ST/SC/UR) and horizontal (Female) reservation components. Noticeably, OBC and EWS categories are absent from this distribution. Candidates belonging to OBC and EWS categories are not represented in the provided breakdown for these specific AYUSH posts. This may indicate that either these posts are not currently available for OBC/EWS quota in this particular recruitment cycle, or they are categorized under the "UR" (Unreserved) male/female slots. For ST candidates, this is an exceptionally favorable recruitment drive. Out of 18 AYUSH vacancies, 12 are reserved for ST candidates (9 Male + 3 Female). This constitutes 66% reservation, far exceeding the standard ST percentage in Odisha. This suggests that Sambalpur district, having a significant tribal population, is prioritizing local tribal medical officers to serve in remote co-locational facilities and RBSK mobile health teams. If you are an ST candidate with a BAMS, BHMS, or BUMS degree and prior NHM experience, your chances of selection are statistically very high.

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The Missing Category Data: A Compliance Risk

For critical posts like Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatric Nurse, Block Programme Manager, and Jr. Hospital Manager, the notification is silent on category-wise vacancy distribution. Does this mean all these 15 posts are Unreserved? Not necessarily. In NHM Odisha recruitments, the district societies often apply the roaster on the day of the interview based on the existing backlog and current district-level reservation roaster. The absence of printed data means the interview panel has administrative discretion to adjust the category at the time of selection. For candidates, this is a double-edged sword. If you are a General category candidate and the roaster point on that day falls under ST, you may be overlooked despite being the senior-most incumbent. Conversely, if you are an SC/ST candidate and the roaster aligns with your category, you may be selected even if your incumbency is slightly lower than a UR candidate. The safest approach is to assume nothing. Prepare your category certificate diligently. Even if the post is not explicitly marked as reserved in the notification, the authority may still apply reservation during the selection process. Do not walk in assuming all non-AYUSH posts are open for general competition.

Why There is No Exam Pattern and What It Means for You

This recruitment notification is distinctly different from UPSC, SSC, or State PSC exams. There is no syllabus, no written paper, no negative marking, and no cut-off marks. The absence of an "Exam Pattern" is not an oversight; it is the core feature. The Zilla Swasthya Samiti is not conducting a competitive examination to test your knowledge; they are conducting a verification camp to validate your service length. This is essentially a "seniority-based absorption" drive disguised as a recruitment notification. For candidates who have been working on a contractual basis for years without job security, this is a golden opportunity to formalize their standing in the Sambalpur district. However, for fresh medical graduates or postgraduates, this presents a unique challenge. Since no marks are awarded for higher qualifications, publications, or interview performance, a fresh MBBS or BAMS graduate cannot outrank a candidate who has served even one day longer in the same post under the society. The only scenario where a fresher gets selected is if no incumbent candidate from the same post applies, or if the incumbent candidates all belong to a different reservation category than the one available on the roaster. Therefore, manage your expectations. If you are a fresh candidate, apply for niche roles like Occupational Therapist or Clinical Psychologist where the existing incumbent pool in Odisha NHM is relatively small.

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Physical Eligibility: Why It is Not Applicable

The notification does not mention any physical eligibility criteria such as height, weight, chest expansion, or endurance tests. This is because the roles advertised are predominantly clinical, managerial, or technical in nature. Medical Officers, Block Programme Managers, and Social Workers are not field combatants or police constables; they operate within hospital premises, district program management units, or urban health centers. Therefore, candidates should not worry about physical measurements. However, the absence of physical standards does not mean the absence of medical fitness. Selected candidates will likely be required to submit a medical fitness certificate at the time of joining, certifying that they are free from contagious diseases and are physically capable of performing hospital duties. This is a standard administrative requirement for all health sector jobs. If you have any disability, the RPwD Act 2016 protections apply, and you should claim appropriate reservation benefits if applicable and notified by the authority.

Understanding the 11-Month Contract and Extendability Clause

The notification does not specify the exact salary or pay scale for any of the 19 posts. While this may seem like a major omission, it is consistent with how NHM Odisha district-level walk-ins are often conducted. The salary is usually fixed as per the standard NHM Odisha remuneration for that specific post, which is non-negotiable and uniform across districts. For example, a MO SNCU typically draws a monthly remuneration between Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 75,000 depending on the scheme, while a Block Programme Manager may draw around Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000. Candidates are advised to refer to previous Sambalpur NHM notifications or check the official website for the standard remuneration circular. The 11-month contract period is significant. Under NHM guidelines, contracts are renewed on a financial year basis or on a project cycle basis. An 11-month contract often indicates a gap before the next renewal cycle, preventing the employee from claiming continuous service of one full year for gratuity or regularization purposes. The phrase "extendable depending upon requirement and suitability" means that renewal is not automatic. It is subject to fund availability from the central government, your performance rating, and the political-administrative will of the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO). Candidates, especially those leaving permanent jobs elsewhere, must weigh this contractual uncertainty against the stability of their current employment.

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Syllabus: Why There is None and What You Should Prepare

Since the selection is not based on a written examination, there is no prescribed syllabus. However, this does not mean the interview panel will ask you nothing. While incumbency is the primary filter, the walk-in interview still serves as a verification and suitability assessment. For Medical Officer posts, be prepared for basic clinical questions relevant to SNCU, RBSK, or DEIC protocols. For managerial posts like Block Programme Manager and Data Manager, the panel may ask about HMIS data entry, Kayakalp assessments, or National Health Programs. For DEIC posts (Dental Technician, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker), technical questions regarding therapeutic equipment, community outreach, and disability assessment scales are likely. The interview is also a test of your communication skills and your understanding of the job role. Since the application form explicitly asks for "Computer literacy," expect a basic oral assessment regarding your proficiency with MS Office, particularly Excel for data-related posts. Do not walk in completely unprepared assuming that only your service length will be checked. The panel still retains the discretion to deem a candidate unsuitable if they fail to demonstrate basic functional knowledge during the brief interaction.

How to Fill Application Form: Avoiding the 7 Most Common Mistakes

The application form for this recruitment is a physical document that you must download from the Sambalpur district website. It is not an online form. This analog process is where most candidates fail. First, the form must be filled in Block Letters (capital letters). Handwriting in cursive or lowercase is often rejected by scrutinizers. Second, the field "Age as on date of advertisement" must be calculated and filled accurately. Since the cut-off date is not mentioned, use 11.02.2026 as the base. Third, the "Employment Record" section is the most important part of this application. You must list your employment chronologically, with particular emphasis on your "last uninterrupted service in the same post." Do not merge multiple tenures. If you served from 2022-2023 and again from 2024-2026, write them as two separate entries and clearly mark which one is your current continuous service. Fourth, the declaration clause is legally binding. You are declaring that you have not been previously disengaged on grounds of disobedience, poor performance, misbehavior, or criminal activities. If you have a history of termination, filling this form without disclosing it (if asked) constitutes perjury. However, the form does not explicitly ask "Have you been terminated?" It asks you to declare the negative. Consult the specific wording. Fifth, the photograph must be colour, passport size, and self-attested. Self-attestation means your signature across the photo, not just on the corner. Sixth, incomplete applications are explicitly marked for rejection. An application is incomplete if even one column is left blank. If a column is not applicable, write "N/A" or "Not Applicable". Do not leave it empty. Seventh, the application must be submitted physically. There is no email or speed post option. You must be present at the venue between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. No proxy applications are allowed.

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Documents Required: The 'Self-Attested' Trap and NOC Importance

The notification lists several documents, but three are absolute deal-breakers. The first is the "NOC-cum-Continuation Certificate of current employment." This is mandatory if you are currently working under any Odisha SH&FW Society. This certificate serves two purposes: it proves your current employment status, and it certifies that you have no disciplinary proceedings pending. If you fail to attach this, your application will be rejected even if you have 10 years of service. The second critical item is the "Experience certificate of previous employment." The notification specifies "previous employment," which means every job you have held, not just the current one. Candidates often only attach the current experience letter and ignore previous ones. This is a mistake. The selection panel needs to verify the continuity and length of your total incumbency. Gaps in documentation may be interpreted as gaps in service. Third, all documents must be "self-attested." This does not mean just putting a signature on the last page. Every single photocopy of every mark sheet and certificate must bear your signature and the date of attestation. If you are submitting a 50-page bundle and only the top page is signed, the remaining 49 pages are considered unattested and therefore invalid. Use a blue or black pen. Do not use a stamp. The only exception is the photograph, where the attestation is usually across the photo. Prepare your document bundle in this order: Application Form (with photograph pasted), NOC-cum-Continuation Certificate, Current Employment Certificate, Previous Employment Certificates, Educational Qualification Certificates (highest degree first), High School Certificate (age proof), Caste Certificate. Use a clip or staple the left corner securely. Do not use spiral binding or transparent folders; the officials need to easily extract documents for verification.

Contractual Nature and Future Career Implications

All positions under this recruitment are strictly contractual for an initial period of 11 months. There is no provision for automatic regularization or permanent absorption into the Zilla Swasthya Samiti or the Odisha government service. Candidates must understand that NHM jobs operate on the principle of "continuation subject to scheme availability and fund release." If the National Health Mission budget is cut, or if the specific program (RBSK, DEIC, NUHM, DMHP) is restructured, your contract may not be renewed regardless of your performance. However, this does not mean the job lacks value. Working as a contractual Medical Officer or Programme Manager under NHM provides invaluable exposure to public health administration, government protocols, and large-scale program implementation. This experience is highly regarded for future recruitment in state medical services, insurance companies, NGOs, and international health organizations. Candidates should treat this as a strategic career move to gain government sector experience while continuing to prepare for permanent positions. The fact that the selection criteria heavily weights incumbency indicates that the society values continuity and institutional memory. If you are selected and perform well, the probability of multiple renewals over several years is high, providing a stable, albeit contractual, career trajectory.

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Invitation to Inter-District Candidates: A Rare Opportunity

The notification contains a clause that is often overlooked but is highly significant: "Contractual employees of NHM working in same post under OSH&FW Society in other district desiring posting in Sambalpur district against vacant posts invited." This is an explicit invitation for transfer. If you are currently working in Balangir, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, or any other Odisha district under the same society and in the same post, you are eligible and encouraged to apply for Sambalpur. This is usually driven by either a shortage of eligible local candidates or a specific administrative need. For candidates currently serving in distant or remote districts, this is a golden opportunity to relocate to Sambalpur, which is a major city and district headquarters with better educational facilities, healthcare infrastructure, and connectivity. However, the "NOC-cum-Continuation Certificate" becomes absolutely critical for you. Without a No Objection Certificate from your current District Programme Manager, your application will not be accepted. Do not assume your current employer will automatically issue this. Request it well in advance, citing the specific advertisement number. This clause also implies that incumbency from your current district will be counted. Your service in, say, Koraput, will be considered valid experience for selection in Sambalpur.

Reservation and Roster Management

While the notification provides detailed category breaks for AYUSH posts, it is silent on the roaster point for other posts. The Zilla Swasthya Samiti follows the Odisha state government reservation policy. SC, ST, SEBC/OBC, and EWS reservations are applicable as per prevailing norms. Women candidates are entitled to horizontal reservation as per state rules. Candidates belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) must possess an EWS certificate valid for the financial year 2025-26 or 2026-27, issued by the competent Tehsildar. OBC candidates must produce Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificates. The district authority reserves the right to adjust the roaster on the day of selection based on the total number of applicants and the district vacancy roaster. This means that even if a post is advertised as UR, it may be filled by an ST candidate if the roaster point dictates so. Conversely, if sufficient ST candidates are not available, the post may be de-reserved and filled by a UR candidate. This fluidity is legally permissible under the recruitment guidelines. Therefore, do not be discouraged if the category distribution for your preferred post is not published; apply irrespective of your category, provided you have valid documents.

1. What is the last date to apply for Zilla Swasthya Samiti Sambalpur Recruitment 2026?

There is no online application or postal last date. The only deadline is the registration time at the venue: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on 24th February 2026 (Posts 1-8) and 25th February 2026 (Posts 9-19). No candidate will be registered after 11:00 AM.

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2. Is the application fee really zero? Are there any hidden charges?

Yes, the application fee is zero. Zilla Swasthya Samiti does not charge any fee for this walk-in recruitment. Beware of touts or middlemen demanding money for forms or selection guarantees. The process is completely free.

3. I don't have any prior work experience in NHM. Can I still apply for the MO Ayush post?

Yes, you can apply. However, your selection will depend on whether any candidate with incumbency (prior service in same post) from the applicable reservation category applies. If a reserved category candidate with even one day of service applies, they will be preferred over you.

4. The notification does not mention educational qualifications. What degrees are required for MO Ayush?

The notification body omitted qualifications, but standard NHM norms apply. For Homoeopathic: BHMS from a recognized university and registered under CCH. For Ayurvedic: BAMS from recognized university and registered under CCIM. For Unani: BUMS and registration. Candidates must possess these degrees.

5. I am currently working in NHM Jharsuguda. Can I apply for the Sambalpur Block Programme Manager post?

Yes, the notification specifically invites contractual employees from other districts. You must obtain and attach an NOC-cum-Continuation Certificate from your current DPMU. Your incumbency from Jharsuguda will be counted towards your total service length.

6. What is the salary for the Clinical Psychologist (DMHP) post?

Salary is not mentioned in the notification. Typically, under NHM Odisha DMHP, Clinical Psychologists receive a monthly remuneration between Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000. Exact figures should be confirmed from the DPMU Sambalpur or previous district NHM notifications.

7. I am from SC category. Do I have any reservation benefit for the Jr. Hospital Manager post?

Category distribution for Jr. Hospital Manager is not published. However, reservation will be applied on the interview day based on the district roaster. Bring your valid SC certificate. If the roaster point for that vacancy falls under SC, you will be eligible.

8. I made a mistake in the application form after reaching the venue. Can I get a new form?

No. There is no correction window or re-issuance of forms at the venue. You must bring a correctly filled, pre-prepared application form. It is advisable to carry one or two extra blank, pre-downloaded forms and a spare pen for emergencies.

9. What is meant by "last uninterrupted service" for incumbency calculation?

It means your most recent continuous employment period under the Odisha SH&FW Society without any break. If you resigned and rejoined, only the period after your last joining date counts. Gaps in service (even of one day) break the continuity.

10. The venue is DHH Sambalpur. Does DHH stand for District Headquarters Hospital?

Yes, DHH stands for District Headquarters Hospital. The Office of the DPMU (District Programme Management Unit) is located within the premises of the District Headquarters Hospital, Sambalpur, Odisha, PIN-768002. Use Google Maps for precise navigation.

11. I have two years of experience as a Medical Officer in a private hospital. Will this count as incumbency?

No. "Incumbency under the society" specifically means service under the Odisha State Health & Family Welfare Society or Zilla Swasthya Samiti. Private sector experience will not be counted for the 'length of incumbency' selection criterion, but you should still attach the experience certificate.

12. Do I need to bring original documents or only self-attested photocopies?

The notification specifies "self-attested photocopies" for submission. However, you must bring all original certificates for verification by the interview panel. The originals will be returned to you; the photocopies will be retained by the Samiti.