1. Introduction

For job seekers in Arunachal Pradesh, every government notification must be read with one hard question in mind:
“Is this actually meant for candidates like us, or will applying only waste time and money?”

This ECHS recruitment is a central government contractual hiring under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, but it is specifically for ECHS Polyclinics under Station Headquarters Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala).

That geographical fact alone changes everything for Arunachal aspirants.

This article explains:

  • Who from Arunachal Pradesh should realistically apply
  • Who should clearly avoid it
  • And why this recruitment is very different from APPSC or Arunachal state jobs

No hype. Only ground reality.

2. Key Details (Verified from Official Notification)

ParticularDetails
Recruiting AuthorityEx-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)
Polyclinic LocationThiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Nature of EmploymentPurely contractual (11 or 12 months)
Total Vacancies172 (post-wise listed below)
Application ModeOffline (by post only)
Last Date10 February 2026
Official Websitehttps://www.echs.gov.in
Selection ProcessScrutiny → Written Test (for most posts) → Interview
Job SecurityContractual; renewable at discretion

3. Vacancy & Eligibility - Explained for Arunachal Candidates

Important context:
ECHS jobs are not regular Sarkari posts, and not state cadre jobs. They are short-term contracts, heavily tilted towards:

  • Retired Armed Forces personnel
  • Experienced medical and paramedical staff
  • Candidates already familiar with defence health systems

Posts Available (Total 172)

  • Officer-in-Charge Polyclinic - 05
  • Medical Officers - 32
  • Dental Officers - 14
  • Specialists (Gynaecologist, Radiologist, Gen Med, etc.)
  • Paramedical Staff (Pharmacist, Lab Tech, Nursing Assistant, Radiographer, etc.)
  • Support Staff (Clerk/DEO, Driver, Peon, Safaiwala, Chowkidar)

Ground Reality for Arunachal Aspirants

Who is realistically suitable:

  • Retired Army/Navy/Air Force personnel originally from Arunachal Pradesh
  • Medical professionals from Arunachal already willing to relocate to Kerala
  • Candidates with strong experience, not freshers
  • Those comfortable with short-term contracts and uncertainty

Who should avoid applying:

  • Fresh graduates from Arunachal hoping for job security
  • Candidates looking for posting within Arunachal Pradesh
  • Aspirants preparing seriously for APPSC / Arunachal state exams
  • Anyone expecting long-term government service or pension

4. Location & Posting Reality (Very Important)

Let us be blunt.

  • Posting is 100% in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
  • No home-state preference
  • No transfer to Arunachal Pradesh
  • High language and cultural adjustment (Malayalam-dominant region)
  • Cost of living much higher than most Arunachal districts
  • Travel itself is expensive and time-consuming

If relocation is not acceptable, stop here and skip this recruitment.

5. How to Apply - Practical Walkthrough

  1. Download the editable PDF application form from ECHS website
  2. Fill details carefully (typed, not handwritten)
  3. Attach:
    • Educational certificates
    • Experience certificates (mandatory for almost all posts)
    • Aadhaar & PAN
    • Medical fitness certificate
    • PPO & Discharge Book (for Ex-Servicemen)
  4. Send by post to:
    Station Headquarters (ECHS), Pangode, Thirumala PO, Thiruvananthapuram - 695006
  5. Application must reach before 10 Feb 2026

Common mistakes Arunachal candidates make:

  • Missing experience certificates
  • Assuming online submission exists (it does NOT)
  • Sending applications late due to postal delays
  • Applying for multiple posts incorrectly

6. Salary, Growth & Career Outlook (No Illusions)

Salary (Contractual):

  • Doctors: ₹95,000 - ₹1,30,000 per month / per-day rates
  • Paramedical staff: ₹36,500 per month
  • Clerk/DEO: ₹29,200 per month
  • Support staff: ₹21,800 - ₹25,600 per month

Reality Check:

  • No DA, no HRA, no pension
  • Tax deducted at source
  • Contract can end with one-month notice
  • No promotion ladder like state government jobs

This is income-focused work, not a career-building Sarkari service.

7. Preparation Strategy (If You Still Apply)

This is not an APPSC-style exam.

Focus on:

  • Domain knowledge (medical / technical)
  • Practical experience-based questions
  • Document readiness
  • Interview preparedness over written exam obsession

No need for heavy GK or current affairs preparation.

8. Pros & Cons (Mandatory Honesty)

Pros

  • Decent short-term income
  • Central government-backed scheme
  • Suitable for retired defence personnel
  • Lower competition than all-India exams

Cons

  • No job security
  • No Arunachal posting
  • High relocation burden
  • Not suitable for young aspirants
  • Contract renewal uncertain

9. Applicant Checklist (Arunachal-Specific)

Before applying, confirm:

  • ✔ Willingness to relocate to Kerala
  • ✔ Experience certificates available
  • ✔ Postal submission feasible before deadline
  • ✔ No expectation of permanent job
  • ✔ Financial calculation done (stay + travel)

If any answer is “No”, do not apply.

10. Final Advice from a Mentor

For most young job seekers in Arunachal Pradesh, this recruitment is not worth your time.

Your effort is better spent on:

  • APPSC examinations
  • Arunachal state department recruitments
  • Border-area central postings with local preference
  • Long-term regular service roles

However, if you are:

  • A retired defence person from Arunachal
  • Or an experienced medical professional seeking short-term income
  • And relocation is not a problem

Then this ECHS recruitment can make sense.

Choose wisely. In Arunachal Pradesh, opportunity cost is everything.

11. FAQs (Arunachal Candidates)

Q. Is there any posting in Arunachal Pradesh?
Not available. All vacancies are for Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Q. Is this a permanent Sarkari job?
No. Purely contractual for 11-12 months.

Q. Is tribal or domicile certificate required?
Not mentioned in the notification.

Q. Is online application available?
No. Offline only.

Q. Should fresh graduates from Arunachal apply?
No. This recruitment clearly favors experienced candidates.