NHM JK Psychiatrist Recruitment 2026 – Apply Offline for 15 Posts

The National Health Mission Jammu and Kashmir (NHM JK) has issued an official notification for the recruitment of 15 Psychiatrist (Specialist) positions under the District Mental Health Programme. This recruitment aims to strengthen mental healthcare services across the union territory and address the growing need for psychiatric care in both urban and rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir. ## About National Health Mission Jammu & Kashmir The National Health Mission (NHM) in Jammu & Kashmir operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, with the primary objective of providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services to all residents of the union territory. NHM J&K implements various health programs including maternal and child health, communicable disease control, non-communicable disease management, and mental health services. The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) is a flagship initiative under NHM aimed at providing community-based mental health services, reducing stigma associated with mental illness, and ensuring availability of psychiatric care at the district level. ## About District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) The District Mental Health Programme was launched to integrate mental health services with general health services at the district level. The program focuses on: - Early detection and treatment of mental disorders - Community awareness about mental health - Training of general healthcare staff in mental health - Establishment of outpatient and inpatient facilities for psychiatric care - Suicide prevention and crisis intervention - Rehabilitation of persons with mental illness - Reducing stigma and discrimination Given the unique socio-political challenges and stress factors in Jammu & Kashmir, mental health services are crucial for the well-being of the population. The recruitment of psychiatrists will significantly enhance the capacity to deliver specialized mental healthcare. ## Recruitment Overview **Advertisement Number:** SHS/NHM/J&K/7125832/15154 **Total Vacancies:** 15 Posts **Post Name:** Psychiatrist (Specialist) - District Mental Health Programme **Job Location:** District-wise posting across Jammu & Kashmir **Regional Distribution:** - Kashmir Division: 5 Posts - Jammu Division: 10 Posts **Notification Date:** 05 February 2026 **Last Date for Application:** 26 February 2026 **Application Mode:** Offline (By Post/Hand Delivery) ## Detailed Post Information **Position:** Psychiatrist (Specialist) **Grade:** Specialist-level medical officer **Reporting:** District Chief Medical Officer / District Mental Health Coordinator **Job Responsibilities:** 1. **Clinical Services:** - Outpatient psychiatric consultations at District Hospitals and CHCs - Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning for mental disorders - Prescription of psychotropic medications and monitoring - Management of psychiatric emergencies - Follow-up care and rehabilitation services 2. **Community Outreach:** - Conducting mental health camps in remote areas - Community-based screening programs - Home visits for severely ill patients unable to travel - Coordination with Community Health Workers (ASHAs, ANMs) 3. **Training and Capacity Building:** - Training medical officers and paramedical staff in mental health - Workshops for ASHA workers on mental health awareness - Continuing medical education programs - Sensitization programs for police, teachers, and community leaders 4. **Program Management:** - Implementation of DMHP activities at district level - Maintenance of patient records and reporting - Coordination with other health programs (NCD, Maternal Health) - Monitoring and evaluation of mental health services 5. **IEC Activities:** - Conducting awareness campaigns about mental health - Organizing events on World Mental Health Day - Media interactions to reduce stigma - Development of IEC materials in local languages ## Eligibility Criteria - Educational Qualification ### Essential Qualifications: **Basic Medical Degree:** - MBBS from a medical college recognized by National Medical Commission (NMC) - The MBBS degree must be from an institution listed in the NMC website - Completion of mandatory rotating internship of one year - Valid registration with any State Medical Council or Indian Medical Council **Post-Graduate Specialization (Mandatory):** Candidates must possess ONE of the following post-graduate qualifications in Psychiatry: 1. **MD (Doctor of Medicine) in Psychiatry** - Three-year post-graduate degree from NMC recognized medical college - Completion of residency training with clinical rotations 2. **DNB (Diplomate of National Board) in Psychiatry** - Three-year DNB program recognized by National Board of Examinations - Equivalent to MD for the purpose of employment **Registration Requirements:** - Valid and current registration with any State Medical Council in India - Registration certificate should not be expired or suspended - Registration number must be provided in the application - Candidates selected must obtain J&K Medical Council registration before joining (if not already registered) ### Desirable Qualifications: While not mandatory, following will be given preference: - Post-doctoral fellowship (DM) in sub-specialties (Child Psychiatry, Addiction, etc.) - Previous experience in District Mental Health Programme - Experience in community mental health or rural psychiatry - Publications in peer-reviewed psychiatry journals - Training in psychotherapy modalities (CBT, DBT, etc.) - Experience in disaster mental health or trauma care - Knowledge of Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, or other local languages ## Experience Requirements **Minimum Experience:** Not specifically mentioned, but freshers (candidates who have just completed MD/DNB) are eligible to apply. **Preferred Experience:** - 1-3 years of post-qualification experience in psychiatry practice - Experience in government hospitals or public health programs - Community psychiatry experience - Work experience in challenging or remote areas **For Fresh MD/DNB Holders:** - Freshly qualified psychiatrists who have completed their degree within the last 2 years can apply - Must have completed all academic requirements and obtained degree certificate - Provisional degree holders may apply but must submit final degree at joining ## Age Limit **Maximum Age:** 65 Years (as on the last date of application) **Minimum Age:** 21 Years (implicitly, as MBBS + MD/DNB requires minimum age) **Age Relaxation:** Being a contractual position with liberal age limit, no specific age relaxation mentioned. However, the maximum age of 65 years allows: - Fresh post-graduates to apply - Experienced psychiatrists to apply - Retired government doctors to join on contract - Senior consultants from private sector This liberal age policy aims to attract both young talent and experienced professionals to serve in J&K. **Age Calculation:** Age will be calculated as on the last date of receipt of application (26 February 2026) ## Salary and Benefits ### Monthly Consolidated Salary: **Fixed Remuneration:** Rs. 85,000/- per month (Rupees Eighty-Five Thousand Only) **Nature of Payment:** - Consolidated monthly remuneration (no breakup into basic, DA, HRA) - No additional allowances beyond this fixed amount - Payment on contractual basis - Salary credited monthly to bank account through direct transfer ### Contract Terms: **Initial Contract Period:** 11 months (renewable) **Renewal:** Based on performance evaluation and program requirement **Maximum Contract Duration:** Can be renewed annually up to age of superannuation or program duration ### Benefits Included: 1. **Leave Provisions:** - Casual Leave: 10 days per year - Medical Leave: As per requirement with medical certificate - No accumulation of leave for encashment 2. **Professional Benefits:** - CME (Continuing Medical Education) opportunities - Training programs organized by NHM - Attendance at conferences (subject to availability of funds) - Access to online medical resources 3. **Service Benefits:** - Experience certificate after contract completion - This experience counts for future government job applications - Participation in state-level mental health initiatives - Networking with mental health professionals across J&K ### What is NOT Included: - No Provident Fund (PF) or pension benefits - No medical insurance coverage (except treatment in govt hospitals) - No residential accommodation provided - No transport allowance - No LTC or other government perks - No provision for absorption into regular posts **Comparison with Regular Govt Posts:** While the salary of Rs. 85,000/- may appear modest compared to private practice, consider: - Regular working hours (no night emergencies typically) - Weekends off in most cases - Opportunity to serve underserved populations - Gain diverse clinical experience - Government sector experience valuable for career - Can continue limited private practice in free time (subject to rules) ## Selection Process The selection will be conducted through the following stages: **Stage 1: Scrutiny of Applications** - All applications received by the deadline will be screened - Verification of educational qualifications (MBBS + MD/DNB) - Check of registration with Medical Council - Age verification - Incomplete applications rejected at this stage **Stage 2: Shortlisting** - Eligible candidates will be shortlisted based on: - Qualification (MD vs DNB) - Year of passing (recent graduates preferred) - Experience in relevant fields - Publications and research work - Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email/SMS **Stage 3: Interview/Walk-in-Interview** - Candidates called for personal interview - Interview before a selection committee comprising: - Senior psychiatrists - Health department officials - NHM representatives **Interview Assessment Criteria:** - Clinical knowledge in psychiatry - Understanding of community mental health - Communication skills and empathy - Commitment to serve in difficult areas - Cultural sensitivity - Previous work experience - Ability to work in resource-limited settings **Stage 4: Document Verification** Selected candidates must produce original documents: - MBBS degree and mark sheets - MD/DNB Psychiatry degree certificate - Internship completion certificate - Medical Council registration certificate - Experience certificates (if claiming experience) - Identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN) - Recent passport-size photographs - Any other certificates claimed in application **Stage 5: Medical Fitness** - Medical examination to ensure fitness for the post - Should be free from communicable diseases - Physical and mental fitness to perform duties **Final Merit List:** - Based on interview performance and experience - Separate merit lists for Kashmir and Jammu divisions - Selected candidates will be offered posting in specific districts