Comprehensive Overview & Notification Background
The National Health Mission (NHM) Thiruvananthapuram has officially released its detailed recruitment notification for the year 2026, targeting dynamic and qualified professionals for the post of Public Relations Officer (PRO). As a critical constituent of Kerala's healthcare infrastructure, the National Health Mission continuously endeavors to strengthen public outreach, healthcare communications, and media management across the district. This recruitment drive aims to fill 2 vacant positions on a contract basis, offering an extraordinary opportunity for media and public relations experts seeking to serve in the public healthcare sector.
Interested candidates who possess the requisite academic qualifications in Journalism, Public Relations, or Mass Communication are invited to register and submit their applications online before the established deadline of 05 September 2026. Prospective applicants are advised to carefully review the complete recruitment advertisement to verify their eligibility criteria, contractual terms, application procedures, and evaluation guidelines before submitting their applications.
Vacancies Breakdown & Educational Eligibility Criteria
The distribution of vacancies under the NHM Thiruvananthapuram Public Relations Officer Recruitment 2026 is summarized below:
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Minimum Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Officer (PRO) | 02 | Master's Degree, Post Graduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Mass Communication, or Journalism from a recognized university/institute. Prior professional experience in public relations or healthcare communication is preferred. |
Candidates must ensure that their educational qualification is obtained from an institution officially recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or state technical education boards. Proficiency in both English and Malayalam, along with strong written and verbal drafting skills, is essential for performing day-to-day public relations and media engagement functions.
Age Limit, Age Relaxation Rules, & Reservation Policy
To be eligible for the Public Relations Officer post under NHM Thiruvananthapuram, applicants must strictly adhere to the designated age regulations as prescribed by the state health authorities:
- Maximum Age Limit: 40 Years (calculated as on the standard cutoff date specified in the official notification).
- Age Relaxation: Relaxations in the upper age limit are permissible for SC, ST, OBC, Person with Disabilities (PwD), and Ex-Servicemen candidates in accordance with the prevailing Kerala Government and National Health Mission rules.
- Reservation Policy: Reservation benefits will be provided to eligible candidates belonging to reserved categories upon producing valid caste/community/category certificates issued by competent authorities.
Pay Scale, Salary Structure, Allowance, & Perks
Selected candidates for the post of Public Relations Officer in NHM Thiruvananthapuram will receive a fixed consolidated monthly remuneration as per the National Health Mission guidelines and Kerala State Health Society pay bands.
- Post Name: Public Relations Officer
- Monthly Remuneration: As per NHM Kerala norms (Consolidated monthly salary).
- Perks & Allowances: Since the engagement is contractual, benefits such as travel allowances for official duties and medical coverages will be governed by the standard rules of the National Health Mission, Kerala.
Selection Process
The selection mechanism for the Public Relations Officer recruitment is designed to evaluate candidates' professional competencies, communication skills, and subject knowledge. The recruitment process generally comprises the following phases:
- Screening & Shortlisting: Initial scrutiny of applications based on academic qualifications, relevant experience, and fulfilled criteria.
- Written Test / Skill Test: Shortlisted candidates may be called for a written assessment or practical drafting skill test evaluating media management, press release preparation, and crisis communication skills.
- Personal Interview: Candidates clearing the written/skill assessment will undergo a personal interview conducted by a duly constituted selection committee.
- Document Verification: Final selection is subject to strict verification of original credentials, academic certificates, experience proof, and identity documents.
Detailed Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
If a written/skill test is organized for shortlisting candidates, the structure of the evaluation will strictly adhere to the following framework:
| Subject / Category | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 | 90 Minutes |
| Public Relations, Journalism & Communication Studies | 50 | 50 | |
| English & Malayalam Drafting Skills | 30 | 30 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
The examination will test both theoretical principles of public relations and practical communication challenges relevant to public health services.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fill the Online Application Form
Eligible candidates can complete the online application process for NHM Thiruvananthapuram Recruitment 2026 by following the structured steps outlined below:
- Visit the official website of National Health Mission Kerala at arogyakeralam.gov.in.
- Navigate to the Opportunities / Careers section and search for the Thiruvananthapuram District Public Relations Officer Recruitment 2026 notification.
- Download and carefully read the official notification PDF to confirm your eligibility.
- Click on the Apply Online link provided for the PRO recruitment.
- Register yourself by entering fundamental personal details, a valid email address, and an active mobile number.
- Fill out the detailed application form, providing accurate academic scores, work experience details, and address details.
- Upload clear scanned copies of required documents, including photograph, signature, educational certificates, and experience letters.
- Verify all filled information carefully before final submission to avoid errors.
- Submit the completed application form on or before 05 September 2026.
- Download and print a copy of the submitted application form for future reference during document verification.
Important Guidelines & Documents Required for Verification
Candidates shortlisted for the interview or document verification stage must present the following original documents along with self-attested photocopies:
- Printed copy of the online submitted application form.
- Secondary School Leaving Certificate (10th Pass) for proof of age.
- Higher Secondary / Degree / Post Graduate degree mark sheets and passing certificates.
- Relevant Degree or Diploma certificates in Journalism / Mass Communication / Public Relations.
- Work experience certificates from past employers, if applicable.
- Caste / Non-Creamy Layer / Community Certificate for reservation claims.
- Valid Photo Identification Card (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License).
- Recent passport-sized colored photographs.