ESIC Insurance Medical Officer Recruitment 2026 offers a golden opportunity for qualified medical professionals seeking stable government jobs with attractive perks. With 225 posts available and the application deadline set for 17 February 2026, aspiring doctors must act swiftly to secure their spot in this prestigious role.​
Recruitment Overview
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has launched a major drive to fill 225 Insurance Medical Officer (IMO) Grade-II positions across its network of hospitals and dispensaries nationwide. This recruitment targets MBBS graduates passionate about public healthcare, offering direct recruitment into a central government cadre with job security and growth potential.​
These posts fall under the All India Common Recruitment Process, ensuring fair selection through a transparent, merit-based system. ESIC, a key pillar of India’s social security framework, manages health services for millions of insured workers, making IMO roles central to delivering quality medical care.​
Key Dates and Vacancy Details
Applications opened recently, with the last date fixed at 17 February 2026. Out of 225 total vacancies, allocations span UR, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS categories to promote inclusivity. Selected candidates will join ESIC hospitals, handling clinical duties, patient management, and preventive health initiatives.​
The pay scale starts at Level-10 (Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500), including DA, HRA, and medical allowances, translating to a comfortable CTC exceeding Rs. 80,000 monthly for freshers in metro cities. Promotions to higher grades like Specialist MO are possible after service tenure.​
Eligibility Criteria
Aspiring candidates need an MBBS degree from an MCI/NMC-recognized institution, plus permanent registration with the Medical Council of India or respective State Medical Council. Age eligibility caps at 35 years (relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST, 3 for OBC, and more for PwD categories as per govt norms).​
No prior experience is mandatory, making it ideal for fresh MBBS graduates or house surgeons. However, preference may go to those with internship completion or rural service exposure. Candidates must ensure all documents—like degree certificates, registration proofs, and caste/disability certificates—are ready before applying.​
Application Process Step-by-Step
Applying is straightforward via the official ESIC portal (esic.nic.in):
- Visit the recruitment section and select the IMO Gr-II link.​
- Complete one-time registration with basic details, then log in for the main form.​
- Fill personal, educational, and address info accurately; upload scanned photo, signature, and documents in prescribed formats (JPEG, <50KB).​
- Pay the fee online (Rs. 500 for UR/OBC/EWS males; exempted for females, SC/ST/PwD/ESIC employees).​
- Submit and download the acknowledgment—deadline is 17 Feb 2026, 11:59 PM.​
Pro tip: Apply early to dodge server glitches. Double-check details against originals to avoid rejection at verification stage.​
Selection Procedure
ESIC follows a single-stage Computer-Based Test (CBT) worth 200 marks, covering General Intelligence (25 marks), General Awareness (25), English (50), and domain-specific subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Medicine, Surgery, and ESIC schemes (100 marks). No negative marking; 0.25 per wrong answer in some sections.​
Post-CBT, shortlisted candidates undergo document verification. Merit lists are category-wise, with tie-breakers based on age (seniority favors older candidates). Expect CBT in major cities within 1-2 months post-deadline; admit cards downloadable online.​
Salary Structure and Benefits
IMO Gr-II starts at Rs. 56,100 basic pay (7th CPC Level-10), with annual increments. Total emoluments include:
- Dearness Allowance (currently ~50% of basic).​
- House Rent Allowance (24-27% based on city class).​
- Transport Allowance, Medical reimbursement, and NPS contributions.​
Additional perks: 30 days earned leave, study leave, subsidized housing/quarters, CGHS-equivalent health coverage for family, and pension under NPS. Work-life balance shines with fixed shifts (usually 8 hours) and no private practice restrictions in initial years.​
Job Profile and Career Growth
IMOs manage OPD/IPD services, emergencies, diagnostics, and public health programs in ESIC facilities. Rotational duties build expertise in general medicine, surgery, and insurance-linked healthcare. Postings favor metros like Delhi, Mumbai, but transfers possible pan-India.​
Career progression: Seniority-based promotion to IMO Gr-I (after 4 years), then Specialist Cadre via departmental exams. Many transition to ESIC Director roles or state health services. The role suits doctors valuing stability over high private earnings.​
Preparation Strategy
With just days left, focus on:
- Core Subjects: Revise MBBS fundamentals—Pathology, Pharmacology, Medicine (use standard texts like Harrison’s, Robbins).​
- GK/Reasoning: Cover current affairs (last 6 months), ESIC Act 1948, healthcare schemes (PMJAY, Ayushman Bharat).​
- Mock Tests: Practice 5-10 full-length CBTs; aim 150+ score for safe selection.​
- Time Management: Allocate 40% to medical MCQs, 30% English, 30% GA/Reasoning.​
Resources: ESIC previous papers, Adda247/Gradeup mocks, NCERT for basics. Stay updated via official site; no interviews, so CBT is king.​
Why Choose ESIC IMO?
In a competitive medical job market, ESIC IMO stands out for zero interview hassle, quick joining (within 6 months), and work-from-hospital stability. It aligns with ‘Doctor for Nation’ ethos, serving working-class families affordably. For Delhi-based aspirants, metro postings boost convenience.​
Compared to SSC/UPSC medical posts, ESIC offers faster recruitment cycles and dedicated insurance medicine exposure. Post-NEET PG, this is a solid backup for service aspirants.​
Common Queries (FAQs)
Q: Can final-year MBBS apply? A: No, degree and MCI registration mandatory by application date.​
Q: Is there physical test? A: No, only CBT and DV.​
Q: Posting preferences? A: All-India, but home-state requests considered post-selection.​
Q: Age relaxation for PH? A: Up to 15 years.​
Don’t miss this—225 ESIC IMO posts close on 17 Feb 2026. Apply now, prepare smartly, and step into a rewarding public service career. Share your MBBS status or doubts for tailored advice!