Bihar’s State Health Department, through the National Health Mission (NHM), has launched a large recruitment drive to strengthen healthcare services across the state. The initiative focuses on strengthening pathological testing services and ensuring high-quality health care in Sadar Hospitals, Sub-Divisional Hospitals, Referral Hospitals, Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres, and Health & Wellness Centres.
This recruitment drive is important because of Bihar’s expanding health programs, including the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) and the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF). National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Management Program (NIDDCP), National Viral Hepatitis Management Scheme (NVHCP), National Initiative for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disorders, and Stroke (NPCDCS), Blood Bank/BBSU, and Integrated Disease programs. Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Health and Wellness Centres (HWC), and National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).
Online applications are now invited from eligible candidates for filling vacant contractual posts of Senior Laboratory Technician (SLT) and Laboratory Technician (LT) under these national health programs.
Objective of the Recruitment
- Provide better and quality health facilities to the general public across Bihar.
- Strengthen pathological and diagnostic services in government hospitals and health centers.
- Support ongoing and upcoming health initiatives under the National Health Mission.
- Ensure efficient and accurate laboratory testing for diseases such as tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, fluorosis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and more.
By appointing skilled professionals in laboratory technology, the Bihar NHM aims to improve early detection and treatment outcomes for critical health conditions while enhancing community health services.
Important Date
- Start Date of Online Application: Immediately (as per notification, available on NHM Bihar portal)
- Last Date to Apply Online: 3rd September 2025
- Cut-off Date for Age Limit: 1st August 2025
- Cut-off Date for Educational Qualification & Work Experience: 1st August 2025
Application Fee
The application fee is payable online using Internet Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI. Transaction charges may apply. Fees are:
| Candidate Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / BC / EBC / EWS | ₹500/- |
| SC / ST (Bihar residents) | ₹125/- |
| Female candidates (all categories, Bihar residents) | ₹125/- |
| Candidates from outside Bihar | ₹500/- |
| Divyang candidates (40% or more) | ₹125/- |
Vacancy Details
The total vacancies across Bihar for Senior Laboratory Technician and Laboratory Technician posts amount to 1,068 positions, distributed under various health programs and reserved categories. The recruitment also incorporates reservation policies for women (35%), disabled candidates (4%), and descendants of freedom fighters (2%).
1. Senior Laboratory Technician (SLT)
Vacancy Distribution (Example for NTEP Program)
| Program | UR | EWS | SC | ST | EBC | BC | WBC | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NTEP | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 |
Essential Qualifications
- Educational Qualification:
- M.Sc. in Medical Microbiology, Applied Microbiology, General Microbiology, Biotechnology, or Biochemistry with or without DMLT.
OR - B.Sc. in Microbiology/Biotechnology/Biochemistry/Chemistry/Life Sciences/Botany/Zoology with DMLT.
- M.Sc. in Medical Microbiology, Applied Microbiology, General Microbiology, Biotechnology, or Biochemistry with or without DMLT.
- Preferred Experience:
- Minimum 2 years of work experience in TB laboratory testing, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotypic and phenotypic tests (e.g., Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests, Line Probe Assay, Culture & Drug Susceptibility Tests).
- For B.Sc. graduates with DMLT, 3 years of relevant experience is required.
2. Laboratory Technician (LT)
Vacancy Distribution (Across All Programs)
| Program | UR | EWS | SC | ST | EBC | BC | WBC | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NTEP | 87 | 21 | 28 | 4 | 43 | 10 | 14 | 207 |
| NPPCF | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| NIDDCP | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| NVHCP | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| NPCDCS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Blood Bank/BBSU | 15 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 31 |
| RTPCR Lab/IDSP | 36 | 9 | 14 | 1 | 16 | 11 | 3 | 90 |
| HWC | 276 | 69 | 110 | 7 | 124 | 83 | 21 | 690 |
| NUHM | 12 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 35 |
Sub-total: 433 (SLT), 1068 (LT)
Reservation Policy:
- UR – Unreserved
- EWS – Economically Weaker Section
- SC – Scheduled Caste
- ST – Scheduled Tribe
- EBC – Extremely Backward Class
- BC – Backward Class
- WBC – Women of Backward Classes
Honorarium / Pay Scale
The posts are contractual and offer a monthly honorarium as follows:
| Name of Post | Monthly Honorarium |
|---|---|
| Senior Laboratory Technician | ₹24,000/- |
| Laboratory Technician | ₹15,000/- |
This pay structure ensures that qualified professionals receive adequate compensation for their services in critical healthcare programs.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Age Limit (As of 01.08.2025)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: Varies by category:
| Category | Maximum Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| Unreserved / EWS (Male) | 37 |
| Backward Class / Extremely Backward Class (Male & Female) | 40 |
| Unreserved / EWS (Female) | 40 |
| SC/ST (Male & Female) | 42 |
Relaxations:
- Divyang Candidates: Additional 10 years
- Departmental Employees: Maximum 5 years if they meet eligibility
- Previous COVID-19 contingency Lab Technicians: Eligible for age relaxation based on working period
2. Educational Qualification
Senior Laboratory Technician
- M.Sc. in Medical Microbiology, Applied Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or Life Sciences (with or without DMLT).
- B.Sc. in relevant fields with DMLT.
Laboratory Technician
- Intermediate / 10+2 in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT) or Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) from recognized institutions.
3. Work Experience
- For SLT: 2–3 years in TB laboratory testing (Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotypic/phenotypic tests)
- For LT: Experience is preferred but not mandatory unless specified under contingency appointments (e.g., COVID-19 arrangements).
Selection Process
The selection of candidates will be merit-based and determined using a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and work experience.
1. Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Maximum marks: 75
- Weightage factor: 0.8 (e.g., 50% marks in CBT = 40 marks after weighting)
2. Work Experience
- Maximum marks: 20
- 5 marks per year for experience in relevant laboratory posts (pro-rated for partial years)
3. Total Marks
- Maximum: 100 marks (CBT + Work Experience)
The merit list will be prepared based on the combined score, and candidates will be called for document verification and subsequent contractual appointment.
General Instructions for Applicants
- Online Applications Only: No offline submission will be accepted.
- Document Verification: Candidates must produce all original educational, professional, and experience certificates during verification.
- Age & Qualification Proof: Must be valid as on 1st August 2025.
- No Relaxation for Certain Clauses: Age relaxation clauses (ii, iii, iv) are applicable as per specific provisions.
- COVID-19 Appointments: Temporary lab technicians appointed during the pandemic will be given age relaxation based on service period.
- Reservation Compliance: Ensure correct category certificate for claiming reservation benefits.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official NHM Bihar recruitment portal.
- Click on “Apply Online” for Senior Laboratory Technician or Laboratory Technician posts.
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and work experience.
- Upload mandatory documents (education, experience, identity, category certificate, photograph, signature).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Take a printout of the application form and payment receipt for future reference.
Last Date for Online Application: 3rd September 2025
Documents Required
Candidates must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Educational Certificates (Intermediate, B.Sc., M.Sc., DMLT, BMLT)
- Experience Certificates (for TB lab work or other relevant work)
- Identity Proof (Aadhar, Voter ID, etc.)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (for Divyang candidates)
- Payment Receipt for Application Fee
- Passport-size Photograph
Note: Failure to produce valid documents may result in rejection.
Why Join Bihar NHM as a Laboratory Technician?
- Opportunity to serve in critical health programs impacting thousands of lives.
- Work in state-of-the-art health centers and hospitals across Bihar.
- Gain hands-on experience in laboratory testing and diagnostics.
- Competitive honorarium for contractual positions.
- Resume-building experience for long-term careers in medical laboratory sciences or public health services.
- Be part of nationwide health initiatives such as TB elimination, viral hepatitis control, and chronic disease management.
Key Highlights of Recruitment
- Total Posts: 1,068 (SLT + LT)
- Programs Covered: NTEP, NPPCF, NIDDCP, NVHCP, NPCDCS, Blood Bank/BBSU, IDSP, HWC, NUHM
- Reservation: 35% women, 4% disabled, 2% descendants of freedom fighters
- Application Mode: Online only
- Last Date: 3rd September 2025
- Age Limit: 21–42 years (category-wise relaxation applicable)
- Application Fee: ₹125–₹500 depending on category and residency
- Selection Criteria: CBT + Work Experience
- Honorarium: ₹15,000 (Lab Technician), ₹24,000 (Senior Lab Technician)
This recruitment is a golden opportunity for candidates in Bihar to establish themselves in healthcare services while contributing to national health missions. It also encourages women, disabled individuals, and descendants of freedom fighters to actively participate, ensuring inclusive employment.
