Government Medical College, Kozhikode (GMC Kozhikode) stands as one of the most prestigious medical institutions in Kerala, established in 1957 as the second medical college in the state.
Spread across a sprawling 270-acre campus about 8 kilometers east of Kozhikode city, this institution has grown into a premier center for medical education, healthcare delivery, and employment generation. With an annual undergraduate intake of 250 students and postgraduate programs across 28 disciplines, the college operates a massive 1,500-bed hospital that serves thousands of outpatients and inpatients daily.
As 2026 unfolds, Government Medical College Kozhikode is preparing for a significant recruitment drive that focuses not just on doctors and specialists, but critically on the operational backbone of the hospital: Lab Assistants, Data Clerks, Ward Boys, OPD Helpers, and Lower Class Vacancy Posts. These positions offer direct Kerala Government employment, pay scales under the 7th Kerala Pay Commission, and the dignity of serving at one of South India’s busiest tertiary care hospitals.
What Makes Government Medical College Kozhikode Different
Government Medical College Kozhikode is not just a hospital; it is a complete healthcare ecosystem. With a bed capacity of 1,500 and specialized departments ranging from General Medicine to Super Specialties, the institution requires a massive workforce to maintain daily operations. The hospital handles thousands of outpatient visits daily, admits hundreds of inpatients, performs numerous surgeries, and processes thousands of lab samples every week.
The college offers MBBS with 250 seats and MD/MS courses across 25+ specialities including General Medicine (20 seats), General Surgery (19 seats), Pediatrics (20 seats), Orthopedics (12 seats), and Anesthesiology (25 seats). This academic infrastructure creates a continuous demand for supportive staff who assist in teaching, research, and patient care.
Description of Key Posts (3 Lines Each)
Lab Assistant (Lab Staff): Performs routine and specialized diagnostic tests on patient samples including blood, urine, sputum, and tissue specimens for disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Requires DMLT (Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology) or B.Sc. Medical Lab Science from a recognized institution with Kerala Paramedical Council registration. Responsible for operating automated analyzers, maintaining quality control standards, and ensuring accurate documentation of test results for the hospital’s 1,500-bed patient load.
Data Clerk (Record Clerk): Responsible for maintaining patient medical records, admission and discharge documentation, and digital data entry into the hospital’s electronic health record (EHR) system. Requires PUC (10+2) pass with basic computer knowledge and typing speed of 35 words per minute in English or Malayalam. Works under the Medical Records Department (MRD) and coordinates with clinical staff across 28 postgraduate departments for accurate data management.
Ward Boy (Ward Attendant): Provides direct patient assistance including transporting patients to radiology and operation theaters, changing bed linens, delivering meal trays, and assisting nursing staff with basic patient care tasks. Requires SSLC (10th) pass with physical fitness certification from a Kerala Government hospital. Works under nursing supervisors and serves as the primary non-clinical point of contact for admitted patients and their families in the 1,500-bed facility.
OPD Helper (Outpatient Department Assistant): Manages patient flow in outpatient departments by guiding patients to appropriate consultation rooms, distributing OPD tickets, and maintaining order in waiting areas. Requires SSLC (10th) pass with basic literacy in Malayalam or English. Responsible for crowd management, ensuring patients are seen in order of arrival or priority, and assisting elderly or disabled patients with mobility across multiple specialty OPDs.
Pharmacy Helper: Assists licensed pharmacists in dispensing medications, labeling drug containers, maintaining pharmacy inventory, and cleaning storage areas. Requires PUC (10+2) pass with Science stream (PCB or PCM) and basic knowledge of generic and brand drug names. Works under the Chief Pharmacist and ensures that medications are stored at appropriate temperatures and expiry dates are monitored for the hospital’s extensive inpatient and outpatient pharmacy services.
Sanitary Attendant (Lower Class Vacancy Post): Performs cleaning and disinfection of hospital wards, washrooms, corridors, and common areas using hospital-grade disinfectants and following biomedical waste segregation protocols. Requires ability to read basic instructions in Malayalam or English; no minimum formal education required but 7th or 8th pass preferred. Works under the Housekeeping Supervisor and plays a critical role in preventing hospital-acquired infections across 1,500 beds.
OT Attendant (Operation Theatre Assistant – Lower Class Vacancy Post): Prepares operation theaters before surgeries by arranging sterile equipment, positioning patients on operating tables, assisting anesthesia technicians, and cleaning the OT after procedures. Requires SSLC (10th) pass with basic understanding of sterile techniques; prior experience in OT protocols is strongly preferred. Works under the OT In-charge and must strictly adhere to infection control guidelines, including proper use of personal protective equipment.
Hospital Attendant (General Duty – Lower Class Vacancy Post): Performs multiple support functions including shifting patients between wards, delivering laboratory samples to pathology departments, assisting in mortuary services, and running errands for nursing and administrative staff. Requires SSLC (10th) pass with physical stamina for walking and standing for extended periods. Works as a floating resource under the Nursing Superintendent’s office, responding to urgent needs across different hospital departments.
Dietary Helper (Lower Class Vacancy Post): Assists in the hospital kitchen by preparing patient meals according to dietitian specifications, cleaning kitchen equipment, chopping vegetables, and distributing food trolleys to wards. Requires 7th pass and basic knowledge of food hygiene; food safety training will be provided after selection. Works under the Chief Dietitian and follows Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines for hospital food preparation.
Mortuary Helper (Lower Class Vacancy Post): Handles the transport of deceased patients from wards to the mortuary, assists in body preservation (embalming support), maintains mortuary cleanliness, and helps during post-mortem procedures. Requires SSLC (10th) pass and emotional resilience; candidates must have no criminal record and be willing to work with human remains. Works under the Mortuary In-charge and follows legal protocols for body storage, identification, and release to families.
Projected Vacancy Table Including Lower Class Vacancy Posts for Government Medical College Kozhikode 2026
Based on the institution’s size (1,500 beds, 250 MBBS seats, 213 PG seats) and historical recruitment patterns, the following table outlines expected positions for 2026:
| Post Name | Classification | Expected Vacancies | Core Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lab Assistant (Lab Technician) | Group C (Technical) | 25 – 35 | DMLT or B.Sc. MLT; Kerala Paramedical Council registration |
| Data Clerk (Record Clerk) | Group C (Non-Technical) | 15 – 20 | PUC (10+2) pass; Typing speed 35 wpm English/Malayalam |
| Ward Boy / Ward Attendant | Lower Class Vacancy Post | 60 – 80 | SSLC (10th) pass; Physical fitness certificate |
| OPD Helper | Lower Class Vacancy Post | 45 – 60 | SSLC (10th) pass; Malayalam/English literacy |
| Pharmacy Helper | Group D (Supportive) | 10 – 15 | PUC (10+2) Science (PCB/PCM); Basic drug knowledge |
| Sanitary Attendant | Lower Class Vacancy Post | 40 – 55 | 7th pass preferred; Ability to read Malayalam/English |
| OT Attendant | Lower Class Vacancy Post | 15 – 20 | SSLC (10th) pass; OT sterilization knowledge preferred |
| Hospital Attendant | Lower Class Vacancy Post | 30 – 40 | SSLC (10th) pass; Physical stamina |
| Dietary Helper | Lower Class Vacancy Post | 10 – 15 | 7th pass; Basic hygiene knowledge |
| Mortuary Helper | Lower Class Vacancy Post | 3 – 5 | SSLC (10th) pass; Emotional resilience |
Salary Structure Table
Salaries at Government Medical College Kozhikode follow the 7th Kerala Pay Commission recommendations, which provide competitive pay scales along with Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other benefits. Kerala generally has higher pay scales compared to many other states due to the cost of living.
| Post Name | Pay Matrix Level | Basic Pay Per Month (₹) | DA (40% of Basic) Per Month (₹) | HRA (20% for Kozhikode) Per Month (₹) | Gross Salary Per Month (₹) | In-Hand Approx Per Month (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lab Assistant | Level 5 | 27,800 | 11,120 | 5,560 | 44,480 | 39,000 – 40,000 |
| Data Clerk | Level 4 | 24,200 | 9,680 | 4,840 | 38,720 | 34,000 – 35,000 |
| Ward Boy | Level 1 (Lower Class) | 15,800 | 6,320 | 3,160 | 25,280 | 22,000 – 23,000 |
| OPD Helper | Level 1 (Lower Class) | 15,800 | 6,320 | 3,160 | 25,280 | 22,000 – 23,000 |
| Pharmacy Helper | Level 2 | 17,500 | 7,000 | 3,500 | 28,000 | 24,500 – 25,500 |
| Sanitary Attendant | Level 1 (Lower Class) | 15,800 | 6,320 | 3,160 | 25,280 | 22,000 – 23,000 |
| OT Attendant | Level 2 | 17,500 | 7,000 | 3,500 | 28,000 | 24,500 – 25,500 |
| Hospital Attendant | Level 1 (Lower Class) | 15,800 | 6,320 | 3,160 | 25,280 | 22,000 – 23,000 |
| Dietary Helper | Level 1 (Lower Class) | 15,800 | 6,320 | 3,160 | 25,280 | 22,000 – 23,000 |
| Mortuary Helper | Level 1 (Lower Class) | 15,800 | 6,320 | 3,160 | 25,280 | 22,000 – 23,000 |
Eligibility Criteria in Detail
For Lab Assistant: DMLT (Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology) of minimum 2 years duration from an institution recognized by the Kerala Paramedical Council, or B.Sc. in Medical Lab Science. Registration with the Kerala Paramedical Council is mandatory. Candidates with experience in multi-specialty hospital laboratories are given preference.
For Data Clerk: Minimum PUC (10+2) from a recognized board in Kerala or equivalent. Typing certification in English (35 wpm) or Malayalam (30 wpm) is required. Basic computer knowledge including MS Office and familiarity with hospital management software is preferred.
For Lower Class Vacancy Posts (Ward Boy, OPD Helper, Sanitary Attendant, OT Attendant, Hospital Attendant, Dietary Helper, Mortuary Helper): Minimum SSLC (10th) pass for most positions. For Sanitary Attendant and Dietary Helper, 7th pass is acceptable. Candidates who can read and write Malayalam are given significant preference due to patient communication requirements with the local population.
For Pharmacy Helper: PUC (10+2) pass with Science stream (PCB or PCM) from a recognized board. Basic knowledge of generic and brand drug names is required. Prior experience in a hospital pharmacy is preferred but not mandatory.
Age Limit
For all positions under Kerala Government recruitment:
- General candidates: 18 to 36 years
- OBC candidates: 18 to 39 years (3 years relaxation)
- SC/ST candidates: 18 to 41 years (5 years relaxation)
- PwD candidates: 18 to 46 years (10 years relaxation)
Age is calculated based on the closing date of the online application. Candidates are advised to keep their SSLC marksheet (which contains date of birth) and Aadhaar card ready for verification.
Physical Standards for Lower Class Vacancy Posts
Ward Boy, OT Attendant, Hospital Attendant (Male candidates): Minimum height 155 cm, weight 50 kg. Must be able to walk 1.5 km carrying a 15 kg load. Must be free from color blindness and hearing impairments that would affect patient communication.
Sanitary Attendant, Dietary Helper (All genders): No specific height/weight criteria but must be free from contagious diseases (TB, hepatitis, etc.) and physically capable of standing for extended periods (8 hours with breaks).
Female candidates applying for Ward Boy (designated as Female Ward Attendant): Minimum height 147 cm, weight 45 kg. Must be able to walk 1 km in 10 minutes.
Language Requirement
For all positions at Government Medical College Kozhikode, proficiency in Malayalam is mandatory for effective communication with patients and supervisors. Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak Malayalam at a functional level. For Lower Class Vacancy Posts, speaking and understanding Malayalam is sufficient (reading/writing preferred but not mandatory for Sanitary Attendant and Dietary Helper roles). A Malayalam language test (oral and written) will be conducted during document verification.
Application Process & Official Verification
The application process for Government Medical College Kozhikode recruitment follows Kerala Government protocols through the official channels. Candidates must carefully follow the verification protocols outlined below.
Candidates must strictly ensure they possess all required educational certificates, valid identity proofs (Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Kerala domicile certificate), and active digital communication channels (mobile number and email) before initiating the process. You must always rigorously verify active recruitment notifications by directly accessing official .gov.in or .ac.in domains to ensure authentic E-E-A-T signals.
Primary Sources for Government Medical College Kozhikode Recruitment Notifications:
- Official Website: https://www.govtmedicalcollegekozhikode.ac.in[citation:1][citation:4]
- Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC): https://www.kpsc.kar.nic.in
- Kerala Health Department: https://keralahealth.gov.in
The formal recruitment drive for GMC Kozhikode positions emphasizes a direct, merit-based selection matrix through centralized competitive evaluations. For Lower Class Vacancy Posts, selection is typically based on a written examination (objective type covering General Awareness, Basic Arithmetic, and Malayalam language skills) followed by a physical efficiency test where applicable. There is no interview for Group D and Lower Class positions, ensuring complete transparency.
After meticulously verifying the official notifications on the GMC Kozhikode portal, candidates can also strategically explore equivalent verified opportunities through mainstream employment platforms. However, note that these platforms are only for market research and cross-verification of job descriptions; the official application must always be submitted through the government portal.
Naukri India – https://www.naukri.com/ (Use this to understand private hospital salary benchmarks for Lab Assistant and Pharmacy Helper roles in Kozhikode)
Indeed India – https://www.indeed.com (Cross-reference Data Clerk and OPD Helper job descriptions and required qualifications)
Apna Jobs – https://www.apna.co (Effective for Lower Class Vacancy Posts like Ward Boy and Sanitary Attendant, as you can upload a voice resume in Malayalam)
Selection Process for Government Medical College Kozhikode Recruitment 2026
Phase 1: Online Written Examination (Computer Based Test)
The CBT is typically 90 minutes and consists of 100 multiple choice questions.
For Lower Class Vacancy Posts: 40 questions on General Awareness (Kerala-specific current events, Indian history, geography), 30 questions on Basic Arithmetic (profit/loss, percentage, average, ratio at 10th standard level), and 30 questions on Malayalam Language (reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary).
For Group C posts (Lab Assistant, Data Clerk, Pharmacy Helper): Additional subject-specific questions based on the role requirements.
Minimum qualifying marks: General/OBC 40%, SC/ST 30%, PwD 35%.
Phase 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – For Lower Class Vacancy Posts only
This is a qualifying test (pass/fail) with no marks assigned. Candidates who fail the PET are disqualified regardless of written exam score.
Phase 3: Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates are called to Government Medical College Kozhikode campus for original document verification. The following documents are mandatory: SSLC marksheet (as age proof), all educational qualification certificates, caste certificate (if applying under reserved category – issued by Kerala Government only), income certificate (for fee exemption), disability certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate (Kerala residency proof), Aadhaar card, and recent passport-size photographs.
Phase 4: Medical Examination
Candidates who clear document verification undergo a medical examination at the college’s outpatient department to ensure they are free from infectious diseases and physically fit for the specific role. Color blindness is a disqualification for Lab Assistant and Pharmacy Helper roles.
For Contract-Based Recruitment (Project / Temporary Positions)
For positions like the recently advertised Senior Resident post, selection is through walk-in interview where candidates must bring original documents. The college website (www.govtmedicalcollegekozhikode.ac.in) provides detailed information for such contract recruitments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the difference between direct Kerala Government recruitment and contract recruitment at GMC Kozhikode?
Direct Kerala Government recruitment (through KPSC or direct college notification) results in permanent, pensionable employment under the Kerala Government Service Rules. Contract recruitment (like the Senior Resident position advertised recently) is for fixed-term contracts (typically 1-3 years) with consolidated pay.
Q2: I have only passed 7th standard. Can I apply for Lower Class Vacancy Posts like Sanitary Attendant at GMC Kozhikode?
Yes. The minimum qualification for Sanitary Attendant and Dietary Helper positions is 7th pass from a recognized school in Kerala. However, candidates with SSLC (10th) pass are given preference during the tie-breaking process. You must be able to read and understand basic instructions in Malayalam, as safety protocols and chemical handling instructions are provided in Malayalam and English.
Q3: Is there any application fee for Ward Boy or OPD Helper positions at GMC Kozhikode?
For direct Kerala Government recruitment through KPSC, application fees vary by category. General/OBC candidates typically pay ₹300-500, while SC/ST candidates pay a reduced fee (approximately ₹150) or are exempted. For direct college recruitments (like the Senior Resident position advertised), no application fee is mentioned. Always check the specific notification for exact fee details.
Q4: Are Lower Class Vacancy Posts at GMC Kozhikode permanent or contractual?
It depends on the notification. Direct recruitment notifications issued by Kerala Government or KPSC result in permanent, pensionable employment. Contract-based notifications (for specific projects or temporary vacancies) are contractual, typically for 11 months to 3 years. The Senior Resident position advertised in Community Medicine is a contract position. Always read the “Tenure” or “Nature of Employment” clause in the official notification carefully.
Q5: What is the promotion path for a Ward Boy (Lower Class Vacancy Post) at GMC Kozhikode?
After 5 years of service, a Ward Boy can appear for a departmental examination to become a Senior Ward Attendant (Level 2). After 10 years and clearing the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE), they can become a Ward Master (Level 4). Kerala Government provides study leave and course fee reimbursement for employees pursuing higher education while in service.
Q6: I am from Tamil Nadu/Karnataka. Can I apply for Lower Class Vacancy Posts at GMC Kozhikode?
For permanent Kerala Government positions, a Kerala Domicile Certificate is typically required. For contract positions, candidates from other states may apply but will not receive any reservation benefits. The Senior Resident position advertised recently required registration with the Travancore-Cochin Medical Council (TCMC). Candidates from other states should check the “Domicile Requirement” clause in the official notification carefully.
Q7: How can I verify that a GMC Kozhikode recruitment notification is authentic?
Only trust notifications published on https://www.govtmedicalcollegekozhikode.ac.in (official college website). The URL must end with .ac.in or .gov.in. Authentic notifications have a file number and are signed by the Principal or Dean. The college recently advertised a Senior Resident position with clear instructions to visit the website for details. If a notification asks you to send money to a personal bank account or WhatsApp number, it is a scam.
Q8: Is there negative marking in the written exam for Lower Class Vacancy Posts?
For Kerala Government recruitment exams through KPSC, yes. There is typically a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. Unanswered questions receive no marks and no penalty. For direct college recruitment (like walk-in interviews), there is no written exam.
Q9: What is the joining time after selection for Lab Assistant at GMC Kozhikode?
For permanent recruitment, the entire process takes 4-6 months from notification date to joining. For contract recruitment through walk-in interviews (like the Senior Resident position), joining can be within weeks of selection. Selected candidates receive a joining letter, typically with 15-30 days to report to the college for formal onboarding.
Q10: Do Lower Class Vacancy Posts get the same allowances per month as technical staff?
Lower Class Vacancy Posts receive the same Dearness Allowance (DA) percentage as all Kerala Government employees (currently estimated at 40% of basic pay per month). They also receive House Rent Allowance (HRA) based on Kozhikode’s city classification (currently 20% of basic pay per month). However, they do not receive technical allowances, risk allowances, or academic allowances. Transport Allowance may be provided based on pay level.
Conclusion
The Government Medical College Kozhikode Jobs 2026 recruitment drive represents a significant opportunity for thousands of job seekers across Kerala. Unlike private hospital employment in Kozhikode, where Lab Assistants, Data Clerks, and Ward Boys often face contract renewals every 11 months and no pension, a position at GMC Kozhikode offers permanent Kerala Government employment, pension benefits under the Kerala Government Servants Pension Rules, annual increments, and the unmatched prestige of serving at a 69-year-old institution that has treated millions of patients.
Disclaimer
- This article is for informational purposes only.
- Job availability, salary, and eligibility may vary depending on the employer, recruitment policy, and location.
- Readers are strongly advised to always verify all details through official recruitment channels before applying.