1. Introduction - Why This Opportunity Deserves Attention

For many medical and public health graduates in India, the journey after graduation is not straightforward. Clinical practice is competitive, private jobs often lack stability, and traditional government posts take years to materialise. In this context, the latest walk-in recruitment by Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) offers something different-and valuable.

This is not a routine desk job. It is a field-oriented, programme-driven role connected directly with population-based cancer registries and prevention programmes in Odisha. For candidates who genuinely want to work at the intersection of medicine, public health, and government systems, this recruitment is worth serious consideration.

2. Key Details at a Glance (Verified from Official Notification)

ParticularDetails
Recruiting OrganisationAdvanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC)
PostsState Coordinator (01), Zonal Coordinator (07)
Total Vacancies08
Mode of RecruitmentWalk-in Interview
Walk-in Date05 January 2026
Job LocationOdisha
Application FeeNot mentioned
Salary₹1,00,000/month (State Coordinator), ₹50,000/month (Zonal Coordinator)

Important: This is a walk-in, not an online application. Missing the date means missing the opportunity.

3. Post-wise Eligibility - Who Is Actually Suitable?

State Coordinator (1 Post)

This role is meant for medical graduates, not freshers looking for their first exposure.

  • Eligible qualifications: MBBS / BDS / BAMS / BHMS
  • Mandatory experience: At least 1 year in cancer registry, cancer prevention, or similar public health programmes
  • Language requirement: Ability to communicate in Odia, Hindi, and English
  • Skills expected: MS Office, reporting, coordination with government bodies

Who should apply:

  • Doctors or AYUSH professionals already working in public health projects
  • Candidates comfortable with responsibility, reporting, and leadership
  • Those planning long-term careers in public health, cancer epidemiology, or health administration

Who should avoid:

  • Fresh graduates with no field experience
  • Candidates looking only for clinical or hospital-based roles

Zonal Coordinator (7 Posts)

This role is more execution-focused and field-intensive.

  • Qualification: Science graduate with Master’s in Public Health (MPH) or equivalent
  • Experience: Minimum 1 year in cancer screening, public health programmes, or work with state authorities
  • Language & computer skills: Same expectations as above

Who fits well here:

  • MPH graduates seeking real-world field exposure
  • Candidates planning to move into WHO projects, ICMR studies, or state health missions later

4. How to Attend the Walk-in - A Guided Walkthrough

Since this is not an online form, preparation matters more than paperwork submission.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and read the official notification carefully from ACTREC’s website

  2. Prepare hard copies of:

    • Degree certificates
    • Experience certificates (clearly mentioning duration & role)
    • ID proof
    • Updated CV (focused on public health work, not clinical achievements)

  3. Reach the venue early on 05-01-2026

  4. Be ready for:

    • Technical questions on cancer registry / screening
    • Situational questions (coordination with district health officials)

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Carrying only provisional certificates
  • Overemphasising clinical work and ignoring public health relevance
  • Assuming this is a casual interview because it is a walk-in

5. Salary, Growth & Career Outlook (Often Ignored, But Crucial)

Let us be realistic.

  • ₹1,00,000/month for State Coordinator is very competitive for a non-permanent government-linked role
  • ₹50,000/month for Zonal Coordinator is decent, especially for MPH graduates

More importantly, ACTREC experience carries weight. Candidates who perform well often:

  • Transition into national health programmes
  • Get preference in future research or ICMR-linked projects
  • Build strong networks with state and central health authorities

This role strengthens your profile credibility, not just your bank balance.

6. Preparation Strategy - What to Revise Before the Interview

Focus areas (7-10 days are enough if you are eligible):

  • Basics of Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR)
  • National Cancer Screening Programme (NPCDCS)
  • Role of data, surveillance, and reporting in public health
  • Odisha-specific health indicators (at least basic awareness)

Daily routine suggestion:

  • 2 hours concept revision
  • 1 hour reading government health programme documents
  • 30 minutes mock interview questions

You do not need heavy books. Use:

  • NPCDCS guidelines
  • ICMR cancer registry reports
  • Your own past fieldwork experience

7. Pros & Cons - An Honest Evaluation

Pros

  • Strong institutional backing (ACTREC)
  • High-impact public health work
  • Good salary for contractual roles
  • Excellent career signalling

Cons

  • Contract-based (not permanent government service)
  • Field work and coordination pressure
  • Limited vacancies → high competition

This is ideal for career builders, not for those seeking comfort postings.

8. Applicant Checklist (Before You Travel)

  • Eligibility matches exactly
  • Experience certificate mentions relevant work
  • Language proficiency (especially Odia)
  • Travel plan finalised before walk-in date
  • Backup copies of all documents

9. Conclusion - Mature Advice for Serious Aspirants

If you are a medical or public health professional who wants to move beyond clinics and into systems, this ACTREC recruitment is meaningful. It will not give you a permanent badge overnight, but it can reshape your professional direction.

Apply only if your background truly aligns. Half-hearted attempts usually fail in walk-ins.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (Realistic Doubts Answered)

Q1. Is this a permanent government job? No. These are contractual positions, but with strong institutional value.

Q2. Can fresh MBBS or MPH graduates apply? No. Minimum one year relevant experience is mandatory.

Q3. Is Odia language compulsory? Yes, practical working knowledge is expected due to field coordination.

Q4. What if salary or tenure details are unclear? Always clarify during the interview. If something is not in the notification, ask directly.