Health Inspector Qualification in India: Courses, Eligibility, Skills & Salary

Who Is A Health Inspector?

A health inspector is a government professional who is responsible for inspecting public facilities like restaurants, hospitals, factories and water treatment plants to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. A health inspector notices violations and provides suggestions for corrective actions, and even has the authority to issue penalties for law violations. To pursue a career as a health inspector, it is important to meet the required health inspector qualifications.

Health Inspector Qualifications

Are you passionate about building a career as a health inspector in India? If you are an aspirant, you are likely asking yourself what the eligibility criteria and selection process are for becoming a health inspector. We will be discussing health inspector qualifications along with educational and other eligibility requirements in detail in the following sections.

1. Educational Qualification

To achieve a career as a health inspector, you need to be a 10th or 12th pass candidate. The Science stream is preferred for the 12th stream.

2. Professional Qualification

A diploma in sanitary inspector (DSI) or diploma in health inspector course (DHI) or Diploma in health and sanitary inspector (DHSI) is a relevant and mandatory qualification needed for an applicant. These diploma courses usually last one to two years and must be recognised by:

• The State Government

• All India Institute of Local Self Government (AILSG)

Many aspirants look for the best educational institutions, like top sanitary inspector colleges in Delhi NCR, to pursue these diploma courses.

Selection Process For The Health Inspector Role

The recruitment process for Health Inspector is conducted by government bodies at the central, state and local levels. Deserving candidates are selected through written exams or interviews primarily arranged by the:

• State Public Service Commission (SPSC)

• Staff Selection Commission (Via SSC CGL exam)

• Railway Recruitment Board (Via RRB NTPC exam)

• Municipal Corporations or Panchayati Raj Departments

The selected candidates for the Health Inspector role are appointed by many government departments, including:

• State Health and Family Welfare Department

• Urban Local Bodies (Municipal Corporation)

• Indian Railways Health Services

• Military and Defence Sanitation Units

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Key Skills Required For A Health Inspector

Besides meeting the academic eligibility requirements and qualifying for required examinations, a Health Inspector also needs to have a specific industry-relevant skillset. Read on to understand the right competencies as part of the Health Inspector qualifications:

• To identify hygiene lapses and violations during inspection, an eye for detail is crucial.

• Effective communication skills are essential to be able to clearly explain corrective measures, health code violations to the concerned parties.

• Knowing and understanding local and national laws regarding public health regulations is highly important for this role.

• The ability to write and document findings during inspection is essential.

Salary Structure Of A Health Inspector

The Health Inspector salary scale in India is outlined by the Seventh CPC pay matrix or equivalent state pay commissions. For example, if we take Health and Malaria Inspector Grade three in India, the monthly basic pay falls under level six with a corresponding pay of Rs. 35,400. Check out the table below for a complete comparison of the Health Inspector salary structure.

(Source: 7th CPC pay matrix)

A career as a Health Inspector provides you with financial stability, respect and decent salary packages. This profession enables you to be a direct contributor to the health and hygiene of the community. By meeting all the required health inspector qualifications and eligibility criteria, you can also pursue this secure and rewarding career path after 12th.