Public Health

You can work with agencies like WHO or UNICEF if you have a degree in Public Health.

They seek applicants with experience in data analysis, epidemiology, health policy, or programme implementation. Your profile is strengthened by relevant project experience, international certifications, and internships. These positions are extremely competitive, but they are reachable with the correct credentials and exposure.

Indeed, Public Health courses at private colleges are typically more expensive than those at government universities.

Private institutions may charge between INR 1 and INR 2.5 Lacs annually, while government colleges charge nominal fees (INR 10,000 to INR 50,000). Private universities, on the other hand, might provide electives, modern facilities, or partnerships with international health and non-governmental organisations.

Indeed, Master of Public Health (MPH) and related programs are offered by AIIMS and a few other government colleges.

Reputable Public Health programs are offered by institutions such as AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and JIPMER Puducherry. These provide outstanding research and career opportunities in the government or development sector and are frequently more reasonably priced.

The more technical BSc in Public Health programme emphasises data, epidemiology, and health sciences.

However, BPH (Bachelor of Public Health) is more comprehensive and frequently addresses community health, health promotion, and policy. Both provide entry into the field of public health, but BPH is better suited for administrative and community-based positions, while BSc is better suited for roles that focus on research.

No, Public Health programs in India, such as BPH, BSc Public Health, or MPH do not require NEET.

Most admissions are made based on merit or via entrance exams unique to each university. Only clinical or MBBS-related fields require NEET. For students who wish to work in the healthcare industry without taking the NEET, Public Health is a good choice because of this.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) and diploma-level public health programs are open to applicants with a BCom or BA.

The eligibility requirements of the university may determine admission; some may accept students from any graduation stream, while others favour applicants with backgrounds in science, social science, or health. Public health professionals with a variety of academic backgrounds are valued by NGOs, health policy organisations, and the development sector.

No, a background in Science is not always required. Students from any field are welcome to apply to some undergraduate public health programs, particularly those in the arts or business.

However, for some BSc Public Health or MPH programs, a Science background—particularly in biology—may be preferred. Additionally, it can facilitate comprehension of course material such as epidemiology or biostatistics.

Here's a step-wise guide to becoming a Public Health Officer from a Paramedic:

Step 1 - Complete a Paramedical Course 

Step 2 - Pursue a Public Health Qualification

Step 3 - Gain Relevant Experience

Step 4 - Qualify for Government Exams (if needed)

Step 5 - Apply for Public Health Roles

The JIPMER MPH (Master of Public Health) 2025 application form is tentatively scheduled from ~February 15 to ~March 19, 2025, for registration, followed by the entrance exam in early May and result by mid June. Final dates are released in the official JIPMER prospectus.