All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health

The All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health (AIIH&PH), established in 1932, remains India's premier and oldest institution for public health training and research. Located in the cultural and medical hub of Kolkata, West Bengal, it operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

For 2026, the institute continues to lead in epidemiological research and public health policy development, serving as a vital resource for the Eastern Indian healthcare ecosystem.

AIIH&PH is renowned for its specialized postgraduate and diploma programs that cater to the evolving needs of the global health sector. The most sought-after programs for 2026 include:

• Master of Public Health (MPH): A flagship two-year program focusing on epidemiology, health management, and biostatistics.
• MD in Community Medicine: A specialized medical residency program for MBBS graduates aiming for leadership roles in public health.
• Master of Science (Applied Nutrition): Popular among life science graduates focusing on community nutrition and dietetics.
• Diploma in Public Health (DPH): A specialized one-year program for medical practitioners.
• Post Graduate Diploma in Health Promotion & Education (PGDHPE): Focused on behavioral change and health communication.

Admission to AIIH&PH for the 2026 academic session is primarily entrance-based, managed through national and state-level counseling bodies.

• MD & DPH: Admission is conducted through NEET PG 2026 scores followed by MCC/WBMCC counseling.
• MPH & M.Sc. Nutrition: Admission is based on the WBUHS Entrance Examination or the institute's own entrance test, typically held in mid-2026.
• PG Diplomas: Candidates are selected based on merit and entrance tests conducted by the West Bengal University of Health Sciences.

Important Dates (Tentative):

• NEET PG Registration: January 2026
• WBUHS MPH Entrance: June 2026
• Commencement of Session: September 2026

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

The 2026 cutoffs are determined by the difficulty of NEET PG and the number of applicants for Public Health specializations. Expected trends include:

Note: Cutoffs are subject to change based on reservation policies and the number of candidates opting for Public Health over clinical branches.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

Placements for the 2025 batch saw a strong resurgence in the public sector and international NGO space. Given Kolkata's proximity to various health initiatives in Eastern India, students had diverse opportunities.

• Top Recruiters: World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Ministry of Health (NHM), CARE India, and various State Health Departments.
• Average Package: INR 6 LPA to 9 LPA for MPH graduates.
• Highest Package: INR 14 LPA (International NGO roles).
• Roles Offered: Epidemiologist, Surveillance Officer, Health Program Manager, and Public Health Consultant.

As a central government-funded institute, several financial aid options are available for students in 2026:

• Stipends: MD and DPH students receive stipends as per the Government of India residency norms.
• Merit-cum-Means Scholarships: Available for MPH and M.Sc. students through the West Bengal state portal (OASIS/Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship).
• Central Sector Scholarships: Available for SC/ST students through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
• Fellowships: Research fellows in PhD programs are eligible for UGC-NET or ICMR fellowships.

The institute offers a variety of specialized courses designed for both medical and non-medical professionals:

• Master of Public Health (MPH): Open to graduates in Medicine, AYUSH, Nursing, and Life Sciences.
• MD Community Medicine: A three-year postgraduate medical degree.
• Master of Engineering (Public Health): A unique course for civil engineers focusing on water and sanitation (Sanitary Engineering).
• Diploma in Health Promotion and Education (DHPE): A one-year course for health educators.
• M.Sc. in Applied Nutrition: Focuses on clinical and community nutrition.

Fees at AIIH&PH are highly subsidized by the Government of India, making it one of the most affordable high-quality public health institutions.

Note: Fee structures are subject to revision by WBUHS and MoHFW.

The application process for 2026 is conducted online:

1. Registration: Visit the official website or the WBUHS portal depending on the course.
2. Entrance Exam: Appear for NEET PG (for MD/DPH) or the WBUHS entrance (for MPH/M.Sc).
3. Counseling: Participate in the West Bengal State Counseling (WBMCC) or All India Counseling (MCC).
4. Verification: Shortlisted candidates must undergo document verification at the Chittaranjan Avenue campus.
5. Final Admission: Payment of fees and medical fitness clearance.

The institute operates across two main locations in Kolkata, providing a mix of heritage and modern facilities:

• Main Campus (CR Avenue): Houses the administrative offices, a massive library with rare medical archives, and several legacy departments.
• Salt Lake Campus: A more modern facility with updated labs, lecture theaters, and better residential facilities for students.
• Singur Rural Unit: A functional health unit where students reside during field postings to learn rural health management.
• Library: One of the best collections of public health literature in Asia.
• Hostels: Separate hostel facilities are available for men and women, primarily at the Salt Lake and Singur sites.

AIIH&PH is structured into several specialized departments that drive its research and teaching mission:

• Department of Epidemiology
• Department of Statistics and Demography
• Department of Microbiology and Virology
• Department of Sanitary Engineering
• Department of Occupational Health
• Department of Maternal and Child Health
• Department of Public Health Administration
• Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition