School of Public Health and Social Medicine (SPHSM)

The School of Public Health and Social Medicine (SPHSM), located in Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), Maharashtra, remains a premier institution dedicated to rural health and community medicine in 2026. Affiliated with the Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), it has carved a niche in bridging the gap between urban medical excellence and rural healthcare needs.

In 2026, SPHSM continues to be a hub for students aiming to impact public policy and grassroots healthcare, benefiting from the unique socio-economic landscape of the Ahilyanagar district.

SPHSM offers specialized programs designed to meet the evolving challenges of the Indian healthcare system. The most sought-after programs for the 2026 academic session include:

• Master of Public Health (MPH): A two-year flagship program with specializations in Epidemiology, Health Management, and Nutrition.
• M.Sc. in Medical Social Work (MSW): Focused on social interventions in clinical settings.
• Ph.D. in Public Health: For advanced research in community health and social medicine.
• Certificate in Health Data Analytics: A new-age course gaining popularity due to the digitalization of health records in Maharashtra.

These programs are popular due to their high practical component, involving mandatory field stays in nearby villages such as Loni and Rahata.

Admission to SPHSM in 2026 is primarily merit-based, followed by a personal interview. For the MPH program, candidates must have a background in Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, or Life Sciences.

• Online Application Starts: March 15, 2026
• Last Date to Apply: June 10, 2026
• Entrance Test (PGET): Last week of June 2026
• Personal Interview Rounds: July 5 - July 10, 2026
• Commencement of Classes: August 1, 2026

Applicants are encouraged to monitor the official university portal for updates regarding the 2026 Common Entrance Test (CET) schedule.

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 cutoff for SPHSM varies by category and program. For the Master of Public Health (MPH), the expected merit list cutoffs are:

Selection is also heavily weighted on the performance during the institutional interview, where candidates are evaluated on their passion for social medicine.

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

The 2025 placement season saw a significant rise in demand for public health professionals. SPHSM witnessed a 90% placement rate for its graduating batch.

• Highest Package: INR 12 LPA (International NGO)
• Average Package: INR 6.5 LPA
• Top Recruiters: PATH, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Partners), NRHM Maharashtra, Apollo Hospitals, and various CSR wings of industrial giants in the Ahilyanagar-Pune belt.

Students often secure roles as Epidemiologists, Health Program Managers, and Policy Analysts.

SPHSM provides several financial aid options for the 2026 academic year to ensure inclusive education:

• Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: For students with excellent academic records and family income below 5 LPA.
• Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Scholarship: Specifically for students from rural Maharashtra backgrounds.
• Government Schemes: Full support for MahaDBT (EBC and Caste-based) scholarship applications.
• Research Fellowships: Available for Ph.D. scholars under university-funded projects.

The school is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach. The most popular courses in 2026 are:

• Master of Public Health (MPH): Known for its rigorous field-work modules.
• PG Diploma in Epidemiology: A one-year intensive course popular among medical professionals.
• Master of Hospital Administration (MHA): Gaining traction due to the expansion of private hospitals in the Ahilyanagar and Nashik regions.

The following table outlines the fee structure for the 2026-2027 academic session:

Note: Hostel and mess charges are additional and range between INR 60,000 to 80,000 per year.

The 2026 application process is entirely digital:

1. Visit the official SPHSM/PIMS university website.
2. Register using a valid email and mobile number.
3. Fill out the application form with academic details and upload documents (10th, 12th, Graduation mark sheets).
4. Pay the application fee of INR 1,000 via the online gateway.
5. Download the admit card for the PGET entrance examination.

SPHSM boasts infrastructure tailored for public health research:

• Digital Library: Access to global journals like The Lancet and PubMed.
• Rural Health Centers: Dedicated units in surrounding villages for practical training.
• GIS Lab: Advanced Geographic Information System lab for mapping disease outbreaks.
• Residential Facilities: Modern hostels with Wi-Fi and nutritious mess facilities catering to diverse dietary needs.

The school is organized into specialized departments to facilitate focused learning:

• Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Department of Health Policy and Management
• Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Department of Environmental Health
• Department of Maternal and Child Health