About Bachelor in Public Health [BPH] {Lateral}
The Bachelor in Public Health (BPH) Lateral Entry programme at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Belagavi is a 2-year full-time undergraduate degree programme offered under the KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), a NAAC A+ accredited deemed university. This programme is specifically designed for candidates who hold a Diploma in Health Inspection (DHI) or equivalent diploma qualification, allowing them to directly enter the second year of the BPH programme and complete the degree in 2 years instead of the regular 3 years. The total tuition fee for the lateral entry programme is Rs. 1.02 Lakhs (Rs. 51,000 per year for 2 years). Admission is based on inter-se merit and interview, without a separate entrance examination. The programme is popular among health inspectors and diploma holders in public health who wish to upgrade their qualifications to a full degree.
Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are upcoming. Based on the 2025 cycle, the KAHER AIET application window for BPH (including lateral entry) opened in March 2025 (Round 1: March-April 2025). Batch intake is typically in June-August. Students are advised to monitor the official KAHER website (kledeemeduniversity.edu.in) for the 2026-27 notification, expected around March-April 2026.
Key Points
- The BPH Lateral Entry is a 2-year programme exclusively for candidates holding a Diploma in Health Inspection (DHI) or equivalent diploma in public health.
- Admission is through inter-se merit and interview, not through the KAHER AIET entrance examination.
- The programme is affiliated to KAHER (KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research), a NAAC A+ accredited deemed university.
- Students are trained at JNMC's School of Public Health, which has collaborations with WHO, UNICEF, ICMR, University of Illinois Chicago (USA), and University of Missouri Kansas City (USA).
- Graduates can work in government health departments, international organizations (WHO, UNICEF), NGOs, research institutions (ICMR, PHFI), and pursue Ph.D. programmes.
JNMC BPH Fees
The BPH Lateral Entry programme at JNMC Belagavi is one of the most affordable public health degree programmes in the region. The annual tuition fee is Rs. 51,000, making the total fee for the 2-year programme Rs. 1.02 Lakhs. Hostel accommodation is available on campus separately at approximately Rs. 84,000 to Rs. 2.07 Lakhs per year depending on the hostel type.
Tuition Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | Rs. 51,000 |
| Total Tuition Fee (2 Years) | Rs. 1,02,000 |
| Total Fees (Academic) | Rs. 1,02,000 |
Hostel Fees
| Hostel Fees (Optional - Per Year) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hostel Fee (approx.) | Rs. 84,000 - Rs. 2,07,000 per year |
- Hostel fee is not mandatory and is charged separately by KAHER hostels.
- An application/registration fee of Rs. 1,500 is charged at the time of application (non-refundable).
- Fee payment is to be made via DD/NEFT in favour of Registrar, KLEU for JNMC Bgm payable at Belagavi.
- For fee-related queries, contact: fokleufees@gmail.com or call 0831-2444444 (Extn. 4168/4167).
JNMC BPH Admission 2026-27
Admissions to the BPH Lateral Entry programme at JNMC Belagavi are conducted through inter-se merit and interview, unlike the regular BPH which requires the KAHER AIET. The 2025-26 admission cycle saw applications open in March-April 2025. For 2026-27, the schedule is expected to follow a similar pattern, with applications likely opening in March-April 2026. Batch intake is typically in June-August.
Important Dates
| Event | Tentative Date (2026-27) |
|---|---|
| Admission Notification | March 2026 (Tentative) |
| Online Application Opens | March 2026 (Tentative) |
| Last Date for Application | April 2026 (Tentative) |
| Merit List and Interview | May 2026 (Tentative) |
| Seat Allotment | May-June 2026 (Tentative) |
| Last Date for Admission (as per KSAHC) | October 2026 (Tentative) |
| Batch Commencement | June-August 2026 (Tentative) |
Note: No separate entrance examination (KAHER AIET) is required for BPH Lateral Entry. Admission is based on inter-se merit of qualifying diploma marks and performance in the interview.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a Diploma in Health Inspection (DHI) or an equivalent diploma in public health/community health from a recognized institution.
- Candidates must have passed the qualifying diploma examination with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates).
- Candidates must be Indian nationals; Karnataka domicile is not mandatory.
Admission Process
- Register and apply online on the KAHER website (kledeemeduniversity.edu.in) and pay the application fee.
- Submit attested copies of diploma marksheets, certificates, and other required documents.
- Merit list is prepared based on inter-se merit of qualifying diploma marks.
- Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview at JNMC, Belagavi.
- Final seat allotment is done based on merit and interview performance.
- Candidates must report to the college with original documents and pay the first-year fee to confirm admission.
JNMC BPH Scholarships 2026-27
Students enrolled in the BPH Lateral Entry programme at JNMC Belagavi can avail scholarships from central and state government schemes. The college itself does not offer direct merit scholarships for this programme, but students from economically weaker sections and reserved categories can benefit from government-funded scholarships.
Available Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| NSP - PM-USP (Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme) | 80% in qualifying diploma, AICTE/UGC recognized UG course, parental income up to Rs. 4.5 Lakhs per annum | Rs. 82,000 per annum |
| Karnataka Government Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC) | Karnataka domicile, reserved category students | Varies (covers tuition fee partially) |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS) | Top 20 percentile in qualifying exam, family income below Rs. 8 Lakhs | Rs. 10,000 per annum (UG) |
| Minority Scholarship (NSP) | Minority community students, income below Rs. 2 Lakhs | Rs. 10,000 - Rs. 25,000 per annum |
- Students must maintain a minimum of 50% marks and 75% attendance to continue receiving scholarships.
- Applications for most government scholarships are made through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
- Karnataka state scholarships are applied through the Karnataka Scholarship Portal (karepass.cgg.gov.in).
- Scholarship deadlines typically fall between October and December each year; students should apply early.
JNMC BPH FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between BPH (Regular) and BPH Lateral Entry at JNMC Belagavi?
Ans. The regular BPH is a 3-year programme open to candidates who have passed 10+2 (any stream) and qualified the KAHER AIET. The BPH Lateral Entry is a 2-year programme exclusively for candidates holding a Diploma in Health Inspection (DHI) or equivalent diploma. Lateral entry students join directly in the second year of the BPH programme. The lateral entry route does not require the KAHER AIET; admission is through inter-se merit and interview.
Ques. What is the total fee for BPH Lateral Entry at JNMC Belagavi?
Ans. The total tuition fee for the 2-year BPH Lateral Entry programme is Rs. 1,02,000 (Rs. 51,000 per year). This is significantly lower than the regular 3-year BPH. Hostel charges are separate and range from Rs. 84,000 to Rs. 2.07 Lakhs per year depending on the hostel chosen.
Ques. Is KAHER AIET required for BPH Lateral Entry admission at JNMC?
Ans. No. The BPH Lateral Entry admission is based on inter-se merit of the qualifying diploma marks and performance in an interview. The KAHER AIET entrance examination is not required for lateral entry candidates.
Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing BPH from JNMC Belagavi?
Ans. BPH graduates can work in government health departments (as health officers, health inspectors), international organizations like WHO and UNICEF, national health research centres like ICMR and PHFI, NGOs working in public health, and multinational companies. They can also pursue higher studies such as MPH (Master of Public Health) or Ph.D. in Public Health.
Ques. Does JNMC Belagavi's School of Public Health have any international collaborations?
Ans. Yes. JNMC's School of Public Health has active collaborations with WHO, UNICEF, ICMR, University of Illinois Chicago (USA), and University of Missouri Kansas City (USA) for teaching and research. The college has also signed an MOU with Malaysia for setting up a similar institution. These collaborations provide students with exposure to global public health research and practices.
Ques. Can a student from outside Karnataka apply for BPH Lateral Entry at JNMC Belagavi?
Ans. Yes. Students from all states across India can apply for BPH Lateral Entry at JNMC Belagavi. There is no state domicile restriction as it is offered by a deemed university (KAHER). Seat allotment is based on inter-se merit of qualifying diploma marks and interview performance. However, Karnataka domicile students may have an advantage in availing state government scholarships.