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The UGC NET Social Medicine and Community Health 2026 examination is conducted for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors or qualify for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Social Medicine, Public Health, and Community Health Studies. This subject focuses on public health systems, epidemiology, health policy, and social determinants of health.
With increasing emphasis on preventive healthcare and community-based interventions, Social Medicine and Community Health has become a highly relevant academic discipline. At ANSS Academy, we have prepared this comprehensive guide to help aspirants understand the application process, eligibility criteria, syllabus overview, exam pattern, and career scope.
UGC NET Social Medicine and Community Health 2026 – Overview
The examination is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and consists of two papers:
- Paper 1 – General Teaching & Research Aptitude
- Paper 2 – Social Medicine and Community Health (Subject-Specific)
Key Highlights:
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Total Questions: 150
- Total Marks: 300
- Duration: 3 Hours
- No Negative Marking
Both papers are conducted in a single session.
UGC NET Social Medicine and Community Health 2026 Application Form
Candidates must apply online once the official notification is released.
Application Process:
- Visit the official UGC NET portal
- Complete registration
- Fill personal and academic details
- Upload required documents
- Pay the application fee
- Submit and download confirmation page
Applicants should carefully verify details before final submission.
UGC NET Social Medicine and Community Health 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Master’s degree in Social Medicine, Public Health, Community Health, or related discipline
- Minimum 55% marks for General category
- Relaxation for reserved categories as per official norms
Final-year postgraduate students may also apply.
Age Limit
- JRF: Upper age limit applicable as per official notification
- Assistant Professor: No upper age limit
Candidates should refer to the latest official notification for updated guidelines.
UGC NET Social Medicine and Community Health 2026 Exam Pattern
Paper 1
- 50 Questions
- 100 Marks
- Teaching aptitude, reasoning, research methodology
Paper 2 (Social Medicine and Community Health)
- 100 Questions
- 200 Marks
- Entirely subject-based
Each question carries 2 marks, and all questions are compulsory.
UGC NET Social Medicine and Community Health 2026 Syllabus (Brief Overview)
This is a brief overview of the syllabus. For detailed and official syllabus information, candidates should refer to the official UGC NET portal.
The syllabus broadly includes:
Principles of Public Health
- Concepts of health and disease
- Preventive and social medicine
- Levels of prevention
Epidemiology
- Measures of disease frequency
- Study designs
- Outbreak investigation
- Biostatistics
Environmental and Occupational Health
- Environmental hazards
- Occupational diseases
- Health risk assessment
Health Systems and Policy
- Health care delivery systems
- National health programs
- Health planning and management
Maternal and Child Health
- Reproductive health
- Immunization programs
- Nutrition and child development
Community Health Nursing and Practice
- Community diagnosis
- Health education
- Health promotion strategies
Social Determinants of Health
- Poverty and health
- Gender and health
- Urban and rural health issues
Research Methods in Public Health
- Quantitative and qualitative methods
- Data analysis
- Program evaluation
Conceptual clarity and practical understanding of public health systems are essential.
Importance of Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
At ANSS Academy, we strongly recommend solving previous year questions because they:
- Highlight frequently asked epidemiology concepts
- Identify important health policies
- Improve analytical reasoning
- Reveal exam trends
Social Medicine questions often test application-based knowledge.
Preparation Strategy Suggested by ANSS Academy
Consistent revision and practical understanding are key to qualifying UGC NET Social Medicine and Community Health.
Career Scope After Qualifying UGC NET Social Medicine and Community Health
Qualifying UGC NET Social Medicine and Community Health opens diverse career opportunities:
Assistant Professor
Teaching positions in universities and health institutions.
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
Financial support for Ph.D. and advanced research.
Public Health Research Institutions
Work in epidemiological and health policy research.
Government Health Departments
Roles in health planning and program implementation.
NGOs and International Organizations
Opportunities in community health projects and global health initiatives.
This subject offers strong academic and public health-oriented career growth.
Final Words from ANSS Academy
The UGC NET Social Medicine and Community Health 2026 examination requires strong conceptual clarity, understanding of epidemiology, and consistent practice. With structured preparation and regular mock tests, qualifying this examination is achievable.
Before beginning preparation, review eligibility criteria, understand the exam pattern, and download the latest syllabus. Focus on theoretical understanding and practical health applications.
At ANSS Academy, we remain committed to guiding aspirants with structured preparation strategies and exam-oriented support to help them achieve academic success.
