Imagine a beautiful hill valley. Rivers flow, and a huge landscape is filled with scenery. This imagery is what Western Nepal looks like. A very rural and sparsely populated region, not often talked about. For the people here, this pleasant, scenery was also a problem. There were no medical facilities or services. Recognizing this, the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences was established.

The college is an autonomous university that is run by the Nepal Government and has stood at the forefront of medical education, infrastructure, and services in the entire region. Being a part of the college is a prestige in itself owing to its reputation, national recognition, and, needless to say, crucial importance to the people of the region. That’s why today, in this blog, I will talk about this incredible college, its courses, facilities, and much more.

Karnali Academy of Health Sciences Overview

Established on October 20, 2011, through an Act of parliament, the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) has been providing quality healthcare services and education to the underprivileged regions of Nepal.

Owned by the Nepal government, the Karnali Zonal Hospital transitioned into the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital on 17th Kartik, 2009. Initially offering outpatient, inpatient, and diagnostic services, the hospital expanded its scope each year, enhancing healthcare and academic offerings.

Key Highlights

Name	Karnali Academy of Health Sciences
Address	Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Khalanga, Jumla, Karnali, Nepal.
Website	https://kahs.edu.np/
Establishment Year	2011
Country	Nepal
State	Karnali
City	Jumla
College Type	Government
Affiliated To	Autonomous University
Approved By	Nepal Medical Council
Accreditation	–
Study Mode	Full-time
Hostel	For Boys and Girls

Vision

The college has vision includes being a national center for health services, a prestigious hub for biomedical and health system research, and a center of excellence for holistic human development. 

Mission

The college’s mission revolves around a commitment to educational excellence, pioneering research, patient-centered care based on evidence, advocacy for public health, and fostering collaborative community engagement.

Why Study at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences?

• Focus on Marginalized and Rural Communities – KAHS specializes in addressing the healthcare needs of marginalized communities and individuals in rural areas. By targeting these underserved populations, students can make a meaningful impact and contribute to the well-being of those most in need.
• Practical Training – It provides hands-on practical training opportunities, ensuring students develop clinical skills and experience. With access to well-equipped teaching hospitals and healthcare facilities, students gain real-world exposure and practical knowledge that prepares them for the challenges of the healthcare profession.
• National Recognition – As an autonomous institution, KAHS enjoys national recognition as a reputable health sciences education and research center. This recognition enhances the credibility of students’ degrees and qualifications, opening up wider career opportunities within the healthcare sector.
• Interdisciplinary Approach – The college promotes an interdisciplinary approach to healthcare, emphasizing collaboration and teamwork. This prepares students to work effectively in multidisciplinary healthcare settings, fostering holistic patient care and comprehensive problem-solving skills.

If you’re looking for more government medical colleges in Nepal, you can check out my article on Patan Academy of Health Sciences Nepal.

Karnali Academy of Health Sciences Admission

Admission Intake

Course	Annual Intake
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)	20
Bachelor of Public Health (PBH)	20
Bachelor in Midwifery	10
PCL in Nursing	40
Bachelor in Nursing Science (BNS)	40
PCL in General Medicine	40
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharma)	NA
Doctor of Medicine (MD) program	NA
Master of Surgery (MS) program	NA

Admission Procedure

• Review Eligibility Criteria – Before applying, carefully review the eligibility criteria specific to the course you are interested in. Ensure that you meet the academic and other requirements outlined by the university.
• Fill out the Application Form – Visit the KAHS website and locate the application form for the course you wish to pursue. Fill out the form accurately and provide all the necessary information requested.
• Selection Process – Once your application is submitted, it will undergo a selection process. This may include evaluations based on academic qualifications, entrance examinations, interviews, or a combination of these factors.
• Admission Offer Letter – Once selected, students receive their admission offer from the admission office.

Eligibility Criteria

Course	Criteria
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)	Completed +2 education in the science stream from a recognized school board Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at +2 level
Bachelor of Public Health (PBH)	Any Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL) in Health Sciences Minimum 50% marks scored in the PCL course (Or) Completed +2 education in the science stream from a recognized school board Must have studied Biology at +2 level Scored at least 50% aggregate marks in the +2 level exam
Bachelor in Midwifery	Must be Nepali National Must have PCL in Nursing with 1 year of experience Must qualify for the entrance examination Must have registered with Nepal Nursing Council
Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL) in Nursing	Must be the Nepali national Must have completed +2 education Must have English, Science, and Mathematics as subjects at +2 level
Bachelor in Nursing Science (BNS)	Must have registered with Nepal Nursing Council Must have completed PCL in Nursing with at least 50% aggregate marks scored Must have at least 1 year of experience following graduation Should have scored at least 50% in the entrance exam conducted by KAHS
Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL) in General Medicine	Must be the Nepali national Must have completed +2 education Must have English, Science, and Mathematics as subjects at +2 level
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharma)	Completed +2 education in the science stream from a recognized school board Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at +2 level
Doctor of Medicine/Master of Surgery (MD/MS) program	Must have completed an MBBS course from a recognized university

Documents Required

Students should have the following documents at the time of admission:

• Class 10th Marksheet.
• Class 12th Marksheet.
• Bachelors’ Degree Marksheet and Certificate and Diploma (For PG applicants).
• Passport-size Photographs.

Karnali Academy of Health Sciences Courses Offered

Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) offers a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and even certificate-level programs. Let’s take a brief overview of the various courses offered by KAHS.

Course	Duration
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)	5.5 years
Bachelor of Public Health (PBH)	4 years
Bachelor in Midwifery	3-6 years
Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL) in Nursing	3-6 years
Bachelor in Nursing Science (BNS)	3 years
Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL) in General Medicine	3-6 years
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharma)	4 years
Doctor of Medicine (MD) program	3 years
Master of Surgery (MS) program	3 years

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

The MBBS program is a rigorous medical education program that prepares students to become competent doctors, equipped with clinical skills, scientific knowledge, and ethical values to deliver comprehensive healthcare.

Bachelor of Public Health (PBH)

The PBH program at KAHS equips students with the knowledge and skills to address public health challenges through disease prevention, health promotion, and community interventions.

Bachelor in Midwifery

The Midwifery program focuses on preparing students to provide expert care to pregnant women, not just throughout their pregnancy, but also afterward, providing the much-needed care to ensure the health of women and their children.

Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL) in Nursing

The PCL in Nursing program provides foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for entry-level nursing practice, emphasizing compassionate patient care and critical thinking in diverse healthcare settings.

Bachelor in Nursing Science (BNS)

The BNS program at KAHS offers comprehensive training in nursing, encompassing theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and leadership abilities to prepare students for advanced nursing roles and evidence-based practice.

Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL) in General Medicine

The PCL in General Medicine program provides a strong foundation in medical sciences and practical skills, preparing students to serve as integral members of healthcare teams and contribute to patient care.

Bachelor of Pharmacy (B Pharma) 

The B Pharma program focuses on developing pharmaceutical expertise, including drug discovery, therapeutic interventions, and medication management, ensuring graduates can contribute effectively to the pharmaceutical industry and patient care.

Doctor of Medicine (MD) program

The MD program is a postgraduate medical program that provides specialized training in specific medical disciplines, enabling doctors to become experts in their chosen fields and contribute to advanced clinical practice and research.

Master of Surgery (MS) program

The MS program is a postgraduate surgical program that offers advanced training and specialization in surgical techniques, enabling surgeons to provide skilled and specialized surgical care to patients.

Karnali Academy of Health Sciences Fee Structure

Now that we know better about the courses offered and how to apply to KAHS, let us discuss the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences fee structure.

Course Fees

Course	Total Fees for Nepali Students	Total Fees for International Students
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)	NA	$ 75,000

Scholarships

KAHS recognizes the importance of financial support for students and offers various scholarships to assist them in their educational journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and promote diversity and inclusion.

The college provides merit-based, need-based, and even full or partial scholarships specific to certain programs or disciplines. These scholarships have the objective of helping the financial burden on students and ensuring that deserving individuals have access to quality education.

Placements and Scope

Karnali Academy of Health Sciences is dedicated to providing its students with the necessary skills and opportunities to succeed in their healthcare careers. It strives to facilitate internships, clinical rotations, and job placement opportunities for its graduates.

Through collaborations with reputed healthcare institutions and organizations, KAHS aims to connect students with practical training and employment opportunities. The college’s strong alumni network and industry contacts also play a vital role in supporting students’ career development.

KAHS emphasizes the importance of practical experience and hands-on training, which can enhance students’ employability. By incorporating real-world case studies, clinical simulations, and practical learning opportunities into the curriculum, KAHS prepares students for the challenges and expectations of the healthcare industry.

Ranking and Recognition

Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) has established itself as a prominent institution in the field of health sciences, earning recognition and praise within Nepal. Known for its commitment to excellence in education, research, and healthcare, KAHS has gained a strong reputation among academic and medical communities.

KAHS has achieved commendable rankings in Nepal for its various programs, including medicine, nursing, public health, and pharmacy. The college is recognized by relevant regulatory bodies, such as the Nepal Medical Council and Pharmacy Council, ensuring the quality and credibility of its programs.

On-Campus Facilities Offered

Karnali Academy of Health Sciences has modern facilities that support a conducive learning environment and provide comprehensive healthcare services. The college prioritizes its students’ well-being and academic success, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources. Some key facilities offered by KAHS include:

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure

KAHS boasts a modern infrastructure, including well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and simulation centers that facilitate practical learning experiences for students. These facilities are designed to meet the evolving demands of healthcare education.

Teaching Hospital

The college has its own teaching hospital, which serves as a training ground for students. The hospital has advanced and modern equipment and offers various clinical services, providing students hands-on experience and exposure to real-life healthcare scenarios.

Library and E-Learning Resources

KAHS maintains a huge library of books, journals, and research publications related to health sciences. Additionally, the college provides access to e-learning resources, enabling students to access digital materials and online databases for their academic and research needs.

Hostel Facilities

To accommodate students from various regions, KAHS offers on-campus hostel facilities. These hostels provide comfortable and secure living arrangements, fostering a sense of community among students.

College Contact Details

• Address – Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Khalanga, Jumla, Karnali, Nepal.
  • Distance from Jumla Airport – About 2 km.

If you are interested in being admitted to Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, contact the Career Mudhra team today and let us help you get started with the admission process!

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What are the unique features of KAHS?

KAHS stands out with its interdisciplinary approach, community engagement, and focus on serving marginalized populations. It integrates various healthcare disciplines and collaborates with national and international organizations for research and development.

2. Are there opportunities for international students at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences?

Karnali Academy of Health Sciences provides a supportive environment for international students, including necessary guidance, resources, and accommodations

3. Does Karnali Academy of Health Sciences have a teaching hospital?

Yes, KAHS has its own teaching hospital that serves as a training ground for students. The hospital is well-equipped with advanced medical facilities, providing students with hands-on experience and exposure to real-life healthcare scenarios.

4. What does an autonomous university mean?

An autonomous university refers to an educational institution that operates independently and has the authority to make decisions regarding its academic programs, curriculum, admissions, governance, and internal policies.

5. What is the location of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences?

The Karnali Academy of Health Sciences location is Khalanga, Karnali, Nepal.

6. How many MBBS seats are available in KAHS?

The number of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences MBBS seats are 20.

7. What is the student life like at KAHS?

KAHS provides a vibrant and engaging student life experience.

8. Is Karnali Academy of Health Sciences a private or a government college?

Karnali Academy of Health Sciences is a government college managed by the Nepal Government.

A Small Request 

Here at Career Mudhra, we are dedicated to helping students make well-informed decisions about their education. If you have been associated with Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) as an alumnus or current student, we request you to share your experiences with us below in the comments. Your insights into the academic programs, campus life, faculty support, and career opportunities at KAHS will guide prospective students toward the right path.