While preparing for PG entrance examination, I myself realised that most of the PSM MCQs, related text and even the referenced answers given in books were invariably unable to satisfy me as a student. Most of the times, there were questions from ‘topics not given in standard textbooks’ (for example, nested case control study, case series report, statistical errors, probability, odds and likelihood ratios, health legislations, water washed diseases, Golden rice, COPRA, Punnett square, Dixon's Q-test, Evidence based Medicine, etc. – all together just the tip of an iceberg of such MCQs). Every year there were ‘new unheard questions from unexplored fields’, overlapping choices of MCQs from other fields of medicine accompanied with futile search for ‘recent most data of Public Health Statistics’, etc. This all made me realise that PSM is a vast and varied subject to conceptualise and memorise. Elaborate books also confused me regarding the relative importance of each topic in the subject. I also realised that students face maximum difficulty in understanding the concepts of ‘Biostatistics’ and in obtaining precise, concise and useful data from ‘National Health Programmes of India’.

Also, PG entrance examinations have a sizeable chunk of direct MCQs from PSM subject (Just 1 subject out of 19 total subjects), ranging from 10% to 14% of total (20–25% in CMS-UPSC). Moreover, PSM helps in solving several allied questions (partly or totally) of Paediatrics, Obstetrics, Pharmacology, Medicine, Microbiology, Ophthalmology, etc.

So, there is no denying the fact that ‘PSM is of paramount importance’ to successfully tackle any PG Entrance Examination. Thus, I have written this book keeping a student's, a teacher's and an examiner's perspective in mind.

Each chapter divided into topics and sub-topics, Theory and MCQs arranged section-wise for more comprehensive understanding of topics. In Theory, Important previous years MCQs highlighted (as^Q) and MUST-KNOW facts given separately. Book includes PG Entrance Examination MCQs of AIIMS (1991–2015) and AIPGME (1991–2012 + “Recent MCQs”) with referenced, authenticated, full explanatory answers. Solved explanatory MCQs from DPG, PGI, JIPMER PG Entrance Examinations (2000–2015) added to help students grasp subject better. Over 3000 solved MCQs from UPSC CMS & Several State Medical PG Entrance Examinations (Rajasthan, MP, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Bihar, DNB, JIPMER, Kolkata, and Karnataka PGMEE) added for wider coverage. Recent most changes in National Health Programmes with updates in Communicable and Non-communicable diseases provided for competitive edge. A ‘NEW’ Live Lecture on Epidemiology (3-hour DVD) has been included as freebie. Many answers are followed by a section on ‘Also Remember’ – A compilation of various important noteworthy points based on previous questions from several fields. Golden Points (Five sets) have been included for a quick revision just before the examination. Several Annexures (Incubation period and Modes of transmission of diseases, Important days of Public Health, Instruments of importance in public health, Important health legislations and programmes in India, Vectors, NHP 2015 & NPP 2000, Proposed BMW Guidelines, Updated Public Health related statistics of India) have been included towards the start of the book to given the student an edge over others.

Please remember there is no substitute to theory books, but hopefully you will find all relevant theory in this user-friendly book.

Despite every possible effort been undertaken to ensure no technical or typographical errors in the book, such are bound to be present in any book. If you come across another such error or if you have any comment, suggestions, queries or views, you are most welcome to e-mail to me for a prompt response. All contributions will be duly acknowledged. Do share your experiences while reading this book and the subject.

Hope you have a successful career ahead.

Wish you Success, not just in PSM but in Life!

Firstly I thank PadmaShree Dr Jagdish Prasad, DGHS for organising a grand launch of first edition of the book at New Delhi.

I am grateful to Dr Saudan Singh, Director – NOTTO & Director Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC), New Delhi, former DG (Medical Education), Government of Uttar Pradesh, for being a source of support, guidance and motivation for myself.

I am thankful to Dr SK Pradhan, former Director Professor, Department of Community Medicine, VMMC, New Delhi for providing me with academic opportunities to help me understand the finer nuances of the subject throughout my PGship and SRship.

I also appreciate the support and encouragement by Dr DK Raut, former Director Professor, VMMC & SJH, Dr AT Kannan, former Director Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, UCMS, Dr GK Ingle, Director Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, MAMC, Dr Vibha, former Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, LHMC, Dr SK Rasania, Director Professor and Head, LHMC and respected Faculty of Department of Community Medicine of these colleges respectively. Dr Rajesh Kumar, Faculty, MAMC has always inspired me to excel academically.

I am sincerely thankful to Dr P Sai Kumar, MPH (UK), for motivating me to write this book, and for his unparallel support as my mentor. I am ever thankful to Dr Surabhi, Dr Shagun, Dr Isha and Dr Nidhi, Former undergraduates and other students of LHMC and VMMC, for helping me develop my teaching capabilities.

Mr Rajesh Sharma, Director, PG-DIAMS has been quite instrumental in helping me realise my potential as an academician, and I am immensely pleased to share this book with him and thank for his wholehearted support. Words of thanks to Dr Sethi and Dr Bhatia for helping me gain entry into the competitive world of academics.

I am highly grateful to Shri Jitendar P Vij (Group Chairman), M/s Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd, New Delhi, India for his wholehearted support in publication of this book. I thank Ms Chetna Malhotra Vohra (Associate Director), Ms Payal Bharti (Project Manager) and their Team at Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd, New Delhi, India for work on the current edition.

Acknowledgement is also due to Mr Anurag, M/s Medical Book Store, MAMC and LHMC for his suggestions.

I also take this opportunity to thank the following students/doctors for sharing their invaluable constructive criticisms for the improvement of the book:

Last but definitely not the least, no words can describe the role of all medical students, with whom I ever have had interacted, in helping me give this book, its final shape.