Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, is the capital and most populous city of the Union Territory of Puducherry in India. Nestled on the southeast coast along the Bay of Bengal and bordered by Tamil Nadu, the city is renowned for its harmonious blend of French colonial charm and Tamil cultural heritage. Often referred to as the “French Riviera of the East” and “Paris of the East,” Puducherry spans 19.54 square kilometers and had a population of over 240,000 as per the 2011 census. Tamil is the official language, with English and French also widely spoken. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade Beach, Aayi Mandapam, and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Nearby Auroville, an international township, adds to its spiritual and cultural appeal. Governed by the Pondicherry Municipal Council, the city offers a serene coastal atmosphere, colonial architecture, and vibrant spiritual centers, making it a distinctive destination for visitors and scholars alike
About Us
Puducherry
JIPMER
The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), established in 1823 in Puducherry, India, is one of Asia’s oldest and most prestigious medical institutions. Recognized as an Institute of National Importance (INI), it operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with autonomous administrative control. JIPMER serves as both a top-tier medical school and a tertiary care referral hospital, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The 195-acre urban campus hosts over 300 faculty members, 700 resident physicians, and a robust support staff. With an annual intake of 249 undergraduates and 200 postgraduates, the institute emphasizes academic excellence and ethical medical practice, reflected in its motto “The Truth Cures.” It is affiliated with AIIMS and accredited by NABL and MoHFW, and collaborates with global and national bodies including WHO, ICMR, and NMC. JIPMER also houses a Regional Cancer Centre and is led by Director Dr. Vir Singh Negi and Academic Dean Dr. Vikram Kate.
DME & NTTC
The first National Teacher Training Centre (NTTC) was established in JIPMER by the Government of India with the assistance of WHO in 1975 to promote the training of health professionals in educational science and technology. The first National Course on Educational Science for Teachers of Health Professionals was held in March 1976. The NTTC is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the 95th National Course will take place prior to MEDUCON 2026. Since 1994, the NTTC continues to function under the aegis of the Department of Medical Education (DME), JIPMER.
AANJ
The Alumni Association of NTTC JIPMER (AANJ) is a professional body of members trained in various NTTC courses. AANJ members actively participate in the Medical Education Conference (MEDUCON), seminars, webinars, and workshops organised by DME, where they share their educational thoughts and research findings. The AANJ provides a platform for members to share their knowledge and skills and showcase their achievements in medical education, and it strongly supports educational networking.
The Medical Education Conference (MEDUCON 2026) is aimed at bringing all medical educators and other stakeholders together and provide a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences in the emerging areas of Medical education. The objective of this conference is to look at various challenges faced in the field of health professions’ education and make suggestions to policy makers for quality medical education across the nation. It will provide the opportunity to network with likeminded colleagues at national and international level.