Medical
AIIMS Entrance
A complete guide to AIIMS Entrance: eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategy, and frequently asked questions.
About This Exam
AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) represents the gold standard of Indian medical education. While MBBS admissions to AIIMS now happen through NEET counselling under the All India Quota (with extremely high cutoffs), AIIMS continues to conduct its own dedicated entrance exams for Postgraduate (MD, MS, MDS), B.Sc Nursing, and several allied health programmes. AIIMS PG is widely considered the toughest postgraduate medical entrance in India, even harder than NEET PG, with around 80,000 candidates competing for limited seats across the AIIMS network. The AIIMS brand carries weight throughout a medical career: alumni and residents have access to unmatched clinical exposure, world-class faculty, leading research opportunities, and strong international placement prospects. AIIMS New Delhi is the most prestigious campus, but the newer AIIMS institutions across India (Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur, Rishikesh, Bibinagar, Mangalagiri, and others) also offer excellent education and have steadily built strong reputations. For doctors aiming for academic careers, research, or international fellowships, an AIIMS degree opens doors that no other Indian medical institution can match.
Conducting Body
AIIMS New Delhi (now merged with NEET for MBBS)
Eligibility
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology; minimum 60% aggregate; NEET qualified for MBBS; separate exams for PG and nursing
Exam Pattern
AIIMS is the most prestigious name in Indian medical education, and while MBBS admissions now happen through NEET counselling under the All India Quota, AIIMS still conducts its own entrance exams for postgraduate (MD/MS), B.Sc Nursing, and other programmes. The PG entrance has 200 MCQs to be completed in 3.5 hours, drawn from the respective medical specialisation, and is considered significantly harder than other PG medical entrances. For MBBS, a very high NEET score is required to secure a seat at any of the AIIMS institutes, with AIIMS New Delhi being the most competitive. Preparation for the PG entrance requires a solid foundation built during MBBS years, and most aspirants use resources like Marrow, PrepLadder, or DAMS test series. Getting into AIIMS for any programme is a life-changing achievement because the clinical exposure, faculty quality, and research infrastructure are unmatched in India. AIIMS residents and graduates are highly sought after for positions in top hospitals, research institutions, and international fellowships. The brand value of an AIIMS degree carries weight throughout your entire medical career.
Syllabus
For PG: Subject-specific based on chosen specialisation. For MBBS: Physics, Chemistry, Biology as per NEET syllabus. For B.Sc Nursing: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, General Knowledge
Preparation Tips
- For MBBS entry, target the highest possible NEET score; AIIMS Delhi typically requires AIQ rank well within the top 100
- For PG, use Marrow, PrepLadder, or DAMS test series alongside subject standard textbooks for systematic preparation
- Build a structured 12 to 18 month preparation plan during your final MBBS year and internship
- Solve at least 5 years of AIIMS PG previous year papers; the question style differs from NEET PG
- Focus heavily on Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pathology for the basic sciences foundation
- Take dedicated grand tests in the final 3 months simulating actual exam pressure and time
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate AIIMS entrance for MBBS?
No. Since 2020, AIIMS MBBS admissions happen through NEET UG under the All India Quota. Candidates apply through MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) after clearing NEET. AIIMS still conducts its own entrance exams for postgraduate (MD/MS), B.Sc Nursing, and specialised programmes.
What NEET rank is needed for AIIMS Delhi MBBS?
AIIMS Delhi typically requires All India Rank within the top 100 to 150 for general category students. AIIMS New Delhi is the most competitive medical college in India. Newer AIIMS institutions at Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur, and Rishikesh have slightly less stringent cutoffs but are still highly competitive.
How many AIIMS institutions are there in India?
There are currently 20+ AIIMS institutions across India including AIIMS New Delhi (flagship), and newer campuses at Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur, Rishikesh, Bibinagar, Mangalagiri, Rajkot, Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Bathinda, Deoghar, Bilaspur, Madurai, and others. The newer campuses have been expanding capacity steadily.
What is AIIMS PG and how competitive is it?
AIIMS PG is the entrance for MD/MS specialisation at AIIMS institutions. Over 80,000 candidates compete for a limited number of seats, making it even more competitive than NEET PG. Most candidates attempt AIIMS PG multiple times after MBBS, often alongside NEET PG preparation. Top ranks go to candidates with exceptional clinical subject knowledge.
Is AIIMS better than government medical colleges for MBBS?
AIIMS offers unparalleled clinical exposure, research infrastructure, and faculty quality, plus a prestige that carries throughout a medical career. However, other top government colleges like Maulana Azad, Grant Medical College Mumbai, CMC Vellore, and AFMC Pune also provide excellent education at subsidised costs. Personal choice often depends on location and specialty interests.
Last updated: April 2026