AIIMS PG Exam
AIIMS PG Exam (All India Institute of Medical Sciences Postgraduate Entrance Exam)
The AIIMS PG Exam is a highly competitive and prestigious entrance examination conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, for admission to various postgraduate medical courses such as Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Surgery (MS), Master of Dental Surgery (MDS), and other specialized postgraduate programs. Primarily designed for admission to AIIMS institutions and other affiliated government medical colleges, the exam rigorously assesses the in-depth clinical knowledge, critical thinking, diagnostic acumen, and problem-solving skills of MBBS graduates. A stellar performance in the AIIMS PG Exam not only paves the way for advanced medical specialization but also offers the unparalleled opportunity to study at one of India’s most renowned and esteemed medical institutions, known for its world-class education, research, and healthcare services.
- Purpose: To evaluate the clinical knowledge, theoretical proficiency, and aptitude of MBBS graduates for admission to postgraduate medical courses (MD, MS, MDS, and other PG programs) at AIIMS campuses and participating government institutions across India.
- Conducting Body: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, a premier autonomous medical institution under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, recognized globally for excellence in medical education and research.
- Mode of Examination: Computer-based test (CBT) conducted at designated centers across India, ensuring a standardized and secure testing environment.
- Eligibility: Candidates must hold an MBBS degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution, duly approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC) or Dental Council of India (DCI) for MDS aspirants. They must have completed or be in the process of completing their mandatory one-year rotating internship by the stipulated deadline for admission. Final-year MBBS students are eligible, provided they fulfill internship requirements before the counselling or joining date. Additionally, candidates must possess a permanent or provisional registration certificate from NMC, DCI, or respective State Medical/Dental Councils.
- Key Dates:
- Application Window: Typically opens in March or April for the July session and September or October for the January session
- Exam Date: Usually conducted in May or June (July session) and November or December (January session)
- Result Declaration: Generally announced a few weeks after the exam
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Highlights |
Details |
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Purpose |
Admission to MD, MS, MDS, and other PG courses at AIIMS and affiliated institutes |
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Conducting Body |
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
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Mode |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
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Total Duration |
Approximately 180 minutes (3 hours) for MD/MS; 90 minutes for MDS |
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Sections |
Based on MBBS/BDS curriculum covering Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical subjects |
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Eligibility |
MBBS/BDS degree (or equivalent) with completed internship |
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Test Dates |
Typically May or June (July session); November or December (January session) |
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Official Registration Link |
AIIMS Exams Official Website |
Note: The official registration link and specific details may vary each year. Candidates should refer to the latest official notification on the AIIMS website for the current link and accurate information.
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Component |
Details |
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Total Duration |
Approximately 180 minutes (3 hours) for MD/MS exams; 90 minutes (1.5 hours) for MDS exams, conducted in a single session without breaks |
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Total Questions |
Approximately 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for MD/MS; around 90 MCQs for MDS, subject to minor variations as per official updates |
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Marks per Question |
Typically, +4 marks for each correct answer with a penalty of -1 mark (negative marking) for each incorrect answer; no marks for unattempted questions |
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Sections |
Questions are drawn from the entire MBBS/BDS curriculum, categorized into: - Pre-Clinical Subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry - Para-Clinical Subjects: Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine - Clinical Subjects: Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Radiology, Anesthesiology, Orthopedics (for MD/MS); detailed dental subjects for MDS; exact distribution provided in the official notification |
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Question Types |
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) exclusively, with four answer options per question; includes single best answer, assertion-reasoning, and clinical scenario-based or image-based questions |
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Scoring Scheme |
Overall score is calculated as (4 × number of correct answers) - (1 × number of incorrect answers); percentile ranking and merit list are prepared for counselling; refer to the official notification for the exact marking scheme and tie-breaking criteria |
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Time Management |
Effective time allocation is crucial; candidates should plan to attempt questions systematically within the 180-minute (or 90-minute for MDS) duration, prioritizing high-weightage clinical subjects and minimizing guesswork due to negative marking |
The syllabus for the AIIMS PG Exam is comprehensive and based on the entire MBBS curriculum for MD/MS and BDS curriculum for MDS, as prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and Dental Council of India (DCI). It encompasses theoretical, practical, and clinical aspects with a focus on application-based learning.
Pre-Clinical & Para-Clinical Subjects (for MD/MS)
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Focus Areas |
Topics Covered |
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Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry |
Fundamental concepts, human anatomy, systemic physiology, metabolic pathways, clinical correlations, neuroanatomy, embryology, molecular biology |
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Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology |
Disease mechanisms, systemic pathology, hematology, bacteriology, virology, immunology, drug actions, pharmacokinetics, therapeutics, adverse reactions |
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Forensic Medicine & Community Medicine |
Medical jurisprudence, toxicology, post-mortem findings, epidemiology, biostatistics, national health programs, preventive medicine, occupational health |
Clinical Subjects (for MD/MS)
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Focus Areas |
Topics Covered |
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Internal Medicine |
Cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, nephrology, endocrinology, respiratory medicine, infectious diseases, hematology, emergency medicine |
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Surgery & Orthopedics |
General surgery, trauma management, orthopedics, urology, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, anesthesia, surgical oncology |
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Obstetrics & Gynecology |
Maternal health, fetal medicine, obstetric emergencies, gynecological disorders, reproductive health, family planning, perinatal care |
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Pediatrics |
Neonatology, growth and development, pediatric emergencies, immunization, nutritional disorders, common childhood diseases |
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Other Specialties |
ENT (head and neck disorders), Ophthalmology (refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma), Psychiatry (mental health disorders), Dermatology (skin and STDs), Radiology (imaging techniques), Anesthesiology (pain management), Orthopedics (fractures, joint disorders), Community Medicine (public health) |
Dental Subjects (for MDS)
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Focus Areas |
Topics Covered |
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General Dental Subjects |
Dental anatomy, oral histology, embryology, oral physiology, dental materials, general pathology, microbiology |
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Clinical Dental Specialties |
Prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, conservative dentistry, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral medicine, radiology, public health dentistry |
Preparation Tips
- Revise core MBBS/BDS subjects thoroughly using standard textbooks (e.g., Harrison’s for Medicine, Bailey & Love for Surgery, Cohen for Dental subjects) and concise review notes tailored for AIIMS PG to cover the extensive syllabus efficiently.
- Practice previous years’ AIIMS PG papers and take full-length mock tests regularly to build exam endurance, improve time management, and familiarize yourself with the pattern of clinical and image-based questions under timed conditions.
- Focus on clinical case studies, diagnostic scenarios, and application-based questions to enhance problem-solving skills, as AIIMS PG emphasizes practical knowledge and critical thinking over rote learning.
- Prioritize high-weightage clinical subjects like Medicine, Surgery, and Obstetrics & Gynecology for MD/MS, while ensuring a strong grasp of foundational Pre-Clinical and Para-Clinical topics for integrated questions; for MDS, focus on clinical dental specialties.
- Stay updated with recent medical guidelines, clinical protocols, and advancements, as AIIMS often includes questions testing awareness of current practices and emerging trends in healthcare.
- Utilize online platforms, AIIMS-specific question banks, mobile apps for MCQs, and coaching programs to access high-yield topics, expert guidance on tricky assertion-reasoning questions, and stress management strategies during preparation.
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Step |
Details |
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Registration Mode |
Online registration through the official AIIMS Exams website |
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Official Registration Link |
AIIMS Exams Official Website |
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Application Fee |
Varies by category (General/OBC, SC/ST, PwD); additional processing charges may apply; detailed fee structure is provided in the official notification during the application window |
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Required Documents |
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Important Dates |
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Stage |
Description |
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Shortlisting |
AIIMS PG Exam scores (percentile and rank) are used by AIIMS and participating government institutions to shortlist candidates for admission; qualifying cutoffs are declared category-wise (General, SC/ST/OBC, PwD) by AIIMS |
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Counselling & Seat Allocation |
Shortlisted candidates participate in centralized counselling sessions conducted by AIIMS for seat allocation across its campuses (New Delhi, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur, Rishikesh, etc.) based on scores, rank, and preferences; multiple rounds ensure maximum seat filling |
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Additional Rounds |
Some courses or institutes may require additional rounds such as departmental assessments, interviews, or practical/clinical tests for final selection, particularly for highly competitive specialties; details are specified per program |
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Final Admission |
Final admissions are based on a composite evaluation of AIIMS PG scores, performance in subsequent rounds (if applicable), academic record, document verification, and payment of fees; merit lists are published for seat allocation across AIIMS campuses and affiliated institutes |
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Benefit |
Description |
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Prestigious Admission |
A high AIIMS PG score opens the door to postgraduate courses at AIIMS, one of India’s premier medical institutions, renowned for cutting-edge education, research, and patient care across multiple campuses |
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Uniform Evaluation |
Provides a standardized assessment of MBBS/BDS graduates through a rigorous national-level exam, ensuring fair comparison and merit-based selection across candidates from diverse backgrounds |
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Enhanced Career Prospects |
Admission to AIIMS PG programs enhances clinical expertise, research opportunities, and professional credibility, leading to superior career outcomes in medicine and dentistry |
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Scholarship & Financial Aid |
Many AIIMS and affiliated government institutions offer scholarships, stipends during residency, and financial assistance based on AIIMS PG performance, category reservation, and academic records, easing financial burdens |
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Networking Opportunities |
Studying at AIIMS provides access to a robust professional network, including world-class faculty, leading clinicians, researchers, and alumni, fostering collaborations and career growth in the medical field |
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Access to Cutting-Edge Resources |
Offers unparalleled exposure to state-of-the-art medical technology, advanced research facilities, and high-volume clinical case exposure at AIIMS, setting a benchmark for postgraduate medical training in India |
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Career Path |
Description |
Examples/Employers |
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Postgraduate Specialization |
Admission into MD, MS, or MDS programs leads to advanced clinical practice in high-demand medical and dental specialties, honing expertise for superior patient care |
AIIMS campuses, government medical colleges, private hospitals |
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Super-Specialty & Fellowship Programs |
Further specialization through DM/MCh courses (e.g., Cardiology, Neurosurgery) or fellowships in niche areas after completing MD/MS, focusing on advanced sub-specialties |
Tertiary care hospitals (e.g., AIIMS, Apollo), super-specialty institutes, international centers |
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Academia & Research |
Opportunities in medical and dental research, teaching faculty positions, and academic leadership at prestigious institutions, contributing to innovation and education |
AIIMS, medical/dental colleges (e.g., Maulana Azad Medical College), research bodies (e.g., ICMR) |
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Clinical Practice & Private Sector |
Opens avenues for high-level clinical practice as specialists, private hospital consultants, or independent practitioners in chosen fields post-PG training |
Multi-specialty hospitals (e.g., Fortis, Max Healthcare), private clinics, healthcare consultancies |
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Government Services |
Secures prestigious positions in government health services, AIIMS hospitals, and public health schemes with job security, benefits, and societal impact as specialized doctors |
AIIMS network, Central Health Services, state government hospitals, armed forces medical services |
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Global Opportunities |
A PG degree from AIIMS enhances eligibility for international medical/dental licensure exams (e.g., USMLE, PLAB) and practice or fellowships abroad, expanding global career horizons |
International hospitals, universities, health organizations in USA, UK, Australia, Middle East |
- Test Centers: The AIIMS PG Exam is conducted at numerous designated centers across India (covering major cities and regions) to ensure accessibility for candidates nationwide. The updated list of test centers is available on the official AIIMS website during the registration process, allowing candidates to select their preferred location.
- Score Validity: AIIMS PG Exam scores are valid only for the current admission cycle or session in which the candidate appears (i.e., for the specific January or July intake). Candidates must reappear in subsequent sessions to apply again or improve their rank for desired specialties or institutions.
- Updates & Notifications: Exam details, including application timelines, fee structure, pattern changes (e.g., number of questions or duration), eligibility criteria, and counselling processes, may vary per session or year. Candidates must refer to the latest official AIIMS PG Exam notification on the AIIMS website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Reservation Policies: AIIMS follows the Government of India’s reservation policies for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD categories as per admission and counselling criteria, offering relaxation in qualifying cutoffs and seat allocation (e.g., 27% for OBC-NCL, 10% for EWS); specific details are provided in the official guidelines. Additionally, institutional preference may be given to AIIMS graduates for a certain percentage of seats.
- Retake Policy: There is no limit on the number of attempts for the AIIMS PG Exam; candidates can reappear in subsequent sessions (January or July cycles) to improve their scores or secure admission to preferred specialties or campuses, subject to eligibility criteria.
- Special Accommodations: AIIMS provides accommodations for candidates with disabilities or special needs (e.g., extra time, scribe assistance, accessible test centers) as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, upon submission of appropriate documentation during registration.
- Preparation Resources: In addition to official AIIMS PG sample papers and guidelines available on the AIIMS website, candidates can access third-party resources, including standard medical/dental textbooks, online platforms, question banks, mobile apps for MCQs, and coaching programs tailored for AIIMS PG to support comprehensive preparation and revision, focusing on its unique question style and difficulty level.
The AIIMS PG Exam, conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, stands as a hallmark of excellence and one of the most competitive entrance examinations in India for admission to postgraduate medical and dental courses like MD, MS, and MDS across AIIMS campuses and affiliated government institutions. By rigorously evaluating candidates’ clinical knowledge, theoretical depth, and critical thinking through a standardized computer-based format, the AIIMS PG Exam identifies medical and dental graduates with the potential to excel in specialized healthcare and research domains. Whether your aspiration is to become a leading clinician in a coveted specialty, pursue pioneering medical research, teach future healthcare professionals, or practice globally, a strong performance in the AIIMS PG Exam can profoundly shape your professional journey. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to prepare meticulously with a focus on clinical application, leverage high-quality resources, practice extensively through mock tests, and stay updated with official notifications to approach this esteemed examination with confidence and achieve their aspirations at one of the pinnacle institutions of medical education in India.