About Doctorate of Medicine [DM] (Cardiology)
Government Kilpauk Medical College (GKMC), Chennai, is one of Tamil Nadu's premier government medical institutions, established in 1960 and affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University. The Doctorate of Medicine in Cardiology (DM Cardiology) is a 3-year full-time super-speciality programme offered at GKMC, designed to train MD/DNB (General Medicine/Paediatrics/Respiratory Medicine) graduates in advanced cardiac care, interventional cardiology, echocardiography, electrophysiology, and cardiac imaging. GKMC has 2 sanctioned DM Cardiology seats (All India quota) as per the NEET SS 2024 seat matrix, making it one of the most competitive super-speciality programmes in Tamil Nadu. Admission is through NEET SS, followed by MCC All India counselling and Tamil Nadu state-level super-speciality counselling. The total fees are highly subsidised at Rs. 20,000 per year tuition (as per the official GKMC fee schedule), and DM students receive a monthly stipend. The DM Cardiology programme at GKMC is highly valued due to the high volume of cardiac cases at the attached Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, the presence of a dedicated Cardiology Department, and the opportunity to train under experienced faculty in a government tertiary care setting.
Admissions for the 2026-27 session have been completed through NEET SS 2026 (exam held December 26-27, 2026; result January 28, 2027) and Tamil Nadu super-speciality counselling (completed by early 2027). For the 2027-28 session, NEET SS 2027 is tentatively expected in December 2027, and Tamil Nadu SS counselling is expected to follow in early 2028. Candidates are advised to monitor nbe.edu.in and tnmedicalselection.net for official updates.
Key Points
- GKMC offers 2 sanctioned DM Cardiology seats per year (All India quota), making it one of the most competitive super-speciality seats in Tamil Nadu government medical colleges.
- The programme is affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University and is recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
- Students gain extensive clinical and procedural training at the Kilpauk Medical College Hospital's Cardiology Department, with exposure to a high volume of cardiac cases.
- SC/ST candidates are exempted from tuition fees as per Tamil Nadu government norms.
- DM students receive a monthly stipend from the Tamil Nadu government throughout the 3-year programme.
- After completing DM Cardiology, graduates are eligible for senior consultant/specialist positions in government hospitals (through TNPSC), private hospitals, and academic institutions.
GKMC DM Cardiology Fees
The DM Cardiology programme at GKMC is offered at highly subsidised government rates. As per the official GKMC fee schedule, the tuition fee for Higher Speciality (DM/M.Ch.) courses is Rs. 20,000 per year, with an additional DM-specific special fee of Rs. 10,000 payable in the first year. One-time charges include university registration, caution money deposit, library fee, miscellaneous fee, and sports fee. The total all-inclusive fee for the 3-year DM Cardiology programme at GKMC is approximately Rs. 1,06,450. DM students also receive a monthly stipend, which significantly offsets the fee outgo.
Fee Components
| Fee Component | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (Year 1) | 20,000 |
| Tuition Fees (Year 2) | 20,000 |
| Tuition Fees (Year 3) | 20,000 |
| DM Special Fee (Year 1 only) | 10,000 |
| University Registration Fees (One Time) | 6,850 |
| Caution Money Deposit (Refundable) | 2,000 |
| Library Fees (3 Years at Rs. 2,000/year) | 6,000 |
| College Special Fees (One Time) | 500 |
| Miscellaneous Fee (One Time) | 1,000 |
| Sports Fee (One Time) | 100 |
| Exam Fees (3 Years at Rs. 2,500/paper x 2 papers) | 15,000 |
| Registration Fee (One Time) | 5,000 |
| Total Fees | 1,06,450 |
- Caution Money Deposit of Rs. 2,000 is fully refundable at the time of course completion, subject to no dues.
- SC/ST candidates are fully exempted from paying tuition fees as per Tamil Nadu government policy.
- Monthly stipend for DM students at GKMC: Rs. 54,025 (1st Year), Rs. 55,149 (2nd Year), Rs. 56,275 (3rd Year) as per TN DME 2026-27 disclosure.
- Hostel facility is available at GKMC at nominal charges (not mandatory): approximately Rs. 4,680 to Rs. 4,980 per year.
- Exam fees are charged separately at the time of university examinations as per TNMGRMU norms.
GKMC DM Cardiology Admission 2026
Admissions to the DM Cardiology programme at GKMC are conducted through NEET SS, followed by MCC All India counselling (for All India quota seats) and Tamil Nadu state-level super-speciality counselling. All 2 seats at GKMC are under the All India quota and are filled through MCC counselling. The 2026-27 admissions were completed through NEET SS 2026 (exam December 26-27, 2026; result January 28, 2027) and MCC/TN SS counselling in early 2027. For the 2027-28 session, NEET SS 2027 is tentatively expected in December 2027.
GKMC DM Cardiology Admission Schedule
| Event | Tentative Date (2027-28) |
|---|---|
| NEET SS 2027 Registration Start | October 2027 |
| NEET SS 2027 Registration End | November 2027 |
| NEET SS 2027 Admit Card | December 2027 |
| NEET SS 2027 Exam Date | December 2027 |
| NEET SS 2027 Result | January 2028 |
| MCC All India SS Counselling Registration | January - February 2028 |
| MCC Round 1 Seat Allotment | February 2028 |
| MCC Round 2 Counselling | March 2028 |
| TN State SS Counselling (if applicable) | February - March 2028 |
| Joining / Reporting | February - April 2028 |
Note: All dates are tentative and based on the 2026-27 pattern. Candidates must check nbe.edu.in and mcc.nic.in for official notifications.
NEET SS 2026 Key Exam Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| NEET SS 2026 Registration Start | November 5, 2026 |
| NEET SS 2026 Registration End | November 25, 2026 |
| NEET SS 2026 Admit Card | December 22, 2026 |
| NEET SS 2026 Exam Date | December 26-27, 2026 |
| NEET SS 2026 Result | January 28, 2027 |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold an MD/MS/DNB degree in General Medicine, Paediatrics, or Respiratory Medicine (as per NMC-approved feeder specialities for DM Cardiology) from a recognised institution.
- Candidates must be registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) / State Medical Council.
- A valid NEET SS score is mandatory for admission.
- Candidates must have completed their PG degree/DNB on or before the date specified in the NEET SS notification.
Admission Process
- Register and appear for NEET SS conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
- After NEET SS result, register for MCC All India Super Speciality Counselling on mcc.nic.in.
- Submit required documents: MD/MS/DNB degree certificate, NEET SS scorecard, MCI/State Medical Council registration certificate, internship and PG completion certificates.
- Fill in college and course preferences during online counselling.
- Seat allotment is done based on NEET SS rank, category, and preferences.
- Download allotment order and report to GKMC with original documents and fee payment.
- All 2 DM Cardiology seats at GKMC are under All India quota (MCC counselling).
GKMC DM Cardiology Scholarships 2026
DM Cardiology students at GKMC primarily benefit from the monthly stipend provided by the Tamil Nadu government. Additionally, students from SC, ST, BC, MBC, and economically weaker sections can avail of government scholarships through the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Department and the National Scholarship Portal. The combination of a low fee structure and monthly stipend makes this programme one of the most financially accessible super-speciality programmes in India.
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship / Financial Aid | Eligibility | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend (TN Government) | All DM students at GKMC | Rs. 54,025/month (Yr1), Rs. 55,149/month (Yr2), Rs. 56,275/month (Yr3) |
| Tamil Nadu Government Post-Matric Scholarship | SC/ST/BC/MBC/EWS students | Rs. 10,000 per year |
| Central Government Post-Matric Scholarship (NSP) | SC/ST/OBC students (income-based) | Varies |
| Tuition Fee Exemption | SC/ST students | Full tuition fee waiver |
- The monthly stipend is the primary financial support for DM students and is credited directly to the student's bank account.
- Scholarship applications must be submitted at the beginning of each academic year through the respective government portals.
- Education loans are available from public and private sector banks for students who require additional financial support.
GKMC DM Cardiology FAQs
Ques. How many DM Cardiology seats are available at GKMC, and how competitive is the admission?
Ans. GKMC has 2 sanctioned DM Cardiology seats per year, all under the All India quota (filled through MCC NEET SS counselling). Given the extremely limited availability and the prestige of a government medical college with a strong cardiology department, competition is intense. Candidates need a very strong NEET SS rank to secure this seat.
Ques. What is the stipend for DM Cardiology students at GKMC?
Ans. As per the Tamil Nadu DME fee and stipend disclosure for 2026-27, DM students at Tamil Nadu government medical colleges receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 54,025 in the 1st year, Rs. 55,149 in the 2nd year, and Rs. 56,275 in the 3rd year. This stipend is paid by the Tamil Nadu government and is credited directly to the student's bank account.
Ques. What are the feeder specialities for DM Cardiology at GKMC?
Ans. As per NMC regulations, the feeder specialities for DM Cardiology are MD General Medicine, MD Paediatrics, MD Respiratory Medicine, and DNB equivalents. Candidates with these qualifications are eligible to appear for NEET SS and apply for DM Cardiology.
Ques. Is the DM Cardiology from GKMC recognised by NMC, and what are the career prospects?
Ans. Yes, the DM Cardiology from GKMC is recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and is affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University. After completing DM Cardiology, graduates can work as Cardiologists in government hospitals (through TNPSC specialist recruitment), private hospitals, and academic institutions. They can also pursue interventional cardiology fellowships and subspecialisation in electrophysiology, heart failure, or cardiac imaging.
Ques. What is the total fee for DM Cardiology at GKMC?
Ans. The total fee for the 3-year DM Cardiology programme at GKMC is approximately Rs. 1,06,450, which includes tuition fees (Rs. 60,000 for 3 years), DM special fee (Rs. 10,000), university registration, library, caution deposit, and miscellaneous charges. SC/ST students are exempt from tuition fees. The caution deposit of Rs. 2,000 is fully refundable. Given the monthly stipend of over Rs. 54,000, the net financial outgo for students is negligible.
Ques. When does the 2027-28 DM Cardiology admission process start at GKMC?
Ans. The admission process begins with NEET SS 2027, which is tentatively expected in December 2027 (registration from October-November 2027). After the NEET SS result (expected January 2028), MCC All India Super Speciality Counselling is expected to begin in January-February 2028. Candidates must register on mcc.nic.in and participate in the online counselling process. It is advisable to regularly check nbe.edu.in and mcc.nic.in for official notifications.