Accepted entrance exams
About Doctorate of Medicine [DM] (Neurology)
Government Kilpauk Medical College (GKMC), Chennai, is one of Tamil Nadu's most prestigious government medical institutions, established in 1960 and affiliated with The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University. The DM (Neurology) is a 3-year super-specialty postgraduate programme offered under the Department of Neurology at GKMC. The course trains candidates in advanced clinical neurology, neurointervention, electrophysiology, neuro-critical care, and research. GKMC admits 4 DM Neurology students per year. The department is equipped with a fully functional 9-bedded Neuro Critical Care Unit, a Biplane Cath Lab for neurological intervention, a comprehensive Electrophysiology Lab, and a Sleep Lab with Video EEG facility. Admission is through NEET-SS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Super Specialty courses) conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), followed by Tamil Nadu state super-specialty counselling. The course is highly sought-after due to GKMC's strong clinical exposure, active research culture, and the department's MoU with the Stroke and Neurointervention Foundation (SNIF) for a 2-year fellowship in Neurointervention.
As of March 2026, the NEET-SS 2025 result was declared on January 28, 2026. The Tamil Nadu super-specialty counselling for 2025-26 is expected to be in progress or recently concluded. The NEET-SS 2026 exam is expected to be held in December 2026, with registration likely opening around November 2026. Candidates are advised to monitor the official NBE website (nbe.edu.in) and the Tamil Nadu DME website (tnhealth.tn.gov.in) for the latest updates.
Key Points
- GKMC's Neurology department has 4 DM seats per year and a 29-bed ward including a 9-bedded Neuro Critical Care Unit with ventilator and plasmapheresis facility.
- The department has a Biplane Cath Lab for neurological intervention and has signed an MoU with the Stroke and Neurointervention Foundation (SNIF) for a 2-year Neurointervention fellowship.
- A fully equipped Electrophysiology Lab offers EEG, EMG, NCS, RNS, VEP, BAEP, and SSEP studies.
- The department handles 658 new and 3,724 old OPD patients per month, providing extensive clinical exposure.
- Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke is routinely performed within the 4.5-hour window.
- Botulinum toxin injections are offered for movement disorders and spasticity.
- The course is affiliated with The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai.
GKMC DM Fees
The DM (Neurology) at GKMC is offered at highly subsidised government rates as a Higher Specialty course. The fee structure follows Tamil Nadu government norms for super-specialty programmes. The total course fees for the 3-year programme are significantly lower than private institutions. The caution deposit is refundable at the time of course completion.
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | 20,000 |
| Special Fees (per year) | 10,000 (DM/M.Ch.) |
| Caution Money Deposit (one-time, refundable) | 2,000 |
| Library Fees (one-time) | 2,000 |
| University Registration Fees (one-time) | 6,850 |
| Exam Fees (per year) | 2,500 |
| Miscellaneous Fees (Year 1) | 24,100 |
| Miscellaneous Fees (Year 2 & 3, per year) | 10,000 |
| Registration Fee (one-time) | 5,000 |
| College Welfare Fund (per year) | 500 |
| Total Fees (3 years, approx.) | 1,23,000 |
- Caution deposit of Rs. 2,000 is refundable upon course completion.
- SC/ST candidates are exempted from tuition fees as per Tamil Nadu government policy.
- Hostel facility is available at GKMC.
- Hostel fees are approximately Rs. 4,680 to Rs. 4,980 per year (not mandatory; optional for students).
- A non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 1,000 is payable at the time of counselling registration.
- Stipend is provided to DM students as per Tamil Nadu government norms.
GKMC DM Admission 2026
Admission to DM (Neurology) at GKMC is through NEET-SS conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), followed by Tamil Nadu state super-specialty counselling conducted by the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), Tamil Nadu. 85% of seats are filled through state counselling and 15% through All India Quota (MCC counselling). The process is merit-based on NEET-SS scores.
Admission Schedule
| Event | 2026-27 Dates |
|---|---|
| NEET-SS 2026 Registration Opens | November 5, 2026 |
| NEET-SS 2026 Registration Closes | November 25, 2026 |
| NEET-SS 2026 Admit Card | December 22, 2026 |
| NEET-SS 2026 Exam | December 26-27, 2026 |
| NEET-SS 2026 Result | January 28, 2027 |
| TN Super Specialty Counselling (State Quota) | February-March 2027 |
| MCC All India Quota Counselling | February-March 2027 |
| Batch Commencement | March-April 2027 |
Exam Details
| Exam | Conducting Body | Eligibility | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEET-SS | National Board of Examinations (NBE) | MD (General Medicine) or equivalent | Computer-based |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must possess a recognised MD (General Medicine) or equivalent degree from a recognised university.
- Must have completed the required residency/training period as per NMC norms.
- Must qualify NEET-SS with a valid scorecard.
- Must be registered with the Tamil Nadu Medical Council (for state quota seats).
Admission Process
- Appear for NEET-SS conducted by NBE (held annually in December).
- Register for Tamil Nadu state super-specialty counselling at tnhealth.tn.gov.in after NEET-SS result.
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 1,000 at the time of counselling registration.
- Fill and lock college/course preferences during the choice-filling window.
- Download allotment order and report to GKMC within the stipulated date.
- Complete document verification and pay course fees at the college.
- For All India Quota (15% seats), register separately with MCC at mcc.nic.in.
GKMC DM Scholarships 2026
DM students at GKMC receive a monthly stipend as per Tamil Nadu government norms for super-specialty postgraduate students. Additional scholarship opportunities are limited at this level, but central government schemes may be applicable.
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship/Benefit | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend (Tamil Nadu Government) | All DM students enrolled in government medical colleges | As per TN government norms (varies; typically Rs. 50,000-75,000/month for super-specialty) |
| Post Matric Scholarship for SC/ST (Tamil Nadu State) | SC/ST students; family income below prescribed limit | Tuition fee reimbursement + maintenance allowance |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | Parental income up to Rs. 4.5 Lakhs; recognised course | Up to Rs. 82,000 per annum |
- Stipend amounts are subject to revision by the Tamil Nadu government; students should verify the current stipend from the official DME notification.
- SC/ST students are exempted from tuition fees at GKMC.
- Applications for state scholarships are submitted through the Tamil Nadu e-Scholarship portal (scholarship.tn.gov.in).
GKMC DM FAQs
Ques. What is the eligibility for DM Neurology at GKMC Chennai?
Ans. Candidates must hold an MD (General Medicine) or equivalent degree from a recognised university and must qualify NEET-SS. The NEET-SS is conducted annually by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), typically in December.
Ques. How many DM Neurology seats are available at GKMC?
Ans. GKMC offers 4 DM Neurology seats per year. Of these, 85% (approximately 3 seats) are filled through Tamil Nadu state counselling and 15% (approximately 1 seat) through the All India Quota via MCC counselling.
Ques. What is the fee for DM Neurology at GKMC?
Ans. The total fees for the 3-year DM Neurology programme at GKMC are approximately Rs. 1,23,000, which is highly subsidised compared to private institutions. Additionally, DM students receive a monthly stipend as per Tamil Nadu government norms.
Ques. What clinical and research facilities are available in the Neurology department at GKMC?
Ans. The department has a 29-bed ward including a 9-bedded Neuro Critical Care Unit with ventilator and plasmapheresis facility, a Biplane Cath Lab for neurointervention, a comprehensive Electrophysiology Lab (EEG, EMG, NCS, VEP, BAEP, SSEP), a Sleep Lab with Video EEG, and Transcranial Doppler for ICP monitoring. The department also has an MoU with SNIF for a 2-year Neurointervention fellowship.
Ques. Is there a bond or service obligation after completing DM Neurology at GKMC?
Ans. Tamil Nadu government medical college super-specialty graduates are typically required to serve in government hospitals for a specified period as per the bond conditions stipulated at the time of admission. Candidates should verify the current bond conditions from the official TN DME counselling prospectus.
Ques. What are the career prospects after DM Neurology from GKMC?
Ans. DM Neurology graduates from GKMC can pursue careers as consultant neurologists in government hospitals (through TNPSC/DME recruitment), private hospitals, and corporate healthcare chains. Academic positions in medical colleges, research roles, and further fellowship training in neurointervention or epilepsy are also available. GKMC's strong reputation and clinical training make its DM graduates highly competitive in the job market.