About Diploma in Ophthalmology
Diploma in Ophthalmology [DO (NBEMS)] at Government Medical College (GMC), Kannauj is a 2-year full-time postgraduate diploma programme accredited by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). The course provides comprehensive training in clinical and surgical ophthalmology, including cataract surgery, glaucoma management, retinal disorders, and ocular emergencies, conducted at the attached 500-bed government hospital. GMC Kannauj offers 1 seat for Diploma in Ophthalmology under the NBEMS/AIQ quota, and admission is based on NEET PG scores followed by centralised MCC/NBEMS counselling. The programme is popular among NEET PG aspirants due to its government hospital setting, strong clinical exposure, and a high monthly stipend of Rs. 90,000 per month as per UP state government norms.
Admissions for the 2026-27 session have been completed through NEET PG 2026 counselling. The next admission cycle for 2027-28 will be based on NEET PG 2027 scores. NEET PG 2027 registration is tentatively expected to begin in April 2027, with the exam scheduled for June 15, 2027 (tentative). NBEMS Diploma counselling for the 2027 session is expected to commence after NEET PG 2027 results are declared. Candidates are advised to monitor the official NBEMS website at natboard.edu.in for updated schedules.
Key Points
- GMC Kannauj is an NBEMS-accredited government hospital for Diploma in Ophthalmology, offering 1 seat per admission cycle under the AIQ/NBEMS quota.
- The Diploma in Ophthalmology is a 2-year Post MBBS Broad Specialty programme recognised by NBEMS, providing a nationally valid qualification in eye care.
- Trainees receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 90,000 as per UP state government norms (among the highest for diploma trainees in UP government hospitals).
- A service bond of Rs. 20,00,000 is applicable, requiring 2 years of service at district hospitals or Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Uttar Pradesh after completion.
- The programme provides hands-on training in cataract surgery, glaucoma, retinal disorders, squint, and ocular emergencies at the attached government hospital.
- DO (NBEMS) holders are eligible to appear for the NBEMS Diploma exit examination and can pursue further superspeciality training.
GMC DO Fees
The Diploma in Ophthalmology programme at GMC Kannauj is offered at the NBEMS-prescribed fee structure. The annual course fee as mandated by NBEMS is Rs. 1,25,000 per year, covering tuition, library, annual appraisal, and accommodation charges. The total fee for the 2-year programme amounts to Rs. 2,50,000. Trainees also receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 90,000 (as per UP state government norms), which substantially offsets the course fee.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee Component | Per Year (INR) | Total (2 Years) (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | Rs. 75,000 | Rs. 1,50,000 |
| Library Fee | Rs. 15,000 | Rs. 30,000 |
| Annual Appraisal Fee | Rs. 15,000 | Rs. 30,000 |
| Accommodation Charges | Rs. 20,000 | Rs. 40,000 |
| Total Fees | Rs. 1,25,000 | Rs. 2,50,000 |
- The first year course fee is collected by NBEMS at the time of counselling and transferred to the hospital after joining is confirmed.
- The second year course fee is paid directly by the candidate to the hospital.
- Accommodation charges are applicable only if the hospital provides accommodation to the trainee; if not, this component cannot be charged.
- No capitation fee, security deposit, security bond, or caution bond can be charged by the hospital over and above the prescribed NBEMS fee.
- Trainees receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 90,000 as per UP state government norms (or NBEMS minimum of Rs. 35,000 in Year 1 and Rs. 37,000 in Year 2, whichever is higher).
- A service bond of Rs. 20,00,000 is applicable, requiring 2 years of service at district hospitals or CHCs in Uttar Pradesh after course completion.
GMC DO Admission 2026
Admission to Diploma in Ophthalmology at GMC Kannauj is merit-based, driven by NEET PG scores and conducted through the centralised MCC/NBEMS counselling process under the All India Quota. The 2026-27 admission cycle has been completed. For the upcoming 2027-28 session, admissions will be based on NEET PG 2027 results, with NBEMS Diploma counselling expected to commence after the declaration of results. Candidates must register on the official NBEMS/MCC counselling portal and participate in choice filling to secure the seat at GMC Kannauj.
MCC/NBEMS Diploma Counselling Dates
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| NEET PG 2026 Exam | Conducted (basis for admission) |
| MCC/NBEMS Diploma Counselling Registration | October - November 2026 |
| Choice Filling | November 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment Result | November 2026 |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment Result | December 2026 |
| Stray Vacancy Round | February 2027 |
| Reporting and Joining | As per allotment round |
Note: Exact dates for MCC/NBEMS Diploma counselling 2026 rounds may vary. Candidates should refer to the official MCC website at mcc.nic.in and NBEMS website at natboard.edu.in for precise schedules.
NEET PG 2027 Exam Dates
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| NEET PG 2027 Registration Start | April 7, 2027 |
| NEET PG 2027 Registration End | May 7, 2027 |
| NEET PG 2027 Admit Card | June 11, 2027 |
| NEET PG 2027 Exam Date | June 15, 2027 |
| NEET PG 2027 Result | July 15, 2027 |
Note: All NEET PG 2027 dates are tentative. Candidates should verify from the official NBE website at nbe.edu.in.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold an MBBS degree from a recognised medical institution approved by the NMC.
- Candidates must have a valid NEET PG score and rank.
- Candidates must have completed a compulsory rotating internship (CRRI) and possess a valid registration certificate from the NMC or State Medical Council.
Admission Process
- Appear in NEET PG 2027 conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
- Register on the MCC/NBEMS counselling portal for Diploma seat allotment under the AIQ/NBEMS quota.
- Participate in choice filling, selecting GMC Kannauj and Diploma in Ophthalmology as preferred options.
- Await seat allotment result; if allotted, download the allotment letter.
- Report to GMC Kannauj within the stipulated reporting dates with all original documents for verification and joining.
- Execute the service bond as applicable under UP state government norms.
GMC DO Scholarships 2026
Students enrolled in the Diploma in Ophthalmology programme at GMC Kannauj can avail themselves of government scholarships available for postgraduate medical students. Given the high monthly stipend and subsidised government hospital training, scholarship benefits are particularly useful for students from economically weaker sections. Students from SC/ST and OBC categories can benefit from state and central scholarship portals.
Available Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| NSP (PM-USP) Yojana | Enrolled in NMC/NBEMS-recognised PG course; parental income up to Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum; minimum 50% marks and 75% attendance | Rs. 82,000 per annum |
| National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies (UGC) | First-time PG students below 30 years of age; enrolled in UGC-recognised full-time PG programme | Rs. 10,000 per year (non-NET) or Rs. 15,000 per month (NET qualified) |
| UP State Government Scholarship | Domicile of Uttar Pradesh; SC/ST/OBC/EWS category; income-based criteria | Covers tuition and hostel fees (amount varies by category) |
- Scholarship applications must be submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) or the UP state scholarship portal (scholarship.up.gov.in).
- Minimum 75% attendance is mandatory to retain scholarship benefits.
- Students must maintain satisfactory academic performance throughout the course.
GMC DO FAQs
Ques. How many Diploma in Ophthalmology seats are available at GMC Kannauj?
Ans. GMC Kannauj offers 1 seat for Diploma in Ophthalmology [DO (NBEMS)] under the AIQ/NBEMS quota. This seat is filled through centralised MCC/NBEMS counselling based on NEET PG merit rank.
Ques. What is the monthly stipend for Diploma in Ophthalmology trainees at GMC Kannauj?
Ans. Trainees at GMC Kannauj receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 90,000 as per UP state government norms, which is among the highest for diploma trainees in UP government hospitals. This is significantly higher than the NBEMS minimum stipend of Rs. 35,000-37,000 per month.
Ques. Is there a service bond for Diploma in Ophthalmology at GMC Kannauj?
Ans. Yes, a service bond of Rs. 20,00,000 is applicable, requiring 2 years of service at district hospitals or Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Uttar Pradesh after completion of the diploma. This is a standard requirement for government hospital diploma trainees in UP.
Ques. What is the total fee for Diploma in Ophthalmology at GMC Kannauj?
Ans. The total NBEMS-prescribed fee for the 2-year Diploma programme is Rs. 2,50,000 (Rs. 1,25,000 per year), covering tuition, library, appraisal, and accommodation charges. No additional capitation fee or security deposit can be charged by the hospital.
Ques. Is the Diploma in Ophthalmology from GMC Kannauj recognised for government jobs and further studies?
Ans. Yes, the NBEMS Diploma in Ophthalmology is nationally recognised. DO (NBEMS) holders are eligible to appear for the NBEMS exit examination and can pursue further superspeciality training. The qualification is accepted for government hospital appointments, private practice, and eye care services.
Ques. Can candidates from outside Uttar Pradesh apply for Diploma in Ophthalmology at GMC Kannauj?
Ans. Yes, the Diploma in Ophthalmology seat at GMC Kannauj is under the AIQ/NBEMS quota, which is open to all eligible NEET PG qualified candidates across India, irrespective of domicile. However, candidates must be aware of the UP state service bond requirement of 2 years after course completion.