DM
at National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences - [NIMHANS]
About DM
NIMHANS Bengaluru offers the Doctor of Medicine (DM) across two tracks: a 6-year post-MBBS track via INI-CET in DM Neurology, and a 3-year post-MD/DNB track via INI-SSET across 9 specializations including Neurology, Neuroanaesthesia, Neuropathology, Addiction Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, and Forensic Psychiatry. Total fees are INR 81,250 to INR 90,850 for the full programme, and all residents receive monthly emoluments.
📋 Admission Status: Admissions expected to open March 2027 (Tentative).
Key Points
- NIMHANS is one of very few institutes offering DM in Forensic Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, and Addiction Psychiatry as standalone super-specialty degrees.
- The 6-year post-MBBS DM Neurology track integrates Junior and Senior Resident training in a single continuous programme.
- All DM residents receive monthly emoluments: Junior Resident pay of INR 56,100 to INR 59,500 and Senior Resident pay of INR 67,700 to INR 71,800.
- NIMHANS is NABH accredited and ranked 4th in the Medical category by NIRF 2026.
NIMHANS DM Fees 2026
NIMHANS DM fees are among the lowest for any super-specialty programme in India. The post-MD/DNB track (3 years) totals INR 81,250 and the post-MBBS track (6 years) totals INR 90,850 for the full programme.
| Course | Track | Duration | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| DM in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | Post MD/DNB (INI-SSET) | 3 years | INR 81,250 |
| DM in Neuroanaesthesia and Neurocritical Care | Post MD/DNB (INI-SSET) | 3 years | INR 81,250 |
| DM in Neuroimaging and Interventional Neuroradiology | Post MD/DNB (INI-SSET) | 3 years | INR 81,250 |
| DM in Neurology (Post MD) | Post MD/DNB (INI-SSET) | 3 years | INR 81,250 |
| DM in Paediatric Neurology | Post MD/DNB (INI-SSET) | 3 years | INR 81,250 |
| DM in Neuropathology | Post MD/DNB (INI-SSET) | 3 years | INR 81,250 |
| DM in Addiction Psychiatry | Post MD/DNB (INI-SSET) | 3 years | INR 81,250 |
| DM in Geriatric Psychiatry | Post MD/DNB (INI-SSET) | 3 years | INR 81,250 |
| DM in Forensic Psychiatry | Post MD/DNB (INI-SSET), Sponsored only | 3 years | INR 81,250 |
| DM in Neurology (Post MBBS) | Post MBBS (INI-CET) | 6 years | INR 90,850 |
- Fees subject to change. Verify before admission.
NIMHANS DM Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| INI-SSET and INI-CET application window | Closed (last cycle deadline: 24 June 2026) |
| Course commencement (2026 cycle) | 1 July 2026 |
| Next admission cycle opening (INI-SSET and INI-CET) | Expected March 2027 (Tentative) |
- The 2026 admission cycle is now closed.
- Monitor aiimsexams.ac.in for the 2027 cycle.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Post MBBS 6-year DM Neurology: MBBS from a recognised institution, admission via INI-CET.
- Post MD/DNB 3-year tracks (Neurology, Psychiatry specializations): MD or DNB in the relevant base specialty, admission via INI-SSET.
- DM Neuroanaesthesia: MD/DNB Anaesthesiology. DM Neuroimaging: MD/DNB Radiodiagnosis. DM Neuropathology: MD/DNB Pathology. DM Paediatric Neurology: MD/DNB Paediatrics.
Admission Process
- Post-MBBS track: apply for INI-CET at aiimsexams.ac.in for the 6-year DM Neurology programme.
- Post-MD/DNB tracks: appear for INI-SSET at aiimsexams.ac.in. Merit lists are drawn from INI-SSET ranks for Institutionally Sponsored seats.
- Sponsored seats require nomination by the candidate’s parent institution. DM Forensic Psychiatry has Sponsored seats only.
- Selected candidates report to NIMHANS Bengaluru for document verification and fee payment.
NIMHANS DM vs Other Colleges
NIMHANS DM compared with similar government and deemed medical institutes on fees, entrance exams, and cutoff.
| College | Fees | Exams | Cutoff | Salary | CD Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIMHANS, Bengaluru | 81.2K to 90.9K | INI-SSET INI-CET | INI-SSET Rank 98 (2025, DM Neurology) | Not Disclosed | 4.0/5 |
| AIIMS New Delhi | 5.7K (3 yr) | INI-SSET INI-CET | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | 4.3/5 |
| PGIMER Chandigarh | 10.1K (3 yr) | INI-SSET | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | 3.9/5 |
| CMC Vellore | 2.95 L (3 yr) | NEET-SS | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | 4.4/5 |
✓ Opt for this if
- You want a DM in Forensic, Geriatric, or Addiction Psychiatry as a standalone degree
- You are an MD Psychiatry holder seeking sub-specialty depth in a dedicated neuro-psychiatric setting
- You want government-level fees with monthly emoluments throughout the programme
- You aim to build a career in academic neurosciences or neuropsychiatry research in India
✗ Skip if
- You hold a specialty degree outside the listed eligible base qualifications
- You prefer a DM programme in a broader multi-specialty academic hospital beyond neuro-psychiatric focus
- You need DM specializations such as Cardiology or Gastroenterology, which NIMHANS does not offer
NIMHANS DM Scholarships 2026
NIMHANS DM residents receive monthly emoluments as primary financial support. Government scholarships may also be available to candidates from reserved categories or EWS.
| Scholarship / Support | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Resident Monthly Emoluments (Post MD/DNB track) | INR 67,700 to INR 71,800 per month | All enrolled DM Senior Residents (Year 1 to Year 3) |
| Junior Resident Monthly Emoluments (Post MBBS track, Years 1 to 3) | INR 56,100 to INR 59,500 per month | All enrolled DM Junior Residents in the 6-year track |
| Senior Resident Monthly Emoluments (Post MBBS track, Years 4 to 6) | INR 67,700 to INR 71,800 per month | DM Neurology (Post MBBS) residents in Senior Resident phase |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Central Sector Schemes | Varies by scheme | Students from SC/ST/OBC and EWS categories meeting income criteria |
- Emoluments are as per NIMHANS Prospectus 2026-27.
- Government scholarship deadlines are notified via scholarships.gov.in.
NIMHANS DM FAQs
Ques. Can a candidate with MD in Internal Medicine apply for DM Neurology at NIMHANS through INI-SSET?
Ans. Yes. The post-MD/DNB DM Neurology track at NIMHANS accepts MD or DNB in Internal Medicine or Paediatrics via INI-SSET. A separate 6-year post-MBBS DM Neurology track for MBBS holders uses INI-CET instead.
Ques. What makes the DM in Forensic Psychiatry at NIMHANS different from similar programmes elsewhere?
Ans. NIMHANS is one of very few institutions in India offering DM in Forensic Psychiatry as an independent super-specialty degree. The programme is available under the Sponsored category only, meaning candidates must be nominated by a recognized parent institution.
Ques. How does the 6-year DM Neurology programme at NIMHANS work in practice?
Ans. The 6-year post-MBBS DM Neurology has two phases: Years 1 to 3 as Junior Resident (emoluments INR 56,100 to INR 59,500 per month) and Years 4 to 6 as Senior Resident (INR 67,700 to INR 71,800 per month). Entry is through INI-CET and the total programme fee is INR 90,850.
Ques. What is the difference between Institutionally Sponsored and Sponsored seats in NIMHANS DM programmes?
Ans. Institutionally Sponsored (IS) seats are open merit seats filled through INI-SSET or INI-CET rankings and available to any eligible candidate. Sponsored seats require formal nomination by a recognized parent institution, and DM Forensic Psychiatry at NIMHANS is Sponsored-only with no IS seats.
Ques. Is there any pathway to DM at NIMHANS for candidates who have completed DNB instead of MD?
Ans. Yes. NIMHANS explicitly accepts DNB alongside MD for most post-MD/DNB DM tracks. DNB holders in the relevant base specialty appear for INI-SSET and compete in the same merit pool as MD holders for IS seats.
Ques. What is the INI-SSET and how is it different from NEET-SS for DM admissions at NIMHANS?
Ans. INI-SSET (Institute of National Importance Super-Specialty Entrance Test) is conducted by AIIMS New Delhi and is mandatory for DM admissions at all Institutes of National Importance, including NIMHANS. NEET-SS applies to other NMC-regulated colleges and is not valid for NIMHANS DM admissions.