Doctorate of Medicine [DM] (Cardiology)

The DM (Cardiology) programme at NEIGRIHMS, Shillong is a 3-year full-time super-speciality postdoctoral course offered under the affiliation of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Established in 2012-13, it is the only DM Cardiology programme in the entire North East region, making it a landmark institution for advanced cardiac care training. The programme offers 2 seats per year (1 General/All India + 1 North East Open), and admission is through the NEET SS (Super Speciality) examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), followed by MCC counselling. Students admitted to the programme work as Senior Residents and receive a monthly stipend, making it a paid training programme. NEIGRIHMS is a central government institute under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and provides access to a well-equipped cardiac catheterisation lab, echocardiography, and a large patient base from across the North East region.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session will be based on NEET SS 2026 scores. NEET SS 2025 counselling (for 2025-26 session) is currently ongoing, with Round 2 choice filling extended to April 3, 2026. The NEET SS 2026 exam is expected in December 2026, with counselling likely in early 2027. Candidates are advised to monitor the MCC website (mcc.nic.in) and the NEIGRIHMS website (www.neigrihms.gov.in) for the latest updates.

Key Points

• NEIGRIHMS is the only institution in the North East region offering DM Cardiology, making it the premier destination for aspiring cardiologists from the region.
• The programme has admitted 20 students since its inception in 2012-13, with 16 having successfully completed the course.
• Seats are split between All India Open (1 seat) and North East Open (1 seat), with the NE Open seat reserved for candidates with domicile/PRC from any of the 8 North Eastern states including Sikkim.
• Students are designated as Senior Residents during the programme and receive monthly stipends as per central government norms.
• The Department of Cardiology at NEIGRIHMS is equipped with a cardiac catheterisation laboratory, echocardiography facilities, and manages a high volume of cardiac cases referred from across the North East.
• The programme is affiliated to North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

NEIGRIHMS DM Fees

Fee Structure

• The above fee structure is based on the NEIGRIHMS PG/Super-speciality fee schedule (subject to revision).
• Security Deposit of Rs. 20,000 is refundable on completion of the course after submission of a No Dues Certificate.
• It must be claimed within one year of course completion, failing which it will be forfeited.
• Hostel accommodation is provided subject to availability.
• Mess fee is decided by the Mess Committee based on actual monthly expenditure and is payable separately.
• Fees once paid (other than security deposit) are non-refundable.
• Students receive monthly stipends as Senior Residents: 1st year - Rs. 75,000/month, 2nd year - Rs. 80,000/month, 3rd year - Rs. 85,000/month (as per available data; subject to revision).
• Application Processing Fee of Rs. 1,500 is payable at the time of application and is non-refundable.
• All fees are subject to revision by the institute/Government of India.

NEIGRIHMS DM Admission 2026

NEET SS 2025 Exam Dates (for 2025-26 Admissions - Completed)

NEET SS 2025 MCC Counselling Schedule (for 2025-26 Admissions)

NEIGRIHMS DM/MCh Admission Process (Institute Level)

• For the 2026-27 session, NEET SS 2026 is expected in December 2026, with MCC counselling likely in early 2027.
• Candidates should monitor mcc.nic.in and neigrihms.gov.in for official notifications.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must possess an MD or DNB degree in General Medicine or Paediatrics from a university/institution recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
• Candidates must be a Resident Indian National. For the North East Open seat, candidates must hold a valid Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC)/Domicile from any of the 8 North Eastern states (Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim).
• Age limit: 35 years as on 1st January of the year of admission.

Admission Process

• Appear for NEET SS conducted by NBE (National Board of Examinations) in December each year.
• Register for MCC Super Speciality Counselling at mcc.nic.in after NEET SS results are declared.
• Pay the MCC counselling registration fee and fill in college/course choices online.
• Attend seat allotment; if NEIGRIHMS DM Cardiology is allotted, report to NEIGRIHMS, Shillong with all original documents.
• Submit the online application on the NEIGRIHMS website and pay the application processing fee of Rs. 1,500.
• Attend counselling at NEIGRIHMS with all original certificates; undergo medical fitness examination.
• Pay the requisite fees on the day of counselling to confirm admission.
• Execute a bond on non-judicial stamp paper of Rs. 20 at the time of joining.
• Join the Department of Cardiology, NEIGRIHMS on the date specified in the seat allocation letter.

NEIGRIHMS DM Scholarships 2026

Scholarship/Financial Support

• The monthly stipend as Senior Resident is the primary financial support for DM students and significantly offsets the cost of the programme.
• NEIGRIHMS does not offer institute-level scholarships.
• Students may apply for central and state government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal.
• Stipend amounts are subject to revision as per central government norms.

NEIGRIHMS DM FAQs

Ques. Is NEET SS mandatory for admission to DM Cardiology at NEIGRIHMS, or does NEIGRIHMS conduct its own entrance exam?

Ans. Admission to DM Cardiology at NEIGRIHMS is through NEET SS (Super Speciality) conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), which is the single national entrance test for all DM/MCh/DrNB super-speciality courses in India. NEIGRIHMS does not conduct a separate entrance examination for DM Cardiology. After NEET SS results are declared, candidates register for MCC Super Speciality Counselling at mcc.nic.in and exercise their choice for NEIGRIHMS DM Cardiology. Seat allotment is based on NEET SS rank and seat availability.

Ques. What is the seat distribution for DM Cardiology at NEIGRIHMS, and who is eligible for the North East Open seat?

Ans. NEIGRIHMS offers 2 seats for DM Cardiology: 1 All India Open seat (available to all eligible Indian nationals) and 1 North East Open seat (reserved for candidates holding a valid Permanent Residential Certificate or Domicile from any of the 8 North Eastern states: Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim). Candidates without a valid NE domicile can only compete for the All India Open seat. Both seats are filled through MCC counselling based on NEET SS rank.

Ques. What is the bond obligation for DM Cardiology students at NEIGRIHMS, and what are the penalties for leaving mid-course?

Ans. DM Cardiology students at NEIGRIHMS must execute a bond at the time of joining. If a student leaves the course before completing one year, they are liable to pay Rs. 10 lakhs to NEIGRIHMS. If they leave in the second year, the penalty is Rs. 15 lakhs, and if they leave in the third year without completing the course, the penalty is Rs. 20 lakhs. Additionally, original certificates are retained by the institute and are returned only after payment of Rs. 50,000 if the student wishes to leave after counselling but before joining, or after joining but before completion.

Ques. What clinical facilities are available for DM Cardiology training at NEIGRIHMS?

Ans. The Department of Cardiology at NEIGRIHMS is equipped with a cardiac catheterisation laboratory, echocardiography facilities, and manages a significant volume of cardiac cases referred from across the entire North East region. As the only tertiary cardiac care centre in the region, NEIGRIHMS provides exposure to a wide spectrum of cardiac conditions including rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias. The department also has access to the NEIGRIHMS Hospital's ICU, CCU, and other support services, providing comprehensive training in interventional and non-interventional cardiology.

Ques. Do DM Cardiology students at NEIGRIHMS receive a stipend, and what are the working conditions?

Ans. Yes, DM Cardiology students are designated as Senior Residents and receive a monthly stipend: approximately Rs. 75,000 in the first year, Rs. 80,000 in the second year, and Rs. 85,000 in the third year (subject to revision as per central government norms). Students are required to work as full-time residents, attending at least 80% of training in each calendar year. Private practice in any form is strictly prohibited during the course. Leave entitlement is 30 days in the first year and 36 days in the second and third years, and unused leave cannot be carried over or encashed.

Ques. What career prospects are available after completing DM Cardiology from NEIGRIHMS?

Ans. Graduates of DM Cardiology from NEIGRIHMS are well-positioned for senior clinical and academic roles. Career options include positions as Senior Resident or Consultant Cardiologist in central government hospitals (AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, etc.), state government medical colleges, and private hospitals. Faculty positions in medical colleges and research roles in cardiology are also available. Given the acute shortage of cardiologists in the North East region, NEIGRIHMS DM Cardiology graduates are in high demand in both government and private sectors across the region. The degree is recognised by NMC and is valid for practice and teaching across India.