Overview: Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
History & Status
Founded in 1962, PGIMER was established under the leadership of visionaries like Tulsi Das, Santokh Singh Anand, P. N. Chhuttani, and others, with support from Punjab’s leadership and Prime Minister Nehru.
In 1967, it was declared an Institute of National Importance via an Act of Parliament and now functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Mission & Motto
Motto: “Service to the Community, Care of the Needy and Research for the Good of All.” .
PGIMER aims to deliver high-quality patient care, advance medical education, and spearhead research—especially in social and community health contexts.
Campus & Infrastructure
Located in Chandigarh, PGIMER spans a substantial urban campus of around 277 acres. Other references cite campus extents ranging from 64 to 74 acres, but the 277‑acre figure is well-established.
Facilities include:
Nehru Hospital, a large 1,400-bed tertiary care hospital serving various northern states.
Advanced Paediatrics Centre, Advanced Eye Centre, Drug De‑addiction Centre, and Research blocks A & B housing basic science departments.
Dr. Tulsi Das Library, with nearly 45,700 books, over 57,600 journals, plus thousands of theses and wide-ranging digital resources.
Additional amenities include hostels, a water‑sports complex, indoor/outdoor sports facilities, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, cafeteria, lecture halls, auditorium, and a gym.
Academics & Training
Offers numerous postgraduate, doctoral, diploma, and fellowship programs, spanning more than 50 disciplines across specialties, super‑specialties, and sub‑specialties.
While predominantly a postgraduate institute, it also offers undergraduate courses (like B.Sc Nursing, BPT, B.Sc Medical Technology) on a limited basis.
Current enrollment: 650 faculty, 712 students (excluding those admitted in 2020–21), with 302 postgraduate and 410 doctoral students.
Training includes MD, MS, DM, M.Ch, M.Sc, Ph.D., various paramedical and nursing programs.
Admissions
Conducted twice annually (January and July sessions) through a competitive Institute-level entrance exam (INI‑CET) on an all‑India basis.
Admission to PG and super‑specialty courses relies on INI‑CET / INI‑SS, while other courses may require institute‑specific exams and interviews.
The exam is highly selective, with only 1–2% selection rate among applicants (~20,000 or more candidates annually).
Ranking & Recognition
Ranked #2 in India’s medical category by NIRF 2024, just behind AIIMS Delhi.
Reaffirmed as a top-ranked medical institution in 2023 as well.
Patient Care & Research
PGIMER is a premier referral and tertiary care hospital, catering to patients from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
Its research footprint covers prevalent diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, cancer, leprosy, and more, supported by advanced facilities including BSL‑III labs, genomic sequencers, and imaging tools.
Future Expansion
PGIMER is expanding with a proposed satellite center at Sarangpur, featuring a 100‑seat MBBS college, a 500‑bed hospital, trauma center, screening OPD, and associated facilities to manage rising patient demand.
Summary Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1962 |
| Status | Institute of National Importance (1967); under Ministry of Health |
| Campus Size | ~277 acres (urban campus) |
| Hospital | Nehru Hospital (1,400 beds) + specialized centers |
| Academics | PG, doctoral, diplomas, UG allied programs |
| Library | Dr. Tulsi Das Library with vast print & digital resources |
| Admissions | Highly competitive through INI‑CET, twice a year |
| Ranking | #2 by NIRF (2024) |
| Research & Care | Leading tertiary care provider & research hub |
| Expansion Plan | New Sarangpur satellite center with MBBS intake |
Courses and Fee structure at PGIMER Chandigarh, laid out neatly in tables for clarity. The information is based on publicly available sources for 2024–25.
Postgraduate (PG), Super‑specialty & Diploma Courses
MD / MS / MDS / M.Ch / DM / Hospital Management / MPH / M.Sc Nursing etc.
According to one source summarizing PGIMER’s 2025 fee data:
| Course | Duration | Total Fees (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| MD (various specialties) | 3 years | ~ 6,690 |
| MS | 3 years | ~ 7,110 |
| MDS | — | ~ 9,210 |
| M.Sc Nursing / MHA / MPH | ~2 years | 5,240–15,600 |
| B.Sc Nursing / BPT / BMLS | — | 1,340–10,500 |
| Hostel Fee | — | 1,200–2,400 |
Some highlights:
M.Sc across many branches (e.g., Microbiology, Pathology, Speech & Hearing) is ₹15,600.
MD fees are around ₹6,690 (3-year program).
MS fees are approximately ₹7,110.
MDS: around ₹25,390 (e.g., branches like Orthodontics, OMFS).
M.Ch (super‑specialty surgery): ₹6,690 (3 years).
Hostel fees range between ₹1,200 to ₹2,400 per year.
Ph.D., Fellowships & Diplomas
Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)
Duration: ~3 years
Fee: ₹2,470 per year (~₹7,410 total)
Fellowship Programs (e.g., Spine Surgery, Glaucoma)
Fees: ~₹10,120 for 1‑year programs
DM (super‑specialty) Programs
Standard fees: ₹3,470 (3 years), though some specialized DM streams may have higher fees (~₹6,690 or ₹7,330).
M.Sc (General Sciences) – Branch-Wise
From another detailed source:
| M.Sc Specialization | Duration | Total Fees (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy, Anesthesia, Biochemistry, Blood Transfusion Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacology, Respiratory Technology, Speech & Hearing, Pathology, Microbiology | 2 years | 6,440 |
| Medical Biotechnology | 2 years | 7,320 |
| Medical Technology (Med.Tech.) | 2 years | 13,050 |
Organized Summary Table
| Category | Course / Program | Duration | Total Fees (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate (Clinical) | MD (various) | 3 years | ~6,690 |
| MS (surgical) | 3 years | ~7,110 | |
| MDS | 3 years | ~25,390 | |
| M.Ch (super‑specialty) | 3 years | ~6,690 | |
| Non‑Medical PG | M.Sc Nursing / MHA / MPH | 2 years | 5,240–15,600 |
| Paramedical / Allied UG | B.Sc Nursing / BPT / BMLS | — | 1,340–10,500 |
| Ph.D. (Doctorate) | Ph.D. (various subjects) | ~3 years | ₹2,470/year (~7.4k total) |
| Fellowship Programs | Clinical fellowships (e.g., Radiology) | 1 year | ~10,120 |
| Super‑Specialty PG | DM (various streams) | 3 years | ~3,470–7,330 |
| M.Sc (Science specialization) | e.g., Anatomy, Biochemistry, Nursing, etc. | 2 years | 6,440–13,050 |
| Accommodation | Hostel Fee | annual | 1,200–2,400 |
Notes & Disclaimers
These figures reflect data from various 2024–25 sources and may vary by department or year.
Some discrepancies exist—e.g., DM standard vs. higher-fee streams, or one source listing MD fees differently.
Always refer to PGIMER’s official website or latest prospectus for the most accurate and updated information.
PGIMER Chandigarh admission process, segmented by program type and presented in structured tables for ease of reference:
1. MD / MS / MDS (Postgraduate) & Super‑Specialty (DM / M.Ch.) Admissions
Entrance Exams & Eligibility
| Program Type | Required Entrance Exam | Admission Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| MD / MS / MDS | INI‑CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) | January & July |
| DM / M.Ch (Super-Specialty) | INI‑SS or NEET‑SS (Super‑Specialty) | January & July |
INI‑CET is conducted twice annually for admission to MD, MS, MDS programs.
INI‑SS is utilized for DM/M.Ch admissions; note that as of recent national policy, NEET‑SS serves as the standard national-level super-specialty entrance exam.
Application Timeline (INI‑CET – July Session 2025)
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Prospectus, Registration Begins | 10 March 2025 |
| Registration Closes | 15 April 2025 (5:00 PM) |
| Final Status, Admit Card Upload | 10 May 2025 |
| INI‑CET Exam Date | 17 May 2025 |
| Counselling & Seat Allotment Rounds | June–July 2025 (Round 1 & 2) |
Detailed schedule:
Edit window, EUC code generation, document upload, and application corrections: 1–25 April 2025.
Post-exam counselling includes rounds in late June and mid-July 2025.
For DM / M.Ch admissions (INI‑SS):
Example timeline includes mock round choices, seat allocation announcements, and reporting phases—occurring between December 2024 and February 2025 for the January session.
Seat allotment results for July 2025 are monitored via INI‑SS updates within institutes including PGIMER.
Counselling & Seat Allotment Process
After results, candidates can fill and adjust preferences in mock and final rounds, followed by seat allocation, acceptance, document verification, and reporting. Each stage has designated timelines in December–January or June–July.
Eligibility Overview
MBBS degree with minimum 50% marks from an NMC-recognized institution.
Completion of a one-year rotating internship by session deadlines (i.e., by 31 Jan for January session, or 31 July for July session).
Medical registration (state or central) is mandatory.
Sponsored candidates require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer.
Candidates already pursuing or having completed MD/MS in any discipline are not eligible for re-admission into the same level of programs.
Ph.D. Admissions
Key Steps & Timeline
A written Ph.D. entrance exam is conducted by PGIMER, followed by counselling for qualified candidates.
Counselling for the January 2025 session took place on 30 December 2024 in the APC Auditorium of PGIMER, Chandigarh.Eligibility & Selection Criteria
Eligible applicants include those holding:
MBBS (with ≥55% marks),
MD/MS in the relevant subject, or
Diplomate of National Board (DNB).
Exam consists of:
Aptitude test (30 marks),
Subject-specific theory (50 marks),
Departmental evaluation (20 marks).
Entrance exam may be waived for candidates with fellowships or in-service PGIMER faculty, who still must attend counselling.
Undergraduate & Allied Courses (e.g., B.Sc., MPH, Diploma)
Admission Procedure
Application typically via PGIMER’s official portal in May–June.
Example: For B.Sc Nursing (4-year) and Post-Basic courses in 2025:
Application period: 10–30 June 2025,
Exam: 27 July 2025,
Result: 9 August 2025,
Counselling: 11–14 August 2025.
Eligibility & Documents
Must meet specific eligibility per course (e.g., 12th grade prerequisites, exam performance).
Required documents typically include:
Internship certificate (if applicable),
Entrance exam scorecard,
Academic mark sheets and certificates,
Category certificate (if applicable),
Medical registration (if relevant),
Proof of identity and date of birth.
General Admission Workflow Summary
Check Eligibility̶ Ensure academic prerequisites, internship completion, and registration requirements are met.
Apply Online̶ Register on PGIMER’s official site → Upload documents → Pay fees (varies by category and exam type).
Appear for Entrances
INI‑CET (PG),
INI‑SS / NEET‑SS (Super‑Specialty),
Ph.D. entrance test, or
UG / other course-specific exams.
Participate in Counselling
Complete choice filling, mock rounds, seat allotment, and reporting/document verification phases.
Secure Admission
Acceptance of seat, fee submission, and document submission finalize the admission process.
Notable Insights from Current Students
A user-shared discussion highlighted the interactive nature of INI‑CET eligibility:
“Candidates who have completed the required period of 12 months compulsory rotating Internship… on or before 31 December, 2022 are eligible to admission for PG courses at PGIMER Chandigarh” .
PGIMER Chandigarh follows a rigorous, highly competitive admission process defined by national-level entrance exams (INI‑CET, INI‑SS / NEET‑SS, and Ph.D. test) and structured counselling across sessions. Eligibility, accurate form submission, timely uploads, and document readiness are key mileposts to clear. For the most accurate and up-to-date details (e.g., exact dates, fees, or seat matrices), check the PGIMER official website or the latest prospectus.
Cutoff criteria for PGIMER Chandigarh, primarily based on INI‑CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) closing ranks—this being the key qualifier for PG, super‑specialty, and MDS admissions. The data is presented in table format for clarity.
INI‑CET Closing Ranks for PGIMER Chandigarh (General Category)
Cutoffs for 2025 (General Category) — Rounds 1 & 2
| Program | Round 1 Closing Rank | Round 2 Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|
| MDS Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | 2 | – |
| MDS Orthodontics | 8 | – |
| MDS Pedodontics | 14 | – |
| MD Radiodiagnosis | 13 | 17 |
| MD Medicine | 21 | 20 |
| MD Nuclear Medicine | 24 | – |
| MD Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology | 26 | 26 |
| MS Orthopaedics | 28 | – |
| MD Paediatrics | 87 | 67 |
| MS Ophthalmology | 110 | 110 |
| MS General Surgery | 145 | 123 |
| MD Obstetrics & Gynaecology | 183 | 225 |
| MD Radiotherapy | 185 | – |
| MS Otolaryngology | 390 | 554 |
| MD Psychiatry | 467 | 724 |
| MD Anaesthesia | 597 | 812 |
| MD Pathology | 1,112 | 1,290 |
| MD Transfusion Medicine | 1,425 | 2,067 |
| MD Biochemistry | 2,221 | 4,128 |
| MD Pharmacology | 2,323 | 3,218 |
| MD Microbiology | 2,709 | 3,950 |
| MD Community Medicine | – | – |
| MD Forensic Medicine | – | – |
Cutoffs for 2024 (General Category) — First & Last Round
From another breakdown:
| Program | First Round Closing Rank | Last Round Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|
| MDS Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | 9 | – |
| MDS Orthodontics | 11 | – |
| MD Medicine | 38 | – |
| MD Dermatology | 56 | – |
| MD Paediatrics | 121 | – |
| MD Nuclear Medicine | 206 | – |
| MD Obstetrics & Gynaecology | 218 | – |
| MD Radiotherapy | 250 | – |
| MS Otolaryngology | 260 | – |
| MS General Surgery | 266 | – |
| MS Orthopaedics | 288 | – |
| MS Ophthalmology | 404 | 427 |
| MD Psychiatry | 588 | 736 |
| MD Anaesthesia | 781 | 854 |
| MD Transfusion Medicine | 863 | 15,839 |
| MD Pathology | 1,153 | 3,692 |
| MD Community Medicine | 2,108 | 3,803 |
| MD Forensic Medicine | 2,313 | 16,130 |
| MD Biochemistry | – | – |
| MD Microbiology | – | – |
| MD Pharmacology | – | 21,003 |
INI‑CET Cutoff Trends (2023)
Another snapshot from 2023 reflecting opening and closing ranks:
| Program | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|
| MD General Medicine | 4 | 30 |
| MD Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology | 15 | 46 |
| MS Orthopaedics | 21 | 100 |
| MD Paediatrics | 24 | 101 |
| MD Nuclear Medicine | 147 | 147 |
| MS Obstetrics & Gynaecology | 127 | 259 |
| MS General Surgery | 41 | 270 |
| MS Ophthalmology | 148 | 301 |
| MD Psychiatry | 291 | 450 |
| MS ENT | 425 | 461 |
| MD Anaesthesia | 339 | 767 |
| MD Pathology | 186 | 1,030 |
| MD Community Medicine | 1,142 | 1,142 |
| MD Transfusion Medicine | 1,244 | 1,628 |
| MD Forensic Medicine | 1,669 | 1,669 |
| MD Microbiology | 1,989 | 2,077 |
| MD Pharmacology | 2,249 | 2,249 |
| MD Biochemistry | 2,669 | 2,669 |
Highly competitive specialties like MD Radiodiagnosis, Dermatology, Medicine require very high ranks (often <100).
Cutoffs for specialties such as Microbiology, Transfusion Medicine, Community Medicine, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology tend to be relatively higher (i.e., lower merit) with general-category closing ranks ranging from the hundreds to several thousands.
Trend indicates that cutoffs vary significantly by specialty and category, and they can change across years and counselling rounds.