NIMHANS admits students to most UG, PG, doctoral, and super-specialty programmes through entrance exams. The institute is an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Admission is based only on entrance-exam merit, and NIMHANS has no management quota, no NRI quota, and no capitation fee.

  • Two admission routes run side by side. Seats in MD Psychiatry, DM Neurology (Post-MBBS), M.Ch Neurosurgery (Post-MBBS), and MD Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation are allotted through INI CET, which is conducted by AIIMS New Delhi.
  • DM and M.Ch super-specialty seats for applicants who already have an MD or MS degree are filled through INI SS, also conducted by AIIMS New Delhi.
  • MClinPsy, MPSW, MPH, all M.Sc courses, PhD, PG Diplomas, and Fellowships use the NIMHANS Entrance Test.
  • MD Psychiatry has 41 seats for the July 2026 session: 25 All India, 8 Karnataka Domicile, 6 North Eastern Domicile, and 2 Sponsored.
  • MClinPsy and MPSW have 32 seats each, making them India’s highest-intake dedicated mental health masters programmes.
  • INI CET 2026 last-allotted rank cutoffs were 551 for MD Psychiatry General All India, 107 for DM Neurology General, and 89 for M.Ch Neurosurgery General.
  • The NIMHANS Entrance Test has 100 MCQs to be answered in 90 minutes. The qualifying cutoff is 50% for UR/OBC/EWS and 45% for SC/ST/PwBD.

Commitment clause, read before accepting a seat: Institute-Support candidates who leave after joining must pay a discontinuation bond. For medical programmes, the amount is Rs. 3,00,000 if the student exits before 1 month, Rs. 5,00,000 if the student exits between 1 and 6 months, and Rs. 7,00,000 after 6 months. For non-medical programmes, the bond ranges from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 2,00,000. Students should accept a seat only after being sure they can complete the course.

NIMHANS MD Psychiatry/DM/M.Ch Admission 2026

NIMHANS fills medical residency and super-specialty seats through two AIIMS New Delhi examinations. INI CET is used for post-MBBS admission to MD and 6-year DM/M.Ch courses. INI SS is used for 3-year DM and M.Ch programmes meant for candidates with an MD, MS, or DNB degree. After AIIMS releases allotments, NIMHANS completes admission formalities at the institute. MCC does not take part in this process.

NIMHANS MD/DM/M.Ch Eligibility Criteria 2026

Applicants must hold a degree from an institution recognised by the Medical Council of India, now NMC. MBBS applicants must finish the compulsory one-year rotatory internship and must have permanent registration with a state medical council before admission.

Programme Eligibility Duration Seats (July 2026)
MD Psychiatry MBBS or DPM 3 years 41 (25 AI IS + 8 Karnataka IS + 6 NE IS + 2 Sponsored)
MD Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation MBBS 3 (2 IS + 1 Sponsored)
DM Neurology (Post-MBBS, via INI CET) MBBS 6 years (3yr JR + 3yr SR) 4 (Institute Support)
M.Ch Neurosurgery (Post-MBBS, via INI CET) MBBS 4 (2 July + 2 January sessions)
DM Neurology (Post-MD/DNB, via INI SS) MD or DNB in Internal Medicine or Paediatrics 3 years 16 (July + January combined)
DM Child and Adolescent Psychiatry MD or DNB in Psychiatry 4 (2 IS + 2 Sponsored)
DM Neuroanaesthesia and Neurocritical Care MD or DNB in Anaesthesiology 10 (July + January combined)
DM Neuroimaging and Interventional Neuroradiology MD or DNB in Radiodiagnosis 5 (4 IS + 1 Sponsored)
DM Paediatric Neurology MD or DNB in Paediatrics 4 (2 IS + 2 Sponsored)
DM Neuropathology MD or DNB in Pathology 2 (1 IS + 1 Sponsored)
DM Addiction Psychiatry MD or DNB in Psychiatry 4 (2 IS + 2 Sponsored)
DM Geriatric Psychiatry MD or DNB in Psychiatry 2 (Institute Support)
DM Forensic Psychiatry MD or DNB in Psychiatry 2 (Sponsored category only)
M.Ch Neurosurgery (Post-MS/DNB, via INI SS) MS or DNB in General Surgery 6 (July + January combined)

Age limits calculated as on July 1, 2026: For MD Psychiatry, the limit is 32 years for General/UR, 35 years for OBC, 37 years for SC/ST, and 45 years for Sponsored/Deputed candidates. For DM Neurology (Post-MBBS) and M.Ch Neurosurgery (Post-MBBS) through INI CET, the limit is 32 years, with no OBC/SC/ST/EWS reservation and no age relaxation. For DM and M.Ch through INI SS in the Post-MD/DNB category, the limit is 37 years, and Sponsored/Deputed candidates have a 45-year limit. OBC/SC/ST reservation does not apply.

Key point: DM Neurology (Post-MBBS) and M.Ch Neurosurgery (Post-MBBS) at NIMHANS do not have OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwBD reserved seats. This also means there is no age relaxation, so the 32-year upper age limit applies to every applicant. Reserved-category applicants above this age can look at the Post-MD/DNB route through INI SS, where the age limit is 37 years.

NIMHANS MD/DM/M.Ch Selection Process 2026

For the INI CET route, admission depends on the INI CET rank. AIIMS New Delhi holds centralised counselling for INI seats at AIIMS campuses, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST. More than 80,000 candidates compete for about 1,300 INI seats nationally. INI CET July 2026 was a computer-based test with 200 MCQs in 3 hours and negative marking of -1/3 for each wrong answer.

For the INI SS route, selection is based on the INI SS exam rank. OBC/SC/ST/EWS reservation is not used. Sponsored-category seats are meant for permanent employees of Central or State Government and Public Sector Undertakings. Preference is given first to Indian Nationals, then SAARC Nationals, and then other Foreign Nationals.

Stipends for Institute-Support medical residents: Junior Residents receive Rs. 56,100 in Year 1, Rs. 57,800 in Year 2, and Rs. 59,500 in Year 3. Senior Residents in 6-year DM/M.Ch post-MBBS programmes receive Rs. 67,700 in Year 4, Rs. 69,700 in Year 5, and Rs. 71,800 in Year 6. INI SS Senior Residents get the same SR-tier stipends.

How to Apply for MD/DM/M.Ch at NIMHANS?

Candidates must apply through the INI CET or INI SS portal at aiimsexams.ac.in. After AIIMS releases the seat allocation result, selected candidates report to NIMHANS on the given admission date with original certificates. Fees are paid at the institute on the joining day through Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking only. Students must carry the degree certificate, internship completion certificate, Medical Council registration, attempt certificate, transfer certificate, and, for Sponsored candidates, a valid deputation letter from the employer.

NIMHANS MClinPsy/MPSW/MPH Admission 2026

MClinPsy, MPSW, and MPH are major non-medical masters programmes at NIMHANS. Admission to all three is through the NIMHANS Entrance Test. MClinPsy and MPSW each have 32 seats, the largest dedicated mental health masters intake in India. Students selected under Institute Support also receive monthly emoluments, which is a rare feature for these disciplines in Indian universities.

NIMHANS MClinPsy/MPSW/MPH Eligibility Criteria 2026

Programme Min Eligibility Seats Age Limit
MClinPsy MA/M.Sc Psychology or equivalent; 55% aggregate 22 All India + 7 Karnataka + 3 Foreign = 32 35 years
MPSW MA/MSW Social Work or equivalent; 55% aggregate 22 All India + 7 Karnataka + 3 Foreign = 32 35 years
MPH MBBS, BDS, or PG degree in Sociology/Statistics/Environmental Sciences/Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy/Health Management/Social Work/Economics/Speech Pathology/Nursing/Ayush 5 IS + 5 Sponsored = 10 45 years
MD Ayurveda (Manovigyan Evam Manasa Roga) BAMS from a recognised university 4 (Institute Support) 32 years
  • Karnataka Domicile seats: MClinPsy and MPSW have 7 seats each for Karnataka domicile candidates. Applicants must upload a domicile certificate from the Tehsildar showing 7 years of residence, or property ownership, in Karnataka. The original certificate is also required on admission day.
  • Foreign National seats: MClinPsy and MPSW each have 3 seats in the Sponsored/Foreign National category. The qualifying degree must have NMC recognition. Foreign Nationals do not receive NIMHANS emoluments.

NIMHANS MClinPsy/MPSW/MPH Selection Process 2026

  • MClinPsy, MPSW, and MPH admission is decided only by merit in the NIMHANS Entrance Test.
  • NIMHANS does not hold a group discussion, personal interview, or extra written round for these programmes.
  • The qualifying score is 50% for UR/OBC/EWS and 45% for SC/ST/PwBD.
  • The institute prepares separate merit lists for each course and category.

If two or more candidates are tied, NIMHANS first checks fewer attempts in the qualifying examination, then higher marks in the qualifying examination, and then age as on the course commencement date. MClinPsy and MPSW have 5% reservation for PwBD candidates with disability between 40% and 70%. MPH sponsored-category seats do not carry emoluments. Applicants who already receive pay from employers are treated as sponsored candidates and do not receive any amount from NIMHANS.

How to Apply for MClinPsy/MPSW/MPH at NIMHANS?

Applicants must submit forms online at nimhans.ac.in. One candidate can apply for up to three courses, but each course needs a separate form and separate fee. Government employees must send the application through their employer and upload a No Objection Certificate. Final-year candidates can apply, but they must show proof of passing on or before the admission date. All documents uploaded online must be shown in original on admission day. Failure to produce originals leads to disqualification.

NIMHANS M.Sc and PG Diploma Admission 2026

NIMHANS uses the NIMHANS Entrance Test for six M.Sc programmes in Neurosciences, Nursing, Biostatistics, Medical Imaging Technology, and Yoga Therapy, along with three PG-level diploma and certificate programmes and several one-year fellowships. Institute-Support M.Sc students receive Rs. 15,000 per month. M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing and M.Sc Neuroscience Nursing share one entrance test, but candidates who apply for both are ranked separately for each programme.

NIMHANS M.Sc and PG Diploma Eligibility Criteria 2026

Programme Min Eligibility Seats (AI + Karnataka + Sponsored)
M.Sc Neurosciences Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Medicine, AYUSH, BDS, Pharmacy, or Allied Health Sciences 11 + 4 = 15
M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing B.Sc Nursing, B.Sc Hons Nursing, or Post Basic B.Sc Nursing; Registered Nurse and Midwife; 1-year post-basic experience 9 + 3 + 3 = 15
M.Sc Neuroscience Nursing Same as M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing 9 + 3 + 3 = 15
M.Sc Biostatistics UG degree with Mathematics or Statistics as main subjects 3 + 1 = 4
M.Sc Medical Imaging Technology B.Sc in Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology, Medical Technology Radio Diagnosis, Radiological Technology, Radiography, or Medical Imaging Technology (X-ray) 4 + 1 = 5
M.Sc Yoga Therapy (Mental Health and Neurosciences) B.Sc Yoga or BNYS; or Graduate in Science/Medical/Paramedical with 1-year Diploma or equivalent in Yoga Science 3 + 1 + 2 = 6
PG Diploma in Clinical Biochemistry M.Sc Biochemistry 3 + 1 = 4
PG Diploma in Medical Devices Technology B.E/B.Tech in Biomedical, Biotechnology, Medical Electronics, Electronics, Instrumentation, Mechanical, Mechatronics, IT, or Computer Science; or MBBS or B.Pharm; 60% aggregate (55% for SC/ST/PwBD) 15 + 5 = 20
Certificate Course in Neuropathology Technology B.Sc with MLT or Life Sciences, or DMLT with 1-year experience 2 (Institute Support)

M.Sc Nursing Sponsored category note: The 3 Sponsored seats in each nursing M.Sc are only for in-service NIMHANS candidates. Sponsored-category selection is based on inter-se seniority, but applicants must qualify the entrance test irrespective of marks.

PG Diploma in Medical Devices Technology, interview component: This is the only non-PhD course at NIMHANS where final selection uses both an entrance test and an interview. The entrance test has 70% weightage and the interview has 30% weightage. No emoluments are paid. The age limit is 30 years.

NIMHANS M.Sc and PG Diploma Selection Process 2026

For all M.Sc programmes, NIMHANS selects students only through Entrance Test merit. The qualifying marks are 50% for UR/OBC/EWS and 45% for SC/ST/PwBD.

  • M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing and M.Sc Neuroscience Nursing use one common entrance test paper, but each course has its own merit list and application fee.
  • The age limit for M.Sc programmes is 30 years for Institute Support and 45 years for Sponsored/Deputed candidates. NIMHANS-sponsored employees applying for nursing M.Sc can apply up to 48 years of age.
  • PwBD reservation of 5% is available in all M.Sc programmes except the two nursing M.Sc courses.

How to Apply for M.Sc and PG Diploma at NIMHANS?

Applications must be filed online at nimhans.ac.in. A candidate can choose a maximum of three courses, with a separate fee for each course. Nursing M.Sc applicants must upload experience certificates. Karnataka Domicile claimants must upload domicile certificates, and all applicants must upload qualification documents while applying. Admission-day fees are accepted through Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking only. No other payment mode is accepted.

NIMHANS PhD Admission 2026

NIMHANS offers PhD admission across 25 departments, including Psychiatry, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatric Social Work, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Neurochemistry, Neurophysiology, and Basic Neurosciences. Institute-Support PhD scholars receive Rs. 37,000 to Rs. 42,000 per month, making the programme a funded research route in health sciences. For interviews, NIMHANS calls candidates in a 1:6 ratio against available seats.

NIMHANS PhD Eligibility Criteria 2026

For medical disciplines, applicants need MBBS, MD, MS, or DNB from an NMC-recognised institution. For non-medical disciplines, applicants need M.Sc, MA, MSW, BAMS, B.E, B.Tech, or an equivalent degree from a UGC-recognised institution with at least 55% aggregate, or 50% for SC/ST/PwBD. If the transcript shows only grades, the university must certify the marks range. NIMHANS does not accept self-converted marks.

Category Max Age (July 1, 2026) Annual Fees
Institute Support (UR/OBC/EWS/Domicile) 40 years Rs. 32,000
NIMHANS Permanent Employees 42 years Rs. 32,000
External Fellowship (UGC/CSIR/ICMR/DBT/DST JRF or SRF) 40 years Rs. 32,000
Research Project Support (funded projects at NIMHANS) 40 years Rs. 32,000
Sponsored or Deputed As per course guidelines Rs. 32,000

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

The PhD duration is 3 to 5 years. Clearing the entrance test and interview does not automatically confirm admission, because final selection also depends on eligible research guides being available in the chosen department. NIMHANS does not provide TA or DA.

NIMHANS PhD Selection Process 2026

PhD selection has two stages. Stage 1 is the NIMHANS Entrance Test, with 70% weightage. Candidates must score at least 50% to be called for interview. Stage 2 is the interview, with 30% weightage, where research aptitude, subject knowledge, and earlier publications or presentations are assessed. Final merit uses both scores. Applicants under Institute Support cannot move to the External Fellowship category after submitting the application, and External Fellowship applicants cannot shift to Institute Support later.

How to Apply for PhD at NIMHANS?

PhD applications are submitted online at nimhans.ac.in. Applicants must upload scanned copies of the qualifying degree certificate, marks cards for all years, research publications if any, external fellowship award letter for CSIR/UGC/ICMR JRF or SRF holders, NOC from employer for government employees, and caste or domicile certificates where needed. One applicant can apply for up to three courses. NIMHANS does not accept late submissions or offline applications. All communication appears only on the NIMHANS website and notice board. No separate individual intimation is sent.

Note: Shortlisted PhD applicants must be ready to travel to Bengaluru at short notice for the interview. Accommodation should be planned early during the admission period because rooms near NIMHANS fill quickly.

Emoluments and Financial Support at NIMHANS

NIMHANS does not provide scholarships in the usual form. Instead, candidates selected under Institute Support receive monthly emoluments. Sponsored and Deputed candidates continue to draw pay from their employers and do not get emoluments from NIMHANS. Foreign Nationals admitted under Sponsored or Foreign National categories also receive no institute financial support.

Programme Monthly Emoluments (Institute Support)
MClinPsy Rs. 25,000 + Rs. 15,000 contingency per year
MPSW and MPH Rs. 25,000
MD Psychiatry, MD PM&R, MD Ayurveda (JR Year 1 to 3) Rs. 56,100 / Rs. 57,800 / Rs. 59,500
DM Neurology, M.Ch Neurosurgery Post-MBBS (JR Years 1 to 3 / SR Years 4 to 6) Rs. 56,100-59,500 (JR) / Rs. 67,700-71,800 (SR)
DM and M.Ch via INI SS (Senior Resident) Rs. 67,700 / Rs. 69,700 / Rs. 71,800
M.Sc programmes (all), PG Diploma in Clinical Biochemistry Rs. 15,000
PG Diploma in Medical Devices Technology Nil
Certificate Course in Neuropathology Technology Rs. 2,000
PhD (Institute Support) Rs. 37,000 to Rs. 42,000

Hostel accommodation is available at NIMHANS for extra charges, and those charges are not part of the programme fees mentioned above. First-month emoluments are released only after joining formalities, including pending documents, are completed. Most Institute-Support candidates get 30 days of annual leave, and unused leave cannot be carried to the next academic year.

NIMHANS Admission FAQs

Ques. Who conducts seat allotment for MD Psychiatry at NIMHANS?

Ans. NIMHANS is an Institute of National Importance, so MCC counselling does not apply to it. AIIMS New Delhi manages the centralised INI CET allotment for MD Psychiatry, DM Neurology (Post-MBBS), M.Ch Neurosurgery (Post-MBBS), and MD PM&R. Once AIIMS releases the allotment, NIMHANS completes the campus admission process. MCC is not involved at any stage.

Ques. How is the NIMHANS Entrance Test structured?

Ans. The NIMHANS Entrance Test for programmes outside INI CET has 100 multiple-choice questions and lasts 90 minutes. A correct answer gives 1 mark, a wrong answer deducts 0.25 marks, and unanswered questions have no penalty. NIMHANS holds a separate test for each course. The qualifying cutoff is 50% for UR/OBC/EWS and 45% for SC/ST/PwBD. Only PG Diploma in Medical Devices Technology also includes an interview.

Ques. Is age relaxation available in post-MBBS DM Neurology or M.Ch Neurosurgery?

Ans. No. For DM Neurology (Post-MBBS) and M.Ch Neurosurgery (Post-MBBS) through INI CET, NIMHANS does not provide OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwBD reservation. Because of this, age relaxation is also not available. The upper age limit is 32 years as on July 1, 2026 for all applicants. Reserved-category candidates above 32 years can consider Post-MD/DNB DM Neurology through INI SS, where the age limit is 37 years.

Ques. What is the maximum number of NIMHANS courses a candidate can choose?

Ans. A candidate can apply for up to three NIMHANS courses in one session. Every course needs its own online form and fee payment. A candidate cannot submit more than one application for the same course. If selected for more than one course, the candidate must give a preference during admission. INI CET and INI SS forms are handled separately through the AIIMS portal and do not count within this three-course limit.

Ques. Does NIMHANS have paid or reserved seats through management or NRI quota?

Ans. No. NIMHANS is a government-funded Institute of National Importance. It has no management quota, no NRI quota, and no capitation fee. Admission depends on merit in NIMHANS Entrance Test, INI CET, or INI SS. Foreign Nationals can apply only under the Sponsored or Foreign National category for eligible courses, subject to NMC recognition of the qualifying degree and Ministry of External Affairs clearance.

Ques. Does MClinPsy admission at NIMHANS include an interview?

Ans. No. MClinPsy selection at NIMHANS is based only on the NIMHANS Entrance Test. The test has 100 MCQs in 90 minutes with negative marking. There is no group discussion, interview, or extra written test. The 2026 seat matrix has 32 seats: 22 All India, 7 Karnataka Domicile, and 3 Foreign National (Sponsored). Institute-Support students receive Rs. 25,000 per month and Rs. 15,000 annual contingency.

Ques. What happens if an Institute-Support student leaves a NIMHANS course?

Ans. NIMHANS charges a discontinuation penalty from Institute-Support candidates who leave after joining. For medical courses, the penalty is Rs. 3,00,000 before 1 month, Rs. 5,00,000 between 1 and 6 months, and Rs. 7,00,000 after 6 months. For non-medical courses, it is Rs. 40,000 before 1 month and Rs. 2,00,000 after that. Sponsored and Deputed candidates follow their employer’s leave and service rules.

Ques. Can a student join the NIMHANS PhD without CSIR NET or UGC JRF?

Ans. Yes. NIMHANS offers Institute-Support PhD seats that do not require an earlier external fellowship such as CSIR NET or UGC JRF. Selection is through the NIMHANS Entrance Test with 70% weightage and interview with 30% weightage. Institute-Support scholars receive Rs. 37,000 to Rs. 42,000 per month from NIMHANS. Candidates with valid JRF or SRF fellowships from UGC/CSIR/ICMR/DBT/DST may apply under External Fellowship and activate it after joining. Category switching after application submission is not allowed.

Ques. Which NIMHANS seats are available for Karnataka domicile candidates?

Ans. Karnataka domicile seats are available in several NIMHANS programmes. These include 8 seats in MD Psychiatry, 7 seats each in MClinPsy and MPSW, 1 seat each in MPH, M.Sc Biostatistics, M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing, M.Sc Neuroscience Nursing, M.Sc Yoga Therapy, M.Sc Neuroscience, and M.Sc Medical Imaging Technology, several fellowship seats, and 5 seats in PG Diploma Medical Devices Technology. To claim the benefit, candidates need a Tehsildar certificate showing 7 years of residence, or property ownership, in Karnataka. The certificate must be issued before the application deadline.

Ques. How should shortlisted PhD candidates plan for the NIMHANS interview?

Ans. Shortlisted PhD candidates must be ready to travel to Bengaluru quickly for the interview. NIMHANS does not provide TA or DA for interview travel. Updates are posted only on the NIMHANS website and notice board, and no individual intimation is sent. Candidates should plan accommodation in Bengaluru during the admission period instead of waiting until the shortlist is released.