An edge that endures Top Medical University

India Today

3 days ago

AIIMS continues as the top choice of postgraduate students not only for its cutting-edge facilities, superb faculty and exposure to vast patient inflow, but also for its eager embrace of latest tech like AI
No. 1: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), was conceived as an institution of excellence that embodied the hopes of a new India, and it has stayed true to that vision. Established in 1956 as an institution of national importance, it was envisioned by then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and spearheaded by Union health minister Rajkumari Amrit Kaur. Over the decades, AIIMS Delhi has emerged as India's premier medical institution, renowned for its cutting-edge research, high patient turnover, and specialised treatment facilities. While an MBBS degree from here is much coveted, a PG degree is no less sought after. Postgraduate education at AIIMS Delhi is widely regarded as the pinnacle of medical training in India, offering an unmatched blend of academic excellence, clinical exposure and research opportunities.
The institute attracts the country's brightest minds through the highly competitive bi-annual INI-CET exam for admission to the MD/ MS/ DM/ MCh courses. It is taken by 50,000 MBBS and 25,000 dental graduates annually, yet less than one per cent secure a seat. Spread over a large, green campus in South Delhi's Ansari Nagar, the institute offers world-class facilities that promote both professional and personal growth.
Students say the highlight of PG education here is the faculty. They guide residents through complex clinical cases, research methodology, biostatistics and critical thinking. With a focus on both teaching and innovation, AIIMS faculty members are not just instructors, they are role models who shape the future of Indian and global healthcare.
In 2024 itself, the AIIMS faculty had many achievements to their credit. This year, Dr Neerja Bhatla, head of Gynae Oncology, was honoured with the Padma Shri this year for her pioneering work in cervical cancer prevention. Under Dr DeepakAgrawal's leadership, AIIMS became the first in India to employ Gamma Knife radiosurgery for treating retinoblastoma (cancer in the retina) in children. Dr AshokKumarMahapatra led a groundbreaking multi-hour separation of conjoined craniopagus twins (joined at the head) at AIIMS Delhi, earning national acclaim. Dr PrasunChatterjee was elected Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (December 2024) and serves on the WHO Technical Advisory Group for Healthy Ageing.
Another big plus point of AIIMS Delhi is its vast and diverse patient inflow from across India, providing PG students with unparalleled exposure to rare and complex cases. This strengthens clinical skills and diagnostic acumen. AIIMS operates one of the busiest trauma centres in Asia, which means students learn how to cope with emergencies and high stress cases from day one itself.
There is also the central library, one of the best in Asia, which offers access to thousands of medical journals, e-resources and research databases. Dedicated reading zones and 24/7 digital access are available for PG students. Most importantly, PG students are encouraged to engage in original research, supported by the AIIMS research cell, ethics committees and institutional funding, and aided by the latest medical equipment. Dedicated laboratories for pathology, molecular biology, genetics and radiology support such work. Moreover, AIIMS has collaborations with global institutes like the Harvard Medical School and the World Health Organization, enabling exchange programmes and joint research initiatives. The research results speak volumes. Last year, a team of PG researchers—Trapti Shrivastava, Harshal Chaudhari and Vrijendra Singh—developed a machine learning model for early autism detection.
Recently, AIIMS, in collaboration with IIT Delhi, has established a stateoftheart Centre of Excellence for AI in healthcare, proving that it is constantly upgrading, innovating and spearheading excellence in health research.
Career prospects after PG at AIIMS Delhi are exceptional. Graduates are sought after for senior residencies, teaching posts and fellowships abroad, and leadership roles in government and private healthcare. Being a PG student at AIIMS Delhi is more than pursuing a degree, it is a transformative experience that equips doctors with the skills and confidence to lead in healthcare.
FACULTY COLUMN | The pinnacle is not enough
By Dr M. Srinivas, Director, AIIMS Delhi
The founding mission of AIIMS Delhi included achieving self-reliance in advanced medical education. Education and research are conducted across nearly 100 disciplines. In 2024 alone, the institute managed 906 extramural research projects funded by national and international organisations and supported 269 intramural research initiatives, with a cumulative grant value exceeding Rs 208 crore. AIIMS Delhi students receive exposure to a diverse array of clinical cases and cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Responding to evolving healthcare needs, AIIMS has introduced new academic programmes—including a DM in Psychosomatic Medicine under the Department of Psychiatry.
The institute places strong emphasis on student wellness. The Department of Psychiatry operates an on-campus wellness centre for students. Recently, an intramural research funding scheme specifically designed to empower postgraduate researchers, was launched.
Key developments and initiatives at AIIMS Delhi include the K.L. Wig Centre for Medical Education, Technology & Innovation (CMETi) that hosted multiple capacity-building programmes for faculty and students, and Robotic Surgery Training Facility (MeHNAT), a high-tech training initiative leveraging Medtronic Hugo robotic systems to equip residents and faculty with advanced surgical skills via the SET (Skills, E-learning, Telemedicine) Facility. The SET Facility is the backbone of the National Medical College Network under the Union ministry of health. It supports e-Education and national telehealth efforts by linking medical colleges across India. A wide range of digital learning tools are accessible to students too. Finally, AIIMS Delhi is making notable strides in applying Artificial Intelligence to domains like oncology, medical imaging, ophthalmology and dermatology. It has been designated as a Centre of Excellence for AI/ ML by the Union ministries of health and education.
CAMPUS NOTES | The art of medicine
Dr Aradhana Sarma, Junior Resident, Dept of Biochemistry
Stepping upon the lush expanse of AIIMS Delhi feels transformative, and I consider myself privileged to live and learn within India's most prestigious medical campus. During the week, I find myself immersed in the weekly Journal Club, guest lectures and interactive sessions where faculty and students engage freely in critical discussions. My academic duties include leading case-based discussions, problem-based learning sessions and practicals for MBBS students. These are designed to embed basic biochemical ideas in patient-centred settings, allowing future physicians to relate textbook learning with real-life clinical scenarios.
Perhaps the most intriguing portion is thesis work. Our substantial MD projects are driven by complex approaches and continuous trial and error. AIIMS supports this deeply: labs and equipment are accessible 24×7, enabling flexible work schedules.
AIIMS can be considered a microcosm of India. Residents bring with them vibrant languages, cuisines, traditions and perspectives. Festivals like Diwali, Onam, Bihu, Baisakhi, Ganesh Chaturthi and Lohri are celebrated together, and language disparities serve as natural bridges for friendships.
Of course, life here is intense. AIIMS receives a massive intake of patients, offering unparalleled clinical exposure. Residents use a variety of stress-relieving practices. Some go to the gym or swimming pool, while many, myself included, take late-night walks. For me, a week at AIIMS is an amalgam of intense academics, research opportunities, teaching and moments of community. Here, ambition finds direction and medical education is elevated to an art.