AIIMS Admission Process 2026: Eligibility, Cutoff & Fees

The aiims admission process 2026 requires you to meet the eligibility norms, secure a NEET score above the AIIMS-specific cutoff, participate in the centralised counselling, and pay the stipulated tuition and hostel fees. Follow this step‑by‑step guide to understand each stage, from eligibility to final seat allocation.

Understanding the AIIMS admission process 2026

The aiims admission process begins with NEET-UG qualification and culminates in seat allocation through MCC counselling. Each year, thousands of candidates compete for fewer than 1,000 MBBS seats across 20 AIIMS campuses, making the aiims admission process highly competitive. After NEET results are declared, eligible candidates register on the MCC portal, fill course and campus choices, and undergo multiple rounds of seat allotment. The final merit list is prepared using NEET rank and category-specific cutoffs published by the National Testing Agency.

What are the eligibility criteria for AIIMS admission 2026?

To apply for MBBS, BDS, or allied health courses at any AIIMS institute in 2026, candidates must satisfy the following conditions set by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare:

• Age: Minimum 17 years as on 1 December 2026; maximum 25 years for General category (relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST/OBC).
• Academic: Must have passed 12th class with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany & Zoology) and secured at least 50 % marks for General and 40 % for SC/ST/OBC.
• NEET Qualification: Must appear for NEET‑UG 2026 and obtain a valid rank; the qualifying percentile is 50 % for General and 40 % for reserved categories.
• Attempts: Only the first two attempts at NEET are considered for AIIMS counselling.

These criteria are consistent across all AIIMS campuses, including Delhi, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and Jodhpur. For detailed eligibility per course, visit our courses page.

How is the NEET cutoff for AIIMS determined in 2026?

The AIIMS cutoff is not a fixed number; it varies each year based on the difficulty of the NEET paper, the total number of candidates, and the seat matrix of AIIMS. In 2025, the general category cutoff for AIIMS Delhi was around 680 marks out of 720, while the OBC cutoff was 640 marks and SC/ST cutoff was 600 marks. For 2026, the trend suggests a similar range, with a projected general cutoff of 675‑685 marks.

Key factors influencing the cutoff:

• NEET Score Distribution: Higher average scores push the cutoff upward.
• Seat Availability: AIIMS Delhi offers 107 MBBS seats, JIPMER 80, and other AIIMS campuses collectively about 500 seats.
• Reservation Policy: Separate cutoffs are calculated for General, OBC‑NCL, SC, ST, and PwD categories.

Official cutoff announcements will appear on the NTA website after NEET results are declared.

What steps are involved in the AIIMS counselling and seat allocation?

AIIMS counselling is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) under the Directorate General of Health Services. The process consists of three main rounds:

1. Registration: Candidates register on the MCC portal using their NEET roll number, pay a non‑refundable fee of ₹ 1,000, and upload required documents.
2. Choice Filling & Locking: Applicants rank their preferred AIIMS campuses and courses. The system uses a merit‑based algorithm that matches ranks with available seats.
3. Seat Allotment & Reporting: After each round, a provisional allotment list is released. Selected candidates must report to the allotted AIIMS within 7 days, present original certificates, and pay the first‑installment fee.

If a candidate declines a seat, it moves to the next eligible applicant in the same round. The final round usually occurs in August, with a possible spot‑allocation round in September for vacant seats.

How much does AIIMS charge for MBBS and other courses in 2026?

AIIMS follows a uniform fee structure across its institutions, aimed at keeping medical education affordable. For the 2025‑26 academic year, the fee components were:

• Tuition fee: ₹ 1,50,000 per year.
• Hostel & mess charges: ₹ 30,000 per year.
• Laboratory & library fees: ₹ 20,000 per year.
• Medical insurance & health services: ₹ 10,000 per year.

The total annual cost for an MBBS student is therefore approximately ₹ 2,10,000. Over the 5.5‑year MBBS programme, the cumulative cost reaches around ₹ 11,55,000 (≈ ₹ 11.5 lakh). BDS and nursing courses have slightly lower fees, typically ₹ 1,80,000 per year. For a detailed fee breakdown, see our colleges section.

How does AIIMS compare with other top medical colleges in India?

The table shows that AIIMS maintains a moderate tuition fee while offering the highest cutoff, reflecting its reputation and limited seat count. Public institutes like JIPMER and PGIMER have slightly lower fees but also lower cutoffs. Private medical colleges charge substantially higher fees, often exceeding ₹ 8 lakh per year, but their cutoffs are comparatively lower.

What are the important dates and timelines for the AIIMS admission process 2026?

Key milestones for the 2026 admission cycle are as follows (subject to official notification):

• NEET‑UG 2026 exam date: 5 May 2026 (3 hours, 720 total marks).
• NEET result declaration: 15 May 2026.
• MCC registration for AIIMS counselling: 20 May 2026.
• First round of AIIMS seat allotment: 1 June 2026.
• Second round of seat allotment: 15 June 2026.
• Final round and spot‑allocation: 30 June 2026.
• Reporting deadline for allotted seats: 7 July 2026.

Students should keep these dates handy and regularly check the MCC portal for updates. Missing any deadline can result in loss of a seat.

Where can I find resources to prepare for the AIIMS admission process?

Effective preparation combines quality study material, mock tests, and guidance. Recommended resources include:

• Our exams hub – curated NEET‑UG practice papers and previous year AIIMS questions.
• Official NEET syllabus released by NTA – focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (180 marks each).
• Coaching institute mock tests – aim for a target score of at least 680 marks to stay competitive for AIIMS.
• Online video lectures on concepts that carry high weightage, such as Human Physiology (≈ 20 % of the exam).

Joining a study group on platforms like Telegram or Discord can also provide peer support and regular doubt‑clearing sessions. Remember to balance study with adequate rest to maintain peak performance during the 3‑hour NEET exam.