For most medical aspirants in India, the dream of becoming a doctor begins with a single word: AIIMS. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences is not just a group of medical colleges; it represents the highest standard of medical education, research, and patient care in the country. Known for its extremely subsidized fees, strict academic culture, and unmatched clinical exposure, AIIMS colleges in India continue to be the most preferred destination for NEET aspirants even in 2026.
For many students, getting into AIIMS is not only about earning an MBBS degree but about becoming part of a system that shapes some of India’s finest doctors. However, with the rapid expansion of AIIMS colleges in India, students today face a new challenge: choosing the right institute. Questions like “Which AIIMS is best for MBBS?”, “Do rankings really matter?”, and “Are newer AIIMS worth choosing?” are more relevant than ever.
This detailed guide on the Top AIIMS Colleges in India 2026 is designed to answer all these questions in a clear, practical, and student-friendly manner. By the end of this article, you will have a complete understanding of how AIIMS works, how different campuses compare, and how to choose the best AIIMS college for yourself in NEET 2026.
Growth of AIIMS in India: From One Institute to a National Network
AIIMS was established with a powerful vision: to provide world-class medical education and affordable healthcare to the masses. This vision took shape in 1956 with the establishment of AIIMS Delhi, which soon became the gold standard for medical institutions in India. Over the decades, the success of AIIMS Delhi highlighted the need for similar institutions across the country.
To address regional healthcare gaps and reduce dependence on a single institute, the Government of India expanded AIIMS under various phases of development. As of 2026, India has 23 functional AIIMS campuses, with several more approved or under construction. This expansion has significantly changed the medical education landscape in India.
Today, students no longer need to migrate only to metro cities for quality medical education. Newer AIIMS campuses are strengthening healthcare infrastructure in underserved regions while following the same academic standards as older institutes. This balanced growth has made AIIMS a truly national medical network.
| AIIMS Overview (2026) | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Functional AIIMS | 23 |
| Admission Mode | NEET-UG + MCC Counselling |
| Total MBBS Seats | 2,300+ |
| Quota System | 100% All India Quota |
| Annual MBBS Fees | ₹2,500 – ₹6,000 approx |
| First AIIMS | AIIMS Delhi (1956) |
One of the biggest strengths of AIIMS is that all MBBS seats are filled through the All India Quota. This ensures that students from every state compete on the same platform, purely on merit, without the influence of domicile or state quotas.
Why AIIMS Colleges Are Considered the Best in India
AIIMS colleges consistently rank among the top medical institutions in India, including in NIRF rankings. However, rankings alone do not explain their reputation. The real strength of AIIMS lies in its integrated ecosystem that combines academics, research, and clinical exposure in a way few institutions can match.
From the early years of MBBS, students at AIIMS are exposed to high-patient-load hospitals. This early and continuous clinical exposure builds strong diagnostic skills and clinical confidence. Many private and even state government colleges struggle to provide this level of real-world medical training.
Another major advantage is heavy government funding. AIIMS campuses have access to advanced laboratories, modern medical equipment, simulation labs, and well-funded research programs. This creates an academic environment where students are encouraged to think beyond textbooks.
- Extremely low fees compared to private medical colleges
- High patient inflow and diverse clinical cases
- Strong emphasis on research and innovation
- National and international academic recognition
Because of these factors, AIIMS colleges are not just preferred for MBBS but are also highly sought after for postgraduate and super-specialty medical education.
AIIMS and NEET 2026: Why Competition Is Extremely High
Admission to AIIMS MBBS seats is conducted exclusively through NEET-UG. Every year, lakhs of students compete for a limited number of AIIMS seats, making the competition extremely intense. Top campuses like AIIMS Delhi, Jodhpur, and Rishikesh close at very high NEET ranks.
There is a common misconception that newer AIIMS colleges are easier to get into. In reality, even newer campuses require strong NEET scores, often closing within the top few thousand ranks. This makes AIIMS significantly more competitive than most state government medical colleges.
Because of this high competition, it becomes essential for NEET aspirants to understand how AIIMS colleges differ from one another, what rankings actually mean, and how to make smart choices during counselling.
Top AIIMS Colleges in India 2026: What This Ranking Really Means
When students search for the “top AIIMS colleges in India,” the first thing they usually look at is ranking. While ranking does give a general idea of reputation, it should never be the only deciding factor. In reality, the difference between AIIMS campuses lies in aspects such as patient exposure, infrastructure maturity, faculty depth, and long-term academic opportunities.
Some AIIMS colleges may rank slightly lower but still offer excellent clinical exposure and hands-on learning, which can be more valuable during MBBS. That is why understanding the context behind rankings is far more important than blindly following numbers.
Top 10 AIIMS Colleges in India 2026 (Rank-Wise)
The following list highlights the Top 10 AIIMS colleges in India for 2026 based on academic reputation, infrastructure development, patient load, research output, and overall student feedback.
| Rank | AIIMS College | Location | Established | MBBS Seats | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AIIMS Delhi | New Delhi | 1956 | 132 | Best academics, highest patient load, global research |
| 2 | AIIMS Jodhpur | Rajasthan | 2012 | 125 | Strong infrastructure, PG focus, innovation |
| 3 | AIIMS Bhubaneswar | Odisha | 2012 | 125 | Public health, research, community medicine |
| 4 | AIIMS Rishikesh | Uttarakhand | 2012 | 125 | High patient inflow, trauma & disaster care |
| 5 | AIIMS Patna | Bihar | 2012 | 125 | Emergency medicine, rural exposure |
| 6 | AIIMS Raipur | Chhattisgarh | 2012 | 100 | Tropical disease & epidemiology research |
| 7 | AIIMS Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | 2012 | 125 | Telemedicine, digital learning |
| 8 | AIIMS Nagpur | Maharashtra | 2018 | 100 | Pediatric oncology, cancer care |
| 9 | AIIMS Mangalagiri | Andhra Pradesh | 2018 | 100 | Genomics, biotechnology |
| 10 | AIIMS Bibinagar | Telangana | 2019 | 100 | Digital health, future medical tech |
AIIMS Delhi: Why It Still Remains Unmatched
AIIMS Delhi is not just the top-ranked AIIMS but is widely regarded as the best medical college in India. Its dominance comes from decades of academic excellence, massive patient inflow, and unmatched research opportunities.
Students at AIIMS Delhi are exposed to some of the most complex medical cases in the country from the very beginning of MBBS. The hospital handles thousands of OPD and emergency cases daily, which significantly sharpens diagnostic and clinical skills.
Because of this unmatched exposure and reputation, AIIMS Delhi also has the highest NEET cutoff, often closing within the top 50 ranks in the General category.
Second-Generation AIIMS (2012): The Real Game Changers
AIIMS Jodhpur, Rishikesh, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Patna, and Raipur were established in 2012 under the PMSSY scheme. Over the last decade, these institutes have matured rapidly and now form the backbone of the AIIMS ecosystem.
These campuses offer a strong balance between academics and competition. Many students prefer them over AIIMS Delhi due to newer infrastructure, better hostels, and slightly lower academic pressure, while still enjoying excellent clinical exposure.
Newer AIIMS: Are They Worth Choosing in 2026?
Newer AIIMS campuses such as Nagpur, Mangalagiri, and Bibinagar often raise doubts among students. While some infrastructure is still developing, these institutes still provide AIIMS-level academics, central funding, and national recognition.
The biggest advantage of newer AIIMS is comparatively lower NEET cutoff ranks. For students who miss older AIIMS by a narrow margin, choosing a newer AIIMS is often a far better option than opting for a high-fee private medical college.
AIIMS Fees Structure: Why It Changes Everything
One of the strongest reasons why AIIMS colleges are preferred over almost every other medical institution in India is affordability. AIIMS institutions are fully funded by the central government, which allows them to maintain world-class standards while keeping fees extremely low.
For many families, the financial burden of private medical colleges can be overwhelming. In contrast, AIIMS makes high-quality medical education accessible purely on merit, not money.
| Fee Component | Approximate Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (Annual) | 1,350 |
| Registration & Exams | 100–200 |
| Hostel Charges | 990 |
| Miscellaneous | 200–300 |
| Total Annual Cost | ₹2,500 – ₹6,000 |
In comparison, most private medical colleges charge between ₹15–25 lakhs per year. Over five years, this difference becomes massive, making AIIMS one of the best returns on investment in Indian education.
NEET Cutoff Trends for AIIMS Colleges (2026)
AIIMS cutoffs are among the highest in the country due to limited seats and nationwide competition. While AIIMS Delhi remains the most competitive, other campuses also require strong NEET performance.
| AIIMS College | Approx. Closing Rank (General) | NEET Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| AIIMS Delhi | Top 50 | 715+ |
| AIIMS Jodhpur | Top 400 | 700+ |
| AIIMS Rishikesh | Top 600 | 690+ |
| AIIMS Patna | Top 900 | 685+ |
| Newer AIIMS | 2,000–4,500 | 650–670 |
This data clearly shows that even newer AIIMS colleges are highly competitive, but they remain more achievable than AIIMS Delhi for many aspirants.
Life at AIIMS: Academics, Hostels, and Campus Culture
Life at AIIMS is demanding but deeply rewarding. Students follow a disciplined academic routine that includes regular internal assessments, early clinical postings, and continuous interaction with patients.
Most AIIMS campuses provide on-campus hostels, libraries, sports facilities, and 24×7 study spaces. While academic pressure can be intense, especially at older AIIMS, the environment pushes students to grow professionally and personally.
- Early and continuous clinical exposure
- Strict academic evaluations
- Research projects and presentations
- Mandatory internship in AIIMS hospitals
By the time students graduate, they are usually far more confident in handling real-world medical situations compared to many peers from other institutions.
Career Opportunities After Graduating from AIIMS
An AIIMS degree carries strong respect in India and abroad. Graduates have access to a wide range of career paths, supported by excellent academic foundations and clinical experience.
| Career Path | Why AIIMS Graduates Excel |
|---|---|
| MD / MS (India) | Strong base for INI-CET & PG exams |
| Super-Speciality (DM/M.Ch) | High research exposure |
| Government Services | Preference in recruitment |
| Private Hospitals | High demand & better pay |
| International Exams | Global academic recognition |
AIIMS vs Private Medical Colleges: A Reality Check
For most students, choosing between AIIMS and private medical colleges is not difficult once the facts are clear. AIIMS offers better exposure, stronger academics, and significantly lower costs.
Private colleges may offer comfort and location advantages, but when it comes to clinical training, degree value, and long-term career growth, AIIMS clearly stands ahead.
Final Thoughts: Is AIIMS Worth the Effort?
Getting into AIIMS is not easy. It requires years of disciplined preparation, accuracy in NEET, and mental resilience. However, the rewards go far beyond low fees or high rankings.
AIIMS shapes doctors who are clinically confident, academically strong, and socially responsible. Whether it is AIIMS Delhi or a newer campus, studying at AIIMS means becoming part of India’s most respected medical ecosystem.
If your NEET rank allows it, choosing AIIMS in 2026 is not just a smart academic decision—it is an investment in your future as a doctor.
AIIMS Delhi is considered the best AIIMS in India.
Yes, newer AIIMS offer good academics, low fees, and AIIMS-level exposure.
Yes, AIIMS provides better ROI, patient exposure, and national recognition.
There are 23 functional AIIMS colleges in India as of 2026.
Yes, AIIMS MBBS admission is done only through NEET-UG.
Also Read:
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- NEET Total Marks 2026 – NEET Passing Marks, Marking Scheme and NEET 2026 Cut-Off Trends
- NEET 2025: Exam Date, Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility Criteria
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