Guide to the AIIMS exam 2025: Dates, eligibility, and admission process

Since the All India Institute of medical sciences, AIIMS MBBS exam has now been merged with National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), it’s crucial for medical aspirants to plan their preparation strategically. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) remains one of India’s most prestigious medical colleges, offering undergraduate medical courses through a centralized medical entrance exam.

Previously, AIIMS conducted its own entrance examination, but now, admissions are based on the NEET-UG exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This change means candidates aiming for MBBS seats in AIIMS must focus on NEET preparation while staying updated with the latest admission trends.

Whether you're targeting AIIMS Delhi or other medical science India institute of medical excellence, this guide will help you stay ahead in your journey toward becoming a doctor.

Eligibility criteria for AIIMS exam

A. Nationality & age limit

• Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals can apply.

• Minimum Age: 17 years as of December 31, 2025.

• Maximum Age Limit: No upper limit (as per NMC guidelines).

B. Academic qualifications

• Qualifying Exam: Must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.

• Minimum Marks Required:

Read: NEET exam pattern

Key differences between NEET and AIIMS exam

As we all know, AIIMS exam has been removed since year 2020, and till major updates have come up in the examination pattern. Let's look at them:

Read: NEET attempt limit

Difference in syllabus of NEET and AIIMS exams

The major difference regarding to the syllabus between NEET and AIIMS entrance examination is though both the exams have same 3 main subjects Physics, Chemistry and Biology, AIIMS exam also test student's aptitude reasoning, logical thinking, and general knowledge as additional subjects.

Importance of NCERT books in AIIMS entrance exam

Be it NEET or AIIMS medical entrance exam, ncert books do not lose its importance in any of these MBBS exam. NCERT books builds the fundamentals that is required to clear these exams. With that read this complete article to know how NCERT books can help you prepare for the AIIMS exam.

Reference books to help you prepare for the exam

For AIIMS MBBS entrance exam preparation, focus on NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (classes 11 and 12), and consider using books like "Trueman's Biology," "H.C. Verma's Concepts of Physics," and "NCERT Xtract – Objective Physics" for additional practice and deeper understanding.

For sharpening the logical reasoning, mental aptitude and gk, students can refer to books like Sunil Nain's GK Aptitude & Logical Thinking for AIIMS.

Read: NEET exam date 2025 out by NTA

Cut off for AIIMS exam

Since 2020, AIIMS admissions are done through NEET-UG, so the cutoff depends on:

• NEET All India Rank (AIR)

• Category (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS)

• Seat type (All India quota or state quota)

Expected AIIMS MBBS cutoff 2025 (NEET Rank Range)

Also read: Total marks in NEET

AIIMS admission process 2025 (All India level)

Step 1: Appear for NEET-UG 2025

Students seeking admissions must register themselves for the NEET UG entrance test conducted by NTA. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. Appear for the exam.

Step 2: NEET Result & cutoff

Check for the NEET result and see if you are clearing the required cutoff:

• NEET Result Declaration: 14,June 2025 (tentative).

Step 3: MCC Counselling (AIIMS seat allocation)

Complete the registration: mcc.nic.in (after NEET results) for counselling process that will lead you get a medical seat in your desired AIIMS college in India.

• Counselling Rounds:

  • Round 1 (July 2025) – All India Quota seats.

  • Round 2 (August 2025) – Vacant seats.

  • Mop-Up Round (if seats remain).

• Seat Acceptance fee: Pay ₹50,000 (refundable if withdrawn).

Step 4: Reporting to AIIMS college

Submit documents (NEET scorecard, Class 12 marksheet, ID proof) and complete admission formalities like fee payment, medical checkup.

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Which are the 19 AIIMS in India?

All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) are premier government top medical colleges established to provide world-class medical education and healthcare services. As of 2025, there are 19 operational AIIMS medical science institute across India, with more under construction.

Here’s the complete list of AIIMS in India, along with their year of establishment and location:

Key facts about AIIMS institutions

Oldest AIIMS: AIIMS New Delhi (1956) – The first and most prestigious.
Newest AIIMS: AIIMS Rajkot (2023) – Recently became operational.
Under Construction: AIIMS Rewari (Haryana), AIIMS Darbhanga (Bihar), and others.

Courses offered in AIIMS

• MBBS

• BSc nursing & paramedical

• MD/MS (Postgraduate)

• MSc & Ph.D. Programs

How are AIIMS admissions conducted?

• AIIMS MBBS: Now through NEET-UG (since 2020).

• AIIMS PG (MD/MS): Separate AIIMS PG Entrance Exam.

• BSc nursing: Institute-specific entrance tests.

AIIMS or state medical colleges?

When it comes to choosing between top medical science institute like AIIMS or any state medical colleges, it's important that you know all the aspects related to them to help you make a better decision that help you learn best.

Why choose AIIMS? (5 Strong Reasons)

1. Unmatched reputation & global opportunities

• AIIMS Delhi is ranked #1 in India (NIRF 2024) and recognized worldwide.

• Better chances for USMLE, PLAB, or international fellowships.

2. Zero financial burden (almost free education)

• Annual fees: ~₹5,000 (vs. ₹1–5 lakh in private/state colleges).

• Hostel & mess costs are minimal (₹2,000/month).

3. Best faculty & research exposure

• Learn from Padma Shri/AIIMS professors and Nobel laureate guest lecturers.

• Access to cutting-edge medical research (AIIMS publishes 5,000+ papers yearly).

4. Highest patient inflow

• AIIMS Delhi handles 3.5 million OPD patients/year – unmatched clinical exposure.

• Rare cases & advanced surgeries not seen in most state colleges.

5. Better PG & career prospects

• AIIMS graduates get priority in NEET PG (many rank in the top 100).

• Higher chances of getting AIIMS PG seats (reserved for AIIMS MBBS students).

Why choose a state medical college? (5 Valid Reasons)

1. Easier admission (lower NEET rank needed)

• AIIMS requires NEET rank <500 (UR), while state colleges accept up to 50,000 rank (varies by state).

• Reservation benefits (85% seats reserved for state students in some colleges).

2. Lower stress & competition

• AIIMS has rigorous academics (30% dropout risk in first year).

• State colleges offer more balanced college life.

3. Closer to home (for some students)

• Avoid homesickness & high Delhi/Metro city costs.

• Family support helps during stressful MBBS years.

4. Good ROI if getting a government college

• Govt state colleges charge ₹20,000–1 lakh/year (vs. ₹50 lakh in private colleges).

• Same MBBS degree value (if college is MCI/NMC-approved).

5. Decent clinical exposure

• Top state colleges (e.g., Madras Medical College, KGMC) have 500+ daily OPD patients.

• Some state hospitals handle unique regional cases (e.g., tropical diseases in Kerala).

Tips for clearing AIIMS MBBS exam

AIIMS MBBS admissions are now through NEET-UG, these tips focus on scoring a top NEET rank to secure a seat in top medical science institute like AIIMS. Here’s a strategic approach:

1. Master NCERT books (Especially Biology & Chemistry)

• Why? 80% of NEET questions come directly from NCERT hence they are important for conceptual understanding.

• How?

  • Highlight bold terms, diagrams, and tables in NCERT Biology (Class 11 & 12).

  • Solve all NCERT exemplar problems for Physics/Chemistry.

2. Time management: Follow the 60-30-10 rule

• 60% Time for Concepts:

  • Spend 6 hours/day on theory (prioritize weak topics).

• 30% for MCQs & Mock Tests:

  • Solve 100+ MCQs daily (use NEET question banks).

• 10% for Revision:

  • Weekly revisions of formulas, diagrams, and mistakes.

3. Current Affairs & General knowledge (for edge over competitors)

• Why? While NEET doesn’t test GK, AIIMS interviews (if applicable) or future exams might.

• How?

  • Read The Hindu’s Science section weekly.

  • Follow government health schemes (e.g., Ayushman Bharat).

  • Use monthly GK compilations (e.g., Manorama Yearbook).

4. Mock Tests & previous year papers

• Take 1 full-length mock test weekly (timed, exam-like conditions).

• Analyze errors: Keep an "Error Notebook" for repeated mistakes.

• Focus on AIIMS’s old papers (if available) for tricky Biology/Reasoning questions.

5. Health & stress management

• Sleep 7+ hours daily – Memory retention drops with poor sleep.

• Meditation/Breathing exercises – Reduces exam anxiety.

• Avoid last-minute cramming – Revise only key notes 2 days before NEET.

For personalized study plans, check AIIMS Topper Strategies.

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Conclusion

Preparing for AIIMS in 2025 means focusing entirely on excelling in the NEET-UG exam. With a syllabus rooted in NCERT Class 11 and 12 for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, aspirants must build strong fundamentals and aim for top ranks—especially for admission to the most prestigious AIIMS institutes. Understanding the eligibility criteria and keeping track of important dates will keep you ahead in the process. Stay consistent, stay updated, and you’ll be well on your way to securing a seat at one of India’s premier medical colleges