AIIMS Bhubaneswar PhD Admission 2026:The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, has released its detailed PhD Prospectus for the 2025 session, offering a strong opportunity for medical and non-medical candidates who want to build a serious research career in health sciences.
This article explains the entire PhD admission process in simple language, covering eligibility, departments, seats, exam pattern, selection method, fees, and important rules. The information is based on the official prospectus issued by AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar PhD Admission 2026: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Institute Name | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar |
| Course Name | PhD Programme |
| Academic Session | 2025–2026 |
| Admission Mode | Entrance Exam + Interview |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | aiimsbhubaneswar.nic.in |
| Application Start Date | 1 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 January 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Entrance Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Exam Location | AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
| Exam Duration | 90 Minutes |
| Question Type | MCQs |
| Total Marks | 60 Marks |
| Interview Marks | 30 Marks |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 24 Marks (Written Exam) |
| Total PhD Seats | 34 Seats |
| Fellowship Types | Fellowship Available (FA) & Own Fellowship (OF) |
| Departments Covered | Medical & Non-Medical Departments |
| Maximum Projects Allowed | Up to 3 Projects |
| Course Duration | Minimum 3 Years, Maximum 5 Years |
| Age Limit | No Upper Age Limit |
| Application Fee (General/OBC) | ₹2360 |
| Application Fee (SC/ST/EWS) | ₹1888 |
| Application Fee (PwBD) | Nil |
| Hostel Facility | Available (Subject to Rules) |
| Degree Awarded | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
About AIIMS Bhubaneswar and Its PhD Programme
AIIMS Bhubaneswar is an autonomous institution of national importance established under an Act of Parliament. It has the authority to award doctoral degrees and focuses strongly on high-quality research, innovation, and advanced medical education.
The PhD programme is designed to:
- Train future researchers and academic leaders
- Promote multidisciplinary and translational research
- Support national health priorities through funded research projects
- Create a strong research ecosystem in medical and allied sciences
PhD Seats and Departments (2025 Session)
For the 2025 session, 34 PhD seats are available across multiple departments. These are divided into:
- FA (Fellowship Available) seats: Project-funded
- OF (Own Fellowship) seats: For candidates with their own government fellowship or salary support
Departments offering PhD seats include:
- Community Medicine & Family Medicine
- General Surgery
- Microbiology
- Neurosurgery
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
- Paediatrics
- Physiology
Each seat is linked to a specific research project funded by agencies such as ICMR, DBT, DHR, CCRH, DRDO, MoES, and NACO. Candidates can apply for up to three project titles only.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Explained Simply)
Medical Candidates
You can apply if you have:
- MBBS/BDS with at least 55% marks, or
- MD/MS/MDS/DM/M.Ch./DNB in a relevant subject
Degrees must be from institutions recognized by NMC or relevant councils.
Nursing Candidates
- M.Sc. Nursing with at least 55% marks
Non-Medical Candidates
- Master’s degree (2 years), such as M.Sc/M.Tech in a subject relevant to the project
- Minimum 55% marks required
- Distance-learning degrees are not eligible
Candidates with BAMS, BHMS, M.Tech, or M.Sc. (non-nursing) fall under the non-medical category if they meet project-specific requirements.
Fellowship Advantage and Special Weightage
Candidates with valid national fellowships get an advantage.
Eligible fellowships include:
- CSIR-UGC NET (JRF)
- ICMR-JRF
- DBT-JRF
- INSPIRE Fellowship
- NBHM Fellowship
If you hold one of these and apply under the Own Fellowship (OF) category, you can receive 10 extra marks in the written exam score, provided all conditions are met, and proof is uploaded.
PhD Entrance Exam Pattern
The selection process starts with a written examination conducted offline at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Exam structure:
- Mode: Offline (pen and paper)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Language: English
- Type: MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)
Paper details:
- Paper I: Aptitude, English, research methodology (20 questions, 20 marks)
- Paper II: Subject or project-related questions (40 questions, 40 marks)
- Total: 60 marks
There is no negative marking.
To qualify for the next stage, candidates must score at least 24 marks in total.
Interview and Final Selection
Candidates shortlisted from the written exam are called for Stage II, which includes:
- Interview or
- Clinical, practical, or lab-based assessment
Interview marks: 30
Final merit is calculated out of 100 marks, combining:
- Written exam score
- Special weightage (if applicable)
- Interview score
To be selected, a candidate must score at least 40% overall.
In case of a tie, the older candidate gets preference.
Duration of the PhD Programme
- Minimum duration: 3 years
- Maximum duration: 5 years
- Extension: Up to 6 months in special cases, with approval
Failure to submit the thesis within the allowed time can lead to cancellation of registration.
Application Dates and Fees
Important dates:
- Application start: 1 January 2026
- Last date to apply: 15 January 2026 (11:59 PM)
Application fee:
- General/OBC: ₹2360
- SC/ST/EWS: ₹1888
- PwBD: No fee
Payment is online through card, net banking, or UPI.
Course Fees and Hostel Facility
Selected candidates must pay nominal institute fees, including:
- Registration, tuition, lab, hostel rent, electricity, and caution money
Hostel accommodation is available, subject to availability and rules.
Key Rules Candidates Must Know
- Admission is project-specific
- Private practice during a PhD is strictly prohibited
- Ragging and misconduct lead to strict action
- In-service candidates need a proper NOC
- Sponsored and foreign candidates must follow separate rules
All admissions are subject to verification of documents and medical fitness.
Why This PhD Opportunity Matters
AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s PhD programme stands out because it:
- Is fully research-driven
- Offers nationally funded projects
- Encourages interdisciplinary work
- Provides strong academic and clinical exposure
For candidates aiming for careers in research, teaching, public health, biotechnology, or advanced clinical sciences, this PhD programme offers both credibility and impact.
- Official Notification for this: PhD-Prospectus-2025-Final_260101_142340
