AIIMS Bhatinda adds 1 General category seat in DM-Neonatology for INI-SS January 2026 session

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhatinda, has released a major addendum, introducing one new General Category seat for the DM-Neonatology course for the INI-SS January 2026 session. This highly competitive super-specialty seat is a significant opportunity for INI-SS qualified aspirants aiming for post-doctoral training at a premier AIIMS institute. The addition of even a single seat in the super-specialty domain drastically impacts the final merit list and choice-filling strategy. Candidates must check the revised seat matrix and be prepared for the upcoming counselling process.

The super-specialty medical education landscape for the January 2026 session has seen a positive modification with the official notification from AIIMS New Delhi, the conducting body for the Institute of National Importance Super Speciality (INI-SS) entrance examination. The official addendum confirms the introduction of a new seat for the prestigious DM-Neonatology (Doctorate of Medicine in Neonatology) course at AIIMS Bhatinda. Specifically, one seat has been sanctioned under the General (UR) Category.

​This move is particularly significant because super-specialty seats are exceptionally scarce, and the addition of even a single seat at a premium institution like an AIIMS can dramatically influence the final allocation and cut-off ranks for top-ranking candidates. Previously, the seat matrix for DM-Neonatology at AIIMS Bhatinda showed zero admissions, making this a brand-new, highly coveted opportunity for qualified aspirants.

• ​Course Added: DM - Neonatology (a critical super-specialty focused on the medical care of newborn infants, particularly the ill or premature).
• ​Institute: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhatinda, Punjab.
• ​Seat Count: One (1) seat added.
• ​Category: General (Unreserved).
• ​Significance: This expansion underscores the commitment of the Ministry and the AIIMS network to enhance specialized medical training capacity across the country, especially in high-demand fields like neonatology.

​Aspirants who have qualified in the INI-SS examination and meet the eligibility criteria (typically having an MD in Pediatrics) must take immediate note of this change as they prepare their strategy for the impending counselling and choice-filling rounds.

​ The Impact on INI-SS January 2026 Counselling

​The addition of this DM-Neonatology seat has direct implications for candidates’ counselling strategies and the final merit cut-off for the INI-SS January 2026 session. The competition for DM/MCh seats is notoriously intense, and a single, unreserved seat at a new AIIMS opens a vital opportunity for a high-ranking General Category candidate.

• ​Choice Filling Strategy: Candidates who ranked within the top percentiles of the INI-SS merit list and specifically aspire to a career in Neonatology now have a new, premium option. They must ensure that AIIMS Bhatinda, DM-Neonatology (General) is included and optimally ranked in their list of choices during the upcoming online counselling process. Since this is a new addition, its relative ranking by candidates will be critical.
• ​Eligibility Check: The minimum eligibility for the DM-Neonatology course requires a candidate to possess a postgraduate degree, specifically an MD in Pediatrics (or an equivalent qualification recognized by the NMC), in addition to successfully clearing the INI-SS exam. Aspirants must ensure their documents confirming their prerequisite degree are ready for the departmental assessment (Stage II) and final reporting.
• ​Seat Matrix Revision: The official revised seat matrix and addendum must be referred to exclusively for accurate counselling information. Aspirants are cautioned against relying on unofficial sources and should cross-verify all details on the main AIIMS Exams website. The current situation follows a trend of expansion, as similar addendums have been released for other AIIMS institutes, such as the one recently seen at AIIMS Jodhpur.

​The inclusion of this seat is a strong indicator of the expanding clinical and teaching infrastructure at AIIMS Bhatinda, which is steadily establishing itself as a leading post-doctoral training centre in North India.

​ DM-Neonatology: Career Outlook and Future Scope

​Neonatology is a critical super-specialty, vital for reducing infant mortality and improving the long-term health outcomes of critically ill newborns. The demand for qualified Neonatologists remains exceptionally high both in India and globally, driven by advancements in neonatal care and the increasing prevalence of preterm births.

• ​Clinical Need: DM-Neonatology specialists work in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), managing complex conditions such as extreme prematurity, severe respiratory distress, congenital malformations, and neonatal infections. The establishment of this program at AIIMS Bhatinda ensures that the vast and densely populated region of Punjab and its surrounding states will benefit from highly specialized care for newborns.
• ​Training Advantage: Training at an Institute of National Importance (INI) like AIIMS Bhatinda provides unparalleled exposure to complex cases, state-of-the-art equipment (like advanced ventilators and total body cooling systems), and research opportunities. The three-year DM program is intensive, transforming MD Pediatrics graduates into expert neonatologists ready for tertiary care roles.
• ​Career Prospects: Graduates of the DM-Neonatology program from AIIMS institutions typically secure high-demand positions in top private hospitals, government medical colleges (as faculty), and international healthcare systems. The career trajectory is marked by high earning potential and profound professional satisfaction from saving the lives of the most vulnerable patients.

​The announcement is a clear reflection of the national priority placed on expanding super-specialty training, particularly in clinical areas that have a massive public health impact.

​Conclusion

​The timely addition of the DM-Neonatology seat at AIIMS Bhatinda for the INI-SS January 2026 session is a significant opportunity for a General Category aspirant with a high rank in the super-specialty entrance examination. This single seat will contribute to enhancing the quality of tertiary neonatal care in the region and provides a premium career path for a deserving MD Pediatrics candidate. Aspirants must act swiftly to incorporate this new option into their choice filling strategy and keep all necessary documentation prepared for the upcoming counselling process.

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