AIIMS Bhatinda introduces 1 new General-category DM-Neonatology seat for INI-SS January 2026 session

Significant medical news for super speciality aspirants AIIMS Bhatinda has officially added one new General category seat for the highly competitive DM-Neonatology program for the INI-SS January 2026 session. This unexpected addition increases the overall opportunities for DM/M.Ch candidates. The INI-SS exam is scheduled for November 22, 2025. Aspirants must check the updated seat matrix and note that the last date for submitting required documents was November 10, 2025. Prepare diligently and maximize this new, rare opportunity.

The pursuit of super specialisation in medicine is marked by intense competition, with a single seat often making the difference between success and failure for many deserving candidates. In a welcome development for aspiring neonatologists, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhatinda, has announced the addition of a new seat for the DM (Doctorate of Medicine) in Neonatology course for the upcoming INI-SS (Institute of National Importance Super Speciality Entrance Test) January 2026 session. This move, which was officially confirmed via an addendum to the INI-SS prospectus, directly benefits the aspirants targeting this niche and critical medical specialty.

​The inclusion of one General category seat at AIIMS Bhatinda for DM-Neonatology is highly significant, as it represents a brand-new opportunity at one of the country's rapidly developing AIIMS institutes. With the INI-SS entrance examination scheduled for November 22, 2025, candidates must immediately factor this new seat into their preference strategy for the subsequent counselling rounds. This article outlines the specifics of the seat addition, the importance of Neonatology as a specialty, and the immediate next steps for INI-SS aspirants.

​DM-Neonatology Seat Addition: Breakdown and Impact

​The addition of even a single seat in a super specialty course, particularly at a prestigious institution like AIIMS, holds immense value due to the typically limited number of vacancies nationwide. This newly introduced seat at AIIMS Bhatinda marks the initiation of the DM-Neonatology program at this institute.

• ​Specific Seat Details: 
  • ​Course: DM (Doctorate of Medicine) in Neonatology.
  • ​Institute: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhatinda.
  • ​Category: General Category.
  • ​Number of Seats Added: One (1).
  • ​Previous Status: Prior to this addendum, AIIMS Bhatinda had zero General seats listed for this specific super speciality course for the January 2026 session.
• ​Impact on Aspirants: 
  • ​The addition provides a crucial extra chance for candidates competing under the General category, where the cutoff is exceptionally high.
  • ​It confirms AIIMS Bhatinda's commitment to expanding its super speciality training programs and addressing the acute national need for specialized medical professionals, especially in Punjab and the surrounding regions.
  • ​Candidates who have already submitted their choices for INI-SS are advised to check the official AIIMS website for guidelines on modifying their preferences to include this new option before the final choice locking process begins.
• ​INI-SS January 2026 Timeline Note: The INI-SS application process is nearing its end. The last date for submission of required documents was November 10, 2025, and the written examination is scheduled for November 22, 2025.

​The Growing Scope and Demand for Neonatology in India

​DM in Neonatology is a three-year super speciality course pursued after an MD/DNB in Pediatrics. It focuses on the medical care of newborn infants, especially the critically ill or premature. The addition of seats in this field is highly relevant to India’s healthcare priorities.

• ​High Responsibility and Demand: Neonatologists play a critical role in reducing India's Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR), which are vital public health indicators. The increasing number of Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in both public and private hospitals nationwide drives a consistently high demand for qualified neonatologists.
• ​Career Prospects and Specialisation: Graduates with a DM in Neonatology are highly sought after and can pursue rewarding careers in various settings: 
  • ​Tertiary Care Hospitals/NICUs: Working as independent consultants or in-charge of Level III NICUs (highest level of neonatal care).
  • ​Academia and Research: Joining AIIMS, PGIMER, or other teaching institutes as faculty, focusing on clinical trials and research related to neonatal complications, infectious diseases, and developmental paediatrics.
  • ​Consultancy: Private practice and specialty consultancy are becoming lucrative options in major metropolitan areas where parents are increasingly aware and proactive about specialized infant health.
• ​Rigorous Eligibility: To even apply for the DM-Neonatology course through INI-SS, candidates must possess an MD/DNB degree in Pediatrics from an NMC-recognized institution. This prerequisite ensures that only highly trained paediatricians are eligible for this crucial super specialty.

​ Immediate Steps for INI-SS Aspirants

​With the INI-SS entrance examination just over a week away, the primary focus is on intense revision, but the newly released seat matrix demands an administrative check as well.

• ​Refer to the Revised Seat Matrix: All candidates must download the latest addendum issued by AIIMS, New Delhi, for the INI-SS January 2026 session. This ensures they have the final, accurate list of all seats available across all participating Institutes of National Importance (INIs) like AIIMS, PGIMER, NIMHANS, etc.
• ​Intensify Exam Preparation: The exam, scheduled for November 22, 2025, is divided into two stages: a written examination (Stage I) followed by a Departmental Assessment (Stage II) for shortlisted candidates. 
  • ​Focus on Part A (General/Basic Component of the qualifying degree) and Part B (Sub-specialty component related to Neonatology) as outlined in the prospectus.
  • ​Practice Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) under timed conditions, keeping the negative marking scheme (\frac{1}{3} penalty) in mind.
• ​Strategic Choice Filling: While the choice locking/filling window for the counselling round typically opens after the written exam result, candidates should mentally (or physically on a draft list) update their preferences now, placing the new AIIMS Bhatinda DM-Neonatology (General) seat strategically based on their expected rank and preference order.

​Conclusion

​The confirmation of one new General category seat for DM-Neonatology at AIIMS Bhatinda for the INI-SS January 2026 session is a small but significant expansion that offers a fresh opportunity in the highly competitive super speciality landscape. With the INI-SS exam date of November 22, 2025, fast approaching, aspirants who meet the eligibility criteria (MD/DNB Pediatrics) must not only intensify their final preparation but also ensure they incorporate this crucial new seat into their final choice-filling strategy to maximize their chances of securing admission into this vital field.

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