AIIMS Jodhpur adds four super-specialty seats in two disciplines for INI-SS January 2026 session

The pursuit of a Super-Specialty (SS) degree like DM or M.Ch. is the pinnacle of medical education, and securing a seat in an Institute of National Importance (INI) like AIIMS is the ultimate goal for thousands of doctors across India. In a major announcement providing a welcome boost to aspirants, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has released an official addendum regarding the seat position for the INI-SS January 2026 session.

​This addendum confirms that AIIMS Jodhpur has significantly expanded its offering by adding four new super-specialty seats across two distinct disciplines. This move is a direct reflection of the rapid infrastructural and academic growth of the new AIIMS institutions, which translates into increased opportunities for high-calibre candidates. With the INI-SS exam scheduled for later this month, this increase in seats provides a crucial edge and a reason for aspirants to fine-tune their choice-filling strategy. This news is a powerful reminder to all candidates to stay vigilant for final official updates on the seat matrix right up until the counselling process begins.

​ Breakdown of Newly Added Seats at AIIMS Jodhpur

​The official notification specifies that a total of four seats have been added by AIIMS Jodhpur. Crucially, these are entirely new additions to the existing seat matrix for the January 2026 session, significantly improving the seat-to-candidate ratio in these particular fields. The added seats are distributed across the General and Sponsored categories.

• ​Total Seats Added: 4 (DM/M.Ch. Courses)
• ​Disciplines and Seat Distribution: The four seats are equally distributed among two highly specialized and in-demand medical fields: 
  • ​DM - Neuroanaesthesiology & Neuro Critical Care: 
    • ​Revised General Seats: 1
    • ​Revised Sponsored Seats: 1
    • ​Course Focus: This specialization is vital for managing complex neurosurgical and neurological patients, covering both advanced anaesthesia techniques and critical care management.
  • ​DM - Paediatric Neurology:
    • ​Revised General Seats: 1
    • ​Revised Sponsored Seats: 1
    • ​Course Focus: A highly specialized field dealing with the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders in infants, children, and adolescents, addressing a critical need in healthcare.
• ​Impact on the Seat Matrix: These four seats—two General and two Sponsored—were not previously listed in the initial prospectus. Their inclusion in the updated seat matrix increases the overall count of available super-specialty positions, particularly for those targeting a prestigious DM (Doctorate of Medicine) degree at AIIMS Jodhpur.

​ Strategic Implications for INI-SS Aspirants

​The addition of new seats, especially at a top-tier institution like AIIMS, holds considerable weight for candidates preparing for the highly competitive INI-SS exam. Aspirants must now factor this change into their final preparations and counselling strategies.

• ​Enhanced Chances for Higher Ranks: While four seats may seem small in absolute terms, in the ultra-competitive landscape of super-specialty admissions, they represent a significant percentage increase for those particular courses. A handful of seats can shift the cut-off rank substantially, offering a better chance of securing a seat for candidates who are marginally below the expected cut-off.
• ​Prioritize New/Niche Disciplines: The addition of seats in Neuro Critical Care and Paediatric Neurology suggests an institutional focus on developing these niche specialties. Candidates with relevant background (e.g., MD in Anaesthesia/Pediatrics/General Medicine) should strategically place these courses high on their preference list, as they may face less competition compared to traditionally saturated fields.
• ​Verify Eligibility for Sponsored Seats: Doctors applying under the Sponsored Category must ensure they meet all the specific eligibility criteria, including having the requisite service period and a valid sponsorship certificate from a competent authority. Two new sponsored seats offer a unique opportunity for in-service medical professionals seeking higher training.

​Important Next Steps for INI-SS January 2026 Session

​The INI-SS exam process is multi-staged and adherence to deadlines and official documentation is non-negotiable. Aspirants must focus on the following immediate steps.

• ​Re-check Official Addenda: Always refer to the official AIIMS website, aiimsexams.ac.in, for the most up-to-date information. The initial prospectus, eligibility criteria, and seat matrix are subject to change via official Addenda/Corrigenda, like the one for AIIMS Jodhpur.
• ​Focus on Stage-I Exam: The INI-SS Stage-I Computer Based Test (CBT) is the initial hurdle. Aspirants should intensify their revision, focusing on the core concepts of their feeder specialty and the sub-specialty they are aiming for, as this score determines eligibility for the Departmental Assessment (Stage II). The exam date is in November 2025.
• ​Strategic Choice Filling Preparation: Post the exam and result, the counselling/choice filling stage is critical. Prepare a dynamic preference list incorporating these new seats. Rank courses not just by perceived popularity but by your true interest, eligibility, and the institutional reputation (AIIMS Jodhpur is a prestigious INI).
• ​Departmental Assessment Readiness: Qualifying candidates must be ready for the Stage II Departmental Assessment (Interview). This new seat addition is a testament to the expansion of clinical services and faculty at AIIMS Jodhpur, implying that candidates should be prepared to demonstrate deep subject knowledge and a clear understanding of the course's clinical and research scope.

​Conclusion

​The announcement by AIIMS Jodhpur to augment its super-specialty seat count for the January 2026 session is a beacon of hope, confirming the expansion of advanced medical training opportunities across the country's premier institutions. With an additional four DM seats, aspirants have a slightly better chance of realizing their dream of becoming a super-specialist. The key to success lies in integrating this new information into a rigorous preparation strategy for the upcoming INI-SS exam and the subsequent choice-filling process. Maximize this opportunity by aiming high and staying meticulously informed.