AIIMS Rishikesh opens applications for January 2026 session of its postgraduate fellowship (PDF) programmes

AIIMS Rishikesh has opened applications for its highly coveted Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) programs for the January 2026 session. This is a golden opportunity for medical postgraduates (MD/MS/DNB) to gain specialized, hands-on experience in super-specialty fields. The deadline for submitting applications is a strict December 8, 2025, by 5:00 PM. Prospective candidates must check the eligibility criteria, fee structure (UR/OBC: ₹1500; SC/ST/EWS: ₹1200), and the list of available one-year and two-year fellowship courses, which include cutting-edge areas like Minimal Invasive Urology, Breast Imaging, and Paediatric Endocrinology. Apply promptly to secure your chance at advanced training at this Institute of National Importance.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, stands as a beacon of medical education and advanced patient care in North India. For medical professionals who have completed their postgraduate training (MD, MS, or DNB) and are eager to achieve a higher level of sub-specialization, the Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) programs offered by AIIMS Rishikesh are among the most sought-after in the country. These one or two-year fellowships are designed to provide intensive, specialized training in niche areas of medicine and surgery, fostering clinical, academic, and research excellence.

​The institute has officially released its notification for the January 2026 Session of the Post-Doctoral Fellowship courses. This announcement signals a crucial window of opportunity for eligible candidates. The absolute deadline for submitting the application is December 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM. With a limited time frame to apply, aspiring Fellows must act quickly to gather their documentation and submit their forms to secure their candidature for this prestigious program. This article breaks down the essential details, application process, and potential specializations available for the January 2026 intake.

​ Application Essentials and Key Dates

​Navigating the application process for an institution of national importance like AIIMS requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict timelines. The application window is closing soon, making prompt action a necessity for all interested postgraduates.

• ​Final Submission Deadline: The last date for the submission of the application form, along with the requisite fee and documents, is Monday, December 8, 2025, by 5:00 PM. Incomplete applications or those received after the deadline will be summarily rejected.
• ​Application Fee Structure: The fee must be paid online via Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking. PWD candidates are exempted from the fee. 
  • ​UR/OBC Category: ₹1500/- + Transaction Charges
  • ​SC/ST/EWS Category: ₹1200/- + Transaction Charges
• ​Eligibility Prerequisite: Applicants must possess the requisite postgraduate qualification (MD/MS/DNB or equivalent) recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), India, in the respective feeder discipline for the chosen fellowship. Candidates must check the specific eligibility criteria for each fellowship program as outlined in the official prospectus.
• ​Selection Process: The admission typically involves a two-stage process: 
  • ​Stage-I (Written Entrance Examination): A written test (MCQ-based) is conducted in the subject applied for. Candidates must score more than 50% marks in Stage I to be considered for the next stage.
  • ​Stage-II (Departmental Assessment): Shortlisted candidates are called for a Departmental Assessment, which may include a clinical/practical exam and an interview. The final selection is based on the combined score of Stage-I and Stage-II.

​ Diverse Fellowships for Advanced Clinical Training

​AIIMS Rishikesh is known for offering a wide range of super-specialty and post-doctoral courses across medical and surgical disciplines. The Post-Doctoral Fellowships are typically one-year duration, though some may be two years, and focus on providing sub-specialized, focused clinical training and research exposure.

• ​Broad Spectrum of Specialties: The PDF programs are usually available in numerous departments, reflecting the institution's comprehensive academic structure. Potential areas advertised in previous sessions and likely available for the January 2026 session include: 
  • ​Radiology: Breast Imaging, Cross-Sectional Body Imaging, Musculoskeletal Radiology, Paediatric Radiology
  • ​Endocrinology/Medicine: Paediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, Lifestyle Disease Management
  • ​Surgery/Urology: Minimal Invasive Urology (Laparoscopic and Robotics), Uro-Oncology, Genito-urinary Reconstructive Surgery
  • ​Critical Care/Anaesthesia: Emergency Critical Care, Neuro-Critical Care
  • ​Other Niche Areas: Sleep Medicine, Gastro Biochemistry, Emergency Toxicology, and more.
• ​Focus on Research and Academics: The PDF program at AIIMS is structured to develop not just clinical skills but also a research aptitude. Fellows are actively involved in ongoing departmental research projects, are expected to present papers at conferences, and contribute to publications, making the experience comprehensive.
• ​Institution of National Importance (INI) Tag: Earning a PDF from AIIMS Rishikesh significantly enhances a candidate's CV. The INI status of AIIMS ensures high-quality training, state-of-the-art facilities, and national recognition, opening doors to top-tier consultant positions and academic roles.

​ Strategic Advice for Aspiring Fellows

​Given the highly competitive nature of AIIMS admissions, aspirants need a well-planned strategy focused on the written entrance exam and the departmental assessment.

• ​Thorough Prospectus Review: The single most important step is downloading and thoroughly reading the official Prospectus for the January 2026 PDF Courses. This document contains the definitive list of available courses, the exact eligibility criteria for each, the fee details, and the prescribed format for the application.
• ​Curriculum Mastery: While the fellowships are specialized, the written entrance exam often tests knowledge relevant to the feeder PG subject (MD/MS/DNB). Candidates must revise core concepts from their postgraduate training, with a special emphasis on the sub-specialty they are applying for.
• ​Documentation Readiness: Since the application is typically offline or involves a hard-copy submission of supporting documents even after online registration, aspirants must prepare attested copies of all required certificates: 
  • ​Date of Birth/Class X Certificate
  • ​MBBS and MD/MS/DNB Marksheets and Degrees
  • ​Medical Council Registration (NMC/SMC)
  • ​Category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) and Experience/Sponsorship Certificates (if applicable).
• ​Stay Connected: All crucial updates regarding admit cards, exam dates, and results will be exclusively announced on the official AIIMS Rishikesh website. Regular monitoring of the "Entrance Exam and Results" section is essential to avoid missing any notification.

​Conclusion

​The AIIMS Rishikesh Post-Doctoral Fellowship for the January 2026 session represents a pivotal step for medical postgraduates seeking specialized, high-impact clinical training. The demanding nature of the program, coupled with the prestige of the institution, makes this a highly rewarding career move. With the application deadline fast approaching on December 8, 2025, time is of the essence. Aspirants are strongly advised to finalize their applications immediately, ensuring all eligibility and documentation requirements are strictly met, to embark on this journey toward super-specialization and excellence.

For regular updates follow Only Education News. For more details on medical entrance exams and courses, check here: Medical Exams List.