AIIMS Rishikesh opens applications for post-doctoral fellowship courses beginning January 2026

AIIMS Rishikesh has commenced the application process for its highly specialized Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) courses for the January 2026 session. This is a critical opportunity for MD/MS/DNB graduates seeking super-specialized training in various medical disciplines. The online registration window is open from November 11 to December 8, 2025. Aspirants must check the official prospectus for detailed eligibility criteria, course fees, and the two-stage selection process involving a written exam and departmental assessment. Apply before the deadline to secure your chance at advanced clinical and research training at a premier Institute of National Importance.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, a distinguished Institute of National Importance (INI), has officially announced the opening of applications for its highly competitive Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) Courses for the academic session beginning January 2026. This announcement, made via an admission notice on November 11, 2025, marks a crucial window of opportunity for post-graduate medical specialists (MD/MS/DNB) aiming for advanced, super-specialized clinical and research training. The PDF courses at AIIMS Rishikesh are designed to cultivate high-calibre experts capable of leading specialized units and undertaking complex medical research. Given the institute's commitment to excellence and its stringent selection process, aspirants are strongly urged to begin their preparation immediately and adhere meticulously to the official schedule to secure one of these highly sought-after fellowship positions. The application process is entirely online, and the detailed prospectus, which outlines all the critical information, is available on the official AIIMS Rishikesh website.

​ Key Dates and Online Application Protocol

​The application window for the AIIMS Rishikesh PDF January 2026 session is brief and structured, requiring timely action from all prospective candidates. Adhering to the official timeline is non-negotiable for successful candidature.

• ​Crucial Dates to Remember:
  • ​Online Registration Start Date: November 11, 2025
  • ​Last Date for Online Application Submission: December 8, 2025
  • ​Issuance of Admit Cards: To be announced later on the official website.
  • ​Tentative Date of Written Entrance Examination (Stage-I): To be announced later.
  • ​Tentative Date of Departmental Assessment (Stage-II): To be announced later.
• ​Application Fee Structure: The application fee is payable online only (via NEFT/RTGS/UPI etc.). Candidates must attach proof of payment with their application. 
  • ​General (UR) / OBC Category: \text{Rs. 1500}/- plus transaction charges.
  • ​SC / ST / EWS Category: \text{Rs. 1200}/- plus transaction charges.
  • ​PWBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability): Exempted from any fee.
• ​Application Submission: While the registration process starts online, candidates are advised to check the prospectus carefully. The previous sessions required an offline submission of the hard copy of the application form along with requisite documents and fee receipt by the last date (December 8, 2025). The application form and prospectus must be downloaded from the official AIIMS Rishikesh portal.

​ Eligibility Criteria and Selection Stages

​The AIIMS Rishikesh PDF is a highly specialized course, and the eligibility criteria are stringent, targeting specialists who have completed their post-graduation. The selection is a comprehensive, two-stage process based purely on merit.

• ​Essential Eligibility Requirements:
  • ​Candidates must possess an MD/MS Postgraduate degree or other Equivalent Degree (like DNB) recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India in the respective discipline as specified in the prospectus for the particular fellowship.
  • ​The degree must be from a department or institution formally recognized by the NMC.
  • ​The upper age limit for eligibility is typically 35 years as reckoned on December 31, 2025 (for the January session), with age relaxation provided to SC/ST/OBC/PWBD candidates as per Government of India rules.
• ​The Two-Stage Selection Process:
  • ​Stage-I: Written Entrance Examination: This is the primary screening stage. Candidates will be provisionally allowed to appear for a written test (usually MCQ-based). The date for this is announced after the application deadline.
  • ​Stage-II: Departmental Assessment/Interview: Only candidates who qualify in the written examination will be called for the departmental assessment, which typically involves a clinical/practical evaluation and an interview by the respective departmental faculty.
• ​Final Merit List: Final selection is based on the composite score obtained in both Stage-I and Stage-II. Candidates are advised to check the prospectus for the specific weightage given to each stage.

​ Fellowship Course Details and Career Outlook

​The PDF courses at AIIMS Rishikesh are designed for a short, intensive duration, providing focused specialization beyond the MD/MS level, significantly boosting a candidate's clinical profile and career opportunities.

• ​Course Duration and Structure:
  • ​The Post-Doctoral Fellowship courses are generally for a duration of one year (12 months), focused on a super-specialty area.
  • ​The curriculum is highly demanding, integrating advanced clinical practice, cutting-edge research methodologies, and specialized procedural training.
• ​Fee and Financials: While the tuition fee for the fellowship is nominal (e.g., around \text{₹} 45,000 per annum), candidates are also required to pay other fees, bringing the total financial commitment to around \text{₹} 80,950 for the course duration (based on previous session's data).
• ​Career Advancement: A Post-Doctoral Fellowship from an institution of the stature of AIIMS Rishikesh is a major career enhancer, opening doors to senior consultant positions, academic faculty roles, and specialized practice in tertiary care hospitals globally. It provides the necessary specialized research exposure crucial for advancing in clinical medicine.

​ Conclusion: Seize the Opportunity for Super-Specialization

​The AIIMS Rishikesh Post-Doctoral Fellowship notification for the January 2026 session represents a premier opportunity for medical specialists to acquire a high level of expertise in their chosen field. With the application deadline set for December 8, 2025, time is of the essence. Aspirants must download the official prospectus, verify their eligibility, and meticulously prepare their documents. Given the prestige and career-defining nature of this qualification, early and precise application submission is paramount for securing a seat in one of the most sought-after super-specialty training programs in the country.

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