When you visit a doctor and see his or her degree framed on the wall, you probably feel a sense of relief if you find that the person is a product of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). For, undoubtedly, AIIMS is one of the best medical colleges in the country. And those who join it are given a rigorous training that helps them — and countless others — throughout their lives.

The institute was established in 1956 as a body of national importance to develop patterns of teaching in undergraduate and post-graduate medical education. Located in a busy part of south Delhi, it conducts medical and para-medical courses at both levels.

According to the director T.D. Dogra, the biggest asset of the college is its students, who are committed to sustained hard work. In fact, it requires months of preparation to get admission to AIIMS, a rigour that continues through the years in college.

Every year, 50 students are admitted to the MBBS course. Apart from the MBBS degree, AIIMS also offers postgraduate courses — MD, MS and MDS — in various disciplines.

“It is the only medical college that lets students take an active part in research activities. Moreover, it is the only institution in the country running a BSc (Hons) course in human biology,” says professor Dr R.C. Beka.

The undergraduate medical course is the most sought-after discipline. The college also offers BSc (Hons) courses in human biology, nursing, audiometry, ophthalmic sciences and radiology. At the postgraduation level, one can pursue a masters in biotechnology or other subjects. Besides, there are specialisation in the various medical streams. At present, the institute awards postgraduate degrees in 55 disciplines.

The college campus is huge — so massive that you may think you may get lost, were it not for the signposts that help you know where you are. The campus is peppered with various buildings housing the different sections, including the hospital.

The AIIMS hospital and college are on the same campus which makes it convenient for the resident doctors. Greenery surrounds the institute. The campus also includes a large library, laboratories and a huge football ground. There are several places nearby that serve as popular haunts for the students. These include the bustling Dilli Haat and Mini Kerala, a tiny restaurant in INA market, which is just a kilometre away.

During vacations, students have an opportunity to stretch their minds with research activities. AIIMS is also one of the pioneers in initiating an in-service training programme for postgraduate students. Residents, while providing patient care, also get formal training and education towards their degrees.

If you are interested in science and the human anatomy — and are hard-working to boot — AIIMS could be the place for you. Students, however, are quick to point out that it’s not all hard work, and that they have their share of fun too. The institute organises an annual festival called Pulse, a much-awaited event for medical students from all over. It is a seven-day affair and serves as a great platform for highlighting the varied interests of the students.

Moreover, activities of all kinds are held throughout the year to help the students relax. The campus includes a gym, a swimming pool and a lawn tennis court.

AIIMS has a students’ union which is involved in organising programmes and helping students on various issues. It also arranges sightseeing trips from time to time — a recent one being a visit to Shimla. The students also bring out an annual magazine and a weekly wall magazine that keeps them informed about the week’s engagements.

The annual fee of this premier medical institute is incredibly low — only Rs 600. This includes hostel fee though not meal charges. The hostel, a common one for men and women, can accommodate 150 students. Says Suwen Kumar, a fourth-year student, “The best part is that the mess is open till 3am.” There’s also a 24x7 Nescafe counter. These are important in medical college hostels as most students prefer to do late night studies.

The entrance examination is held in June. Application forms are available at most State Bank of India branches. If medicine is your calling, AIIMS may just be the place for you. So buck up and prepare yourself for the rigour.

Shreya Simon

Vital Statistics

WHAT IS IT? It is a premier medical institute based in Delhi

WHO’S THE BOSS? T.D. Dogra is the director

what is the course fee? The annual course fee is Rs 600

Where is it? Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029 Tel: 011-26588500, 26588700
Fax: 011-26588663 Website: www.aiims.edu