A career in medicine is the dream of countless students in India. The Indian medical education system is renowned for its quality of education and for producing some of the finest healthcare professionals in the world. The country is home to some of the best medical colleges in Asia, both government and private colleges. Medical education in India is highly competitive, with institutions like AIIMS Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh consistently ranked among the top 10 medical colleges in India.
Government medical colleges in India, like AIIMS Delhi, provide high-quality education at affordable fees, while top private medical colleges in India, like Kasturba Medical College offer research facilities and international collaborations.
The below list explores the top 10 medical colleges in India, covering key details such as eligibility criteria, entrance exams (NEET-UG/PG), fee structures, and placement records. Whether you’re looking to study at AIIMS Delhi or considering private medical colleges in India like Amrita Center for Neuroscience and Molecular Medicine or Kasturba Medical College, the below list will help you select the best medical college in India.
the Top 10 medical colleges in India
1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi (AIIMS Delhi)
Founded in 1959, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences is one of the best medical colleges in India. The institute has over 40 departments and offers more than 140 courses. AIIMS Delhi is the top government medical college in India and was ranked first by the NIRF in its list of medical colleges in India. All India Institute of Medical Science is the most affordable medical college in India and has very low fees compared to other medical colleges in India. The institute is popular for its infrastructure and has one of the best campuses among government medical colleges in India.
- Courses offered: AIIMS Delhi offers MBBS, BSc, MSc, MD, MS, DM, M.Ch, and PhD programs.
- Total tuition fees: ₹6.08k
- Admission: Admission is based on scores in NEET UG.
- Phone: +911126588500
- Email: director@aiims.gov.in
- Website: https://www.aiims.edu/index.php/en
- Address: Sri Aurobindo Marg, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110029
2. Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh (PGIMER)
Approved by NMC and various other regulatory bodies, PGIMER is one of the top-ranked medical colleges in India. The institute was established in 1962 and is popular for its postgraduate courses. PGIMER does not offer MBBS but master’s, advanced master’s, and research programs. NIRF ranked PGIMER Chandigarh second in the medical category in 2024. The institute is among the best government medical colleges in India, and admission to postgraduate courses at PGIMER is based on the INI CET.
- Courses offered: BSc, MSc, MD, MS, DM, M.Ch, MDS, and PhD programs.
- Total tuition fees: ₹19.5 lakhs for MD.
- Admission: Admission to PG courses is based on the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test, which PGIMER itself conducts.
- Phone: 00911722747585
- Email : pgimer-chd@nic.in
- Website: https://pgimer.edu.in/PGIMER_PORTAL/PGIMERPORTAL/home.jsp
- Address: Madhya Marg, Chandigarh 160012
3. Christian Medical College, Vellore (CMC Vellore)
Affiliated with the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, CMC Vellore was founded in 1900. CMC is the top private medical college in India and was ranked third in the 2024 NIRF list of medical colleges in India. The institute is recognized by NMC and offers various UG, PG, and doctoral programs through its 55 departments. The institute has a total of 100 MBBS seats, and 30% of them are allocated through government quota and the remaining 70% through management quota.
- Courses offered: MBBS, BSc, MD, MS, DM, MDS, M.Ch, MSc, etc.
- Total tuition fees: ₹13.5k
- Admission: Admission to MBBS is based on scores in NEET UG.
- Phone: +918000338855
- Email: princi@cmcvellore.ac.in
- Website: https://www.cmch-vellore.edu/
- Address: IDA Scudder Road, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004
4. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru (NIMHANS)
Founded in 1974, NIMHANS is a government institution offering UG, PG, diploma, and various certification courses. The institute specializes in mental health and neuroscience courses and is among the best government medical colleges in India. NIMHANS was ranked fourth in the medical category by the NIRF in 2024. Admission to various courses offered by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences is through an entrance examination.
- Courses offered: MD, MS, BSc, DM, MSc, PhD programs, etc.
- Total tuition fees: ₹1.5 lakhs for MD.
- Admission: Admission to MD programs is based on INI CET.
- Phone: 08026995005
- Email: dirstaff@nimhans.ac.in
- Website: https://www.nimhans.ac.in/
- Address: Bengaluru, Karnataka 560030
5. Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry (JIPMER)
Established in 1823, JIPMER is one of the oldest medical institutions in India. JIPMER offers over 100 courses in five streams, including MBBS, MS, MD, DM, BSc, MSc, etc. As per the NIRF ranking 2024, JIPMER is ranked fifth in the medical category. The institute is ranked consistently as one of the best medical colleges in India by various other ranking bodies.
- Courses offered: MBBS, MS, MD, DM, M.Ch, MSc, BSc, etc.
- Total tuition fees: ₹30.46k
- Admission: Admission to the MBBS program at JIPMER is based on the NEET UG examination.
- Phone: 0413-2298288
- Email: dean@jipmer.edu.in
- Website: https://jipmer.edu.in/
- Address: JIPMER Campus, Puducherry, 605006
6. Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS)
Recognized by UGC, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences is a medical college in Lucknow established in 1983. The institute is among the top medical colleges in India and is ranked 6 by the NIRF in the medical category. Approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC), SGPGIMS offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The institute is accredited by NAAC with an A++ and is among the best medical colleges in India. The institute is also accredited by NABH.
- Courses offered: BSc, MSc, MD, DM, MS, MHA, M.Ch, and PhD programs.
- Total tuition fees: ₹1.05 lakhs for MD.
- Admission: Admission to MD is based on NEET PG.
- Phone: 0522-2494070
- Email: contactus@sgpgi.ac.in
- Website: https://sgpgims.org.in/
- Address: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226014
7. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (BHU Varanasi)
Accredited by NAAC with an A grade and recognized by the UGC, BHU is one of the top-ranked medical colleges in India. The institute is currently ranked seventh in the NIRF list of top medical colleges in India. BHU has various institutes and over 100 departments. The institute has signed MOUs with various foreign and national universities and is popular for its quality education and placement opportunities.
- Courses offered: MBBS, BDS, BAMS, MD, MS, DM, M.Ch, MDS, and PhD programs.
- Total tuition fees: ₹1.49 lakhs for MBBS.
- Admission: Admission is based on the NEET-UG scores.
- Phone: +915422368938
- Email: vc@bhu.ac.in
- Address: Ajagara, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
8. Amrita Center for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Kochi
Founded in 2006, the Amrita Center for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine is a top medical institution located in Kochi, Kerala. The institute is ranked 8th in the medical category published by the National Institutional Ranking Framework. The Amrita Center for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine is accredited by NAAC with an A++ and offers various courses related to molecular medicine and nanobiotechnology.
- Courses offered: BSc and MSc.
- Total tuition fees: ₹4.97 lakhs for BSc and ₹3.85 lakhs for MSc.
- Admission: Admission to UG programs is based on 12th marks.
- Phone: 08129382242
- Email: nanoadmissions@aims.amrita.edu
- Address: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala 682041
9. Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (KMC Manipal)
KMC Manipal is a private medical college founded in 1953. It is the top private medical college in India and is ranked 9th in the NIRF list of top medical colleges in India. The institute has a total of 45 departments and offers various UG, PG, and Super Specialty courses. The institute is not only recognized by NMC but also by the medical councils of various other countries, including Malaysia, Australia, Great Britain, etc.
- Courses offered: MBBS, MS, MD, DM, M.Ch, MSc, etc.
- Total tuition fees: ₹43.95 lakhs
- Admission: MBBS admission is based on NEET scores.
- Phone: 09243777733
- Email: dean.kmcmlr@manipal.edu
- Address: Madhav Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka 576104
10. Madras Medical College, Chennai (MMC Chennai)
It is one of the oldest medical colleges in India, MMC Chennai, which was established in the year 1835. MMC is among the most affordable medical colleges in India and is also one of the top government medical colleges in India. The National Institutional Ranking Framework ranked MMC 10th in its list of medical colleges in 2024. MMC offers over 1000 seats at various levels.
- Courses offered: MMC offers MBBS, MS, MD, BSc, M.Ch, B. Pharma, and M. Pharma.
- Total tuition fees: ₹68.02k for MBBS.
- Admission: Admission to MMC is based on scores obtained in NEET UG.
- Phone: 04425305000
- Email: dean@mmc.tn.gov.in
- Website: https://www.mmcrgggh.tn.gov.in/ords/r/wsmmc/mmc12055555/home
- Address: Poonamallee High Road, Park Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600003
Comparison of Top 10 Medical Colleges in India
| College | Established Year | Ownership | NIRF Ranking | Affiliation |
| AIIMS Delhi | 1959 | Government | 1 | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
| PGIMER | 1962 | Government | 2 | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
| CMC Vellore | 1900 | Private | 3 | Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University |
| NIMHANS | 1974 | Government | 4 | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
| JIPMER | 1823 | Government | 5 | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
| SGPGIMS | 1983 | Government | 6 | Government of Uttar Pradesh |
| BHU Varanasi | 1916 | Government | 7 | Ministry of Education, GOI |
| Amrita Center | 2006 | Private | 8 | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University |
| KMC Manipal | 1953 | Private | 9 | Manipal Academy of Higher Education |
| MMC Chennai | 1835 | Government | 10 | Government of Tamil Nadu |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which are the top 10 medical colleges in India for MBBS?
The top medical colleges in India for MBBS include AIIMS Delhi, CMC Vellore, JIPMER Puducherry, and PGIMER Chandigarh.
2. What is the average fee for government medical colleges in India?
Fees in government medical colleges in India are quite low, ranging between ₹1,000 and ₹10,000 per year, depending on the institution and course.
3. Which are the best private medical colleges in India?
Some of the best private medical colleges in India include CMC Vellore, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal), and Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences.
4. What is the fee range for private medical colleges in India?
Fees in private medical colleges in India can range from ₹10 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs per year, depending on the course and institute.
5. What courses are available apart from MBBS in top-ranked medical colleges in India?
MBBS and courses like BSc Nursing, BPT, MD/MS, DM/MCh, and PhD programs are offered by many top medical institutions in India.
6. What is the cutoff for admission into the top 10 medical colleges in India?
The cutoff varies each year based on NEET scores, category, and seat availability, but top colleges usually require high percentile scores.
7. Which state has the highest number of medical colleges in India?
Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have the highest number of both government and private medical colleges in India.
8. How do I choose the best medical college in India?
Consider academic reputation, fees, location, infrastructure, faculty, hospital facilities, and placement history.
9. Is hostel accommodation available in the top 10 medical colleges in India?
Yes, almost all top-ranked medical colleges in India offer hostel facilities with varying standards based on the institution.
10. Are there any entrance exams besides NEET for private medical colleges in India?
No, NEET is the only entrance exam for all private and government medical colleges in India as per the Medical Council regulations.
Conclusion
The top 10 medical colleges in India are recognized by prestigious rankings such as the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and the Medical Council of India (MCI). Securing a seat in any of these top-ranked medical colleges in India requires dedication, high NEET scores, and strategic preparation. Whether you aim for AIIMS, JIPMER, or any reputed private medical colleges in India, each of these colleges provides a strong foundation for a successful medical career. Aspiring doctors should carefully assess their options and keep in mind their career goals to choose the best medical college in India.
Read more about Medical Colleges of different states
