![National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences - [NIMHANS]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/uv25619.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, is a premier government institute of national importance established on 27 December 1974. It was granted the status of an Institute of National Importance by an Act of Parliament in 2012 and functions as a deemed university under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. NIMHANS is the only dedicated national-level institution in India exclusively focused on mental health and neurosciences education, research, and patient care.
As per NIRF Medical 2025, NIMHANS is ranked 7th in India in the Medical category. It is also ranked 60th in NIRF Overall 2025.
The institute is located in Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, spanning 135 acres. The attached hospital is a 1,000-bed tertiary care facility and is the only medical institution in South Asia dedicated exclusively to psychiatry and neuroscience. NIMHANS houses one of the largest mental health libraries in the world.
- Allied Health Sciences (UG): B.Sc Nursing (4 years, 85 seats). Also offered: B.Sc in Anaesthesia Technology, Neurophysiology Technology, and Radiography (each 3 years)
- Postgraduate Medical: MD Psychiatry, MD Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. DM specialisations include Neurology, Neuro Radiology, Addiction Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and 6 others. M.Ch Neurosurgery is also offered
- Behavioural Sciences and Rehabilitation: M.Phil in Clinical Psychology, Psychiatric Social Work, Neurophysiology, Biophysics, Neurosciences (2 years)
- Research Programmes: M.Sc in Neuroscience, Psychiatric Nursing, Neuroscience Nursing, Biostatistics, and Yoga Therapy. Also offered: MPH (2 years) and Ph.D. across 20+ disciplines
- Post Doctoral and Advanced Programmes: Post Doctoral Fellowships in 25+ sub-specialties. Fellowships include Clinical Neuropsychology, CBT, and Geriatric Mental Health. PG Diplomas are also available
Total fees for B.Sc Nursing is INR 1,40,000 for the full programme. MD Psychiatry fees are INR 73,250 per year. MPH fees are INR 1,50,000 for the full two-year programme. Ph.D. students receive a stipend of INR 37,000 per month.
As per NIRF 2025 data, PG programme graduates recorded a median package of INR 18.04 LPA. B.Sc Nursing graduates recorded a median of INR 12 LPA.
NIMHANS Admission Dates 2027
Admissions to NIMHANS for the January 2027 session are now open across two separate streams: INI CET for PG medical programmes (MD, DM, M.Ch), and the NIMHANS Entrance Test for allied health, research, and behavioural science programmes.
| Programme Stream | Exam / Process | Key Date (January 2027 Session) |
|---|---|---|
| MD / DM / M.Ch | INI CET (AIIMS, Jan 2027) | Registration: 16 Sep to 13 Oct 2026. Exam: 1 Nov 2026 |
| BSc / MSc / M.Phil / MPH / PhD | NIMHANS Entrance Test Session 2 | Application: Aug to Oct 2026. Exam: Oct to Nov 2026 (tentative) |
| Post Doctoral Fellowship / Diploma | NIMHANS Entrance Test | Announced per academic calendar at nimhans.ac.in |
| INI CET Admit Card (Jan 2027) | AIIMS portal (aiimsexams.ac.in) | 26 October 2026 (tentative) |
| Counselling (INI CET) | MCC / INI CET counselling | December 2026 to January 2027 |
The Course-Wise Exam Accepted table below covers all NIMHANS programmes and the corresponding entrance route.
| Course Family | Entrance Exam Accepted | Admission Authority |
|---|---|---|
| MD Psychiatry / MD PMR | INI CET | AIIMS Delhi (on behalf of INI cluster) |
| DM (all sub-specialties) | INI SS (Super Specialty) | AIIMS Delhi |
| M.Ch Neurosurgery | INI SS | AIIMS Delhi |
| B.Sc Nursing | NIMHANS Entrance Test | NIMHANS Admissions Office |
| B.Sc Allied Health (3 programmes) | NIMHANS Entrance Test | NIMHANS Admissions Office |
| M.Phil (Clinical Psychology and others) | NIMHANS Entrance Test | NIMHANS Admissions Office |
| M.Sc (all specialisations) | NIMHANS Entrance Test | NIMHANS Admissions Office |
| MPH | NIMHANS Entrance Test | NIMHANS Admissions Office |
| Ph.D. | NIMHANS Entrance Test plus interview | NIMHANS Research Board |
NIMHANS Courses and Fees
NIMHANS offers 80+ programmes at the UG, PG, M.Phil, PhD, fellowship, and diploma levels, all within the domains of psychiatry, neurology, neurosurgery, allied health sciences, and mental health research. As a government institute of national importance, fees are heavily subsidised.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Sc Nursing | 4 years | 10+2 PCB with 45%, NIMHANS Entrance Test | INR 1,40,000 |
| B.Sc Allied Health Sciences (3 specialisations) | 3 years | 10+2 PCB, NIMHANS Entrance Test | INR 30,000 (each) |
| MD Psychiatry | 3 years | MBBS, valid INI CET score | INR 73,250 per year |
| MD Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation | 3 years | MBBS, valid INI CET score | INR 91,150 per year |
| DM (Neurology, Addiction Psychiatry, and others) | 3 years | MD / MS, valid INI SS score | INR 90,950 per year |
| M.Ch Neurosurgery | 3 years | MS General Surgery or equivalent, INI SS | INR 91,150 per year |
| M.Phil (Clinical Psychology and others) | 2 years | Masters in Psychology or related, NIMHANS Entrance Test | INR 22,550 |
| M.Sc (Neuroscience, Psychiatric Nursing, Biostatistics, Yoga Therapy) | 2 years | BSc in relevant subject, NIMHANS Entrance Test | INR 20,000 to INR 24,100 |
| MPH | 2 years | MBBS or equivalent medical degree, NIMHANS Entrance Test | INR 1,50,000 |
| Ph.D. (20+ disciplines) | 3 to 5 years | Masters with 55%, NIMHANS Entrance Test plus interview | INR 32,000 |
| Post Doctoral Fellowship (25+ specialties) | 1 to 2 years | DM / M.Ch / MD with relevant specialisation | INR 58,450 |
NIMHANS also offers a Diploma in Clinical Neurophysiology Technology (INR 8,600), Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing (INR 7,350), and several Fellowships (CBT, Geriatric Mental Health, Disaster Management) at fees ranging from INR 18,350 to INR 26,350.
NIMHANS Admission Process
NIMHANS runs two separate admission pathways. PG medical programmes (MD, DM, M.Ch) are filled through the national INI CET and INI SS process. All other programmes are filled through the NIMHANS Entrance Test conducted twice a year in May and November for the July and January batches respectively.
MD / DM / M.Ch Admission (INI CET and INI SS)
- Eligibility for MD: MBBS from an MCI/NMC-recognised institution with completed internship
- Eligibility for DM: MD or MS in a relevant discipline with a minimum 55% aggregate
- Eligibility for M.Ch Neurosurgery: MS General Surgery or equivalent
- Exam: INI CET (for MD) and INI SS (for DM and M.Ch), conducted by AIIMS Delhi. Registration at aiimsexams.ac.in
- Selection: INI CET rank determines choice filling and seat allotment in the centralised MCC counselling for all INI-cluster institutes including NIMHANS, AIIMS, PGIMER, and JIPMER
NIMHANS competes with AIIMS and PGIMER for top INI CET rankers. Cutoffs for MD Psychiatry at NIMHANS consistently fall in the top 50 to 100 INI CET ranks.
BSc / MSc / M.Phil / MPH / PhD Admission (NIMHANS Entrance Test)
- B.Sc Nursing eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology. Minimum 45% marks required. Age minimum 17 years
- M.Phil Clinical Psychology eligibility: Masters in Clinical Psychology or Psychology with 55%
- MPH eligibility: MBBS or equivalent recognised medical degree
- Ph.D. eligibility: Masters in relevant subject with 55%. Those with valid UGC-NET JRF or CSIR-NET are exempt from the written entrance test and appear directly for the interview
- Selection: Written entrance test (70% weightage) plus personal interview (30% weightage). Candidates must score at least 50% in the written test (45% for SC/ST/PwBD)
The NIMHANS Entrance Test is conducted at the institute campus in Bengaluru. Results and interview schedules are published on the NIMHANS official website.
NIMHANS Placements and Career Outcomes
NIMHANS does not run a conventional campus placement drive. Graduates enter clinical practice, research, and academic medicine on the strength of their NIMHANS credentials. As per NIRF 2025 data, PG programme graduates recorded a median package of INR 18.04 LPA. B.Sc Nursing graduates (4-year programme) recorded a median of INR 12 LPA.
| Career Pathway | Typical Starting Package | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Resident / PG Stipend (MD/DM/M.Ch) | INR 75,000 to INR 95,000 per month (stipend) | Government-scale stipend during training |
| Government Medical College Faculty (post-DM) | INR 15 LPA to INR 20 LPA | Assistant Professor and above in state/central medical colleges |
| Private Psychiatry / Neurology Practice | INR 18 LPA to INR 35 LPA (starting) | NIMHANS credentials attract premium hospitals and corporate chains |
| Research / Post Doctoral Fellow (NIMHANS) | INR 58,450 per year (institute fee). Many fellows hold concurrent DBT or ICMR fellowships | Many fellows hold parallel ICMR or DBT national fellowships |
| B.Sc Nursing graduates | INR 10 LPA to INR 14 LPA | High demand in government and private psychiatric hospitals |
| M.Phil Clinical Psychologist | INR 6 LPA to INR 10 LPA | RCI-recognised. Mandatory for clinical practice as psychologist in India |
NIMHANS alumni hold positions in India’s top government hospitals, NIMHANS itself (as faculty), WHO, AIIMS campuses, and private hospital chains such as Manipal and Fortis. The M.Phil in Clinical Psychology from NIMHANS is widely regarded as the gold standard for clinical psychology training in India.
NIMHANS Rankings
NIMHANS consistently ranks in the top 10 among Indian medical institutions in NIRF. It is the top-ranked dedicated mental health and neurosciences institute in India.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Medical | 7 |
| NIRF | Overall | 60 |
| India Today | Medical Colleges | 4 |
NIMHANS is the only Institute of National Importance in India dedicated solely to mental health and neurosciences, which makes it the de facto top-ranked institution for its specific domain regardless of overall rankings.
NIMHANS Fellowships and Stipends
NIMHANS provides competitive monthly stipends to its research and clinical trainees. These are funded through institute funds, central government grants, and national science funding agencies.
| Programme | Stipend / Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. (Institute Stipend) | INR 37,000 per month | For students without external fellowships. Taxable as per norms |
| Ph.D. (JRF/SRF holders) | INR 37,000 to INR 42,000 per month (UGC/CSIR norms) | Students with UGC-NET JRF or CSIR JRF draw the standard JRF/SRF rates |
| Post Doctoral Fellowship | Stipend varies by funding source. DBT-PDF rate: INR 55,000 per month | Many Post Doctoral Fellows hold concurrent national fellowships from DBT, ICMR, or DST |
| MD / DM Residents | Government stipend per Ministry of Health pay scale | INR 75,000 to INR 95,000 per month depending on year of residency |
Students from SC, ST, OBC, and economically weaker sections are also eligible for central government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal. The heavily subsidised fee structure at NIMHANS (as low as INR 20,000 for M.Sc programmes) means most students do not require additional financial aid beyond the stipend.
NIMHANS Campus and Infrastructure
NIMHANS is located on 135 acres on Hosur Road in Bengaluru. The campus integrates a clinical hospital, research laboratories, residential quarters, and academic buildings in a single contiguous space. The 1,000-bed hospital is the largest dedicated neuroscience and psychiatry hospital in South Asia.
Key infrastructure includes the NIMHANS Central Library, described as one of the largest mental health libraries in the world, with a comprehensive collection of journals, archives, and digital databases in psychiatry and neurosciences. The campus has specialised research facilities including a Brain Imaging Unit, electrophysiology laboratories, neurochemistry labs, and a Human Genetics lab.
Residential accommodation is available on campus for residents, fellows, and students, with preference given to outstation candidates. The campus also has a student cafeteria, sports grounds, and a health unit. NIMHANS is 10 km from Bengaluru City Railway Station, with direct access via Hosur Road and metro connectivity at Bommanahalli.
NIMHANS vs AIIMS Delhi vs PGIMER Chandigarh
Aspirants pursuing MD Psychiatry, DM Neurology, or M.Phil Clinical Psychology routinely compare NIMHANS with AIIMS Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh, the other two apex medical institutes that participate in INI CET.
| Parameter | NIMHANS, Bengaluru | AIIMS, New Delhi | PGIMER, Chandigarh |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF Medical Rank (2025) | 7 | 1 | 2 |
| Type | Institute of National Importance (mental health and neurosciences) | Institute of National Importance (multi-discipline) | Institute of National Importance (multi-discipline) |
| MD Psychiatry Seats | Available (dedicated psychiatry institute) | Limited seats in multi-discipline institute | Available (strong psychiatry department) |
| DM Neurology Seats | Available | Available | Available |
| M.Phil Clinical Psychology | Yes (gold standard in India) | No standalone M.Phil | No standalone M.Phil |
| Campus Area | 135 acres | 170 acres (main) | 195 acres |
| Specialisation | Dedicated mental health and neurosciences | Multi-discipline general medicine | Multi-discipline general medicine |
AIIMS and PGIMER have higher overall NIRF ranks and broader clinical exposure across all specialties. NIMHANS leads in psychiatry and neurosciences depth, research output in mental health, and is the only institute offering the M.Phil in Clinical Psychology under RCI recognition at this level. Aspirants prioritising psychiatry or clinical psychology training consistently prefer NIMHANS over the broader multi-specialty institutes.
NIMHANS FAQs
Ques. What is the NIRF rank of NIMHANS Bengaluru?
Ans. As per NIRF 2025, NIMHANS is ranked 7th in the Medical category and 60th in the Overall category in India. It is the highest-ranked dedicated mental health and neurosciences institute in the country.
Ques. Is NIMHANS a government institute?
Ans. Yes. NIMHANS is a government autonomous institute under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It was declared an Institute of National Importance by an Act of Parliament in 2012. All fees are heavily subsidised.
Ques. What entrance exam is required for MD Psychiatry at NIMHANS?
Ans. MD Psychiatry at NIMHANS is filled through the INI CET examination conducted by AIIMS Delhi. Eligible candidates are MBBS graduates who have completed internship. Registration for the January 2027 session is open at aiimsexams.ac.in until 13 October 2026.
Ques. What is the fee for BSc Nursing at NIMHANS?
Ans. The total fee for the 4-year B.Sc Nursing programme at NIMHANS is INR 1,40,000 for the entire duration. This is for the general category. B.Sc Allied Health Science programmes (Anaesthesia Technology, Neurophysiology Technology, Radiography) carry a total fee of INR 30,000 each.
Ques. Does NIMHANS offer placement assistance?
Ans. NIMHANS does not run a campus placement drive in the conventional sense. Graduates are placed through their own networks, hospital hiring, and government recruitment. As per NIRF 2025 data, PG graduates recorded a median package of INR 18.04 LPA. BSc Nursing graduates recorded a median of INR 12 LPA.
Ques. Is the M.Phil in Clinical Psychology from NIMHANS recognised?
Ans. Yes. The M.Phil in Clinical Psychology from NIMHANS is accredited by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and is one of the most sought-after clinical psychology qualifications in India. Completion of an RCI-accredited M.Phil is a requirement to practice as a Clinical Psychologist in India.
Ques. What is the stipend for PhD students at NIMHANS?
Ans. Ph.D. students at NIMHANS receive an institute stipend of INR 37,000 per month. Students who hold UGC-NET JRF or CSIR-JRF fellowships draw the standard JRF rates (currently INR 37,000 per month for JRF, INR 42,000 for SRF) as per national norms.
Ques. Can I get admission to NIMHANS without NEET?
Ans. For MD, DM, and M.Ch programmes, INI CET (not NEET PG) is the required entrance exam. For BSc Nursing, M.Sc, M.Phil, MPH, and PhD programmes, the NIMHANS Entrance Test is conducted separately by the institute itself. NEET UG is not required for any NIMHANS programme.
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Candidates can apply for NIMHANS Admission by following the steps mentioned below:
NIMHANS Courses are offered at the UG, PG, and doctoral levels. There are 82 courses offered at NIMHANS. The courses are offered in disciplines like Medical, Paramedical, Science, and Pharmacy. NIMHANS courses include Ph.D, B.Sc., M.Ch, M.Sc., B.Sc. (Nursing), M.Phil., M.D, Fellowship, and MPH. Popular courses at NIMHANS are Ph.D, B.Sc., and M.Ch.
The last date for UG admissions (including B.Sc Nursing and other paramedical courses) at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, for 2025-26 is June 15, 2025.
NIMHANS B.Sc (Nursing) Nursing is offered as a 4-year full-time program, with a total intake of 75 seats. The minimum eligibility criteria for B.Sc (Nursing) are 10+2. The total fees for NIMHANS B.Sc (Nursing) Nursing is INR 1.4 Lakhs for the complete course duration. The college provides scholarships based on reserved seats as per government guidelines, with additional cash prizes for high semester scores. Scholarships are available through the National Scholarship Portal for meritorious students and those from reserved categories, as well as for educationally and socially backward classes. The Karnataka state government offers scholarships for state domiciles.
NIMHANS B.Sc Anaesthesia Technology is offered as 4 Years Full Time program, with total intake of 11 seats. The minimum eligibility criteria for B.Sc is 10+2. The total fees for NIMHANS B.Sc Anaesthesia Technology is INR 30,000 for the complete course duration.
NIMHANS B.Sc Anaesthesia Technology is offered as 4 Years Full Time program, with total intake of 11 seats. The minimum eligibility criteria for B.Sc is 10+2. The total fees for NIMHANS B.Sc Anaesthesia Technology in 2024 is INR 30,000 for the complete course duration.
Candidate applying for admission in this program should have completed a Graduation from a recognized university. NIMHANS does not offer the M.Sc. in Psychiatric Nursing through distance education.
Candidates can apply for NIMHANS Admission by following the below-mentioned steps:
For the July 2025 session, the admission process is expected to commence in early 2025. Based on the previous year's schedule, applications were accepted from February 15 to March 16, with entrance exams held in late May. Candidates can apply for NIMHANS Admission by following the below-mentioned steps:
There is an entrance test conducted by NIMHANS Bangalore which you need to clear for taking admission to PhD. However, if you have cleared UGC, CSIR, ICMR or DBT then you need not appear for the entrance test.
Candidates can apply for NIMHANS Admission by following the below-mentioned steps:
You need to appear for NIMHANS Entrance Examination and have to clear it with valid scores for taking admission to Bachelor of Science Neuroscience (Neurophysiology).
The PG Courses wise seats distribution of NIMHANS is given below:
The revised exam date for NIMHANS 2024 is May 24-25th 2024.
Yes, it is possible to study B.Sc. Nursing at the NIIMHANS Bangalore. They offer a well-regarded 4 years B.Sc. in Nursing program. Check out more on the same at NIMHANS Bangalore B.Sc Nursing course. Admission to the same is done through NIMHANS entrance exam only.
the cut-off rank for INI CET exam for admission to MD Psychiatry at NIMHANS Bangalore is 2187 rank.
To be eligible for admission to the NIMHANS PhD, one needs to secure at least 50% marks in both entrance examination and interview round. The qualifying percentage in the entrance examinations is the same for UR, SC, ST and OBC. The age criteria is 40 years.
Is Neuro science graduation available
Unfortunately, the college doesn’t offer neuroscience course in UG degree, however it does offer it in M.Phil and Phd program and the most related program to the above-mentioned course is Neurophysiology, which you can check out at NIMHANS Bangalore B.Sc Neurophysiology course.
The NIMHANS entrance exam or INI CET is scheduled to be held in May 19th 2024.
Admission to NIMHANS courses is done based on INI CET and INI SS which are scheduled to be conducted in May 19th 2024 and April 27th 2024 respectively.