According to the new updated pattern from 2018, there are separate papers for DM neurology, Mch Neurosurgery, and MD psychiatry courses.
The 70 marks paper continues. The questions are asked from all 19 subjects. The questions are asked randomly. The weightage of any subject is increased at any time. No fixed weightage from the subjects can be expected. Don’t leave out any topics from the 19 subjects. Each mark counts and can be the reason for selection and non-selection. Only 4 seats for DM and 4 for MCh.
For 30 marks separate papers-
Neurology: Neuro medicine is asked mainly. So it's important to read Harrison's neurology portion. You should have good concepts of Neurophysiology, neuropathology, CNS pharmacology, Neuro-ophthalmology, and a few neuroanatomia. Ketzung for CNS pharma part and CNS pathology from Robbins is recommended.
Neurosurgery: Mostly basic questions are asked. Good concepts of Neuroanatomy is a must. Snell and Neuro medicine from Harrison is equally important for neurosurgery. A head injury from Bailey/ Sabiston is recommended.
Psychiatry: Kaplan and Saddok is a standard book. Cover Schizophrenia and depression topics from it with the psychological examination. Praveen Tripathi's psychiatry reference book as a whole is helpful. Understand concepts well. Watch Caplan videos on behavioral science for a good understanding.
Follow crash courses from DAMS, DBMCI, and Positive classes. You can also join the Telegram channel for NIMHANS preparation.
It won't be right to talk about other institutions that offer Neurosurgery, but as one of my friends studied at NIMHANS, I will be able to share some details about it, analyzing which you can make your choice.
Ultimately, it is your duty to gather information from the cases, and what you learn from each of them after completing the clinical work. Always be ready to face any situation and work a hectic schedule.
I am not aware of other colleges but since my cousin is currently pursuing a six-year MCh neurology course in NIMHANS, I have better knowledge in that regard.
Overall, you will have a lot of opportunities and your schedule will be extremely busy while pursuing the 6-year MCh neurology course.
One of my cousins graduated from NIMHANS and according to him, here are the courses available for an MBBS doctor in NIMHANS.
If you are interested in research you can choose Ph.D. in Clinical Neurosciences or Ph.D. in Psychiatry. There is a direct entry after MBBS for MCh in Neurosurgery apart from DM in Neurology and MD in Psychiatry.
One of my friends was a student from an electronics engineering background who took Neuroscience for M.Phil. A lot of people have questioned his choice, but he said that it was a good decision and enjoyed learning about the course. Let me share his experience.
If you do not study and follow properly, it becomes difficult. He was content with his choice, stating that it is hard work that only matters. Except for the MD courses and nursing specialties all the courses here at NIMHANS are super specialties and research degrees (Ph.D./MPhil).
Both AIIMS and NIMHANS are excellent options for pursuing a PG in neurology. While choosing one between the two, you might want to consider the following simple differences
So choose wisely!
Let us assume that the question is framed for the accommodation for the patient's relatives, as it is not specified.
NIMHANS provides accommodation at subsidized tariff at 2 places within its hospital campus:
Infosys Foundation Dharmashala -
Lakshmi Mittal Rest Home -
Both the places take in people on a First-Come-First-Served basis.
NIMHANS is an excellent choice for those who are only interested in neurosurgery and are certain of pursuing a career in the same. However, you won’t be learning anything about general surgery. You’d do a craniotomy for EDH evacuation in a trice but will have a major problem putting your finger on an offending appendix.
Ultimately, if you are making this choice just because you want to pursue MCh directly, it’s better to reconsider your decision. 5-years is a long time to waste on something you aren’t sure of. So choose wisely after considering all options.
After doing some research online, I gathered some information regarding your question. Let me mention these which you can later analyze and check if it is useful or not.
For preparing Neurology you can take help from the following books:
Try solving the previous 4 to 5 years of any NIMHANS MCQ guide. Also, try to score 120-130, this will secure your place among the top rankers.
This is a choice that can vary from individual to individual. It is each student’s unique preference of certain things like location, curriculum, alumni, crowd, etc. that influence their choices.
One of my friends cleared both the entrance exams at the same time but opted for AIIMS over NIMHANS, due to its location. Being a North Indian he felt it would be easier to blend in rather than getting accustomed to a new culture, food or place.
Also, he mentioned that the Neurosurgery course will only provide an McH degree and no MS degree. This was also another concern for him and why he in the end went for AIIMS.
Therefore, you should think clearly and point out all the pros and cons of these institutions. Check which one is satisfying all your requirements and then go for it. Both AIIMS and NIMHANS are reputed institutions, graduating from any of them will prove to be great for your career. If you are North Indian go for AIIMS, if South Indian opt for NIMHANS.