Both AIIMS and NIMHANS have been excellent institutes for neurosurgery. Both the institutes have their unique strengths and weaknesses. It’s better to weigh the pros and cons before coming to a final decision.
AIIMS Delhi
NIMHANS
Both AIIMS Delhi and NIMHANS are equally good in terms of the amount of work, patient management protocol, and infrastructure. The only issue at AIIMS Delhi is the increasing staff as a result of which the surgical work gets divided and residents get less work. NIMHANS on the other hand has a lesser faculty count which does not necessarily mean more work.
Ultimately, it’s your performance that determines your success and not your institute. Institute just lays down the stepping stones for your future.
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.
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.
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.
This is very difficult to differentiate, as both of them are hugely notable for Neurosurgery. But like every other institution, they also have their fair share of pros and cons. Let me discuss some facts about both the institutes, analyzing which you can make your final decision.
You can also choose the college favoring your location. North Indians generally opt for AIIMS while South Indians will go for NIMHANS.
Ultimately, it depends on the student’s choice, because both the institutions are equally good. But a university name does not matter, it might give you the first push but after that your training and your work will speak for themselves.
Yes, an MCH in Neurosurgery at NIMHANS is certainly an excellent choice. Here are some strong points in favor of my opinion
So, go for it without any second thoughts.
Here are some highly recommended books you must go through at least once if you are preparing for the NIMHANS post-MBBS exam and MCH Neurosurgeon
By going through these excellent reads, you will definitely have an edge over others. However, it’s important to note that one needs to be thorough with MBBS concepts. The PG exam comprises 70% general and 30% neuro/psychiatry-specific questions so invest your time accordingly.