Best Medical Colleges in India for MBBS 2026: AIIMS, Government and Private Colleges

NEET UG exam 2026 raises a difficult question related to selecting the best medical college in India, which can offer comprehensive academic development in academics. This question has a direct impact on the journey to becoming a doctor. India has approximately 750-800 medical colleges (government and private), and a constant rise in competition and a growing number of NEET candidates highlight the need to select the right medical college. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) are the top choice of NEET aspirants, and after this, numerous other prestigious institutions offer world-class education to the medical students.

So, the blog conducts an in-depth analysis of the top medical colleges in India by including both private and government medical colleges, so you can make an ideal choice for your medical career.

Top MBBS UG Medical Colleges in the AIIMS Category

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is considered a premium medical institute in India. AIIMS institutes are globally famous for advanced faculty, global-level infrastructure facilities, affordable fees in comparison with private institutes, and an advanced level of research exposure. AIIMS is an independent institute that sets higher bars in the field of medical education across the country. The following is a table that clearly summarises the top 5 AIIMS institutes across India-

1. AIIMS, New Delhi

Established in 1956, AIIMS Delhi is considered the base of the AIIMS umbrella framework. Over the years, it has become the leading choice of NEET aspirants to become a successful doctor. AIIMS has world-class advanced faculty, exceptional career exposure, cutting-edge infrastructure, advanced practice centres, an innovation hub, modern clinical exposure, and state-of-the-art equipment. The institute has only 132 MBBS seats for the NEET UG exam, which makes admission chances very difficult. The fee for MBBS UG is approximately ₹1,350 – ₹1,628 per year, a very affordable option for economically weak students. 

2. AIIMS, Rishikesh

AIIMS Rishikesh was started in 2012 as an advancement of AIIMS medical colleges in India. The college holds the 13^th position in the NIRF ranking for the best medical college in India. The college was announced in 2003 with 6 other colleges, and earned impressive recognition among medical students after its foundation. AIIMS, Rishikesh, has a total of 125 MBBS seats and is known for its advanced infrastructure, student-friendly exposure, holistic teaching methods, research in health sciences, hands-on clinical exposure, diversified patient load, and many more. The institute fees for the MBBS course are around ₹5000-₹6000 (approximately). 

3. AIIMS Bhubaneswar

Since its establishment in 212, AIIMS Bhubaneswar is rapidly becoming a hub for medical research in the eastern part of India, with a 14^th position in the NIRF 2025 ranking. The institute offers 125 MBBS seats in a comprehensive academic environment with top-tier faculty and clinical exposure. AIIMS Bhubaneswar offers high-quality medical education with advanced-level infrastructure, research & innovation, and international reputation. The course fee is also very affordable, which is approximately ₹5,856.

4. AIIMS, Jodhpur

In the NIRF 2025 ranking list, AIIMS Jodhpur is ranked 19th, which is a notable achievement considering its establishment in 2012. AIIMS Jodhpur offers 125 MBBS UG seats for admission, providing extensive clinical exposure, well-equipped facilities, and dedicated faculty.  The institute has a positive image in offering advanced clinical practice and healthcare services, attracting students from across the country. The AIIMS, Jodhpur fee for the entire MBBS course is around ₹24,102.

5. AIIMS, Bhopal

AIIMS, Bhopal, was also founded in 2012 with the support of Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). The total medical seats in AIIMS Bhopal are approximately 125, where the college ranking in the NIRF 2025 list is in 25th position. The MBBS fee for the whole MBBS course is approximately ₹5,856. AIIMS Bhopal is widely known for rigorous and clinically-oriented teaching methods, high-patient flow, and an advanced level of research scope with a special focus on comprehensive medical education and practical learning.

AIIMS, Bhopal, is a renowned name in the field of medical research programs and infrastructure with advanced-level laboratories and research innovation. AIIMS Bhopal aims to contribute to the nation’s healthcare services while providing world-class medical education for the medical students. 

Top Government and Private Medical Colleges in India for NEET UG 2026 Exam

Apart from AIIMS medical institutes, a wide range of private and government medical colleges provide high-quality medical education in India. The list of some top MBBS medical colleges in India is as follows-

1. Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore (Private)

Christian Medical College is a fully independent government medical college, established in 1990. It is difficult to take admission in this college due to its limited seats (approximately 100) with a NIRF ranking of 3^rd position in the list of 2025. If a medical student wants to become an expert in specialised medical departments (for example, Gastroenterology and Haematology), then this college is a perfect option for you. The course fee of the MBBS UG is between ₹12,00,000- ₹14,00,000, with an advanced level of academic offerings, international reputation, and modern-level medical research facilities.

2. JIPMER Puducherry

JIPMER is also a central government medical institute, which was founded in 1956. In the latest 2025 NIRF ranking, the medical college is in 4^th position. In 2008, the medical institute was awarded an institution of national importance. In comparison with other medical institutes, the college has more seats (approximately 243) in its two campuses (Puducherry & Karaikal). The reason behind the success of JIPMER is solely based on advanced and high-quality teaching facilities, where the secondary factors are clinical exposure and autonomous curriculum. To become an MBBS undergraduate doctor, the course fee is around ₹40,000 for the entire program.

3. King George`s Medical University, Lucknow

The King George is an independent medical university, which was established in 1905, and is currently identified as one of the oldest medical universities across the country. The college ranking is in 8^th position under the 2025 NIRF top medical college list, with 250 MBBS seats for medical students. The college is famous for massive clinical exposure, advanced specialisation, comprehensive departments, and practical exposure experience for UG students. The academic fee for the NEET UG program in this college is approximately between ₹54,600- ₹60,000.

4. Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal

Kasturba Medical College is globally famous for offering high-quality medical education. The medical institute has been operational since 1953, with a 10^th position in the NIRF ranking 2025. The college offers strong infrastructure, highly advanced clinical exposure, research culture, and a conducive environment for its students. KMC offers special facilities as a state-of-the-art facility by ensuring students receive hands-on clinical exposure in their respective fields. KMC offers 250 MBBS seats to the medical students, where the fee for this course program is approximately ₹70- ₹75 lacs. 

5. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

BHU was founded in 1916, and it has around 100 MBBS seats for the upcoming 2026 exam. BHU holds the 6^th position in the NIRF medical colleges’ top rank list across India. The institute is a big name in medical education due to its strong academic legacy and integrated focus on modern & traditional medicines. The MBBS UG program course fee at BHU is between ₹1.50,000- ₹2,50,000 lacs.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Medical College After NEET

It is a dream of NEET aspirants to get admission into a reputed medical college for their education. So, you can consider the following factors before choosing a medical college after NEET are as follows-

1. Reputation Level: Every NEET aspirant should consider the reputation level of a medical college. Apart from this, it is also important to identify its affiliation with the Medical Council of India (MCI). For this, AIIMS and PGIMER have an established reputation for excellence in this area.
2. Infrastructure and Facilities: By selecting a good medical college, you can ensure education, practical training opportunities, and overall student well-being. The advanced-level facilities include infrastructure, libraries, labs, and clinical exposure to strengthen the overall learning experience. For example, CMC Vellore and AIIMS Delhi are widely known for their world-class facilities.
3. Faculty and Research Opportunities: Faculty with good experience can impart a good amount of knowledge to you, where PGIMER Chandigarh and AIIMS Delhi offer excellent opportunities for research and hands-on learning under highly experienced faculty.
4. Clinical Exposure: Practical learning is an essential element while studying MBBS. An effective level of practical learning can offer an advanced level of clinical exposure. JIPMER and NIMHANS are the most prestigious institutes with an advanced level of clinical exposure.
5. Fees and Financial Assistance: Fee is also an important factor in the selection of a medical college, where some colleges also offer scholarships or financial support options that are available to reduce the overall burden. For example, AIIMS and PGIMER offer lower fees compared to private medical colleges like CMC and SRIHER.

Conclusion

Your journey to becoming a doctor primarily depends on the selection of a good and reputable medical college. NEET aspirants preferably consider AIIMS, PGIMER, and JIPMER, while the medical college options are CMC Vellore and KMC Manipal. You should consider infrastructure, reputation level, affordable fees, and an advanced level of clinical exposure before choosing a medical college. The selection of a good medical college can offer you a strong foundation for a successful career in medicine.

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