1. Introduction

For many medical postgraduates in India, the period after MD/MS/DNB is confusing. You have the degree, but the next step is unclear-private practice, senior residency, or further super-specialisation. Fellowship programmes like this one from AIIMS Bathinda exist precisely to bridge that gap.

This recruitment is not for everyone. It is meant for doctors who already know their direction and want structured, hands-on sub-specialty training within a central government institute. If you are looking for depth rather than quick money, this notification deserves serious attention.

2. Key Details at a Glance

ParticularDetails
InstituteAll India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda
ProgrammeFellowship Programme
Total Seats25 (22 Open + 3 Sponsored)
Application ModeGoogle Form + Offline Submission
Application Start09 January 2026
Last Date30 January 2026
SelectionWritten Test + Departmental Assessment
Monthly Stipend₹67,700 + allowances (Open seats only)
Upper Age LimitNot applicable

Only information verified from the official notification has been included here.

3. Post-Wise Eligibility - What It Really Means

On paper, eligibility looks simple: MD/DNB/MS/M.Ch in the relevant subject. In practice, suitability is more nuanced.

For example:

  • Anaesthesia fellowships (Onco, Trauma, Paediatric, Obstetric, Regional) are ideal for MD/DNB Anaesthesia doctors who want to move beyond routine OT work into specialised critical and peri-operative care.
  • Orthopaedics fellowships (Arthroscopy, Joint Replacement, Trauma) suit MS/DNB Orthopaedics candidates aiming for high-skill surgical exposure rather than general ortho OPD practice.
  • Pathology fellowships (Hematopathology, Cytopathology, Onco Pathology) are best for those planning academic, diagnostic, or tertiary-care lab careers.
  • Sponsored seats are strictly for in-service government doctors. If you are not officially sponsored, do not apply under this category-it will be rejected.

A common mistake is applying just because you are technically eligible. Fellowship training is intense and narrow. If you are unsure of long-term interest in that sub-specialty, this may not be the right move.

4. How to Apply - A Guided Walkthrough

This process trips up many otherwise good candidates.

Step 1: Google Form Filling the Google Form is mandatory. Without it, your application is invalid-even if you send documents.

Step 2: Download & Fill Offline Application The form available on the AIIMS Bathinda website must be printed and filled neatly. Handwriting should be clear.

Step 3: Fee Payment Pay the fee through SBI Collect only. Save the transaction receipt and note the transaction number carefully.

Step 4: Postal Submission Send the complete application by Speed Post or Registered Post to the Recruitment Cell, AIIMS Bathinda. Courier is not advised unless explicitly allowed.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Applying for more than one fellowship
  • Missing transaction receipt
  • Incorrect superscription on envelope
  • Late postal delivery (AIIMS is strict on deadlines)

5. Salary, Growth & Career Outlook

The stipend of ₹67,700 per month (Pay Level 11) is respectable but not extraordinary compared to private hospitals. However, money is not the real value here.

What you gain:

  • Advanced clinical exposure
  • AIIMS tag on your CV
  • Strong academic credibility
  • Better chances in future faculty, DM/M.Ch, or senior consultant roles

Sponsored candidates should note clearly: AIIMS does not pay you. Your parent department bears that responsibility.

6. Preparation Plan & Study Strategy

Written Test (60 MCQs, 60 minutes)

Focus on:

  • Core concepts of your parent specialty
  • Recent guidelines and protocols
  • Clinical decision-making, not obscure facts

Departmental Assessment

This is where many fail. Departments look for:

  • Practical thinking
  • Case-based reasoning
  • Awareness of current practices

Suggested daily routine (4-6 weeks)

  • 1-2 hours: Standard textbook revision
  • 1 hour: Recent review articles / guidelines
  • 30 minutes: Case discussions (real or simulated)

Avoid studying everything. Depth matters more than breadth here.

7. Pros & Cons - An Honest View

Pros

  • AIIMS-level exposure
  • Structured subspecialty training
  • No age limit
  • Strong academic credibility

Cons

  • High competition for limited seats
  • Bond of ₹2 lakh
  • No long-term service benefits (PF, pension, promotion)
  • Location may not suit everyone

This is an opportunity, not a comfort posting.

8. Applicant Checklist

Before applying, confirm:

  • Correct qualification for the specific fellowship
  • Single application only
  • Fee paid and receipt attached
  • All certificates ready (originals + copies)
  • Application reaches before 30 Jan 2026, 5 PM

If even one document is missing at interview, admission can be denied.

9. Conclusion

This fellowship is best suited for doctors who value skill, structure, and credibility over immediate financial gain. If you are clear about your specialty direction and ready for focused training, AIIMS Bathinda offers a solid platform.

If you are undecided, applying just to “see what happens” may waste your time and someone else’s opportunity. Choose deliberately.

10. FAQs

Is this fellowship equivalent to DM/M.Ch? No. It is additional structured training, not a statutory super-speciality degree.

Can private hospital doctors apply? Yes, for open seats-provided they meet eligibility criteria.

Is there reservation? No constitutional reservation applies to these fellowship seats.

What happens if I miss joining after selection? The seat may be forfeited and carried forward; extensions are rare and discretionary.

Is the number of seats final? No. AIIMS Bathinda reserves the right to change or cancel seats.