PGIMER Entrance Exam: Complete Guide
Your comprehensive resource for Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Entrance Examination. Get detailed information about eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation tips, and more.
Eligibility
MBBS degree with completion of internship
Exam Pattern
250 MCQs with negative marking
Syllabus
Based on MBBS curriculum
Competition
Highly competitive with thousands of applicants
PGIMER Entrance Exam Overview
The PGIMER Entrance Exam is conducted twice a year (January and July sessions) for admission to various MD/MS and other postgraduate courses at the prestigious Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
Exam Frequency
The exam is conducted twice a year – usually in January and July. The exact dates are announced on the official PGIMER website.
Courses Offered
MD, MS, DM, MCh, and other postgraduate courses in various medical specialties.
Exam Centers
Multiple exam centers across India. Candidates can choose their preferred center during application.
Note: PGIMER is one of the most prestigious medical institutes in India, and the entrance exam is highly competitive. Early and thorough preparation is essential for success.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the PGIMER Entrance Exam, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
Educational Qualification
MBBS degree or equivalent qualification recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI). Candidates must have completed or be completing their compulsory rotating internship.
Minimum Marks
General category candidates must have secured at least 55% marks in MBBS, while SC/ST candidates need 50% marks. Some departments may have specific requirements.
Registration
Candidates must have permanent registration with the Medical Council of India or State Medical Council. Those who are yet to obtain registration can also apply but must submit it at the time of admission.
Important: Eligibility criteria may vary for different courses and categories. Always check the official notification for specific requirements before applying.
Exam Pattern
The PGIMER Entrance Exam follows a specific pattern that candidates should understand thoroughly:
Question Type
The exam consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with four options. There is only one correct answer for each question.
Number of Questions
The exam typically contains 250 questions that need to be answered in 3 hours.
Duration
The total time allotted for the exam is 3 hours (180 minutes).
Correct Answer
Each correct answer awards 1 mark.
Negative Marking
There is negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each wrong answer. Unanswered questions carry no marks.
Score Calculation
The final score is calculated as: (Number of correct answers × 1) – (Number of wrong answers × 0.33)
Preclinical Subjects
Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry – approximately 30-35 questions
Para-clinical Subjects
Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine – approximately 70-80 questions
Clinical Subjects
Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Dermatology, etc. – approximately 130-140 questions
Strategy: Due to negative marking, it’s important to attempt questions wisely. Avoid guesswork unless you can eliminate at least two options.
Detailed Syllabus
The PGIMER Entrance Exam syllabus is based on the MBBS curriculum. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
General Anatomy, Histology, Embryology, Gross Anatomy of all systems, Neuroanatomy, Radiological Anatomy, Genetics
General Physiology, Nerve-Muscle, Blood, Nerve Physiology, Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Gastrointestinal System, Renal System, Endocrine System, Reproductive System, Central Nervous System, Special Senses
Cell Structure and Function, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids, Enzymes, Vitamins, Minerals, Metabolic Pathways, Molecular Biology, Endocrinology, Nutrition, Clinical Biochemistry
General Pathology, Systemic Pathology, Hematology, Clinical Pathology, Oncopathology, Immunopathology
General Pharmacology, Autonomic Nervous System, Central Nervous System, Cardiovascular System, Autacoids, Respiratory System, Gastrointestinal System, Endocrine Pharmacology, Chemotherapy, Toxicology
General Microbiology, Immunology, Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology, Hospital Infection Control
Legal Procedures, Medical Ethics, Thanatology, Injuries, Sexual Offences, Toxicology, Medical Jurisprudence
Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Nutrition, Health Programs, Environment Health, Occupational Health, Health Planning, Sociology
General Medicine, Cardiology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Radiology, Anesthesia
General Surgery, Anesthesia, Orthopedics, Radiology, Ophthalmology, ENT, Dentistry, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Preparation Tip: Focus on clinical subjects as they carry more weightage. However, don’t neglect the basics as they can help you secure easy marks.
Preparation Strategy & Tips
Effective preparation is key to cracking the PGIMER Entrance Exam. Here are some proven strategies:
Study Schedule
Create a realistic study plan with daily, weekly, and monthly targets. Allocate more time to subjects with higher weightage and your weaker areas.
Revision Strategy
Plan at least 3-4 revisions before the exam. The first revision should be detailed, while subsequent revisions should focus on important topics and weak areas.
Mock Tests
Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation level. Analyze your performance and work on improving your speed and accuracy.
Standard Textbooks
Focus on standard MBBS textbooks for conceptual clarity. Use subject-specific books recommended by toppers.
Question Banks
Solve previous years’ question papers and question banks specifically designed for PGIMER entrance exam.
Online Resources
Utilize online platforms offering mock tests, video lectures, and discussion forums for PGIMER preparation.
Time Management
During the exam, allocate time wisely. Don’t spend too much time on difficult questions. Mark them for review and move on.
Intelligent Attempt
Due to negative marking, attempt only those questions you are reasonably sure about. Avoid wild guessing.
Focus on Clinical Subjects
Clinical subjects carry more weightage. Ensure you have a strong command over Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, and OBG.
Pro Tip: Join a study group or online community of PGIMER aspirants. Discussing difficult concepts and solving questions together can enhance your understanding.
Cut-off Trends & Analysis
Understanding previous years’ cut-off trends can help you set a target score for the exam:
| Category | General | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD General Medicine | 320-340 | 310-330 | 300-320 | 290-310 |
| MS General Surgery | 310-330 | 300-320 | 290-310 | 280-300 |
| MD Pediatrics | 315-335 | 305-325 | 295-315 | 285-305 |
| MD Radiology | 330-350 | 320-340 | 310-330 | 300-320 |
| MD Dermatology | 340-360 | 330-350 | 320-340 | 310-330 |
| MS Orthopedics | 325-345 | 315-335 | 305-325 | 295-315 |
Note: Cut-off marks vary each year depending on the difficulty level of the exam, number of candidates, and available seats. The above ranges are indicative based on previous trends.
Trend Analysis
The cut-off marks have shown a gradual increasing trend over the years due to rising competition. Clinical branches typically have higher cut-offs compared to pre-clinical and para-clinical branches.
Target Score
Aim for a score of at least 340+ for general category candidates to have a good chance of securing a seat in popular clinical specialties.
Recommended Books & Resources
Choosing the right study material is crucial for effective preparation. Here are the recommended resources:
Medicine
Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, API Textbook of Medicine
Surgery
Bailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery, Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, SRB’s Manual of Surgery
Pediatrics
Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, Ghai Essential Pediatrics, OP Ghai Textbook of Pediatrics
OBG
Williams Obstetrics, Shaw’s Textbook of Gynaecology, DC Dutta’s Textbook of Obstetrics
Pre/Para-clinical Subjects
Gray’s Anatomy, Guyton Physiology, Robbins Pathology, Katzung Pharmacology, Ananthanarayan Microbiology, Park’s Community Medicine
Subject-wise Q Banks
Subject-specific question banks from reputable publications are essential for targeted practice.
Previous Years’ Papers
Solve at least 5-10 years of previous question papers to understand the exam pattern and important topics.
Mock Test Series
Enroll in a good mock test series that simulates the actual exam environment and provides detailed performance analysis.
Video Lectures
Online platforms offering video lectures by experienced faculty can help clarify difficult concepts.
Mobile Apps
Several mobile applications offer daily practice questions, flashcards, and revision notes for PGIMER preparation.
Online Communities
Join online forums and social media groups where aspirants discuss questions, share resources, and clarify doubts.
Resource Strategy: Don’t overload yourself with too many resources. Stick to standard textbooks and supplement them with targeted question banks and mock tests.
3-Month Intensive Study Plan
Here’s a comprehensive 3-month study plan to help you prepare effectively for the PGIMER Entrance Exam:
Week 1-2: Basic Sciences
Focus on Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry. Cover high-yield topics and solve MCQs after each chapter.
Week 3-4: Para-clinical Subjects
Cover Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Forensic Medicine. Focus on clinical applications of these subjects.
Assessment
Take a full-length mock test at the end of the month to assess your understanding of basic and para-clinical subjects.
Week 1-2: Medicine & Allied
Cover General Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Dermatology, and Radiology. Focus on clinical case scenarios.
Week 3-4: Surgery & Allied
Cover General Surgery, Orthopedics, Anesthesia, Ophthalmology, ENT, and OBG. Focus on surgical aspects and management.
Assessment
Take 2-3 full-length mock tests focusing on clinical subjects. Analyze your performance and identify weak areas.
Week 1-2: Revision & Mock Tests
Revise all subjects with emphasis on high-yield topics. Take mock tests every alternate day.
Week 3: Previous Years’ Papers
Solve previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern and frequently asked topics.
Week 4: Final Preparation
Focus on quick revisions, formulas, mnemonics, and important facts. Avoid learning new topics.
Daily Routine: Aim for 8-10 hours of focused study daily. Include short breaks to maintain productivity. Regular exercise and proper sleep are equally important.
Need Help with PGIMER Application Form?
Our experts can help you complete your PGIMER application form accurately and efficiently. Avoid common mistakes that lead to rejection.
Connect on WhatsAppOur team will guide you through the entire process and ensure your application is submitted correctly.
Terms & Conditions ApplyStart Your PGIMER Preparation Today!
With proper guidance, dedicated effort, and strategic preparation, you can secure a seat in your desired specialty at PGIMER.