Geetansh · March 14, 2026 
INTRODUCTION
Dreaming of that iconic white coat and the prestige of an AIIMS tag? You’re not alone—thousands of NEET toppers face the same dilemma every year: stick with the legendary AIIMS Delhi or opt for one of the newer campuses that are rapidly gaining ground?
AIIMS Delhi has held the #1 spot in NIRF medical rankings for eight straight years (with a score of 91.80 in 2025), but the new AIIMS (established post-2012) now offer modern infrastructure, strong faculty, and much more achievable admission chances. In 2025, total MBBS seats across ~20 AIIMS institutes reached around 2,257, giving more students a shot at world-class medical education.
This guide compares AIIMS Delhi vs new AIIMS campuses based on rankings, cutoffs, facilities, patient exposure, seats, and lifestyle factors to help you decide wisely for 2026 admissions.
Why AIIMS Delhi Remains the Top Choice
Established in 1956, AIIMS Delhi is more than an institute—it’s a symbol of excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. It handles one of the highest patient volumes in the world, exposing students to rare cases and advanced procedures early on.
- Unmatched global recognition (recently ranked 6th worldwide in Brand Finance Global Top 250 Hospitals 2026 for brand strength).
- Top faculty, cutting-edge research opportunities, and the strongest alumni network for PG residencies and jobs.
- But the flip side? Extremely high competition—General category closing rank hovered around 47–48 in NEET 2025 counselling.
If prestige, networking, and maximum clinical exposure matter most to you, Delhi is still unmatched.
Rise of New AIIMS Campuses – What’s Changed?
The newer AIIMS (Phase 1 onward: Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur, Rishikesh, etc.) have matured significantly. Many now boast state-of-the-art buildings, better mentor-to-student ratios, and improving patient loads.
In NIRF 2025 medical rankings:
- AIIMS Rishikesh: #13 (score ~65.02)
- AIIMS Bhubaneswar: #14
- AIIMS Jodhpur: #19
- AIIMS Bhopal: #25
- AIIMS Patna: #27
- AIIMS Raipur: #31
These campuses are closing the gap fast, with modern facilities and growing reputations.
Key Comparison Table (based on NIRF 2025, recent NEET closing ranks for General category, and approximate seats):
| Campus | NIRF 2025 Rank | Approx. MBBS Seats | General Closing Rank (2025 approx.) | Key Strengths | Location Factors |
| AIIMS Delhi | 1 | 125 | 47–48 | Highest prestige, massive OPD, research | Metro life, networking, but crowded & polluted |
| AIIMS Rishikesh | 13 | ~125 | 685–781 | Strong academics, scenic location, good faculty | Peaceful Himalayan setting, lower cost |
| AIIMS Bhubaneswar | 14 | ~125 | 706–785 | Modern infra, rising fast in rankings | Coastal Odisha, growing city facilities |
| AIIMS Jodhpur | 19 | ~125 | 392–497 | Excellent clinical exposure, desert research edge | Cultural Rajasthan, moderate living costs |
| AIIMS Bhopal | 25 | ~125 | 510–558 | Solid infrastructure, central location | Urban Madhya Pradesh, affordable |
| AIIMS Patna | 27 | ~125 | ~1,400+ | Improving rapidly, high patient inflow | Bihar hub, but regional challenges |
| AIIMS Raipur | 31 | ~125 | ~1,200+ | Good facilities, tribal health focus | Chhattisgarh, calmer environment |
(Seats are approximate under Open Seat Quota; total varies slightly with reservations. Official sources: MCC counselling data & NIRF portal.)
NEET Cutoff and Admission Reality
AIIMS Delhi demands near-perfect scores (top 50 ranks in General), while new campuses open doors for ranks in the hundreds or low thousands.
Many graduates from Rishikesh or Bhubaneswar secure top PG seats today—prestige matters, but consistent performance during MBBS counts more.
Facilities, Exposure, and Campus Life
AIIMS Delhi offers unparalleled variety: thousands of daily OPD patients, rare diseases, and global collaborations.
Newer ones shine in:
- Modern classrooms, hostels, and labs (less crowded than Delhi).
- Better student-faculty interaction.
- Growing hospitals with increasing super-specialty cases.
For example, AIIMS Rishikesh and Bhubaneswar are praised for balanced academics and life, while Jodhpur excels in hands-on training.
Location and Lifestyle Factors
Delhi: Endless opportunities, but high pollution, traffic, and living costs.
Newer campuses: Calmer environments (e.g., Rishikesh’s hills for mental peace), lower expenses, and regional cultural immersion—ideal if you prefer balance over hustle.
How Career Plan B Helps
Struggling to decide between AIIMS Delhi and newer campuses?
Career Plan B offers personalized support to clarify your path.
- Through Personalized Career Counselling
- Psycheintel and Career Assessment Tests
- Admission and Academic Profile Guidance
- Expert Career Roadmapping
They help evaluate your NEET rank, preferences, and long-term goals, ensuring you choose the right AIIMS fit without regrets.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
FAQ
- Is a new AIIMS worth it over Delhi?
Yes, if your rank doesn’t reach Delhi—newer ones provide excellent education, modern facilities, and strong career outcomes with less competition stress.
- Which new AIIMS is best after Delhi?
AIIMS Rishikesh (#13) and Bhubaneswar (#14) lead in NIRF 2025, followed by Jodhpur (#19). Choose based on location and your interests.
- Do new AIIMS have good patient exposure?
Absolutely; they’re building strong OPDs and super-specialties fast. Many now rival older institutes in hands-on training.
- How many MBBS seats are there in AIIMS overall?
Around 2,257 across all operational AIIMS in 2025, with most newer ones offering ~125 seats each.
- Should I prefer location or ranking?
It depends; prioritize academics/ranking for PG goals, but factor in lifestyle if long-term happiness matters.
- Are cutoffs similar every year?
They fluctuate slightly with exam difficulty and seats, but Delhi stays the toughest; newer ones remain more accessible.
Conclusion
AIIMS Delhi offers unmatched legacy and exposure, but newer campuses like Rishikesh, Bhubaneswar, and Jodhpur deliver outstanding value with modern setups and achievable entry, perfect for starting your medical journey strong.
Assess your NEET rank, visit official sites (e.g., AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Rishikesh, AIIMS Bhubaneswar), and consider guidance if needed.
Any AIIMS degree opens incredible doors; what matters most is how you use it. What’s your top priority: prestige or practicality? Choose smartly, and you’ll thrive. Good luck for 2026!
