Medicine And Allied Sciences

BHU Varanasi vs AMU Aligarh: Comparing Campus Location, Fees & PG Bond Rules

Rahul Rahul · September 10, 2025
A comparative university guide image for BHU Varanasi vs AMU Aligarh PG, featuring their iconic campus entrances—BHU’s yellow gate at the top right and AMU’s red historic building at the bottom right—alongside large brown text reading “Comparing Campus Location, Fees & PG Bond Rules” and a prominent rupee coin icon, visually emphasizing a detailed comparison of location, fees, and postgraduate bond requirements for prospective students considering these two institutions.

Introduction

Choosing between BHU Varanasi vs AMU Aligarh PG for postgraduate medical studies is a major decision for aspiring doctors. Both central universities boast prestigious medical colleges: IMS-BHU in Varanasi and JNMC in Aligarh. Understanding the differences in fees, clinical exposure, and academic environment can make your choice clearer.

In this blog, we compare BHU Varanasi vs AMU Aligarh PG across key aspects like location, PG fees, hostel life, bond rules, and clinical training. By the end, you’ll have a complete picture to decide which institution best aligns with your career goals and professional aspirations.

Overview of BHU Varanasi and AMU Aligarh

BHU Varanasi – Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS-BHU)

  • Established in 1960, IMS-BHU is one of India’s top government-run medical institutions.

  • It is part of Banaras Hindu University, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

  • The attached Sir Sunderlal Hospital has more than 1,500 beds and offers extensive clinical exposure.

  • Known for research opportunities and strong alumni connections.

AMU Aligarh – Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC)

  • Established in 1962, JNMC is part of Aligarh Muslim University.

  • Located in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, it serves patients across Western UP.

  • The hospital has over 1,400 beds with advanced specialty departments.

  • Strong academic environment with affordable fees and good hostel facilities.

Campus Location & Accessibility

  • BHU Varanasi: Located in the cultural city of Varanasi, well connected by rail and air. The campus spreads over 1,300 acres, offering a vibrant student life. Varanasi has good connectivity to major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata.

  • AMU Aligarh: Situated in Aligarh, close to Delhi (about 140 km away). Students often find this location more accessible due to proximity to the capital city and its healthcare networks. The campus covers over 1,155 acres with heritage-style infrastructure.

Verdict: If cultural exposure and a large campus life attract you, BHU is a great choice. If you value closeness to Delhi and easier travel, AMU has the edge.

PG Course Fees & Hostel Charges

Both universities are government institutions with subsidized fee structures compared to private medical colleges.

  • BHU IMS Varanasi:

    • Tuition fees: Around ₹30,000–₹35,000 per year for PG courses.

    • Hostel fees: ₹5,000–₹7,000 per year (excluding mess).

    • Additional charges (library, examination): Nominal.

  • AMU JNMC Aligarh:

    • Tuition fees: Around ₹25,000–₹30,000 per year for PG courses.

    • Hostel fees: ₹6,000–₹8,000 per year (excluding mess).

    • Examination and development fees: Minimal.

Verdict: Both offer affordable fees, but AMU is slightly cheaper.

PG Bond Rules & Service Obligations

Bond rules are crucial for PG students as they decide their post-course commitments.

  • BHU Varanasi (IMS):

    • PG students are required to sign a service bond of 1 year.

    • Penalty for not serving: Around ₹40–50 lakhs, depending on state notifications.

    • Bond service is usually in the government hospitals of Uttar Pradesh.

  • AMU Aligarh (JNMC):

    • PG students also sign a service bond of 1 year.

    • Penalty amount: Around ₹30–40 lakhs for breach of bond.

    • Bond service obligations are usually placed within Uttar Pradesh’s state hospitals.

Verdict: Both institutions have strict bond rules, but AMU’s penalty amount is generally lower.

Clinical Exposure & Hospital Facilities

  • U (Sir Sunderlal Hospital):

    • Tertiary care hospital with 1,500+ beds.

    • High patient inflow from Eastern UP and Bihar.

    • Strong exposure in specialties like oncology, neurosurgery, and cardiology.

  • AMU (JNMC Hospital):

    • 1,400+ bedded hospital with super-specialty care.

    • Strong exposure in general medicine, pediatrics, and trauma care.

    • Patient inflow from Western UP, Rajasthan, and Haryana.

Verdict: Both offer rich clinical exposure, but BHU’s patient diversity is slightly broader due to Varanasi’s location.

Hostel Life & Campus Culture

  • BHU: Vibrant cultural activities, large green campus, student fests, and research-driven environment.

  • AMU: Close-knit student community, historic campus culture, and strong academic focus with extracurricular societies.

Verdict: BHU offers a more diverse campus life, while AMU is known for close faculty-student interactions.

How Career Plan B Can Help?

When choosing between BHU and AMU for your PG studies, confusion is natural. Factors like fees, bond rules, clinical training, and location directly affect your future. This is where Career Plan B can guide you with:

  • Personalized counseling on college selection based on your NEET-PG rank.

  • Guidance on bond rules and state-wise obligations.

  • Updates on fee structures, seat availability, and admission cutoffs.

  • Support in planning Plan B career options, in case your top-choice seat is unavailable.

Still have doubts? Click here to book your first free session with Career Plan B.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Which is better for PG medical studies, BHU or AMU?
     Both are excellent. BHU offers broader clinical exposure and a larger campus, while AMU has easier accessibility and slightly lower fees. The choice depends on your preference for location and environment.

  2. What is the PG bond rule in BHU and AMU?
     Both have a 1-year compulsory service bond. BHU’s penalty is higher (₹40–50 lakhs), while AMU’s is around ₹30–40 lakhs.

  3. Are the hostel facilities good in both universities?
     Yes, both have decent hostels with affordable charges. BHU has a larger campus atmosphere, while AMU hostels are more community-driven.

  4. Which university provides better clinical exposure?
     BHU’s Sir Sunderlal Hospital has a wider patient base due to its location in Varanasi. AMU also provides strong clinical exposure, especially in medicine and pediatrics.

  5. What about research opportunities in BHU vs AMU?
     BHU is slightly ahead in terms of research publications and collaborations, but AMU also provides a strong research environment for PG students.

Conclusion

Both BHU Varanasi (IMS-BHU) and AMU Aligarh (JNMC) are prestigious medical institutions offering affordable PG education, excellent clinical exposure, and secure career prospects. The decision depends on whether you prioritize location (closer to Delhi in AMU) or campus culture and research exposure (BHU).

With bond rules and affordable fees in place, students must carefully evaluate their priorities. For expert guidance in making this choice, Career Plan B can provide the roadmap you need to succeed in your NEET-PG journey.

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