GENERAL

KMC Manipal vs AIIMS New Delhi – Compare Fees, Ranking, Placements & Facilities

AK
Ajit Kumar Dubey • 6 Mins read • 16 Sep 25
KMC Manipal vs AIIMS New DelhiKMC Manipal vs AIIMS New Delhi

The decision you make regarding MBBS program selection in a competitive world of Indian medical education can make or break your whole career. As NEET UG 2025 results are announced and the counseling process is ongoing, two heavyweights are involved: the well-known All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the well-known Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal. KMC Manipal vs AIIMS New Delhi is one of the main comparisons of NEET aspirants who want to get the best medical training. AIIMS Delhi, the unquestioned monarch of medical education, is prestigious and affordable like none other, whereas KMC Manipal is all flaunt with the best infrastructure and an out bursting campus life. But which one is right for you?

This detailed comparison has disaggregated each of the important factors, such as admissions and fees, academics, and the rest, on the basis of the latest 2025 information. You want to reach the highest ranks, or you need moderate experience, yet you need to read to make an accurate choice.


AIIMS New Delhi

Established in 1956, AIIMS Delhi is India's premier medical institute, consistently ranked 1 in the NIRF 2025 Medical Rankings (and holding the top spot for the fourth consecutive year). It's an autonomous public institution under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, known for its cutting-edge research, world-class faculty, and massive tertiary care hospital. The MBBS program here is a dream for any NEET topper, emphasizing holistic training with a focus on innovation and public health.

  • Key Highlights: 132 MBBS seats, sprawling 233-acre campus in South Delhi, affiliated with the world's largest trauma center.


KMC Manipal

Founded in 1953 as part of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), KMC Manipal is one of India's oldest private medical colleges and a deemed university. Ranked 10 in NIRF 2025 and 13 by India Today 2024, it's celebrated for its student-centric approach, international collaborations, and emphasis on practical skills. Located in the serene hills of Manipal, Karnataka, it offers a lush, green campus ideal for focused learning..

  • Key Highlights: 250 MBBS seats, 600-acre campus with state-of-the-art labs, affiliated with Kasturba Hospital.


Quick Comparison: KMC Manipal vs AIIMS New Delhi

Here is the table of a quick comparison between KMC Manipal vs AIIMS New Delhi.

Aspect

AIIMS New Delhi

KMC Manipal

Establishment Year

1956

1953

NIRF 2025 Rank

1

10

Ownership

Government (Autonomous)

Private (Deemed University)

MBBS Seats

132

250

Campus Size

233 acres

600 acres

Overall Rating

8.35/10

8.79/10


KMC Manipal vs AIIMS New Delhi: Admission Process and NEET Cutoffs (2025)

Admission to both is through NEET UG, but the paths diverge post-exam.

  • AIIMS Delhi Admission: Seats are allocated via the centralized AIIMS counseling (INICET portal), separate from MCC. It's hyper-competitive, with only top ranks securing spots. Eligibility: 50% in Class 12 (PCB) + NEET qualification.
  • KMC Manipal Admission: Managed through MCC counseling for deemed universities. More seats mean slightly broader access, but still demand high scores. Eligibility: 50% in Class 12 (PCB) + NEET.


KMC Manipal vs AIIMS New Delhi: NEET 2025 Cutoffs

Cutoffs fluctuate yearly based on exam difficulty and applicant pool. For 2025, AIIMS Delhi remains the toughest, while KMC Manipal requires solid but achievable scores.


NEET 2025 Cutoff Table (General Category)

Category/Institute

Marks

Rank

Previous Year (2024) Marks

AIIMS Delhi (UR)

686–675

1–50

720–710

KMC Manipal (UR)

635–620

5,000–15,000

650–640


KMC Manipal vs AIIMS New Delhi: Fees and Financial Considerations

Cost is a major differentiator. AIIMS is a steal for budget-conscious students, while KMC's private status comes with a premium price tag. Both offer scholarships, but AIIMS edges out with near-zero fees.


MBBS Fees Comparison (2025 Total for 5.5 Years)

Aspect

AIIMS New Delhi

KMC Manipal

Annual Tuition Fee

₹1,000–₹1,500

₹17.8 Lakh

Total Course Fee

₹6,075–₹7,740

₹70–₹80 Lakh (approx.)

Hostel + Mess (Annual)

₹10,000–₹15,000

₹1.1–₹1.5 Lakh

Scholarships Available

Merit-cum-means

Merit-based (up to 50%)


KMC Manipal vs AIIMS New Delhi: Curriculum and Academics

Both follow the NMC (National Medical Commission) guidelines for a 5.5-year MBBS (4.5 years academics + 1-year internship). However, delivery styles differ.

Parameter

AIIMS New Delhi

KMC Manipal

Approach

Research-oriented, rigorous, integrated teaching

Competency-based, simulation & skill-focused

Clinical Exposure

Early clinical exposure, electives in public health

Strong hands-on exposure via skill labs & hospital tie-ups

Special Features

Problem-based learning, publications, conferences

International modules, ethics training, flexible electives

Student Rating

8.88/10

9/10

Learning Style

Structured, academic & research-focused

Tech-integrated, flexible, modern learning


KMC Manipal vs AIIMS New Delhi: Faculty and Research Opportunities

AIIMS leads in prestige-driven research, but KMC offers more mentorship.

Particular

AIIMS New Delhi

KMC Manipal

Faculty

World-renowned (many ICMR awardees)

Experienced, approachable; global ties (e.g., collaborations with Harvard)

Student-Faculty Ratio

1:2

1:3

Research Output

Massive – over 1,000 publications/year

Strong in clinical trials

Rating (Faculty & Research)

8.41/10

9.06/10


KMC Manipal vs AIIMS New Delhi: Infrastructure and Campus Facilities

Both boast top-tier setups, but KMC's private funding gives it an edge in aesthetics.

  • AIIMS Delhi: Massive 2,500-bed hospital, advanced labs, central library (24/7 access). Infrastructure rated 8.5/10, but accommodation 4.5/10 (older hostels). Facilities: Sports, auditorium, shuttle service.
  • KMC Manipal: Ultra-modern 2,000-bed Kasturba Hospital, simulation centers, e-classrooms. Infrastructure rated 9.38/10, accommodation 6.61/10. Facilities: Gym, Wi-Fi, and communication center.


Facilities Comparison  

Facility

AIIMS Delhi

KMC Manipal

Hospital Beds

2,500

2,000

Labs/Sim Centers

Advanced

Best

Hostel Quality

Basic

Modern

Sports/Gym

Yes

Yes (Better)


KMC Manipal vs AIIMS New Delhi: Clinical Exposure and Placements/Internships

MBBS internships are mandatory at affiliated hospitals. AIIMS alumni dominate global residencies; KMC grads excel in private practice.

Criteria

AIIMS New Delhi

KMC Manipal

Clinical Exposure

Unmatched exposure at Asia’s busiest hospital; hands-on from Year 2

Excellent rotations with rural outreach

PG Placement

100% placement in PG (NEET-PG top ranks)

95%+ PG success rate

Internship Stipend

₹20,000/month

₹25,000/month

Placement Rating

8.25/10

9.15/10


KMC Manipal vs AIIMS New Delhi: Campus Life and Extracurriculars

Campus life at AIIMS Delhi and KMC Manipal offers unique experiences, balancing academics with vibrant fests and social opportunities.

Criteria

AIIMS New Delhi

KMC Manipal

Festivals & Events

Hosts major fests like PULSE (Asia’s biggest med fest) and INFECTION

Balanced mix of cultural fests, sports leagues, and nearby hill-station getaways

Vibe

Urban, diverse, intense, fast-paced student life

Relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere

Social Life Rating

8.63/10

9.08/10


Conclusion 

If you're a NEET topper chasing legacy and affordability, AIIMS New Delhi is unbeatable—it's the gold standard for a reason. But if you value infrastructure, mentorship, and a holistic experience (and can afford it), KMC Manipal offers exceptional value without compromising quality.

Ultimately, KMC Manipal vs AIIMS New Delhi is a choice between prestige and affordability versus modern infrastructure and campus vibrancy. Both produce stellar doctors, so align your decision with finances, NEET rank, and lifestyle preferences.


KMC Manipal vs AIIMS New Delhi: FAQs


Ques. What is the main difference in the admission process and NEET cutoffs? 

Ans: AIIMS Delhi's admission is managed through a separate AIIMS counseling for top NEET ranks, while KMC Manipal admissions are handled through the MCC counseling for deemed universities, with slightly lower cutoff scores.


Ques. How do the fees compare for the MBBS program? 

Ans: AIIMS New Delhi, as a government institution, has highly subsidized fees, making it very affordable. KMC Manipal is a private college, and its fees are significantly higher, reaching up to INR 70-80 Lakhs.


Ques. Which college offers better infrastructure and a more vibrant campus life? 

Ans: While both have excellent facilities, KMC Manipal is often praised for its modern infrastructure, aesthetic campus, and active student-centric campus life. AIIMS Delhi offers an urban and diverse, but intense, student experience.


Ques. What are the key distinctions in academics and clinical exposure? 

Ans: AIIMS Delhi emphasizes research and academic rigor with unmatched clinical exposure due to its massive hospital. KMC Manipal focuses on practical skills with state-of-the-art labs and international collaborations.


Ques. How do the internship opportunities and alumni networks differ? 

Ans: AIIMS Delhi alumni are highly successful in securing top ranks in PG entrance exams. KMC Manipal graduates have a strong network and are well-prepared for global residencies, with high success rates in international exams.