Pursuing a post-graduation (PG) in medicine is an important step for those who want to specialize and have a successful career as a doctor. Many private medical colleges offer medical PG admission in Kerala in various specializations. These colleges’ fee structure has steadily risen over the years. Learn more about Kerala Medical PG Admission, PG fees in private medical colleges in Kerala, NEET PG counseling in Kerala, etc.
Factors Affecting Medical PG fees in Kerala Private Medical Colleges
Several factors affect the PG fees charged by private medical colleges in Kerala:
- High demand vs limited seats: There is huge competition for limited PG seats in the most sought-after specializations like MD/MS General Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, etc. This allows colleges to charge higher fees.
- Brand value of college: Older and more reputed colleges charge higher fees due to their brand value and better campus recruitment.
- Faculty and infrastructure: Colleges with experienced faculty members and better lab/hospital facilities tend to have higher fees.
- Government caps: While there are regulatory caps on tuition fees, colleges find ways to charge more through additional heads.
- Location: Colleges based in metro cities and urban areas have higher fees than rural colleges.
- Mess and hostel fees: These are generally charged separately and keep increasing yearly.
- Also Check: Best Medical Colleges in Kerala
PG Medical Fees in Kerala Over the Years
- Kerala’s annual PG tuition fee was around Rs 5-10 lakhs until five years back across most private colleges.
- In 2017, the fee was capped at Rs 6.5 lakhs per year by the fee regulatory committee. However, most colleges charged around Rs 20 lakhs per year, including hostel and other fees.
- In 2020, the PG medical fee in private colleges was capped at Rs 9.5 lakhs total per year by the NMC. Still, total fees reached up to Rs 25 lakhs per year in some colleges.
- In 2022, the Kerala HC has removed the fee cap altogether. Many private colleges charge Rs 35-60 lakhs total for the 3-year PG program.
- The most expensive PG programs are clinical degrees like MD/MS and super-specialties like DM/MCh. Non-clinical programs like Anatomy, Physiology, etc., have relatively lower fees.
Kerala PG Medical Admission Process
The process of admission to PG medical seats in Kerala is through a centralized allotment process conducted by the Commissioner of Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. Here are the key steps:
Step 1: Registration on the admission portal
- Candidates must register on the PG medical admission portal of CEE Kerala as per notification.
Step 2: Submission of application form
- After registering, candidates must fill out the online application form within the stipulated period.
Step 3: Release of provisional merit list
- A state-level provisional merit list is prepared based on the NEET PG exam score.
Step 4: Certificate verification
- Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification as per the merit list.
Step 5: Preparing the rank list
- The final merit list of candidates is prepared for PG medical admissions.
Step 6: Choice filling and allotment
- Students fill in and lock in choices of colleges and courses based on their rank. Seat allotment is then done through centralized counseling.
Step 7: Admission & reporting
After seat allotment, students must report to the allotted colleges for admission confirmation.
The admission process starts between March and May every year after the NEET PG exams. The merit list is based on the All India NEET PG ranking, not the Kerala state rank.
PG Fees in Private Medical Colleges in Kerala 2023-2024
Here are the approximate PG medical course fees in some of the top private colleges in Kerala as of 2023-2024:
College | Annual Fees (INR) |
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi | 18-25 lakhs |
Jubilee Mission Medical College, Thrissur | 15-18 lakhs |
Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute, Trivandrum | 15-20 lakhs |
Pushpagiri Medical College, Thiruvalla | 18-22 lakhs |
Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College, Kolenchery | 16-20 lakhs |
Aster Medcity, Kochi | 25-35 lakhs |
Rajagiri Hospital, Kochi | 12-15 lakhs |
MOSC Medical College, Kolenchery | 14-18 lakhs |
Azeezia Medical College, Kollam | 20-25 lakhs |
As evident, the yearly PG fees in private medical colleges in Kerala range from Rs 12 lakhs in cheaper colleges to Rs 35 lakhs in the most premium ones. The fees are highest for clinical degrees like MD/MS followed by super specialties like MCh/DM.
Additional Expenses
Apart from tuition fees, students have to bear additional expenses as well:
- Hostel & Mess fees: Rs 1-1.5 lakhs per year
- Examination & Misc fees: Rs 10,000-15,000 per year
- Books & Stationery: Rs 15,000-20,000 per year
- Uniform & Lab coat: Rs 5,000 – Rs 10,000 (one-time cost)
- College events & functions: Rs 5,000-10,000 per year
- Transportation: Rs 10,000-15,000 per year (if not staying in a hostel)
- Research & thesis: Rs 15,000-25,000 per year
So, factoring in these costs, the total yearly expenditure rises to Rs 15-20 lakhs depending on the college. Students must also account for inflation each year when fees are hiked by 5-10%.
NEET PG Counselling Process in Kerala
The NEET PG counseling for Kerala state is also conducted by the Commissioner of Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. Here are some key details:
- Counselling is done as per the NEET PG rank for admission to both government and private colleges in Kerala.
- There are two rounds of counseling – Round 1 and Round 2, followed by a stray vacancy round.
- In round 1, candidates lock in choices of college and courses based on their rank. The allotment is done through centralized counseling software.
- Students who get an allotment in round 1 can confirm admission by reporting to the college. Those who don’t get any seats can appear for round 2.
- In round 2, seats vacant after round 1 are filled. Candidates can modify their choices if they want to.
- The stray vacancy round is conducted to fill vacant seats after two rounds. Eligible candidates can register to participate.
- To participate in Kerala PG counseling, candidates must have qualified NEET PG, have MBBS degree recognition, and be medically fit.
- Seat matrix is released before each round, showing available seats in each college.
- For admission, students must produce their original documents and pay the tuition fees within the deadline.
Proper research and choice-filling strategies are required during counseling to maximize the chances of getting a preferred seat.
Table Comparison - Kerala PG Medical Admission vs NEET PG Counselling
| Parameter | Kerala PG Medical Admission | NEET PG Counselling |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Commissioner of Entrance Examinations, Kerala | Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) |
| Participating Candidates | Only NEET PG qualified candidates | All India NEET PG qualified candidates |
| Seat Quota | State Quota seats in Kerala colleges | All India Quota and State Quota seats |
| Merit List | Based on NEET PG All India Rank | Based on NEET PG All India Rank |
| No. of Rounds | 2 rounds + stray vacancy round | 4 rounds + stray vacancy round |
| Mode | Centralized Online counselling | Centralized Online counselling |
| Allocation Rules | Choices filled, NEET rank, reservation | Choices, NEET rank, reservation |
| Seat Matrix | Kerala state colleges only | All Medical & Dental Colleges in India |
| Documents Required | NEET PG admit card, MBBS degree, Birth cert, ID proof etc | Same as Kerala counselling |
| Reporting | Report to allotted college in Kerala for admission | Report to allotted college in India for admission |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PG medical admission is based on the All India NEET PG rank, not the Kerala state rank.
The PG medical admission process in Kerala usually begins in March – April once the NEET PG exam is conducted and the result is declared.
Documents required for counselling are NEET PG admit card, MBBS degree certificate, 10th and 12th mark sheets, Birth proof, Transfer certificate, Conduct certificate, Medical fitness certificate, ID proof, Passport photos, etc.
Yes, 15% of seats are reserved for SC, 5% for ST candidates, and 3% for PwD category candidates in Kerala medical PG admissions.
Conclusion
There is a high demand for studying medical PG from reputed colleges in Kerala due to the high-quality medical education, excellent exposure to various medical conditions and training, and top faculty and opportunities for aspiring doctors. However, the PG fees in private medical colleges in Kerala have increased exponentially in recent years, causing financial stress. Proper planning and preparation are required to get admission to the desired college and course. Students from middle-class backgrounds also have the option of education loans to fund their PG program.