Army College of Medical Sciences (ACMS), New Delhi: Comprehensive Guide for 2026

Overview

Located in the heart of the national capital at Dhaula Kuan, Army Hospital (Research & Referral), popularly known as AH (R&R), stands as the crown jewel of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). It is not just a hospital; it is a premier postgraduate medical institute that blends high-tech tertiary healthcare with rigorous academic excellence.

Established in 1953, Army Hospital (Research & Referral) is the apex flagship medical centre for the Indian Armed Forces. It is the only AFMS hospital commanded by a Lieutenant General rank officer. While it primarily caters to the President of India, service personnel, and their families, it is globally recognised for its research and specialised treatments.

The hospital is affiliated with the University of Delhi (DU) and is recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC). It serves as a teaching hospital for postgraduate medical students and a dedicated college for nursing aspirants.

If you are an aspiring medical professional or a nursing candidate looking to serve the nation while mastering your craft, this guide provides a comprehensive 360-degree view of AH (R&R).

Key Highlights

*Name: Army College of Medical Sciences (ACMS), New Delhi

*Establishment: 1953

* NIRF Ranking: 23^rd

 * Capacity: Over 1,000 beds with 27 specialised and super-speciality departments.

 * Pioneer in Medicine: The hospital performed Asia’s first cervical disc replacement and is a leader in organ transplants and "warm heart" surgeries.

 * Elite Faculty: Manned by seasoned medical officers of the Indian Army who are experts in their respective fields.

 * Clinical Exposure: Students get to witness rare clinical cases referred from across the country.

Courses Offered

Army Hospital (Research and Referral) mainly concentrates on postgraduate medical training and nursing programs. It is known for offering advanced medical education to doctors who have already completed their basic medical degree and want to specialise further. The hospital also provides structured nursing courses that prepare candidates for professional roles in military healthcare services.

Undergraduate medical education, such as the MBBS program, is not conducted at this hospital. Instead, MBBS training takes place at its sister institution, Army College of Medical Sciences (ACMS), which is located nearby. ACMS is responsible for teaching and training medical students at the undergraduate level, while Army Hospital (R&R) focuses on higher-level specialisation and nursing education.

In simple terms, MBBS students study at ACMS, and after completing their degree, they may pursue postgraduate or nursing-related training at Army Hospital (R&R).

Seat Matrix

The number of seats available for admission is not fixed permanently. It can change from year to year depending on decisions taken by the concerned authorities. The final intake capacity is reviewed and approved annually by the University of Delhi and the Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS).

Fee Structure

As a government military institution, the fees at AH (R&R) are highly subsidised.

 * MD/MS Fees: Approximately ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per annum. However, candidates are required to sign a service bond (often around ₹50-55 Lakhs) to serve the AFMS for 5 years post-completion.

 * Nursing Fees: Minimal tuition fees. Students receive free furnished accommodation, a uniform allowance, and a monthly stipend.

Cut-off Trends

Admission is highly competitive. Since the hospital falls under the AFMS umbrella, cut-offs are categorised by "Priority."

MD/MS (NEET PG)

 * Priority I (Serving Officers): Competitive internal merit.

 * Priority V (Civilian Candidates): Requires a very high rank, usually within the top 1,000–5,000 All India Rank for popular branches like Radiology or Medicine.

*The exact number of seats per priority can change yearly depending on seat availability and DGAFMS rules.

*This priority system ensures that children of serving and retired Army personnel get preferential access to ACMS MBBS seats.

Priority system

B.Sc. Nursing (NEET UG)

For civilian candidates seeking entry into the MNS via AH (R&R), a NEET score of 450–520+ is typically required to be shortlisted for the interview and medical stages.

Admission & Counselling Process

The admission cycle for 2026 follows a strict protocol managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and the DGAFMS.

For PG (MD/MS)

 * NEET PG Qualification: Secure the minimum qualifying percentile.

 * MCC Registration: Register on the MCC website (mcc.nic.in) and opt for AFMS Counselling.

 * Physical Presence: Shortlisted candidates must report to designated venues for document verification and medical fitness tests.

For B.Sc. Nursing

 * NEET UG: Appear and qualify.

 * Registration: Apply on the Indian Army official website (joinindianarmy.nic.in).

 * Additional Tests: Shortlisted candidates undergo:

   * ToGIGE: Test of General Intelligence & General English.

   * PAT: Psychological Assessment Test.

   * Interview & Medical Exam.

Infrastructure & Facilities

The infrastructure at AH (R&R) is world-class, designed to handle high-volume tertiary care.

 * Clinical Labs: State-of-the-art pathology and radiology labs with MRI and PET-CT facilities.

 * Library: An extensive collection of medical journals, digital databases, and quiet study zones.

 * Skill Labs: Simulation centres for hands-on surgical training.

 * Hostels: Dedicated hostels for nursing students and PG residents with mess facilities.

 * Connectivity: Located in Dhaula Kuan, it is easily accessible via the Delhi Metro (Pink/Airport Line).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Army Hospital (Research & Referral) represents the pinnacle of military medical service. For a student, it offers an environment of discipline, unparalleled clinical variety, and the pride of being associated with the Indian Army. Whether you are aiming for a residency or a career in nursing, AH (R&R) provides a foundation that few other institutions in Asia can match.