Starting the first week of January each year, watch the NIMHANS website closely.
- The notification and online application are released in the first week of January.
- There are limits on how many courses you can apply for.
- Review the prospectus for details on new courses, eligibility requirements, required documents, etc.
- Reach out to current students for insights on the course structure and exam format.
- Prepare for the exam, held in the last week of March. Download your admit card, paste a photo on it, and keep it ready. Carry valid ID proof (PAN/Aadhaar works; NIMHANS ID cards aren’t required for some reason).
- Be on time and contact a resource person if there are any software issues during the test. DON’T FREAK OUT.
- Results are released about a week after the exam. If possible, visit NIMHANS in Bengaluru and meet with the relevant department faculty and researchers. Each lab has a specific focus and a set of prerequisite knowledge — this is hard to gauge from outside. In my opinion, this is the most crucial step. I have seen many people end up feeling disappointed due to an
expectation vs. realitymismatch. There is some high-level information about each department and its professors on the website. - Interviews take place in the first week of June. MPhil seats fill based on exam results, so demand isn’t very high. PhD interviews weigh the applicant’s research interests and additional skill set.
- Final results are posted on the official website a week after the interview. Admissions happen in the first week of July.
- Ensure you have all necessary documents ready. Obtain migration/transfer certificates and course completion certificates on time for a smooth joining process. There is one bond form, which you can get from any state — it does not need to be from Karnataka. Do call the helpline if you have any questions.
Enjoy your time in the classroom. Graduate school or a DM/MCh are demanding programmes. Be prepared. Best regards 🚀