As of 2026, India has 25 AIIMS (All India Institutes of Medical Sciences). Out of these, 20 are fully operational, while the remaining 5 are either under construction, proposed, or in different stages of development.
Many people still think there's only one AIIMS in India because AIIMS New Delhi is the most famous. But over the last few years, the Government of India has established several new AIIMS across different states to improve access to quality medical education and healthcare.
Complete List of Operational AIIMS
The 20 operational AIIMS are located in:
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New Delhi
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Bhopal
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Bhubaneswar
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Jodhpur
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Patna
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Raipur
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Rishikesh
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Raebareli
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Nagpur
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Kalyani
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Bathinda
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Deoghar
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Gorakhpur
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Bibinagar
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Mangalagiri
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Guwahati
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Bilaspur
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Rajkot
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Vijaypur (Jammu)
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Madurai (academic activities have started while development continues)
Why Does the Number Sometimes Differ?
You may have seen different answers online, such as 20, 25, or even 26 AIIMS.
That's because some sources count only fully functional AIIMS, while others include institutes that have been approved, announced, or are still under construction. This is why the reported number can vary depending on when the information was published and what criteria were used.
What Is AIIMS?
AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) is a group of premier government medical institutes in India.
These institutes are known for:
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High-quality medical education.
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Advanced research.
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Specialized healthcare services.
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Affordable treatment.
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Excellent MBBS and postgraduate medical programs.
Among all of them, AIIMS New Delhi, established in 1956, remains the oldest and most prestigious institute.
Why Are AIIMS So Important?
AIIMS institutions play a major role in India's healthcare system.
They not only train future doctors but also provide advanced medical treatment, conduct research, and introduce new healthcare practices. Because of their reputation, AIIMS colleges are among the most preferred choices for students preparing for NEET UG and other medical entrance examinations.
AIIMS at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | All India Institute of Medical Sciences |
| Total AIIMS (2026) | 25 |
| Operational AIIMS | 20 |
| Upcoming / Under Development | 5 |
| First AIIMS | AIIMS New Delhi |
| Established | 1956 |
| Known For | Medical education, research, and patient care |
| Admission to MBBS | Through NEET UG |
Whether someone says there are 20 or 25 AIIMS in India, both answers can be correct depending on whether they're referring to operational institutes only or the total approved AIIMS. As of 2026, India has 25 AIIMS, with 20 already functioning and the remaining expected to become fully operational in the coming years.
Must Read: What are the best medical colleges in India for an MBBS?
Answered By Tara Verma
Making education and career topics easy with simple factual guidesTara Verma is a practising teacher and education content writer with over 10 years of classroom experience across primary and secondary levels. She holds a Master's degree in Education (M.Ed.) from Delhi University and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from Jamia Millia Islamia — qualifications that ground her writing in both pedagogical theory and the day-to-day realities of teaching in India. Her content covers exam preparation strategies, learning methodologies, curriculum guidance, student mental health, career counselling for students, and the evolving state of school and higher education in India. Her work has appeared on platforms including TeacherVision India, Jagran Josh, and Careers360, where she writes for students, parents, and fellow educators who need content built on actual teaching experience — not theory alone. Over a decade of working directly with students across age groups and learning levels has given Tara a practical understanding of how education content should be written — clearly, accessibly, and with genuine awareness of the challenges students and teachers face on the ground. She has taught 1,000+ students, contributed to school curriculum development initiatives, and published 250+ articles on education across digital platforms. She is an active member of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) India. Across all her writing, every recommendation is classroom-tested, every insight comes from direct teaching experience, and every article is held to the same standard she applies in her own classroom — accuracy, clarity, and genuine usefulness for the reader.