AFMC MS: Admission 2026, Cutoff, Fees, Eligibility & Specializations

The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune stands as a beacon of excellence in medical education, particularly renowned for its role in shaping military medical professionals. Established in 1948, AFMC is affiliated with Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), Nashik, and serves as the premier institution for postgraduate medical training under the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). Its legacy in fostering disciplined, skilled surgeons through the AFMC MS program is unmatched, blending rigorous academics with hands-on experience in high-stakes environments.

Pursuing an MS degree at AFMC offers unparalleled prestige, instilling a unique sense of discipline and providing exposure to advanced clinical scenarios in army hospitals and defense units. What sets it apart is the admission pathway—requiring qualification in NEET PG followed by a mandatory military service commitment—ensuring graduates contribute to national defense while advancing surgical expertise. The AFMC Pune postgraduate medical education emphasizes holistic development, making it a top choice for aspiring surgeons seeking both professional growth and patriotic service.

AFMC MS Course Highlights

For a quick glance at the essentials of the AFMC MS courses, here's a concise overview:

These AFMC MS highlights underscore the program's structured approach to surgical mastery, with a focus on residential training for immersive learning.

AFMC MS Specializations Offered

AFMC offers a select range of MS specializations tailored to defense healthcare needs, ensuring comprehensive clinical exposure. Below is the list of MS courses offered at AFMC, each with key insights into learning outcomes, departmental strengths, and opportunities:

• MS General Surgery: Focuses on broad surgical principles, trauma management, and oncologic procedures. The department excels in high-volume emergency surgeries, with extensive rotations in army command hospitals for real-world exposure to battlefield and civilian trauma.
• MS Orthopaedics: Emphasizes musculoskeletal disorders, joint replacements, and sports injuries. Renowned for expertise in war-related orthopedics, students gain hands-on experience in advanced prosthetics and rehabilitation at defense orthopedic centers.
• MS ENT (Otolaryngology): Covers ear, nose, throat surgeries, including head-neck oncology. The program highlights endoscopic techniques and audiology, with clinical training in military ENT units handling diverse cases from noise-induced hearing loss to combat injuries.
• MS Ophthalmology: Trains in cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and vitreoretinal procedures. AFMC's ophthalmology department leverages state-of-the-art laser facilities and collaborations with defense eye institutes for specialized exposure.
• MS Obstetrics & Gynaecology: Integrates maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, and minimally invasive surgeries. Students benefit from high-risk obstetrics training in army family welfare centers, emphasizing emergency care in remote postings.

These AFMC Pune MS subjects provide unparalleled access to multidisciplinary teams and cutting-edge defense medical infrastructure. Explore AFMC Courses and fees for more.

AFMC MS Eligibility Criteria

Securing a spot in the AFMC MS program demands meeting stringent standards aligned with defense requirements. Here's a clear breakdown of the AFMC MS eligibility 2025:

• Educational Qualification: Completion of MBBS from an MCI/NMC-recognized institution with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks.
• Internship Requirement: Mandatory completion of a one-year compulsory rotating internship before the NEET PG cutoff date.
• Entrance Exam: Qualification in NEET PG with the required percentile (50th for General, 40th for reserved categories).
• Nationality and Categories: Open to Indian nationals; service liabilities differ for sponsored AFMS officers, foreign candidates, and civilians.
• Medical Fitness: Adherence to defense medical standards, including physical and psychological evaluations.

The AFMC MS NEET PG requirement is non-negotiable, ensuring only the most prepared candidates proceed. Note: There is no upper AFMC MS age limit specified, but fitness norms apply universally.

AFMC MS Admission Process 2026

Navigating the AFMC MS admission 2026 is a structured journey designed for transparency. Follow this step-by-step guide for the AFMC Pune MS selection process:

1. Qualify NEET PG: Appear and secure the minimum qualifying score in NEET PG 2025.
2. Register for Counseling: Apply through the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) DGHS portal for AFMS seats.
3. Screening and Interview: Shortlisted candidates attend interviews and aptitude tests at AFMC Pune.
4. Medical Fitness Test: Undergo comprehensive defense-standard medical examinations.
5. Final Merit List: Ranked based on NEET PG score (70% weightage), interview performance, and medical clearance.

How to get MS seat in AFMC? Seats are highly competitive and limited—apply early and prepare for service obligations. Discipline and commitment to AFMS postings are key post-admission. Check  the detailed AFMC Admission process.

AFMC MS Fees Structure

The AFMC MS fees are government-subsidized, making quality education accessible. Here's an approximate breakdown for the 3-year program (subject to official updates):

Additional: A security deposit of ₹10,000 is required. Post-MS, a AFMC MS bond details mandates 5-7 years of service in AFMS; non-compliance incurs a penalty of around ₹54.5 lakhs. These AFMC MS fees per year reflect the value of subsidized training.

AFMC MS Seat Matrix

The AFMC MS seat matrix 2025 is distributed across specializations to meet defense needs, with a focus on service quotas. Total MS seats: Approximately 40-50 annually, including reservations for sponsored candidates.

AFMC MS total seats prioritize Priority I-IV categories (serving officers, sponsored). Civilian seats under Priority V are limited, with AFMC MS seat distribution updated via official bulletins.

AFMC MS Cutoff 

AFMC’s MS admissions via NEET PG target 50+ seats across specialties, with 2025 cutoffs favoring top ranks in competitive branches. General category closed at ranks 1,000–3,000 for MD General Medicine, relaxing 2,000–5,000 for OBC, per MCC-AFMC joint counseling. Given below is the AFMC Cutoff:

AFMC MS Stipend & Salary

Financial support is a hallmark of the AFMC MS program. During the course:

• Stipend: ₹75,000–₹90,000 per month, covering living expenses in a residential setup.

Post-completion, graduates serve as specialist medical officers:

• Salary: Starting at ₹1.5–2.5 lakhs per month (Lieutenant Colonel level), plus allowances for housing, travel, and healthcare.
• Benefits: Pension, promotions to higher ranks, and family support.

This AFMC MS stipend eases training, while AFMC MS salary after completion offers stability. The AFMC MS doctor pay scale scales with service tenure. Explore AFMC Placements for more.

AFMC MS Career Scope & Opportunities

An MS from AFMC opens doors to impactful roles, blending service with professional advancement. Key prospects include:

• Mandatory AFMS Service: 5-7 years in defense hospitals, gaining leadership in emergency and trauma care.
• Leadership Positions: Head surgical units in command hospitals or field units.
• Academic & Research: Faculty roles at AFMC or contributions to military health research.
• Super-Specialization: Pathways to MCh/DNB in subspecialties like cardiothoracic surgery.
• Post-Service Options: Transition to civilian practice with enhanced credentials.

The AFMC MS career scope ensures job security and respect, with AFMC MS job opportunities extending to global defense collaborations. AFMC MS placements are 100% assured through service bonds.

Why Choose AFMC for MS?

Opting for AFMC MS specializations aligns with E-E-A-T principles—Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness. AFMC's 75+ year legacy ranks it among India's top institutions, backed by advanced facilities like command hospitals and simulation labs. National-level faculty, including serving surgeons, deliver cutting-edge training. The holistic regimen builds discipline for high-pressure scenarios, all at government-subsidized costs—delivering unmatched value for those committed to service.