Top Medical Colleges in East and Northeast India – 2025 Edition

When it comes to medical education in India, the spotlight often falls on institutions in the West and South. But the East and Northeast are fast emerging as educational powerhouses, nurturing some of the country’s finest healthcare professionals.

According to the India Today's (MDRA‑conducted survey) - Best Colleges Rankings 2025, several colleges from these regions have carved a niche for themselves through cutting-edge facilities, strong academic foundations, and a commitment to healthcare excellence.

Location: Odisha

Leading the regional rankings, formerly known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose All India Institute of Medical Sciences, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has secured the 12th spot nationally, making it one of the most prestigious institutions in East India. Recognized as an institute of national importance, it offers a 5.5-year MBBS program (including a 1-year internship) and a 4-year BSc (Hons) in Nursing.

The college also provides advanced diploma and paramedical courses in fields such as operation theatre technology, medical lab sciences, and radiotherapy. Its central library is a rich academic resource for students across all programs, offering access to a wide range of reference materials and journals.

As per the NIRF 2024 rankings by the Ministry of Education, AIIMS Bhubaneswar is ranked 15th among medical colleges in India.

Location: Bihar

Established under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana in 2003, AIIMS Patna started offering MBBS and BSc Nursing in 2012, with its hospital becoming fully operational by 2013. Since then, it has grown into a formidable medical institution known for its specialized services, including joint replacements, cancer treatment, liver transplants, paediatric urology, and cardiac surgery.

What sets AIIMS Patna apart is its state-of-the-art technology: think 3 Tesla MRI, digital X-rays, mammography, and advanced CT scans. The integrated cancer centre offers surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy under one roof, making it a one-stop destination for comprehensive oncology care.

According to the NIRF 2024 rankings, AIIMS Patna holds the 26th position nationally among medical colleges.

Location: West Bengal

An institution steeped in history, this government-run medical college is one of Asia’s oldest, founded in 1835, and notably the first to offer Western medicine instruction in English. Based in Kolkata, the hospital is also the largest in West Bengal, and boasts approval from the Medical Council of India.

The college houses 40 diverse departments and offers a broad range of programs, from MBBS and postgraduate degrees to diplomas, paramedical training, and super-specialty courses. It's a place where legacy meets modern-day medical science.

As per NIRF 2024, Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata is ranked 44th in the medical category across India.

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim

Nestled in the scenic hills of Gangtok, this institute is part of the Sikkim Manipal University ecosystem and ranks 33rd on the national list. Spread over 25 acres, the campus offers residential facilities for most students, excluding only those who live nearby.

Its associated hospital is equipped with 500 beds and offers extensive medical services. A standout feature is the comprehensive medical insurance that covers all students, highlighting the institute’s commitment to student welfare along with academic excellence.

Final thoughts

These colleges are doing more than just producing doctors, they're strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in some of India’s most underserved areas. If you're looking to pursue a career in medicine and want a blend of quality education, modern facilities, and regional relevance, these institutions deserve your attention. Whether it's the cutting-edge care at AIIMS to the historic halls of Kolkata’s Medical College, India’s medical institutions from the East and Northeast India are now firmly on the map of top medical education in the country.

(Rh/Dr. Hansini Bhaskaran/MSM/SE)