Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

Government Kilpauk Medical College (GKMC), Chennai, offers the Post Graduate Diploma in Child Health (DCH), a 2-year full-time postgraduate diploma programme affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University. The DCH programme provides comprehensive training in paediatric medicine, covering neonatology, paediatric emergencies, infectious diseases, growth and development, and clinical paediatrics. GKMC has 4 sanctioned seats for DCH per year, with seats divided between State Quota (85%) and All India Quota (15%). The total fees for the 2-year programme are approximately Rs. 48,500-49,850, making it one of the most affordable postgraduate diploma programmes in the country. Admission is through NEET PG, and the course is popular among MBBS graduates seeking a focused postgraduate qualification in paediatrics at a reputed government institution.

Admission for the 2026-27 academic session has been completed through Tamil Nadu NEET PG Counselling 2026. The next admission cycle (2027-28) will be based on NEET PG 2027, which is tentatively scheduled for June 15, 2027. Candidates interested in the upcoming session should monitor the official Tamil Nadu DME website (tnmedicalselection.net) for counselling schedule announcements.

Key Points

DCH at GKMC is a 2-year full-time postgraduate diploma in paediatrics, offered at one of Tamil Nadu's oldest and most reputed government medical colleges.
The programme provides training in neonatology, paediatric emergencies, growth and development, infectious diseases, and clinical paediatrics.
4 sanctioned seats per year; seats are filled through Tamil Nadu State Quota (85%) and All India Quota (15%) via NEET PG counselling.
Extremely low fees compared to private institutions, with a monthly stipend provided to all PG Diploma residents by the Tamil Nadu government.
DCH holders can pursue MD Paediatrics later or practice as paediatricians; the diploma is recognised by NMC.

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

GKMC DCH Fees

The DCH programme at GKMC is a government-funded course with highly subsidised fees. The total fee for the entire 2-year programme is approximately Rs. 48,500-49,850, payable primarily in the first year. In addition to tuition, students are required to pay one-time charges such as registration, library, and miscellaneous fees at the time of admission. All enrolled PG Diploma residents receive a monthly stipend from the Tamil Nadu government.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount
Tuition Fee (PG Diploma - per year)	Rs. 15,000
Special Fee (one-time)	Rs. 500
Caution Money Deposit (one-time, refundable)	Rs. 2,000
Library Fee (one-time)	Rs. 1,000
University Registration Fee (one-time)	Rs. 5,750
Miscellaneous Fee (one-time)	Rs. 700
Sports Fee (one-time)	Rs. 100
Exam Fee (per attempt, PG Diploma)	Rs. 1,000 (theory) + Rs. 1,000 (dissertation)
Hostel Fee (per month, optional)	Rs. 480 (single room) / Rs. 300 (double room)
Total Fees (2 Years, excluding hostel)	Approx. Rs. 48,500 - 49,850

Caution Money Deposit of Rs. 2,000 is refundable at the time of leaving the institution.
SC/ST candidates are exempted from paying Tuition Fees.
Monthly stipend for PG Diploma residents (2026-27): 1st Year - Rs. 50,647 | 2nd Year - Rs. 53,462 (as per TN DME 2026-27 notification for government medical colleges).
Hostel accommodation is available on campus but is not mandatory.
Hostel charges are nominal (Rs. 480/month for single room, Rs. 300/month for double room).
No EMI or instalment options are applicable as fees are already minimal.

GKMC DCH Admission 2026

Admission to DCH at GKMC is through NEET PG, conducted by NBEMS. Seats are allocated through Tamil Nadu NEET PG Counselling (85% State Quota) and MCC PG Counselling (15% All India Quota). The 2026-27 admission cycle has been completed. The next cycle (2027-28) will be based on NEET PG 2027. Candidates must register on the Tamil Nadu DME portal (tnmedicalselection.net) for State Quota counselling after NEET PG results are declared.

Tamil Nadu NEET PG Counselling 2026 Key Dates

Event	Date
TN NEET PG Counselling Registration Opens	September 10, 2026
TN NEET PG Counselling Registration Closes	September 18, 2026
Merit List Release	November 4, 2026
Round 3 Provisional Allotment Order	February 16-19, 2027
Round 3 Last Date of Joining	February 19, 2027 (5:00 PM)

NEET PG 2027 Exam Dates

Event	Tentative Date
NEET PG 2027 Registration Start	April 7, 2027
NEET PG 2027 Registration End	May 7, 2027
NEET PG 2027 Admit Card	June 11, 2027
NEET PG 2027 Exam Date	June 15, 2027
NEET PG 2027 Result	July 15, 2027

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must hold an MBBS degree from a recognised university/institution and have completed the compulsory rotating internship (CRI) by the stipulated date as notified by NBEMS.
Candidates must qualify NEET PG in the relevant subject group to be eligible for DCH admission.
For Tamil Nadu State Quota: Candidates must be domicile of Tamil Nadu or have studied MBBS in Tamil Nadu as per TN DME norms.

Admission Process:

Qualify NEET PG 2027 conducted by NBEMS.
Register on the Tamil Nadu DME portal (tnmedicalselection.net) for State Quota counselling after NEET PG results are declared.
Fill and lock choices of institutes and courses during the choice filling window.
Await seat allotment result; if allotted GKMC DCH, report to the institute within the reporting dates with all original documents.
For All India Quota (15%): Register on the MCC portal (mcc.nic.in) for PG Medical Counselling.
Complete document verification and fee payment at the institute to confirm admission.

GKMC DCH Scholarships 2026

Scholarship opportunities for DCH students at GKMC are limited given the already subsidised government fee structure. The most significant financial benefit is the monthly stipend provided by the Tamil Nadu government to all PG Diploma residents. Students may also avail of government welfare scholarships based on category and financial background.

Scholarship Benefits

Scholarship / Financial Benefit	Amount	Eligibility
Monthly Stipend (TN Government - 2026-27)	Rs. 50,647 (1st Yr) / Rs. 53,462 (2nd Yr) per month	All enrolled PG Diploma residents at government medical colleges in Tamil Nadu
SC/ST Tuition Fee Exemption	Full tuition fee waiver	SC/ST category candidates
Post-Matric Scholarship (Government of India)	Variable (covers tuition and maintenance)	SC/ST students with family income below Rs. 2.5 Lakhs per annum
National Fellowship for OBC Students (MoSJE)	Up to Rs. 25,000 per annum	OBC students pursuing higher education

The monthly stipend is the primary financial support for PG Diploma residents and is paid directly by the Tamil Nadu government as per PGMER 2023 norms.
SC/ST candidates must submit relevant caste certificates at the time of admission to avail of tuition fee exemption.
Post-Matric and OBC scholarships require separate applications through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).

Government Kilpauk Medical College Chennai PG Diploma Child Health Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#70 out of 632 in India 2025

#6th in Chennai

#7 in Tamil Nadu

Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here

GKMC DCH FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between DCH and MD Paediatrics at GKMC?

Ans. DCH (Diploma in Child Health) is a 2-year postgraduate diploma in paediatrics, while MD Paediatrics is a 3-year postgraduate degree. Both are offered at GKMC. MD Paediatrics provides more in-depth training and is preferred for academic and super-speciality careers, while DCH is a shorter, more focused qualification. DCH holders can practice as paediatricians and are also eligible to appear for MD Paediatrics entrance exams later.

Ques. How many DCH seats are available at GKMC?

Ans. GKMC has 4 sanctioned DCH seats per year. Of these, 85% (approximately 3-4 seats) are filled through Tamil Nadu State Quota counselling and 15% (approximately 1 seat) through All India Quota via MCC PG Counselling.

Ques. What is the monthly stipend for DCH residents at GKMC?

Ans. As per the TN DME 2026-27 notification, PG Diploma residents at Tamil Nadu government medical colleges receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 50,647 in the 1st year and Rs. 53,462 in the 2nd year. This stipend is paid by the Tamil Nadu government.

Ques. Is there a service bond for DCH at GKMC?

Ans. For in-service Tamil Nadu government doctors admitted under State Quota, a service bond obligation may apply as per Tamil Nadu government norms. Candidates should verify the current bond conditions from the TN DME prospectus at the time of admission. Fresh MBBS graduates admitted through open merit are generally not subject to a service bond.

Ques. Can a DCH holder from GKMC apply for DM Paediatric Cardiology or other super specialities?

Ans. DCH is a diploma qualification and is generally not accepted as the qualifying degree for DM super speciality courses, which require an MD/DNB degree. Candidates wishing to pursue super specialities in paediatrics should complete MD Paediatrics first. However, DCH holders can practice as paediatricians and may pursue fellowship programmes.

Ques. What is the admission process for DCH at GKMC through Tamil Nadu State Quota?

Ans. Candidates must qualify NEET PG, then register on the Tamil Nadu DME portal (tnmedicalselection.net) during the counselling registration window. After merit list release, candidates fill and lock their choices, and seat allotment is done based on NEET PG rank and preferences. Allotted candidates must report to GKMC within the stipulated dates with original documents for verification and fee payment.