Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

The Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology (DO) at Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh, is a 2-year full-time postgraduate diploma programme offered under Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The programme provides training in clinical ophthalmology including refraction, cataract surgery, glaucoma management, retinal diseases, squint surgery, and oculoplasty, preparing graduates for independent ophthalmic practice. JNMC offers seats in the DO programme, with admission based on NEET PG scores followed by MCC/DGHS counselling. The course is offered in full-time on-campus mode and benefits from JNMC's well-equipped ophthalmology department, high surgical caseload, and experienced faculty. The DO programme at JNMC is valued for its practical clinical training, highly subsidised fees, and the prestige of an AMU degree. It is a popular choice for candidates who wish to enter ophthalmic practice quickly, as the diploma is a 2-year programme compared to the 3-year MS Ophthalmology degree.

Admissions for the 2026 session are upcoming. NEET PG 2026 is tentatively scheduled for August 30, 2026, with registration expected to open in April 2026. MCC NEET PG counselling for 2026 is expected to commence from October 2026 onwards (tentative, based on 2025 pattern). For the 2025 session, MCC NEET PG counselling ran from October 17, 2025 to March 2026, and the stray vacancy round concluded in February 2026. Candidates are advised to regularly check mcc.nic.in and amucontrollerexams.com for official updates.

Key Points

The DO (Diploma in Ophthalmology) is a 2-year programme, shorter than the 3-year MS Ophthalmology, making it a quicker route to ophthalmic practice.
Diploma holders are eligible to practice as ophthalmologists and can perform cataract surgeries, refraction, and other common ophthalmic procedures.
PG students (Junior Residents) in diploma programmes at JNMC receive a monthly stipend during the course.
Graduates of DO can upgrade to MS Ophthalmology by appearing for NEET PG again and securing an MS seat.
JNMC is ranked #29 in India under NIRF Medical Rankings 2025.
A penalty is applicable if a candidate leaves the course midway after the final round of counselling.

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Cutoff
Ranking
FAQs

JNMC DO Fees

The Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology at JNMC, Aligarh is one of the most cost-effective postgraduate diploma programmes in the country, given its status as a central university under AMU. The total tuition fee for the entire 2-year course is approximately Rs. 1.02 Lakhs, with the first year fee being around Rs. 51,200. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at a highly subsidised rate.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fee (Year 1)	Rs. 51,200
Tuition Fee (Year 2)	Rs. 51,200
Total Tuition Fee (2 Years)	Rs. 1,02,400
Hostel Fee (per year, approx.)	Rs. 2,100
Mess Charges (per month, approx.)	Rs. 1,400
Total Hostel + Mess (2 Years, approx.)	Rs. 37,800
Total Fees (Tuition + Hostel + Mess, 2 Years)	Rs. 1,40,200

Hostel accommodation is not mandatory; students may opt to stay off-campus.
Total Fees above includes tuition, hostel, and mess for 2 years.
If hostel is not availed, total fees = Rs. 1,02,400.
Examination and other nominal charges may be applicable separately.
Fees are subject to minor revision each academic year as per AMU norms.
A penalty is applicable if the candidate leaves the course after the final round of counselling.
No EMI option is available; fees are paid annually at the time of registration.
Stipend is paid to PG diploma students (Junior Residents) during the course.

JNMC DO Admission 2026

Admission to the Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology at JNMC is conducted through NEET PG, followed by centralised counselling by MCC/DGHS for All India Quota (AIQ) seats and AMU Institutional Quota seats. For the 2026 session, NEET PG is tentatively scheduled for August 30, 2026. Candidates must qualify NEET PG and register for MCC counselling at mcc.nic.in. AMU also has an Institutional (Internal) Quota for candidates who completed their MBBS from AMU within the last 3 academic years.

College Admission Dates

Event	2025 Session (Actual)	2026 Session (Tentative)
NEET PG Exam	August 3, 2025	August 30, 2026
NEET PG Result	August 19, 2025	September 2026
MCC NEET PG Counselling Round 1	October 17 - November 8, 2025	October - November 2026
MCC NEET PG Counselling Round 2	December 2025	December 2026
MCC NEET PG Round 3 / Mop-Up	January - February 2026	January - February 2027
Stray Vacancy Round	February 2026	February 2027
Batch Commencement	March 2026	March 2027
AMU Application Deadline (Institutional Quota)	January 22 - January 31, 2026	January 2027 (Tentative)

Entrance Exam Dates

Event	Date
NEET PG 2026 Registration Start	April 7, 2026 (Tentative)
NEET PG 2026 Registration End	May 7, 2026 (Tentative)
NEET PG 2026 Admit Card	June 11, 2026 (Tentative)
NEET PG 2026 Exam Date	August 30, 2026 (Tentative)
NEET PG 2026 Result	July 15, 2026 (Tentative)

Source: NBE (nbe.edu.in)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold an MBBS degree from an institution recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Candidates must have completed one year of compulsory rotatory internship satisfactorily.
Candidates must possess a valid permanent or provisional registration with MCI / State Medical Council.
For AMU Institutional Quota: Candidates must have completed their MBBS from AMU as a regular student not earlier than 3 academic years from the date of admission.

Admission Process

Register and appear for NEET PG conducted by NBEMS (nbe.edu.in).
Check NEET PG result and qualify the minimum cutoff.
Register for MCC NEET PG counselling at mcc.nic.in and pay the registration fee.
Fill and lock college/course choices including JNMC, AMU under AIQ or Institutional Quota.
Receive seat allotment result and report to JNMC with original documents within the stipulated time.
Complete admission formalities including fee payment and document submission at the Dean's office, Faculty of Medicine, AMU.
Execute the bond on non-judicial stamp paper as prescribed by the university within the specified period.
AMU Internal candidates should opt for AIQ seats of AMU as a higher preference and Institutional Quota seats as a lower preference during MCC counselling.

JNMC DO Scholarships 2026

DO (Ophthalmology) students at JNMC, AMU benefit from the monthly Junior Resident stipend during the course, which substantially reduces the financial burden. Additionally, AMU and external bodies offer limited scholarships for meritorious and economically weaker students. The fee structure itself is highly subsidised as JNMC is a central government institution.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Financial Support	Amount	Eligibility
Junior Resident (JR) Stipend	Rs. 80,000 per month (Year 1), Rs. 85,000 per month (Year 2)	All enrolled PG Diploma students
IMCS Group Scholarship (AMU)	Rs. 2,500 per month (Rs. 30,000 per year)	Selected AMU students based on merit/need
National Scholarship Portal (NSP)	Varies	SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS students

The JR stipend is the primary financial support for all PG students at JNMC and is paid for the duration of the diploma programme.
Stipend is not paid beyond the prescribed course duration.
Students who leave the course midway must return the full stipend received along with the applicable penalty.
NSP scholarships are available for eligible categories; candidates must apply separately at scholarships.gov.in.

JNMC Aligarh PG Diploma Ophthalmology Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#79 out of 632 in India 2025

#7th in Uttar Pradesh

NIRF Ranking

#46 out of 50 in India 2025

#5th in Uttar Pradesh

Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here

JNMC DO FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between DO (Diploma in Ophthalmology) and MS Ophthalmology at JNMC?

Ans. The DO is a 2-year postgraduate diploma programme, while MS Ophthalmology is a 3-year postgraduate degree programme. Both qualify the holder to practice as an ophthalmologist. However, MS Ophthalmology is considered a higher qualification and is preferred for academic positions (Assistant Professor) in medical colleges as per NMC norms. DO holders can upgrade to MS by appearing for NEET PG again. The DO is a good option for those who want to enter ophthalmic practice sooner.

Ques. Can DO (Ophthalmology) graduates from JNMC perform cataract surgeries independently?

Ans. Yes, DO graduates are trained in cataract surgery including phacoemulsification and small incision cataract surgery (SICS) during their 2-year training. They are eligible to perform cataract surgeries independently after completing the diploma. JNMC's ophthalmology department has a high surgical caseload, ensuring adequate hands-on training.

Ques. What is the NEET PG score required for DO (Ophthalmology) at JNMC?

Ans. The NEET PG score required for DO Ophthalmology at JNMC is generally lower than for MS Ophthalmology, as diploma programmes are less competitive. Based on past counselling trends, candidates with scores in the range of 500-550 marks have secured DO Ophthalmology seats at JNMC. Scores may vary each year.

Ques. Is the DO (Ophthalmology) diploma recognised for faculty positions in medical colleges?

Ans. As per NMC norms, the minimum qualification for an Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology is MS Ophthalmology (or equivalent degree). DO holders are generally not eligible for faculty positions in medical colleges unless they upgrade to MS. However, DO holders can work as senior residents, medical officers, or in private practice.

Ques. Do DO (Ophthalmology) students at JNMC receive a stipend?

Ans. Yes, PG diploma students (Junior Residents) at JNMC receive a monthly stipend during the course. The stipend is approximately Rs. 80,000 per month in Year 1 and Rs. 85,000 per month in Year 2. Given the very low course fee of approximately Rs. 1.02 Lakhs for 2 years, the stipend more than covers all expenses.

Ques. Can I upgrade from DO to MS Ophthalmology after completing the diploma from JNMC?

Ans. Yes, after completing the DO (Ophthalmology), candidates can appear for NEET PG again and apply for MS Ophthalmology seats. The DO qualification and clinical experience gained at JNMC provides a strong foundation for the MS programme. Some candidates also pursue DNB Ophthalmology after DO as an alternative pathway to a degree qualification.