This is very difficult to differentiate, as both of them are hugely notable for Neurosurgery. But like every other institution, they also have their fair share of pros and cons. Let me discuss some facts about both the institutes, analyzing which you can make your final decision.

• AIIMS has given many good Neurosurgeons. It has a high credibility value.
• It has got a dedicated trauma centre, cadaveric training and research facility, neurosurgical education and training school, and animal dissection lab.
• NIMHANS is a dedicated mental health and neurosciences institute. 
• It has got NBRC - Neuro-Biology Research Centre which provides proper infrastructure for research and technology advancement.
• There is no difference in the quality of work, patient management protocol, etc. at both institutes.
• The only thing bothering the students of AIIMS is the increase in faculty members. This divides the surgical work and less share comes on part of residents.
• NIMHANS has fewer faculty members as compared to AIIMS.

You can also choose the college favoring your location. North Indians generally opt for AIIMS while South Indians will go for NIMHANS.

Ultimately, it depends on the student’s choice, because both the institutions are equally good. But a university name does not matter, it might give you the first push but after that your training and your work will speak for themselves.

Both AIIMS and NIMHANS have been excellent institutes for neurosurgery. Both the institutes have their unique strengths and weaknesses. It’s better to weigh the pros and cons before coming to a final decision.

AIIMS Delhi

• AIIMS has given birth to elite neurosurgeons and enjoys a great level of credibility and global recognition. 
• The neurosurgery department has top-notch infrastructure and all the modern facilities you could ask for. 
• There is a dedicated trauma center, in addition to cadaveric training and research facility, neurosurgical education and training school, and an animal dissection lab.

NIMHANS

• NIMHANS is a dedicated mental health and neurosciences institute.
• It has an NBRC - neurobiology research center which provides necessary resources for research and technology advancement.

Both AIIMS Delhi and NIMHANS are equally good in terms of the amount of work, patient management protocol, and infrastructure. The only issue at AIIMS Delhi is the increasing staff as a result of which the surgical work gets divided and residents get less work. NIMHANS on the other hand has a lesser faculty count which does not necessarily mean more work. 

Ultimately, it’s your performance that determines your success and not your institute. Institute just lays down the stepping stones for your future.

It won't be right to talk about other institutions that offer Neurosurgery, but as one of my friends studied at NIMHANS, I will be able to share some details about it, analyzing which you can make your choice.

• Being a referral centre, NIMHANS receives lots of patients.
• The OPD’s will run up to modest hours in the evening and with cases ranging from PIVD to brainstem gliomas. 
• The casualty will have a dedicated trauma team that receives 100–150 trauma cases per day, ranging from mild concussions to SAH.
• OT will run on all working days or all days in case of emergencies. 
• The surgeries include aneurysmal clipping to functional surgeries such as DBS or functional hemispherectomy.
• There will be academic programs throughout the week including general classes to journal clubs.
• The main focus falls on clinical work, so you will get a lot of raw material to work with to gain clinical knowledge.
• If your interest lies in research, there are competing people there also, to encourage and guide you.

Ultimately, it is your duty to gather information from the cases, and what you learn from each of them after completing the clinical work. Always be ready to face any situation and work a hectic schedule.

This is a choice that can vary from individual to individual. It is each student’s unique preference of certain things like location, curriculum, alumni, crowd, etc. that influence their choices.

One of my friends cleared both the entrance exams at the same time but opted for AIIMS over NIMHANS, due to its location. Being a North Indian he felt it would be easier to blend in rather than getting accustomed to a new culture, food or place.

Also, he mentioned that the Neurosurgery course will only provide an McH degree and no MS degree. This was also another concern for him and why he in the end went for AIIMS.

Therefore, you should think clearly and point out all the pros and cons of these institutions. Check which one is satisfying all your requirements and then go for it. Both AIIMS and NIMHANS are reputed institutions, graduating from any of them will prove to be great for your career. If you are North Indian go for AIIMS, if South Indian opt for NIMHANS.