National Institute of Siddha (NIS) is a premier autonomous institute located in Tambaram Sanatorium, Chennai, dedicated to postgraduate education, research, and healthcare in the Siddha system of medicine. Established in 2005 and affiliated to Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, NIS operates under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. The institute offers MD Siddha (8 specializations) and PhD programs, with a student intake of approximately 50+ per year and a faculty strength of 90+. NIS is recognized for its NABH-accredited hospital, advanced research facilities, and its role as a national referral center for Siddha medicine.
- National Institute of Siddha Highlights
- National Institute of Siddha Courses & Fees
- National Institute of Siddha Admission Process
- National Institute of Siddha Scholarships
- National Institute of Siddha Campus & Facilities
- National Institute of Siddha Placements
- National Institute of Siddha Notable Alumni
National Institute of Siddha Highlights
Established in 2005, NIS Chennai is a public autonomous institute under the Ministry of AYUSH, offering advanced education and research in Siddha medicine. The institute is affiliated to Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University and approved by the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM). With a faculty strength of 91 and an annual intake of ~50 MD seats, NIS is a hub for postgraduate and doctoral studies. The flagship MD Siddha program is highly sought after, and admissions are based on the AIAPGET entrance exam. The campus is located 24 km from Chennai Central Railway Station and features eco-friendly initiatives and modern infrastructure.
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Particulars |
Details |
|
Established |
2005 |
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Type |
Autonomous/Public |
|
Approvals/Accreditations |
Ministry of AYUSH, CCIM, NABH (Hospital) |
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Location |
Chennai |
|
Student Intake / Strength |
~50 MD seats/year; Total: ~200+ |
|
Faculty |
91 |
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Flagship Program & Fees |
MD Siddha; Fees: INR 40,000–60,000 (total) |
|
Entrance Exams |
AIAPGET |
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Official Website |
National Institute of Siddha Courses & Fees
NIS Chennai offers MD Siddha in 8 specializations and PhD Siddha in 6 areas, focusing on advanced clinical and research training. The MD program is of 3 years’ duration, with admissions based on AIAPGET scores. The total fee for the MD Siddha program is approximately INR 40,000–60,000 for the entire course, making it one of the most affordable postgraduate medical programs in India.
|
Program |
Level |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Total Fees |
|
MD Siddha (8 Specializations) |
Postgraduate |
3 Years |
BSMS or equivalent + AIAPGET |
INR 40,000–60,000 |
|
PhD Siddha (6 Specializations) |
Doctoral |
3–5 Years |
MD Siddha or equivalent |
INR 30,000–50,000 |
National Institute of Siddha Admission Process
Admissions to NIS Chennai’s postgraduate and doctoral programs are conducted annually through a centralized process. The application window typically opens in May–June, with entrance based on the AIAPGET exam. Selection is strictly merit-based, followed by counseling and document verification. There are no GD/PI rounds; selection is based on exam rank and eligibility.
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Application Window: May–June (tentative)
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Entrance Exams (if any): AIAPGET (for MD Siddha)
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Selection Stages (GD/PI/WAT/etc.): Counseling & Document Verification
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Step |
Details |
Indicative Timeline |
Documents |
|
1. Online Application |
Register and fill form on NIS/AIAPGET portal |
May–June |
Photo, Signature, Academic Certificates |
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2. Entrance Exam |
Appear for AIAPGET |
July–August |
Admit Card, ID Proof |
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3. Counseling |
Centralized counseling based on AIAPGET rank |
August–September |
AIAPGET Scorecard, Degree Certificates |
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4. Admission & Fee Payment |
Verification and payment at NIS |
September–October |
All Original Documents, Fee Receipt |
National Institute of Siddha Scholarships
NIS Chennai students are eligible for a range of scholarships, including government merit scholarships, SC/ST/OBC scholarships, and stipends for postgraduate students as per Ministry of AYUSH norms. The monthly stipend for MD Siddha students is typically in the range of INR 35,000–45,000 per month (as per latest norms).
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Scholarship |
Eligibility |
Benefit |
How to Apply |
|
AYUSH PG Stipend |
MD Siddha students |
INR 35,000–45,000/month |
Automatic (on admission) |
|
Central/State Govt. Scholarships |
SC/ST/OBC/EWS students |
Tuition waiver/financial aid |
Apply via National Scholarship Portal |
National Institute of Siddha Campus & Facilities
The NIS Chennai campus in Tambaram Sanatorium spans a large, eco-friendly area with modern infrastructure and specialized facilities for Siddha education and research. The campus features a central library with 8,600+ books, advanced laboratories, a NABH-accredited hospital, and a herbal garden with medicinal plants. Hostel accommodation is available for both men and women, along with sports and recreational amenities. The campus is well-connected to Chennai city via road and suburban rail.
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Library / Digital Resources: Central library with 8,685+ books, journals, digital access
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Labs / Research Centres / Special Equipment: Advanced clinical labs, NABH-accredited hospital, herbal garden
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Classrooms / Seminar Halls / Auditoriums: Modern lecture halls, seminar rooms, auditorium
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Hostel / Dining: Separate hostels for men and women, mess facilities
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Sports / Gym / Grounds: Sports grounds, gymnasium, recreation areas
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Connectivity / Transport: 24 km from Chennai Central, accessible by bus/train
National Institute of Siddha Placements
NIS Chennai graduates are widely employed in government Siddha hospitals, private clinics, research organizations, and as faculty in medical colleges. While formal campus placements are limited, most MD Siddha and PhD graduates secure positions through government postings or private sector opportunities. The typical salary package for fresh MD Siddha graduates ranges from INR 6–12 LPA, with higher packages for experienced practitioners and researchers.
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Year |
Highest Package |
Average Package |
Median Package |
Top Recruiters |
|
2024 |
INR 12 LPA |
INR 8–10 LPA |
INR 8 LPA |
Govt. Siddha Hospitals, Private Clinics, Research Institutes |
National Institute of Siddha Notable Alumni
NIS Chennai alumni have made significant contributions in the fields of Siddha medicine, research, and public health. Many hold senior positions in government, academia, and healthcare organizations across India.
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Name |
Role / Achievement |
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Dr. S. Kanakavalli |
Director General, Central Council for Research in Siddha |
|
Dr. R. Meenakumari |
Principal, Government Siddha Medical College, Chennai |


