SDS TUBERCULOSIS RESEARCH CENTRE AND RAJIV GANDHI INSTITUTE OF CHEST DISEASES

The SDS Tuberculosis Research Centre and Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases (RGICD), located in the heart of Bengaluru, continues to be a premier autonomous institute under the Government of Karnataka. For the academic year 2026, the institute stands as a beacon for respiratory healthcare and research in South India.

The institute is highly sought after for its specialized postgraduate and allied health science courses. In 2026, the most popular programmes include:

• MD in Pulmonary Medicine: A flagship three-year postgraduate course focusing on advanced respiratory care and tuberculosis management.
• B.Sc. in Respiratory Care Technology: A high-demand allied health course due to the rising need for respiratory therapists in Bengaluru's private hospital ecosystem.
• DNB (Diplomate of National Board) in Thoracic Surgery: Specialized surgical training for chest-related ailments.
• B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT): Focusing on diagnostic procedures for infectious diseases.

Admission to RGICD follows the standardized protocols set by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) and the National Board of Examinations.

• MD/MS Admissions: Based on NEET PG 2026 scores followed by MCC/KEA counseling.
• Allied Health Sciences (B.Sc): Based on merit through the KEA (Karnataka Examination Authority) portal.
• Important Dates (Tentative):
  • NEET PG 2026 Exam: January/February 2026
  • B.Sc Application Start: May 2026
  • Counseling Rounds: June - August 2026
  • Commencement of Classes: September 2026

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

The cutoffs for 2026 are expected to remain competitive due to the institute's reputation. Estimated NEET PG Ranks for General Category:

Note: Cutoffs vary based on state quota (85%) and All India Quota (15%) seats.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

Placements for the 2025 batch reflect the high demand for respiratory specialists in the post-pandemic healthcare landscape. Graduates typically find roles in:

• Corporate Hospitals: Many MD graduates were recruited by Apollo Hospitals, Fortis, and Narayana Health in Bengaluru with starting packages ranging from INR 15 to 25 LPA.
• Government Service: A significant portion of graduates join the Karnataka Health Services as specialists.
• Academic Roles: Placement as Assistant Professors in various medical colleges across India.
• Allied Health: B.Sc graduates saw 100% placement in diagnostic labs and ICU departments across Bengaluru Urban.

Financial assistance is available primarily through government schemes:

• SSP Karnataka: State Scholarship Portal offers post-metric scholarships for SC/ST and OBC students.
• National Scholarship Portal (NSP): Central government scholarships for minority students and merit-cum-means assistance.
• Stipends: PG students (MD/DNB) receive a monthly stipend as per Karnataka Government norms, currently ranging from INR 45,000 to 60,000.

The institute focuses on super-specialized education. The most sought-after courses are:

• MD Pulmonary Medicine
• B.Sc Respiratory Care Technology
• Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT)
• Fellowship in Thoracic Oncology

The fee structure is highly subsidized by the Government of Karnataka:

Step-by-step application for 2026:

1. Register for NEET PG (for MD) or KEA (for B.Sc) on their respective official websites.
2. Complete the online application form and upload required documents (Marksheets, ID proof, Category certificates).
3. Appear for the entrance examination and clear the qualifying cutoff.
4. Participate in the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) counseling process for seat allotment at RGICD.
5. Report to the institute for document verification and fee payment.

The institute boasts specialized facilities catering to respiratory health:

• Thoracic Surgery OT: Equipped with advanced VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) facilities.
• RNTCP Reference Lab: A high-level laboratory for tuberculosis diagnosis and research.
• ICU Units: Dedicated respiratory ICUs with modern ventilators.
• Library: Access to international medical journals and digital databases for research.
• Hostel: Separate residential facilities for male and female PG students within the campus.

The academic and clinical departments include:

• Department of Pulmonary Medicine
• Department of Thoracic Surgery
• Department of Microbiology (TB Research)
• Department of Anaesthesiology
• Department of Respiratory Care and Physiotherapy
• Department of Radiology