Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

The Diploma in Clinical Pathology [DCP] is a 2-year postgraduate diploma programme offered at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, Manipur. The course provides training in laboratory medicine, covering haematology, clinical biochemistry, microbiology, histopathology, and transfusion medicine, equipping graduates to work as clinical pathologists and laboratory specialists. RIMS Imphal offers 2 seats for DCP and admits students based on NEET PG scores. The course fee is very nominal, and students receive a monthly stipend throughout the programme. DCP is a practical and career-oriented qualification for MBBS graduates seeking expertise in laboratory diagnostics, and RIMS Imphal's well-equipped pathology and laboratory departments make it a preferred choice for candidates from the North Eastern region.

Admissions for the 2026 academic session are currently in the final stages. The Stray Round of PG Counselling was conducted on 23 February 2026. Fresh admissions for the 2026 session (based on NEET PG 2026) are expected to begin in the second half of 2026 once NEET PG 2026 results are declared.

Key Points

DCP at RIMS Imphal is affiliated to Manipur University and approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
The programme offers 2 seats per year across RIMS Graduate Open, Non-RIMS Open (NE states except Assam), and In-service Sponsored categories.
Students receive training in haematology, clinical biochemistry, microbiology, histopathology, cytology, and transfusion medicine.
PG students receive a monthly stipend: Rs. 90,778 (1st year), Rs. 93,389 (2nd year).
Candidates admitted under the Open category must execute a bond of Rs. 20,00,000 at the time of admission.
A compulsory Senior Residency of one year is required for candidates admitted under the Open category after course completion.
Hostel accommodation is available on campus for PG students (subject to availability).

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Cutoff
Ranking
FAQs

RIMS DCP Fees

The DCP programme at RIMS Imphal is offered at a very nominal fee, as it is a government-run institution funded by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The total course fee for the 2-year programme is Rs. 60,300, which includes a one-time admission year fee and annual recurring charges for the second year. Hostel accommodation is included in the fee structure.

Fee Breakdown

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Admission Fee (one-time)	5,000
Tuition Fee (Year 1)	5,000
Library Fee (Year 1)	4,800
Laboratory Fee (Year 1)	600
Hostel Fee (Year 1)	7,200
University Enrolment Fee (Year 1)	100
University Sports Fee (Year 1)	200
University Cultural Fee (Year 1)	100
RIMS Suit (one-time)	4,600
House T-Shirt (one-time)	460
Magazine Fee (Year 1)	500
Annual Meet (Year 1)	1,000
Health Care (Year 1)	1,000
Games Fee - Institute (Year 1)	1,000
Union Fee - Institute (Year 1)	300
Security Deposit (one-time, refundable)	6,000
Apron - 2 Nos. (one-time)	1,640
Year 1 Total	39,500
Tuition Fee (Year 2)	5,000
Library Fee (Year 2)	4,800
Laboratory Fee (Year 2)	600
Hostel Fee (Year 2)	7,200
University Enrolment Fee (Year 2)	100
University Sports Fee (Year 2)	200
University Cultural Fee (Year 2)	100
Magazine Fee (Year 2)	500
Annual Meet (Year 2)	1,000
Games Fee - Institute (Year 2)	1,000
Union Fee - Institute (Year 2)	300
Year 2 Total	20,800
Total Fees (2-year course)	60,300

Security Deposit of Rs. 6,000 is refundable at the end of the course.
Hostel accommodation is included in the fee structure (Rs. 7,200 per year).
A non-refundable Counselling Fee of Rs. 2,000 is payable at the time of application/counselling registration (not included in Total Fees above).
No EMI or instalment options are mentioned; fees are payable at the time of admission.
PG students receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 90,778 (1st year) and Rs. 93,389 (2nd year), which significantly offsets living expenses.

RIMS DCP Admission 2026

Admissions to the DCP programme at RIMS Imphal are based on NEET PG scores. The institute conducts its own counselling process for state-level seats, while 15% of seats fall under the All India Quota (AIQ) managed by MCC. For the 2026 session, multiple rounds of counselling were conducted, with the Stray Round completed in February 2026. For the upcoming 2026 session, admissions will be based on NEET PG 2026 scores, with the process expected to begin after results are declared in July 2026.

RIMS Imphal PG Admission Dates

Event	Date
PG Admission Bulletin Released	26 November 2026
Round 3 Application Deadline	27 January 2027 (extended to 30 January 2027)
Stray Round Counselling Circular	18 February 2027
Stray Round Counselling Date	23 February 2027
Selected Candidates List Published	24 February 2027 (approx.)

NEET PG 2026 Exam Dates

Event	Date
NEET PG 2026 Registration Start	7 April 2026
NEET PG 2026 Registration End	7 May 2026
NEET PG 2026 Admit Card	11 June 2026
NEET PG 2026 Exam Date	15 June 2026
NEET PG 2026 Result	15 July 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold an MBBS degree from an NMC-recognised medical college and must have obtained permanent registration from NMC or any State Medical Council.
Candidates must have completed or be completing 12 months of compulsory rotatory internship on or before 31 July of the admission year (subject to NMC/MCC notification).
Candidates must be Indian nationals; for the Non-RIMS Open category, candidates must be from the North Eastern states (Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, or Tripura) except Assam.
Candidates who have already obtained an MD/MS/Diploma degree from Manipur University or any other university in India are not eligible.

Admission Process

Qualify NEET PG with the required percentile (General/EWS: 50th percentile; SC/ST/OBC: 40th percentile).
Download the application form from the official RIMS website (www.rims.edu.in) and submit it to the Dean's Office along with the counselling fee of Rs. 2,000 (non-refundable) via online transfer.
Attend the counselling session physically at RIMS, Imphal with all original documents.
Seat allotment is strictly based on NEET PG merit rank.
Selected candidates must report to the institute on the notified date, pay the required fees, and submit original documents to the Dean's Office.
Execute the bond of Rs. 20,00,000 (for Open category candidates) at the time of admission.

RIMS DCP Scholarships 2026

RIMS Imphal is a government institution with very nominal fees, and PG students receive a substantial monthly stipend throughout the course. In addition, students may be eligible for government scholarships based on category and domicile. The scholarships listed below are available to eligible DCP students at RIMS Imphal.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount	Remarks
Manipur State Scholarship	Manipur domicile students with 55% or above in previous qualifying exam	Up to Rs. 30,000 per annum	Applicable for state domicile students
Central Sector Scholarship (Ministry of Tribal Affairs)	ST category students from NE states	Variable	For students from Scheduled Tribe communities
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC	SC/ST/OBC category students	Variable (as per government norms)	Central government scheme; apply through National Scholarship Portal
RIMS Merit Scholarship	Topper of each batch (PG Diploma)	Variable	Awarded by the institute to academic toppers

Students must apply for government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) within the prescribed deadlines.
Scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria are subject to revision by the respective government authorities.
PG students at RIMS Imphal receive a monthly stipend (Rs. 90,778 to Rs. 93,389 per year-wise), which is separate from scholarships.

RIMS Imphal Diploma Clinical Pathology Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#296 out of 632 in India 2025

#1st in Manipur

IIRF Ranking

#67 out of 70 in Top Public Colleges in India 2025

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RIMS DCP FAQs

Ques. How many seats are available for DCP at RIMS Imphal, and what is the competition like?

Ans. RIMS Imphal offers 2 seats for DCP per year. With only 2 seats, competition is limited but the programme is sought after by candidates from the NE region who want to specialise in laboratory medicine without pursuing a full MD. The small batch size ensures personalised training and close mentorship.

Ques. What is the difference between DCP and MD Pathology at RIMS Imphal?

Ans. DCP (Diploma in Clinical Pathology) is a 2-year PG Diploma, while MD Pathology is a 3-year PG Degree. MD Pathology provides a more comprehensive and research-oriented training and is required for faculty positions in medical colleges. DCP is more practice-oriented and is suitable for candidates who want to work in clinical laboratory settings. MD Pathology holders have better career prospects in academics, while DCP holders are well-suited for hospital laboratory roles.

Ques. Is there a bond or service obligation after completing DCP at RIMS Imphal?

Ans. Yes. Candidates admitted under the Open category must execute a bond of Rs. 20,00,000 at the time of admission and complete one year of compulsory Senior Residency at RIMS after the course. If a candidate leaves within the first year, a penalty of Rs. 3,00,000 applies; after one year, the penalty is Rs. 7,00,000. Original certificates are retained by the institute until course completion.

Ques. What is the monthly stipend for DCP students at RIMS Imphal?

Ans. PG students at RIMS Imphal receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 90,778 in the 1st year and Rs. 93,389 in the 2nd year. This applies to students admitted under the Open category. In-service sponsored candidates ordinarily do not receive a salary from the institute.

Ques. What are the career options after completing DCP from RIMS Imphal?

Ans. DCP graduates can work as Clinical Pathologists or Laboratory Specialists in government and private hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and blood banks. They can also work in public health laboratories and research institutions. In the North Eastern region, there is a significant shortage of trained laboratory specialists, making DCP graduates from RIMS well-placed for government postings in NE state health services.

Ques. Can DCP holders from RIMS Imphal upgrade to MD Pathology later?

Ans. Yes. DCP holders can appear for MD Pathology through NEET PG in subsequent years, subject to eligibility criteria. However, the DCP qualification itself is a recognised postgraduate diploma by NMC and is sufficient for most clinical laboratory roles. Candidates should check the latest NMC guidelines regarding eligibility of diploma holders for MD programmes.