SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital (SDMCMSH), Dharwad: A Hub of Holistic Medical Education

SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital (SDMCMSH), Dharwad, established in 2003 (with the hospital commencing in 2001), is a distinguished private medical institution in Karnataka. Guided by the visionary Poojya Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, President of the SDM Educational Society (R) and Dharmadhikari of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, SDMCMSH aims to be a Centre of Excellence for Medical Education and Healthcare, providing quality services at a reasonable cost.

General Information

• Full Name: SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital Dharwad

• Popular Names: SDMCMSH Dharwad, SDM Medical College, SDM Dharwad

• History & Establishment Year: The hospital began in 2001, and the medical college was established in 2003. It's an initiative of the SDM Educational Society, which has a long-standing reputation for providing value-based education.

• Location & Address: Manjushree Nagar, Sattur, Dharwad-580009, Karnataka, India. The campus offers a serene and pollution-free environment away from city noise.

• Overview: SDMCMSH is committed to high educational standards, aiming to produce ethical and skilled healthcare professionals while providing affordable healthcare to the community.

• Type: Private medical college.

• Affiliation & Recognition:

  • Affiliated to Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University (SDM University), Dharwad, which was established in 2018. Previously affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS).

  • Recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) (formerly Medical Council of India - MCI).

• Campus Size: The campus is spread over 70+ acres (some sources state 65 acres), featuring unique architectural structures and lush green grounds.

• Hospital Facilities: Associated with the SDM Hospital, a multi- and super-specialty teaching hospital with approximately 1200-1500 beds (some sources state 830 teaching beds). The hospital handles a substantial daily outpatient flow (around 1500 visits per day) and is equipped with modern diagnostic facilities (MRI, CT, Ultrasonography, conventional Radiology augmented with digital services), OPD, ICUs, a Blood Bank, and an Emergency Department. The central diagnostic lab is connected to all wards by a pneumatic tube system for quick sample transfer.

• Chairman/Founder: Poojya Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, Hon'ble Chancellor, SDM University and President of SDM Educational Society.

• Principal: The current Principal's name can be found on the official college website.

• Annual Intake:

  • MBBS seats: 150

  • Postgraduate Degree (MD/MS) seats: 97

  • Postgraduate Diploma seats: 2

  • Super Specialty (M.Ch/DM) seats: 8

Academics & Courses

Courses at SDM Medical College Dharwad cover a wide spectrum of medical and allied health science disciplines.

• UG Courses:

  • MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery): A 4.5-year academic program followed by a mandatory 1-year rotating internship.

  • Also offers B.Sc. in Allied Health Sciences and other courses like B.Pharm, B.Sc. Nursing, etc., through SDM University.

• PG Courses (MD/MS): SDMCMSH offers MD and MS degrees in 22 specialties across Pre-Clinical, Para Clinical, and Clinical subjects. These are 3-year full-time programs.

  • MD Specializations: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine/Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Community Medicine (Social & Preventive Medicine), General Medicine, Paediatrics, Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, Psychiatry, Radio Diagnosis/Radiology, Anaesthesiology, Respiratory Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Hospital Administration.

  • MS Specializations: General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, ENT, Orthopaedics.

• PG Diploma at SDMCMSH: Diploma in Public Health (DPH) and Clinical Pathology.

• Other Programs: Ph.D., Fellowship programs, and various Certificate courses.

• Curriculum: The institution adheres to the CBME (Competency Based Medical Education) curriculum prescribed by the NMC.

• Clinical Training: Extensive clinical training at SDM Hospital, ensuring robust practical exposure and hands-on learning.

• Research and Learning Centre SDMCMSH: The institution emphasizes research and innovation.

• Faculty expertise and research projects SDMCMSH: The college boasts skilled and well-trained faculty actively engaged in research and collaborations.

Admissions & Eligibility

The SDM Medical College admission process for MBBS and MD/MS programs is competitive and based on national entrance examinations.

• Entrance Exams:

  • NEET UG for MBBS admissions.

  • NEET PG for MD/MS admissions.

• Counseling: Admissions are primarily conducted through:

  • KEA (Karnataka Examination Authority) counseling for State Quota and Private/Management/NRI seats in Karnataka.

  • MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) counseling if seats are part of the All India Quota (AIQ) for deemed universities (SDM University is now a deemed university).

• Direct Admission/Management Quota/NRI Quota: "Direct admission" is typically understood as securing a seat through the Management quota or NRI quota within the framework of official counseling procedures after qualifying NEET. There is generally no direct admission without NEET qualification.

  • How to get direct admission in SDMCMSH:

    1. Qualify for NEET-UG (for MBBS) or NEET-PG (for MD/MS).

    2. Participate in the respective counseling (KEA for Karnataka, or MCC for Deemed University quota).

    3. During choice filling, select SDMCMSH under the Management or NRI quota.

    4. Admission is granted based on NEET rank and seat availability in these categories.

• Eligibility Criteria (MBBS):

  • Age: Minimum 17 years old by December 31st of the admission year.

  • Educational Qualification: Passed 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects, with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC and 45% for PwD categories).

  • NEET Qualification: Must qualify NEET-UG with the minimum required percentile.

• Eligibility Criteria (MD/MS):

  • Passed MBBS from an NMC-recognized institution.

  • Completed compulsory rotating internship.

  • Registered with a State Medical Council or the NMC.

  • Qualified NEET-PG with the minimum required percentile.

• Documents required for admission SDMCMSH: NEET Admit Card & Scorecard, 10th & 12th Mark Sheets and Certificates, Transfer Certificate, Migration Certificate, Conduct Certificate, Caste Certificate (if applicable), Income Certificate (if applicable), Aadhaar Card, Allotment Letter from KEA/MCC, Passport-sized photographs, Medical Fitness Certificate, Fee Payment Receipt, MBBS Degree Certificate, Internship Completion Certificate (for PG), MCI/SMC Registration Certificate (for PG).

• Application dates SDMCMSH: These align with the NEET UG/PG examination and subsequent counseling schedules. NEET UG 2025 results were out on June 14, 2025. NEET PG 2025 exam is tentatively on August 3, 2025.

• MBBS seats SDMCMSH: 150 (with specific distribution for General and NRI Quota, e.g., 127 General, 23 NRI Quota for MBBS).

• PG seats SDMCMSH: 97 for MD/MS, 2 for PG Diploma, 8 for Super Specialty.

• Online application process SDMCMSH: Applications are submitted through the respective counseling authorities (KEA or MCC) during their designated registration periods.

Call Our Admission Experts for Direct Admission: 8191911113 Click to WhatsApp for Immediate Assistance: https://wa.me/918191911113 Call Us Now for Comprehensive Management & NRI Quota Support: 8191911113

Fees & Scholarships

The SDM Medical College fee structure varies based on the course and admission quota. (Fees provided are approximate for 2024-25 and subject to change by regulatory authorities.)

• MBBS fees SDMCMSH (Annual Approximate for 2024-25 Batch):

  • Government Quota (Private College - Karnataka): Approximately ₹1,57,371 per annum.

  • Private Quota MBBS fees SDMCMSH: Approximately ₹20,15,750 per annum.

  • Management Quota MBBS fees SDMCMSH: Approximately ₹30,15,750 per annum.

  • NRI Quota MBBS fees SDMCMSH: Approximately ₹32,65,750 per annum.

  • Total tuition fee for the entire course for Government Quota is approximately ₹6.49 Lakhs.

  • Total tuition fee for Private Quota is approximately ₹78.53 Lakhs.

  • Total tuition fee for NRI Quota is approximately ₹1.45 Crores.

• MD/MS fees SDMCMSH (Annual Approximate for 2024-25 Batch):

  • Fees vary widely by specialization and quota.

  • Government Quota (Approximate): Ranges from ₹25,750 to ₹6,98,280 per annum, depending on the specialization.

  • Private Quota (Approximate): Ranges from ₹25,750 to ₹33,69,950 per annum (e.g., MD Anatomy at ₹25,750, MD Radiodiagnosis at ₹33,69,950).

  • NRI/Management Quota (Approximate): Ranges from ₹5,19,750 to ₹1,00,15,750 per annum (e.g., MD Radiodiagnosis at ₹1,00,15,750, MD General Medicine at ₹90,15,750).

  • Total course fees for MD range from ₹3.09 Lakhs to ₹21.42 Lakhs.

  • Total course fees for MS are approximately ₹21.42 Lakhs.

• Hostel fees SDMCMSH:

  • MBBS: Approximately ₹2,10,000 per year (Hostel + Mess).

  • PG (MD, MS): Approximately ₹2,35,000 per year (Hostel + Mess).

  • Some sources indicate ₹60,000 - ₹71,500 for male hostel.

• Scholarships at SDMCMSH / Merit scholarship SDMCMSH: While specific institutional scholarships are not extensively detailed, students can explore various state and central government scholarships based on merit, category, and economic criteria.

• Bond and stipend details SDMCMSH:

  • MBBS Internship Stipend: UG students receive a median salary of ₹7.44 LPA (presumably during the internship period).

  • PG Stipend: PG students receive a median salary of ₹8.4 LPA.

  • Bond: Information on specific service bonds is not explicitly provided, but it's common in Karnataka for graduates to have a rural service bond after MBBS.

Facilities & Infrastructure

SDMCMSH provides a comprehensive and modern infrastructure:

• Hostel facilities at SDMCMSH: Separate and well-maintained hostels for male and female students with all necessary amenities for a comfortable and safe stay.

• Library SDMCMSH: A well-stocked library with a vast collection of medical books, journals, and digital resources, including access to e-journals and internet.

• Multi-specialty hospital (SDM Hospital): The attached hospital with 1200-1500 beds (830 teaching beds) offers extensive clinical exposure, modern diagnostic labs, and advanced medical equipment.

• Sports and recreation SDMCMSH: Facilities for various indoor and outdoor sports and recreational activities.

• Laboratories and classrooms: Modern, well-equipped laboratories for all departments and spacious, air-conditioned, gallery-type lecture halls with advanced audio-visual aids.

• Auditorium SDMCMSH: Facilities for academic events, conferences, and cultural programs.

• Cafeteria SDMCMSH: Hygienic and spacious canteens/cafeterias.

• Research labs SDMCMSH: Dedicated research facilities to foster scientific inquiry.

• Modern diagnostic facilities SDMCMSH: Includes MRI, CT, Ultrasonography, and conventional Radiology services.

• OPD, ICU, Blood Bank, Emergency Department SDMCMSH: All essential hospital departments are fully functional and well-equipped.

• Multidisciplinary campus SDMCMSH: As part of SDM University, it promotes a multidisciplinary learning environment.

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi enabled campus, gym, canteen, and transport facilities.

Faculty & Administration

• Faculty list SDMCMSH: Comprises highly qualified and experienced medical professionals.

• Principal SDMCMSH: Dr. Rathnamala M. Desai (as per some older sources), actively involved in medical education improvement.

• Department heads SDMCMSH: Each department is led by experienced specialists.

• Trustees and management SDMCMSH: The institution is managed by the SDM Educational Society, with Poojya Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade as its President.

• Student-teacher ratio SDMCMSH: The college strives to maintain a healthy student-teacher ratio for effective personalized learning.

Rankings & Reviews

• SDM Medical College ranking:

  • Outlook I Care Rankings (2021): Reportedly ranked 11th best private medical college in India (this might be an older ranking for AIMS Mandya, but given its overall reputation, SDM is also highly regarded).

  • Careers360 Ranking: Overall Rating 3.9/5 (based on 4 reviews).

  • Open Management Ranking: 86.

  • NRI/OCI Ranking: 77.

  • Karnataka State Ranking: 26.

  • Karnataka State Management Ranking: 30.

• Student reviews SDMCMSH: Generally positive, with students appreciating the infrastructure, clinical exposure, and academic environment.

• Placement record SDMCMSH:

  • Overall Placement Percentage (2022): 18.18% (28 out of 154 eligible students placed).

  • UG (MBBS) Placement Percentage: 16.09% (14 out of 99 graduated students placed).

  • PG (MD/MS) Placement Percentage: 25.45% (14 out of 55 graduated students placed).

  • Median salary (UG): ₹7.44 LPA.

  • Median salary (PG): ₹8.4 LPA.

  • Many students opt for higher studies after UG.

• Alumni network SDMCMSH: A growing and active alumni network.

• NMC recognition SDMCMSH: Fully recognized by the National Medical Commission.

• Accolades and achievements SDMCMSH: Known for its high educational standards and commitment to healthcare.

Cutoff & Entrance

• NEET cutoff SDMCMSH: The NEET cutoff for SDMCMSH is dynamic and influenced by factors like exam difficulty, number of applicants, and seat availability.

• NEET qualifying marks for SDMCMSH (NEET UG 2024):

  • UR/EWS: 50th Percentile (720-162 marks)

  • OBC/SC/ST: 40th Percentile (161-127 marks)

  • UR/EWS-PwBD: 45th Percentile (161-144 marks)

  • OBC/SC/ST-PwBD: 40th Percentile (143-127 marks)

• Last year NEET cutoff for SDMCMSH (MBBS - Karnataka State Counseling, General Merit, approximate for 2023):

  • Government Quota: GM (General Merit) closed around 588 score.

  • Private Quota (General Merit): Closing score around 566 (GMR).

• NEET PG Cutoff (Karnataka NEET PG Counselling 2024 - General All India Closing Rank):

  • MD Radio Diagnosis: 1300

  • MD General Medicine: 4240

  • MD Paediatrics: 8576

  • MS Obstetrics & Gynaecology: 9957

  • MS General Surgery: 13906

  • MS Orthopaedics: 16366

  • MD Anaesthesiology: 25328

  • MD Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy: 19806 (for 2023)

Other Useful Queries

• SDM Medical College vision and mission: To establish a Center of Excellence for Medical Education and Healthcare, providing quality and affordable services, and fostering ethical healthcare professionals.

• Community outreach SDMCMSH: Engaged in various community service initiatives, including health camps and blood donation drives.

• Research opportunities SDMCMSH: Strong emphasis on research and development, with collaborations and dedicated centers.

• Internship and clinical training SDMCMSH: Comprehensive internship programs and extensive clinical exposure at SDM Hospital.

• Events and seminars at SDMCMSH: Regular organization of academic workshops, seminars, and conferences.

• Clinical exposure SDMCMSH: High patient flow at the hospital ensures excellent and diverse clinical experience.

• Social responsibility SDMCMSH: A core value of the institution, reflected in its affordable healthcare services and community programs.

• Extracurricular activities SDMCMSH: Encourages student participation in various sports and cultural events for holistic development.

• Collaborations SDMCMSH: Has national and international collaborations for academic, research, and exchange programs.
  
  

  • National Collaborations: Karnataka University, Dharwad (for Academic Research, Development and Extension Activities), KIDNAR - Karnataka Institute for DNA Research, Dharwad (for joint research in Genetic Analysis), IIT Dharwad, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Davangere University, BLDE University, District Hospital Dharwad, Indian Cancer Society, Jeeva Raksha Trust, Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, TATA Memorial Centre Mumbai, IIIT Dharwad.

  • International Collaborations: University of Manitoba, Canada (for Faculty and Academic Exchanges).

  • Partner Institution: ECFMG's GEMx (Global Education through Medical Exchange), facilitating international educational exchanges and elective clerkships for students.

Call Our Admission Experts for Direct Admission: 8191911113 Click to WhatsApp for Immediate Assistance: https://wa.me/918191911113 Call Us Now for Comprehensive Management & NRI Quota Support: 8191911113