Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata Admission 2025: Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility

Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine (CSTM) Kolkata stands today among the most prestigious institutions in southeast Asia where persons acquire training in tropical medicine under education and research. CSTM admission processes are highly competitive, aiming at selecting the best candidate/s from among the contenders for its various medical and allied health programs. The various programs offered here comprise postgraduate degrees, diplomas, and fellowships in tropical medicine, microbiology, dermatology, and biotechnology. CSTM generally admits students based on national-level entrance tests, the main one being the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post Graduate (NEET PG) for postgraduate courses in medicine. The institute follows the academic calendar of the national medical regulatory bodies for uniformity in medical education. To be eligible for postgraduate medical programs, candidates must clear the NEET PG examination. 

The counselling session for NEET PG is usually commenced in January each year and takes place through several rounds. For instance, the Round-3 Processing of seat allotment for the next academic session is between January 2-3, 2025. Therefore, all aspiring candidates are advised to keep regularly scanning the official NEET PG website for exact dates that will be announced in due course. Different eligibility criteria exist for different courses. For the postgraduate medical courses MDs, the candidates would need to have completed the MBBS degree from an institution recognized by the given authorities and have qualified the NEET PG exam. In the case of other programs like MSc Medical Biotechnology or Diploma courses, other respective bachelor's degree qualifications apply.

Application Process

The application procedure from the School varies with the program:

1. For MD and DM programs:

• Qualify NEET PG or NEET SS as applicable.
• Register for the counselling process on the designated portal.
• Choose CSTM and preferred courses during counselling.
• If allotted a seat, report to CSTM for document verification and admission formalities.

2. For M.Sc and Diploma programs:

• Check the CSTM official website for application announcements.
• Fill out the online application form for the chosen program.
• Pay the required application fee.
• Submit all necessary documents as specified in the application guidelines.
• Appear for any institute-specific entrance tests or interviews if required.

3. For Fellowship programs:

• Applications are typically invited through the CSTM website.
• Submit the completed application form along with required documents.
• Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview or additional tests.

Degree-wise Admission Process

MD Programs (Tropical Medicine, Microbiology, Dermatology-Venereology and Leprosy, Pharmacology):Admission to MD programs of CSTM is done on the basis of NEET-PG scores. The institute has a total of 19 seats in these fields. They have completed the MBBS and satisfied the eligibility criteria set by the National Medical Commission.

M.Sc Medical Biotechnology: This program has 10 seats available. Admission details are not specified, but generally, candidates require a relevant bachelor's degree in life sciences or biotechnology. Selection may be based on a combination of scores from an entrance exam and academic performance.

Diploma Programs (Clinical Pathology, Laboratory Technique): Admission criteria for diplomatic programs offered at CSTM vary in seat capacities. The Diploma in Clinical Pathology has 4 seats; however, the Diploma in Laboratory Technique has a larger intake. Admission criteria customarily include a relevant bachelor's degree and may make use of an institute-specific selection process.

Fellowship in Regenerative Medicine and Translational Science: This is an open course with 20 available seats. Candidates must have a relevant postgraduate degree in medical or life sciences. Selection could include an entrance test and/or an interview.

DM Programs (Infectious Diseases, Clinical Pharmacology): These super-specialty programs have perhaps the lowest intake, with 3 for Infectious Diseases and 2 for Clinical Pharmacology. Admission is usually based on the NEET SS (Super Specialty) exam and selection counseling.

Required documents generally include:

• Degree certificates and mark sheets of qualifying examinations
• NEET PG/SS score card (for MD/DM programs)
• Valid ID proof
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Any other certificates as specified by the institute.