Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata

About College: The Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital (CNMC) was established in 1948, but its roots go deeper. This is because the CNMC was an amalgamation of two existing institutes which were- National Medical Institute and the Calcutta Medical Institute. The former was in fact, established back in 1921. The CNMC was brought under the national gambit in the year 1967. Till 2003, it was affiliated to the University of Calcutta. But now, it falls under the aegis of the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, also based in Kolkata, the state capital of West Bengal. The campus of the CNMC spans three acres of land. The courses here are approved by the MCI (Medical Council of India). The academics here is divided into several units. At the UG level, of course, the main course is the MBBS, which is the essential qualification to all aspiring doctors. There are a far greater number of options at the PG level. These may be divided in to the clinical, para and non- clinical courses. On completion of the clinical courses, students may be awarded either an MD, M. Ch or an MS. The programmes that may be pursued here are for- General Medicine, Anaesthesiology, Radio- diagnosis, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Orthopaedics, General Surgery, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Urology, Neurology, Neuro Surgery, Neonatology, Medical Gastroenterology, Cardio Vascular & Thoracic Surgery and for Obstetrics & Gynaecology.The non- clinical departments here are for- Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry. The para- clinical departments are for the areas of- Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic & State Medicine and in Community Medicine. A Post Graduate Diploma is also available for the field of Anaesthesiology. This is for skill enhancement of working professionals. The admissions to these programmes is via the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) at both the UG as well as PG programmes. Another option is via the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE). One of the biggest advantages for aspiring medical and healthcare professionals to enrol at the CNMC is that a hospital is attached right next to the medical college. This allows the students to get hands- on experience observing, practitioners among doctors, nurses, surgeons and administrators. The campus has much to offer. There are hostel facilities for both boys and girls. Banking facilities with ATM are available in the campus’s vicinity. There is a sports field where cricket and football may be played. Facilities are also there for indoor sports. The gymnasium may also be used by all. A large auditorium is there to facilitate major events, at both intra and inter college level. The campus is Wi- Fi enabled. Science laboratories have the latest of equipment. A health centre is also there to cater to medical emergencies. Hygienic food is prepared at the college cafeteria. The college even has its own transport to ferry students to and from the campus. A convenience store is also located within campus. The library here is one of the best stocked within the region. Besides the physical books on display, it also provides digital access to en number of international academic journals for research and academic purposes.The Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital is extremely proactive when it comes to following the right ethical standards. That is why the CNMC is a signatory to the Citizen Charter. It lays out intricate procedures for all activities. Waste disposal, especially of the hazardous kind is of utmost importance here. Campus life is also much fun here. The annual flagship fest is known as the AGON. This includes both a main as well as a pre- fest. Lots of interesting fun and games, as well as serious matters and sports take place in it. All this and much more has led to the CNMC accruing good positions across ranking indicators. It has been placed as 45th All India within the category of medical colleges in the rankings compiled by the Careers 360 magazine.