Al-Karim University (AKU), situated along Karim Bagh on Sirsa Road in Katihar, Bihar, is a state private Muslim minority university established in 2018 under the Bihar Private Universities Act. Founded by the Al-Karim Educational Trust, the university is built upon the strong legacy of Katihar Medical College (KMC), which was established in 1987. AKU serves as a premier center for healthcare, medical research, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, computer applications, and management in eastern Bihar.
Spanning an expansive campus in Katihar, Al-Karim University houses the attached 600+ bed Katihar Medical College Hospital—a major tertiary-care center catering to the healthcare needs of the Seemanchal region. Campus facilities include specialized clinical wards, advanced diagnostic laboratories, digital central libraries, lecture halls with modern audio-visual technology, research labs, sports infrastructure, and residential hostels for students and faculty.
Academically, AKU emphasizes clinical immersion, interdisciplinary research, and regulatory-approved curricula across undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs.
- Fees range: Approximately INR 40,000 – INR 9,78,000 per year (INR 1,20,000 – INR 78,31,000 total) across diploma, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and clinical medical courses.
- Flagship programs: MBBS, MD/MS (Specialties), B.Sc. Nursing, Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), BPT, BMLT, BCA, and B.Sc. (Optometry / Radiology).
- Recognition: Established as a State Private University; recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC); approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC), Indian Nursing Council (INC), and Pharmacy Council of India (PCI).
- Academic focus: Clinical Medicine, Surgical Specialties, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Advanced Nursing, Allied Healthcare Technologies, and Information Technology.
Important Admission Dates (Tentative)
The tentative schedule for admissions to medical, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and IT programs at Al-Karim University for the academic session 2026–27 is outlined below:
|
Event
|
Tentative Dates
|
|
Submission of National Entrance Exam Scores (NEET UG / NEET PG)
|
January – May 2026
|
|
Bihar UGMAC / PGMAC Counselling Registration (MBBS / MD / MS)
|
July – August 2026
|
|
University Application Portal Opening for Non-NEET / Allied Programs
|
March – May 2026
|
|
University Level Merit Screening & Document Verification
|
June – July 2026
|
|
Bihar BCECE Mop-Up & Seat Allotment (B.Pharm / Allied Streams)
|
August – September 2026
|
|
Commencement of Academic Session
|
September 2026
|
Al-Karim University Admissions 2026–27
Admissions to programs at Al-Karim University are entrance- and merit-based, governed by national regulatory frameworks (NMC, INC, PCI) and university selection policies.
Medical Sciences (MBBS / MD / MS) Admission Process:
- Selection Criteria: Admission to MBBS is conducted strictly via NEET UG ranks through Bihar State Counselling (BCECEB - UGMAC) under State Quota, Muslim Minority Quota (50%), and Management seats. Admission to MD and MS postgraduate clinical specialties requires valid ranks in NEET PG via Bihar PGMAC.
- Eligibility: For MBBS, 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English securing at least 50% aggregate marks (40% for reserved categories). For MD/MS, an MBBS degree from an NMC-recognized institution with a completed internship and permanent medical registration.
Nursing & Pharmacy (B.Sc. Nursing / B.Pharm / D.Pharm) Admission Process:
- Selection Criteria: B.Sc. Nursing and Pharmacy admissions are based on performance in university assessment/screening tests or 10+2 qualifying academic merit, following INC and PCI norms.
- Eligibility: 10+2 in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics, and English with a minimum of 45%–50% aggregate marks.
Allied Health, IT & Management (BPT / BMLT / BCA / BBA / M.Sc.) Admission Process:
- Selection Criteria: Selection relies on qualifying examination aggregate marks (10+2 or Graduation) followed by personal counseling and document verification.
- Eligibility: Completion of 10+2 in relevant streams with 45%–50% aggregate marks for UG programs; a recognized Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline for M.Sc. courses.
Courses Offered at Al-Karim University
Al-Karim University offers degree, postgraduate, and diploma programs through its constituent medical college, nursing college, and allied health faculties:
Katihar Medical College (KMC) & Clinical Faculties:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- MD (General Medicine, Pediatrics, Radiodiagnosis, Pathology, Anesthesiology, Community Medicine)
- MS (General Surgery, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Anatomy)
Department of Nursing & Pharmacy:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc. Nursing)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) & Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm)
Department of Paramedical & Allied Health Sciences:
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT)
- B.Sc. in Radio-Imaging Technology & Optometry
- B.Sc. in Operation Theatre Technology
Department of Computer Applications & Management:
- Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLibISc)
- Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Medical Sciences & Allied Fields
Fee Structure of Al-Karim University
The approximate annual and total tuition fee breakdown for major programs at Al-Karim University is detailed below:
|
Course
|
Program Duration
|
Annual Tuition Fee (Approx.)
|
Total Course Fee (Approx.)
|
|
MBBS
|
4.5 Years + 1 Year Internship
|
INR 9,78,000 – INR 13,00,000
|
INR 58,00,000 – INR 78,31,000
|
|
B.Sc. Nursing
|
4 Years
|
INR 1,40,000 – INR 2,44,000
|
INR 6,55,000 – INR 9,78,000
|
|
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)
|
4 Years
|
INR 1,10,000 – INR 1,25,000
|
INR 4,40,000 – INR 5,00,000
|
|
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)
|
4 Years
|
INR 1,28,000
|
INR 5,12,000
|
|
B.Sc. Paramedical (BMLT / Radiology)
|
3 – 4 Years
|
INR 1,19,000 – INR 1,24,000
|
INR 4,76,000 – INR 4,96,000
|
|
Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA)
|
3 Years
|
INR 40,00,000 – INR 50,000
|
INR 1,20,000 – INR 1,50,000
|
|
MD / MS (Clinical Specialties)
|
3 Years
|
INR 12,00,000 – INR 40,00,000
|
INR 36,00,000 – INR 1,20,00,000
|
- Hostel & Living Expenses: On-campus residential hostel rooms with mess amenities cost approximately INR 72,000 to INR 2,50,000 per year depending on occupancy, room category (AC/Non-AC), and program stream.
- Scholarships: Minority scholarship programs (State & Central NSP portals), post-matric fee concessions, and merit-based financial support are available for eligible candidates.
Clinical Training and Hospital Infrastructure at Al-Karim University
Al-Karim University centers its learning experience on extensive practical exposure and hospital care:
- Katihar Medical College Hospital: Attached multi-specialty teaching hospital offering continuous bedside clinical training across ICU, NICU, trauma units, and outpatient departments.
- Advanced Research Facilities: Features dedicated research laboratories in Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pathology, and Pharmacology supported by a university research committee.
- Rotational Internships: Mandatory clinical rotatory internships for MBBS, B.Sc. Nursing, BPT, and Paramedical students directly inside hospital wards and emergency units.
Career Opportunities and Placements at Al-Karim University
Graduates of Al-Karim University transition into clinical practice, healthcare management, research, and corporate sectors:
- Career Outcomes: MBBS and Nursing graduates secure clinical residencies, hospital medical officer positions, or pursue higher specialty fellowships (MD/MS/M.Sc).
- Placement Metrics: Paramedical, pharmacy, and IT/BCA graduates achieve average salary packages ranging between INR 3.0 LPA and INR 5.5 LPA, while medical postgraduates receive standard hospital residency stipends.
- Key Healthcare & Industry Networks: Katihar Medical College Hospital network, regional and national hospital chains (Apollo, Max, Fortis), diagnostic centers, and IT/software firms.
Why Choose Al-Karim University, Katihar?
Al-Karim University offers a robust healthcare and multidisciplinary education ecosystem in Bihar. Combining the 35+ year legacy of Katihar Medical College, an established teaching hospital, UGC/NMC/INC/PCI approvals, Muslim minority reservation benefits, and comprehensive allied health offerings, AKU stands out as a key regional destination for medical and technical studies.
Al-Karim University FAQs
Q1. Is Al-Karim University recognized by UGC and NMC?
Yes, Al-Karim University is a State Private University recognized by the UGC, and its medical courses (MBBS, MD, MS) are approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Q2. What entrance exams are required for MBBS admission at Al-Karim University?
MBBS admissions are strictly based on NEET UG ranks and conducted via Bihar State (BCECEB - UGMAC) and minority/management counseling rounds.
Q3. What is the quota distribution for seats at Al-Karim University?
As a Muslim minority institution, 50% of seats in courses like B.Sc. Nursing and MBBS are reserved for Muslim minority candidates, while 50% are open to general category candidates.
Q4. Does Al-Karim University have an attached teaching hospital?
Yes, the university operates with the attached Katihar Medical College Hospital, providing hands-on clinical exposure for medical and nursing students.
Q5. Where is Al-Karim University located?
The university campus is located at Karim Bagh on Sirsa Road in Katihar, Bihar.