Do AIIMS Students Get Holidays?

Do AIIMS students get holidays?? Yes, most students enjoy Sundays as a weekly off, but clinical-year students and those with hospital duties may have regular tasks even on Sundays and official holidays.  AIIMS is India’s leading medical education institution, attracting top-performing students from across the country. Alongside its demanding academic schedule, many prospective and current students want to know about the holiday and vacation structure at AIIMS. The institute has a set list of national, festival, and gazetted holidays every year.
AIIMS students, especially in pre-clinical and paraclinical years, generally do not have classes on Sundays, treating it as a weekly off.  Here is a list of the various holidays available to AIIMS students.

Types of Holidays at AIIMS: National, Festival, and Gazetted

Here are the types of AIIMS Holidays:

Also Read: What is the difference between AIIMS Delhi and other AIIMS?

Are There Summer or Winter Vacations in AIIMS?

Vacations are a vital component of any academic institution, granting students valuable time to relax and recharge. At AIIMS, the vacation schedules can differ by academic year and course (MBBS, nursing, paramedical). Undergraduate years, especially pre-clinical and paraclinical, tend to have the most flexibility.

• Summer Vacation: Yes, AIIMS schedules a summer break, mostly for pre-clinical and paraclinical undergraduate students. Summer vacation typically spans 2–3 weeks, generally in May or June, after the conclusion of annual or semester exams.

• Winter Vacation: Most AIIMS campuses provide a 7–10 day winter vacation, usually scheduled in late December or early January.

• Clinical-year Students: As students progress to clinical postings (MBBS 3rd–4th year), the length of these vacations may reduce. Clinical schedules often require student doctors to be present for patient care, even during traditional break periods.

• Nursing and Paramedical Programs: The timing and duration of vacations closely follow the MBBS routine in most cases, with minor variations.

• Faculty: Professors and academic staff are also allotted summer leave, although exact dates and durations may be different.

Total AIIMS Student Holidays Per Year

Let’s break down the total number of holidays a typical AIIMS undergraduate student enjoys annually. These figures offer a general guideline. However, actual schedules can vary each academic year.

In brief, holidays are a combination of government-mandated days off and institutional vacations.

• Public/national/festival/gazetted holidays: Approximately 15-20 days per year, as per the central government and institute calendar.

• Summer vacation: 2-3 weeks (14-21 days), usually after final/professional exams.

• Winter vacation: 7-10 days, scheduled between semesters or after term-end exams.

• Weekly offs: Most students (especially in pre-clinical years) have Sundays as a weekly off, while clinical-year students may be required to attend duties or rotate shifts.

In most cases, this means:

• Pre-clinical and paraclinical students: 35-45 holidays per year (including all categories).

• Clinical-year students: May have fewer holidays since clinical rotations often take precedence.

Also Read: How many upcoming AIIMS are there in India in 2025-26?

Leave Policy for AIIMS Students

Alongside scheduled holidays, AIIMS also provides a structured leave policy enabling students to manage personal and academic obligations efficiently.

Here are the key features of the leave policy, especially for MBBS and junior residents:

Before presenting the list, note that different policies apply to undergraduates, postgraduates, and interns.

• For Junior Residents (Postgraduates):

  • Annual leave entitlement:

    • 1st year: 24–30 days (prorated as per attendance)

    • 2nd year: 30–36 days

    • 3rd year: 36 days

  • No carry-forward: Leave not used in a given year cannot be carried into the next.

  • Excess leave is treated as "extraordinary leave" (usually without pay).

  • Maternity leave: As per government guidelines.

• For MBBS Interns:

  • 15 days of leave permitted during internship year.

  • Taking more than the allowed leave usually means the internship period will be extended proportionately.

• Academic leave:

• Up to 9 days per resident over three years, typically to attend conferences or training.

Also Read: Where is the newest AIIMS being built?

How to Balance Academics and Breaks at AIIMS?

AIIMS is renowned for its challenging academic load. Still, students must use holidays wisely, both for mental health and improved learning outcomes. Here are a few practical strategies:

Before looking at the tips, remember that effective time management can make even short breaks meaningful.

• Plan your study schedule: Use the holiday calendar to organise revision timetables around exams and project deadlines.

• Prioritise clinical responsibilities: When posting in the hospital, coordinate leave requests to avoid service disruptions.

• Rest and recharge: Dedicate vacation days for leisure, hobbies, and family time to prevent burnout.

• Use preparation leave smartly: AIIMS provides study leaves before professional exams; use them for academic readiness rather than just relaxation.

• Take micro-breaks: Short, frequent breaks during study marathons help reduce stress and maintain focus.

• Communicate with faculty: If you need additional leave for emergencies, promptly inform faculty and submit requests with justification.

• Stay updated: Regularly check institutional notices for holiday and duty lists, as last-minute changes are common.

Also Read: Which exams are required for admission to AIIMS?

AIIMS harmonises its demanding academics with a structured and student-friendly holiday calendar. Students, especially in the earlier years, benefit from a blend of national and festival holidays, seasonal vacations, and a fair leave policy. While those in clinical postings may have a tighter schedule (occasionally including Sundays or holidays), careful planning and good communication ensure every student can balance their studies with much-needed rest and family time. This balance is the key to sustaining performance and well-being in one of India's most competitive campuses.