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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
Sankara Nethralaya (SN)
- Year 1: Mukundapur/Rajarhat Campus, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Year 2: Dr. S.S. Badrinath Campus (Main), Chennai, Tamil Nadu
(A premier institution in Indian ophthalmology. This specific track allows fellows to experience both the high-volume, resource-intensive environment of Kolkata and the academic/surgical “Mecca” of the Chennai headquarters.)
STIPEND & SELECTION
- Monthly Remuneration: ₹55,000 (Standard across all SN fellowships as of 2026).
- Selection Process: * Step 1: In-person MCQ Entrance Exam (Common for VR/Uvea/Med Retina).
- Step 2: Technical Interview on the following day for shortlisted candidates.
- Intake: 2 Fellows per session (January and July cycles).
- Fees: Non-refundable application fee of ₹3,540 (including GST).
DURATION
24 Months (2 Years)
- Split Tenure: 12 Months in Kolkata + 12 Months in Chennai.
HONEST REVIEW
1. Year 1: The Kolkata “Grind”
- Environment: Because the Kolkata branch has fewer consultants and PGs compared to Chennai, the workload is significantly heavier. Fellows are the backbone of the department.
- Clinical Start: The first month is a “shadowing” period. You are immediately tasked with B-Scan USG and Retinal Lasers (PRP/Barrage).
- Surgical Timeline: Hands-on steps (port making, core vitrectomy) typically begin within 2–3 months.
- Duties: High intensity. Expect 7–8 night calls per month and alternate Sunday rounds.
- ROP: Exposure is lower here; screening is done infrequently at outside hospitals, and hands-on for ROP lasers is rare.
2. Year 2: The Chennai “Polish”
- Surgical Volume: The transition to Chennai brings a massive jump in surgical variety and volume.
- Senior Residency (SR): The last 6 months are the “Senior Residency” phase. You function with high autonomy, seeing independent OPDs and posting your own surgical cases.
- Hands-On: Chennai provides more consistent opportunities for full cases, including scleral buckling and advanced vitrectomies.
- ROP: significantly better exposure in Chennai, often including hands-on laser training under supervision.
3. Work Culture & Academics
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (though Kolkata often extends later due to duty requirements).
- Academics: Structured weekly classes common for PGs and fellows. In Chennai, the academic environment is world-class with frequent grand rounds and guest lectures.
- Cataract Training: Strictly None. This is a dedicated posterior segment program.
PERSONAL OPINION
The SN “Kolkata-Chennai” split is a “Best of Both Worlds” program. You gain raw clinical stamina and diagnostic “muscle” in the hectic Kolkata year, and then refine your surgical precision and academic depth in the elite Chennai year. It is highly recommended for those who want the Sankara Nethralaya brand but are willing to endure a very demanding first year. You will graduate as a highly confident, protocol-driven surgeon.
