Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Medical Sciences (PRIMS) is a private medical college located in Tamil Nadu, established in 2016. The institute is affiliated with The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai and was initially recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
The college is part of the Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institutions, a group of colleges in Tamil Nadu that offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Medical, Science, and Research programmes. It is also associated with PRIST University, a deemed university in Vallam, Thanjavur district.
⚠️ Critical Status Update (2026)
The Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Medical Sciences (PRIMS) is currently DEFUNCT and NOT operational for new admissions.
Several reliable sources confirm the college’s defunct status:
| Source | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| New Indian Express | 2018 | Reported that PRIMS had “become defunct” and students filed a writ petition in Madras High Court seeking transfer to other medical colleges |
| Indian Express | 2018 | Confirmed that over 100 students moved the Madras High Court as the college had “become defunct” |
| Union Health Ministry | 2017 | Debarred the college from making admissions for 2017-18 and 2018-19 for failing to rectify deficiencies pointed out by MCI |
| NMC | — | The college is not listed as an active, recognized medical college for 2026 admissions |
⚠️ Important: Students are strongly advised NOT to apply to or pay any fees to this institution for MBBS admission in 2026. The college is no longer operational and is not recognized for new admissions.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Medical Sciences (PRIMS) |
| Established | 2016 |
| Location | Manamai-Nallur, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu |
| Affiliation | Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University |
| MBBS Intake | 150 Seats (Historical) |
| Current Status (2026) | DEFUNCT / NOT OPERATIONAL |
| Last Admission Year | 2016-17 |
| Debarred From | 2017-18 and 2018-19 admissions |
| NAAC Grade | ‘A’ (Historical, awarded 2004) |
| Key Issue | Financial crisis, bank debt of ₹392 crore, staff left, hospital closed |
History & Controversies
2016: Establishment
The college was established in the 2016-17 academic year and admitted its first batch of MBBS students under government and management quotas after they qualified through NEET.
2017: Debarred by Union Health Ministry
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare debarred PRIMS from admitting students for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 academic years as it had “miserably failed to rectify deficiencies pointed out by MCI”. The college became the fifth private medical college in Tamil Nadu to have its approval rescinded, resulting in the loss of 750 seats across the state.
2017-2018: Financial Crisis & Closure
The college management faced severe financial constraints:
- The management reportedly owed Rs 392 crore to Indian Bank, Thanjavur
- Could not pay salaries to teaching and non-teaching staff for six months
- The hospital attached to the college was closed down
- The college became completely defunct
2018: Madras High Court Petition
Over 100 first-year MBBS students filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court seeking a direction to the state government to transfer them to other medical colleges. The court issued notices to authorities concerned. In December 2018, the Madras High Court directed the return of original certificates to the 108 affected students.
2023: Fine Imposed
In 2023, the college was fined Rs 25 lakh for collecting ₹10 lakh as fees from first-year students, despite the state government having fixed ₹3.25 lakh as the annual fee in 2016.
Courses Offered
Undergraduate Courses
| Course | Duration | Intake (Historical) |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS | 4.5 Years + 1 Year Internship | 150 Seats |
Postgraduate Courses
The college previously offered MD/MS courses in various specializations, including:
| PG Specialization | PG Specialization |
|---|---|
| MD – Biochemistry | MS – Anatomy |
| MD – Physiology | MD – Forensic Medicine |
| MD – Community Medicine | MD – Microbiology |
| MS – Pharmacology | MD – Pathology |
| MD – Anaesthesiology | MD – General Medicine |
| MD – Dermatology | MS – General Surgery |
| MS – Ophthalmology | MD – Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
| MS – Orthopaedics | MD – Paediatrics |
| MD – Radiology | MD – Pulmonary Medicine |
| MD – Otolaryngology | — |
Note: These PG courses are no longer available as the institute is defunct.
Fee Structure
MBBS Fees (Based on 2026 Estimates)
| Quota | Annual Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Management Quota | ₹12,50,100 per year |
| NRI Quota | ₹23,50,100 per year |
Note: The state government had fixed the annual fee at ₹3.25 lakh in 2016, but the college collected ₹10 lakh from first-year students.
Facilities
The college previously offered the following facilities:
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Hostel | Separate boys and girls hostels with AC options, gymnasium, recreation rooms, beauty parlour, indoor games |
| Library | 2,481 titles, 6,067 volumes; 14 national and 6 international journals |
| Auditorium | Fully air-conditioned, 2,000 seating capacity |
| Classrooms | Four lecture halls, each with 250 seating capacity |
| Laboratories | Research labs for Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, etc. |
| Sports | Football, Cricket, Basketball, Tennis Court, Indoor Games |
| Medical Facilities | Free medical services and Master Health Check-up for students |
| Wi-Fi | Available across campus |
| Cafeteria | Available with branded eatables |
Why You Should NOT Apply to PRIMS in 2026
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| College is Defunct | The college ceased operations in 2017-2018 and is no longer functional |
| Not NMC-Approved for New Admissions | The college was debarred from admissions in 2017 |
| Financial Crisis | The management owes Rs 392 crore to banks |
| Legal Issues | Multiple court cases and petitions filed against the college |
| No Teaching Staff | Faculty left due to non-payment of salaries |
| No Clinical Training | The attached hospital was closed |
| Risk to Students | Students admitted risk losing their academic years and career prospects |
⚠️ Final Warning: The Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Medical Sciences (PRIMS) is not operational for the 2026 academic year. Students are strongly advised NOT to apply to this college or pay any fees. The college was debarred from admissions in 2017 and has been defunct since then. Any claims of admission availability for 2026 should be treated as fraudulent.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information as of July 2026. The institution described is defunct and not operational. Readers are strongly advised to verify the current status of any medical college through official NMC and Tamil Nadu Directorate of Medical Education channels before making any admission decisions.