Top 10 Hospitals for Free or Low-Cost Brain Tumour Surgery in India: Brain tumour surgery can be expensive, particularly when a patient requires complex neurosurgery, advanced imaging, intensive care, pathology, radiation therapy or long-term cancer treatment. But for families who cannot afford treatment at a private hospital, India has several government hospitals, national institutes and specialised cancer centres where brain tumour treatment may be available at free, subsidised or significantly lower costs.
From AIIMS New Delhi and Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai to NIMHANS Bengaluru, PGIMER Chandigarh and JIPMER Puducherry, these institutions provide specialised neurosurgical and neuro-oncology services.
Importantly, free treatment is not guaranteed for every patient. The final cost depends on eligibility for government health schemes, the patient’s financial status, hospital rules, the type of tumour and the surgery required.
If you are searching for the best hospital for brain tumour surgery in India, or specifically looking for free brain tumour surgery in India, low-cost brain tumour treatment, government hospitals for brain tumour surgery or Ayushman Bharat hospitals for brain tumour treatment, this guide can help you identify where to start.
Top 10 Hospitals in India for Free or Low-Cost Brain Tumour Surgery
1. AIIMS New Delhi – Delhi
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi is among the most important government institutions to consider for patients looking for low-cost brain tumour surgery in India.
Its Department of Neurosurgery manages complex neurological conditions, including skull-base lesions, pituitary tumours, spinal tumours and other conditions requiring specialised neurosurgical intervention. AIIMS also has major expertise in advanced neurosurgery and neuro-oncology. (AIIMS)
The biggest advantage for financially constrained patients is that AIIMS operates within the government healthcare system, with mechanisms for eligible patients to seek financial assistance through government schemes and welfare channels.
Brain tumour services
- Brain tumour surgery
- Skull-base surgery
- Pituitary tumour surgery
- Complex neurosurgery
- Spinal tumour surgery
- Neuro-oncology
- Advanced neurological imaging and diagnostics
Why consider AIIMS?
AIIMS combines highly specialised doctors, advanced infrastructure and government-supported healthcare. For patients who cannot afford treatment at a private neurosurgery centre, it should be among the first institutions to approach.
Location: New Delhi
Website: AIIMS New Delhi
2. Tata Memorial Centre – Mumbai
For patients with a brain tumour that is cancerous or suspected to be malignant, Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) is one of the most important institutions in India to consider.
TMC has a dedicated neuro-oncology ecosystem involving neurosurgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology, radiology and rehabilitation.
Its Neurosurgery Department has also been upgraded to create an Advanced Centre of Neurosurgical Oncology, specifically aimed at complex brain and spine tumours. The Government of India has described the centre as being developed to provide advanced treatment at an affordable cost to patients in India.
TMC’s Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer currently lists a dedicated Neuro Oncology Disease Management Group, with neurosurgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, neuroradiology and other specialists involved in care. (ACTREC)
In 2026, Tata Memorial Hospital also expanded its neuro-oncology rehabilitation services. The newly launched centre provides rehabilitation free of cost to underprivileged patients and heavily subsidised services for others. (Press Information Bureau)
Brain tumour services
- Glioma treatment
- Glioblastoma treatment
- Brain tumour surgery
- Skull-base tumours
- Metastatic brain tumours
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy and targeted cancer treatment
- Neuro-oncology rehabilitation
Why consider Tata Memorial Centre?
It is particularly useful when a patient needs both brain tumour surgery and comprehensive cancer treatment.
Location: Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Website: Tata Memorial Centre
3. KEM Hospital – Mumbai
King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEM Hospital) is another major option for patients searching for affordable brain tumour surgery in Mumbai.
KEM’s Department of Neurosurgery is one of the country’s longstanding neurosurgical departments and manages patients from different sections of society. Its current department information lists neuro-oncology, intracranial tumours, skull-base surgery, paediatric neurosurgery and vascular neurosurgery among its areas of expertise. (King Edward Memorial Hospital)
The hospital is part of Mumbai’s public healthcare system, making it an important option for patients who cannot afford private hospital treatment.
Brain tumour services
- Intracranial tumour surgery
- Neuro-oncology
- Skull-base surgery
- Paediatric brain tumour surgery
- Pituitary and skull-base procedures
- Vascular neurosurgery
- Emergency neurosurgery
Why consider KEM Hospital?
For Maharashtra patients, KEM can be a practical option for obtaining specialised neurosurgical care at substantially lower public-sector costs.
Location: Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Website: KEM Hospital Mumbai
4. NIMHANS – Bengaluru for Low-Cost Brain Tumour Surgery in India
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) is one of India’s leading institutions for neurological and neurosurgical care.
Its Department of Neurosurgery provides specialised services for patients requiring advanced neurosurgical treatment. The department is based at the NIMHANS Hospital Campus in Bengaluru. (NIMHANS)
For patients with brain tumours, NIMHANS can be particularly relevant when the condition requires highly specialised neurological assessment and neurosurgical management.
Brain tumour services
- Brain tumour surgery
- Neuro-oncology
- Skull-base surgery
- Complex neurosurgery
- Neurovascular surgery
- Neurocritical care
Why consider NIMHANS?
As a national-level neuroscience institute, NIMHANS is particularly suited to complex neurological and neurosurgical cases.
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Website: NIMHANS
5. PGIMER – Chandigarh
The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh is one of India’s major government tertiary-care institutions.
PGIMER provides specialised services through departments including Neurosurgery, Neurology, Radiotherapy and other super-specialties, allowing complex cases to be managed within a large multidisciplinary medical centre.
The hospital is also a major referral centre for patients from northern India.
Brain tumour services
- Brain tumour surgery
- Neuro-oncology
- Skull-base surgery
- Complex neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Radiotherapy and cancer services
Why consider PGIMER?
Patients from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Chandigarh and neighbouring regions may consider PGIMER before travelling to expensive private hospitals in Delhi or other metropolitan cities.
Location: Chandigarh
Website: PGIMER Chandigarh
6. JIPMER – Puducherry
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER) is a major government medical institute in southern India.
Its Department of Neurosurgery specifically lists neuro-oncology and the surgical management of benign and malignant brain tumours, including adjuvant treatment. The department also provides skull-base and paediatric neurosurgery. (JIPMER)
Brain tumour services
- Benign brain tumour surgery
- Malignant brain tumour surgery
- Neuro-oncology
- Skull-base surgery
- Paediatric brain tumour surgery
- Emergency neurosurgery
- Adjuvant treatment
JIPMER’s neurosurgery department also has round-the-clock emergency services for serious neurological conditions.
Location: Puducherry
Website: JIPMER
7. SCTIMST – Thiruvananthapuram
The Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) is a national institute known for specialised neurological, neurosurgical and cardiovascular care.
Its Department of Neurosurgery functions as a quaternary referral centre and specifically lists brain and spinal tumours, skull-base surgery, neuro-oncology, vascular neurosurgery and minimally invasive neurosurgery among its clinical services.
The institute also performs a substantial volume of complex brain operations, including intracranial tumour craniotomies and image-guided neurosurgery.
Importantly for patients researching affordability, SCTIMST publishes information about financial assistance and donations for patients requiring expensive treatment. Its patient-support information specifically includes assistance categories for brain tumour surgeries and complex neurovascular interventions. (donation.sctimst.ac.in)
Brain tumour services
- Brain tumour surgery
- Neuro-oncology
- Skull-base surgery
- Image-guided neurosurgery
- Minimally invasive neurosurgery
- Spinal tumour surgery
- Complex neurovascular surgery
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Website: SCTIMST
8. SGPGIMS – Lucknow
The Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow is another major government-supported tertiary-care centre for complex neurosurgery.
Its Department of Neurosurgery has dedicated services in neuro-oncology, skull-base surgery, paediatric neurosurgery, image-guided surgery, endoscopic surgery, functional neurosurgery and neurosurgical intensive care. (SGPGIMS)
The department also lists advanced brain tumour procedures, including awake craniotomy, image-guided tumour resection and brain mapping, among its areas of expertise. (SGPGIMS)
Brain tumour services
- Brain tumour surgery
- Awake craniotomy
- Brain mapping
- Image-guided tumour resection
- Skull-base surgery
- Neuro-oncology
- Endoscopic neurosurgery
Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Website: SGPGIMS Lucknow
9. AIIMS Rishikesh – Uttarakhand
AIIMS Rishikesh is another government institution worth considering for patients looking for affordable neurosurgical treatment.
Its Neurosurgery Department provides neuro-oncology services and surgery for brain and spinal tumours. The department also uses technologies including intraoperative imaging, neuronavigation and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring for complex procedures. (AIIMS Rishikesh)
AIIMS Rishikesh also publishes a treatment rate list. For example, its current online rate information lists complex craniotomy at ₹20,000 and simple craniotomy/transsphenoidal surgery at ₹15,000. These are hospital-listed procedure rates and should not be interpreted as the final amount a patient will necessarily pay.
Brain tumour services
- Brain tumour surgery
- Neuro-oncology
- Pituitary surgery
- Endoscopic tumour surgery
- Spinal tumour surgery
- Skull-base surgery
- Paediatric neurosurgery
Location: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Website: AIIMS Rishikesh
10. Regional Cancer Centre – Thiruvananthapuram
The Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Thiruvananthapuram is a government-supported cancer institute and can be considered by patients looking for affordable cancer treatment.
RCC states that its mission is to provide high-quality cancer care at an affordable cost. It is an autonomous institution sponsored jointly by the Government of Kerala and the Government of India. (Kerala Health)
Its surgical oncology services cover cancer surgery and are supported by other oncology departments for comprehensive treatment. (RCCTV Ministry)
For a brain tumour patient, however, it is important to confirm before travelling whether the patient’s particular tumour requires referral to a dedicated neurosurgical centre or whether RCC can provide the required surgical component.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Website: Regional Cancer Centre Thiruvananthapuram
How to Get Free or Low-Cost Brain Tumour Surgery in India
Finding the right hospital is only the first step. A patient should also check whether financial assistance is available.
1. Check Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
If the patient is eligible for Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), ask the hospital’s Ayushman desk whether the required brain tumour surgery is covered under an approved package.
Do not assume that every brain tumour procedure is automatically cashless.
The hospital should confirm:
- Whether the hospital is currently empanelled
- Whether the specific procedure is covered
- Whether pre-authorisation is required
- What expenses are included
- Whether implants, medicines and investigations are included
2. Ask for the Medical Social Worker
At government hospitals and major cancer centres, ask specifically for the:
Medical Social Service Department / Medical Social Worker / Patient Welfare Department.
Do not simply ask the registration counter, “Is treatment free?”
Ask:
“The patient has a brain tumour and cannot afford the surgery. Which government scheme or hospital financial assistance can we apply for?”
This can lead you to the correct welfare mechanism.
3. Check State Government Schemes
Different states have different health insurance and financial-assistance programmes.
For example, Maharashtra patients may need to check MJPJAY and AB-PMJAY depending on eligibility.
4. Ask About Financial Assistance Funds
Patients should also ask whether the hospital accepts applications for:
- Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi
- State government assistance
- Chief Minister’s Relief Fund
- Hospital welfare funds
- Charitable trusts
- NGO assistance
- Philanthropic support
5. Carry the Complete Medical File
Before approaching another hospital, keep copies of:
- MRI brain reports
- MRI images/CD
- CT scan reports
- Biopsy report, if performed
- Histopathology report
- Immunohistochemistry report
- Previous prescriptions
- Doctor’s referral
- Aadhaar/required identification
- Health insurance or government scheme documents
This can make the assessment and financial-assistance process faster.
Is Brain Tumour Surgery Completely Free in India?
Sometimes, but not for every patient.
The phrase “free brain tumour surgery” can be misleading because the total treatment may involve several components.
A patient may require:
MRI → biopsy → neurosurgery → ICU care → pathology → medicines → radiation → chemotherapy/targeted therapy → rehabilitation
A government scheme may cover some or all components depending on eligibility and the approved package.
Therefore, before admission, ask the hospital for a written estimate or scheme confirmation wherever possible.
What Is the Cost of Brain Tumour Surgery in India?
The cost varies significantly depending on:
- Type of brain tumour
- Tumour location
- Tumour size
- Whether it is benign or malignant
- Complexity of surgery
- Need for neuronavigation
- Intraoperative monitoring
- ICU stay
- Histopathology
- Implants and surgical consumables
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy or targeted treatment
- Length of hospitalisation
Government hospitals can be substantially cheaper than private hospitals.
For example, AIIMS Rishikesh’s published rates currently list ₹15,000 for simple craniotomy/transsphenoidal surgery and ₹20,000 for complex craniotomy, although these figures should not be interpreted as an all-inclusive treatment bill.
This illustrates why patients should compare the complete expected treatment cost, rather than searching only for a hospital with the lowest surgery charge.
Which Is the Best Hospital for Brain Tumour Surgery in India?
There is no single best hospital for every brain tumour.
The right centre depends on the diagnosis.
For complex brain tumour surgery
AIIMS Delhi, Tata Memorial Centre, NIMHANS, SGPGIMS and SCTIMST are important centres to consider.
For brain cancer and neuro-oncology
Tata Memorial Centre is particularly relevant because of its integrated neuro-oncology services.
For affordable treatment in Mumbai
KEM Hospital and Tata Memorial Centre are important options for patients looking for public-sector or subsidised cancer and neurosurgical care.
For South India
NIMHANS, JIPMER, SCTIMST and Regional Cancer Centre Thiruvananthapuram are important institutions to explore.
For North India
AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh and SGPGIMS Lucknow are major government tertiary-care options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hospital is best for free brain tumour surgery in India?
There is no single hospital where every brain tumour operation is automatically free. AIIMS Delhi, Tata Memorial Centre, KEM Hospital, NIMHANS, PGIMER and other government institutions can offer lower-cost treatment, while eligible patients may receive treatment through government schemes or financial-assistance programmes.
Can Ayushman Bharat cover brain tumour surgery?
Eligible PM-JAY beneficiaries can receive covered hospitalisation and surgical treatment at empanelled hospitals, subject to the applicable package and pre-authorisation requirements. Patients should confirm the exact brain tumour procedure with the hospital’s Ayushman desk before admission.
Where can I get low-cost brain tumour surgery in Mumbai?
For patients in Mumbai, Tata Memorial Centre and KEM Hospital are important options to investigate. Tata Memorial is particularly relevant for brain cancers and neuro-oncology, while KEM has a dedicated neurosurgery department with neuro-oncology and intracranial tumour expertise.
Is brain tumour surgery available at AIIMS Rishikesh?
Yes. AIIMS Rishikesh’s Neurosurgery Department provides neuro-oncology services and surgery for brain and spinal tumours.
Can poor patients get financial assistance for brain tumour treatment?
Yes, depending on eligibility. Patients should ask about PM-JAY, state health schemes, hospital welfare programmes, government financial assistance and charitable funds. Approval is case-specific and should be confirmed before treatment.
What documents are needed for free or subsidised brain tumour treatment?
Requirements vary, but patients should generally carry medical records, MRI/CT scans, biopsy or pathology reports, identification documents and applicable government health-scheme documents.
HealthViews Takeaway
A brain tumour diagnosis can be frightening, but the inability to afford a private hospital should not automatically mean that a patient has no treatment options.
India has a strong network of government hospitals, national institutes and cancer centres where specialised neurosurgical care can be obtained at substantially lower costs than in many private hospitals. Some patients may also qualify for cashless treatment or financial assistance through government health schemes.
The most important step is to contact the hospital’s neurosurgery or neuro-oncology department and its financial-assistance/Ayushman desk before admission.
And remember: do not delay a neurosurgical consultation because of cost concerns. Ask the hospital about available financial assistance as early as possible.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for health information and hospital-navigation purposes. “Free” or “low-cost” treatment depends on patient eligibility, hospital policies, government scheme approval and the specific treatment required. Hospital schemes, package rates and eligibility criteria can change. Always confirm current coverage and expected costs directly with the hospital before admission.
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