AIIMS hospitals across India receive thousands of patients daily. Due to high demand, long queues and waiting time are common, especially in major branches like AIIMS Delhi.
Many patients want to know the best time to visit AIIMS OPD to avoid crowd and reduce waiting time. Planning your visit wisely can save several hours and make the consultation process smoother.
This detailed 2026 guide explains ideal visiting days, best time of day, seasonal rush patterns, and practical tips to minimize waiting time at AIIMS OPD.
Why AIIMS OPD Is Always Crowded
AIIMS hospitals are government-funded super specialty institutions offering affordable treatment. Because of this:
- Patients come from multiple states
- Consultation fees are minimal
- Specialist doctors are available
- Government scheme patients prefer AIIMS
High patient inflow naturally increases crowd levels.
Best Time of Day to Visit AIIMS OPD
Timing plays a major role in avoiding crowd.
| Time Slot | Crowd Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM | High (registration rush) | Arrive early but expect queue |
| 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Very High | Avoid if possible |
| 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Moderate | Better option |
| After 2:00 PM (where OPD open) | Lower in some branches | Good for follow-ups |
Key Advice
- Reach 30–45 minutes before your reporting time if booked online.
- For offline registration, reaching before counter opens is recommended.
Best Days of the Week to Visit AIIMS
Crowd levels vary depending on the day.
| Day | Crowd Level |
|---|---|
| Monday | Very High |
| Tuesday | High |
| Wednesday | Moderate |
| Thursday | Moderate |
| Friday | Moderate to High |
| Saturday | High (limited departments) |
Why Monday Is Most Crowded
Many patients postpone weekend health issues and visit on Monday, increasing rush significantly.
Mid-week visits often have relatively better crowd management.
Best Month or Season to Visit AIIMS
Certain months see heavier rush:
- Winter season (higher illness cases)
- Post-festival periods
- During school vacations
Crowd may be slightly lower during:
- Extreme summer months
- Examination seasons
- Local holiday periods (varies by state)
However, AIIMS is rarely empty due to continuous patient inflow.
Online Appointment vs Walk-In Crowd
Patients with online appointment generally experience:
- Faster entry
- Shorter waiting time
- Organized queue system
Walk-in patients may face:
- Token limitations
- Long counter lines
- Possibility of same-day slot unavailability
Online booking significantly reduces crowd stress.
Department-Wise Crowd Variation
Certain departments consistently have higher rush:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Oncology
General Medicine and smaller departments may have relatively manageable queues.
Super-specialty departments fill quickly.
How Early Should You Reach AIIMS?
If you booked online:
- Reach 30–45 minutes before reporting time.
If registering offline:
- Reach at least 1 hour before registration counter opens.
For highly crowded branches like AIIMS Delhi, even earlier arrival may be necessary.
Practical Tips to Reduce Waiting Time at AIIMS
- Book appointment as soon as slots open
- Avoid Monday visits if flexible
- Choose mid-week appointments
- Reach before peak registration hours
- Keep documents ready for quick verification
- Avoid unnecessary companions to reduce congestion
Proper planning reduces stress significantly.
Special Tips for Senior Citizens
Senior citizens may benefit from:
- Early morning visits
- Dedicated counters (if available)
- Carrying complete medical file
Some AIIMS branches provide priority assistance.
Difference Between OPD and Emergency Crowd
Emergency departments operate separately.
Do not visit emergency for routine OPD consultation, as it is reserved for serious medical conditions.
Emergency rush depends on case severity and cannot be predicted.
When Crowd Is Unavoidable
Despite best planning, some days will be crowded due to:
- Public health outbreaks
- Sudden doctor leave
- Technical system delay
- Government health camp days
In such cases, patience is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least crowded day at AIIMS OPD?
Mid-week days like Wednesday or Thursday are often less crowded compared to Monday.
What is the best time to reach AIIMS OPD?
Early morning for offline registration and 30–45 minutes before reporting time for online appointment.
Does online booking reduce waiting time?
Yes, it generally ensures better queue management.
Is AIIMS crowded all year round?
Yes, but crowd levels fluctuate depending on day and season.
Final Advice for Patients Visiting AIIMS
AIIMS hospitals are among the most trusted public healthcare institutions in India, which naturally leads to high patient volume.
Choosing the right day and time, booking online whenever possible, and arriving prepared can significantly reduce waiting time and improve your OPD experience.