Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a postgraduate medical degree spanning two to three years, offering advanced training in diagnosing, treating, and preventing various diseases. As of 2024, over 22,500 MD seats are available across more than 350 government, private, and deemed institutions in India.
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Admission to MD programmes is primarily conducted through the NEET PG entrance exam, overseen by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), with the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) handling All India Quota counselling. Candidates must hold a valid MBBS degree to be eligible for specialisation through the MD programme in their chosen medical field.
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MD stands for Doctor of Medicine. It is a two to three-year postgraduate degree pursued after completing MBBS. This programme allows students to specialise in a particular branch of medicine, enhancing their clinical knowledge and skills for advanced medical practice and research in their chosen speciality.
MD (Doctor of Medicine) is a specialised postgraduate medical degree pursued after completing MBBS. It provides doctors with advanced clinical and theoretical knowledge in a chosen speciality. This course offers vast career opportunities and competitive salaries. Here are some key highlights, including duration, average fee, and salary.
| Particulars | Values |
|---|---|
Course Name | Doctor of Medicine |
Abbreviation | MD |
MD Type | Degree |
MD Level | Postgraduate |
MD Field | Healthcare |
MD Eligibility | MBBS |
MD Duration | 2-3 years |
MD Average Fee | Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 90 Lakhs |
MD Average Salary | Rs. 7 Lakhs per annum and above |
MD Career Opportunities | Senior Residents, General Physician, Doctor, Surgeon |
MD Top Recruiters | Apollo Group, Indian Nursing Council, Fortis Hospitals, Manipal Group, Medica |
To secure admission into the MD programme, candidates must meet specific academic and procedural requirements as outlined by the respective institutions or entrance authorities. While the general criteria are largely uniform across India, candidates should refer to official notifications of exams like NEET PG or INI CET for institute-specific guidelines. Below are the standard eligibility parameters:
Particulars | Eligibility Parameters |
|---|---|
Educational Qualification | Must have completed an MBBS degree from an institution recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or National Medical Commission (NMC), along with a one-year internship. |
Entrance Examinations | Required to qualify for national-level entrance exams such as NEET PG or INI CET, depending on the institution. |
Minimum Marks Requirement | General category candidates must have secured a minimum of 50 per cent marks in their MBBS or equivalent examination; relaxation applies for reserved categories. |
Registration Criteria | Should possess a valid provisional or permanent registration certificate issued by MCI/NMC or the State Medical Council at the time of counselling/admission. |
Admission to the MD programme is largely entrance-based and conducted through a centralised procedure regulated by national authorities like the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and participating institutions. While there may be minor differences between states or institutions, the process typically follows the steps below:
Step 1: Check Eligibility- Candidates must ensure they have completed an MBBS degree from a recognised medical college and have completed or are about to complete their compulsory one-year rotating internship.
Step 2: Fill Application Form- Aspiring candidates should complete the official application form.
Step 3: Appear for the Entrance Exam- Candidates are required to appear for the entrance exams, which assess clinical knowledge, problem-solving ability, and medical aptitude for postgraduate studies.
Step 4: Participate in Counselling- Those who qualify for the entrance test must participate in the centralised counselling process conducted by MCC or state-level authorities. Here, candidates can select specialisations and institutions based on their merit rank.
Step 5: Complete Admission Formalities- Selected candidates must report to the allotted institute within the given time, verify documents, and complete the fee payment to confirm their admission.
Admission to the MD (Doctor of Medicine) programme is primarily granted through national-level entrance examinations conducted by authorised institutions. These exams assess a candidate’s clinical knowledge and readiness for specialisation. Below are the most commonly accepted entrance exams for MD in India:
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
National Board of Examinations (NBE) | ||
AIIMS, New Delhi | ||
| CUET PG | National Testing Agency | CUET PG Exam Pattern |
The MD (Doctor of Medicine) cut-off plays a vital role in determining admission eligibility. Most medical colleges consider NEET PG scores as the primary benchmark. The cut-off varies yearly based on the number of candidates, seat availability, and exam difficulty. Higher scores increase the chances of securing specialisation in top institutes.
The MD syllabus provides an in-depth understanding of both theoretical and applied aspects of medical science. It covers subjects like Gross Anatomy, Neuroanatomy, Histology, Genetics, and Imaging Techniques. Emphasis is also placed on practical skills through lab training and clinical applications. Below is the subject-wise syllabus for MD.
Gross anatomy | Developmental anatomy/embryology |
Histology and histochemistry | Neuroanatomy |
Genetics | Immunology |
Applied anatomy and recent advances | Surface Marking and Radiology |
Anthropology | Forensic Medicine |
Electron Microscopy/ Fluorescence microscopy/ confocal and other forms of microscopy laboratories | Immunology |
Anthropometry | Developmental anatomy |
Cytogenetics | Imaging technique for Radiological Anatomy |
Students can pursue any specialisations for the Doctor of Medicine programme based on their area of interest. Some of the popular specialisations are Family Medicine, Sports Medicine, Paediatrics, General Medicine, and Aerospace Medicine. In the table below, we have mentioned all the MD specialisations.
Aerospace Medicine | Marine Medicine |
Medical Genetics | |
Anesthesiology | |
Nuclear medicine | |
Biophysics | |
Community medicine | Palliative Medicine |
Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy | |
Emergency Medicine | Pharmacology |
Family Medicine | |
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation | |
Radiotherapy | Infectious Diseases |
Respiratory Medicine | Tropical Medicine |
Sports Medicine | Hospital Administration |
Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion | Radio diagnosis |
MD fees vary depending on various factors, one of the most important factors being the college or university that students attend. Before enrolling in any particular college, students need to check the MD or Doctor of Medicine fees structure. Doctor of Medicine or MD fee ranges between Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 90 Lakhs.
Graduates with an MD degree gain specialised clinical expertise, allowing them to work as consultants, specialists, or senior residents in reputed hospitals. The degree opens doors to opportunities in both government and private healthcare institutions, offering roles with better job stability, salary prospects, and responsibilities in direct patient care and management.
In addition to clinical practice, MD holders can pursue teaching positions in medical colleges or engage in advanced research in their area of specialisation. International job opportunities and fellowships are also available for those aiming to work abroad. Many also choose to appear for administrative or civil service exams to diversify their careers.
After earning an MD degree, graduates can explore diverse roles in healthcare, research, and academia. They may work in government or private hospitals, start independent practice, or contribute to public health initiatives. Career growth is steady with specialisation. Here are some of the job roles along with average salary details.
| Job Roles | Description | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|---|
Senior Residents | Senior Residents work under consultants in hospitals, gaining hands-on experience while managing patients and supervising junior staff. They contribute significantly to clinical care and medical training. | Rs. 13.1 LPA |
Doctors with an MD degree specialise in diagnosing and treating complex medical conditions. They often lead patient care in hospitals and private clinics. | Rs. 8.8 LPA | |
Surgeons perform operations to treat diseases, injuries, or deformities, requiring precision and extensive medical expertise. They typically work in surgical units or multispecialty hospitals. | Rs. 16.9 LPA | |
General Physicians focus on overall patient care, managing common illnesses and chronic conditions. They are often the first point of contact in healthcare systems. | Rs. 8.3 LPA |
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
Students pursuing a Doctor of Medicine programme are provided with extensive training in theoretical, practical, and clinical abilities. The MD programme also creates opportunities in the field of medical sciences and healthcare. Individuals with an MD degree not only work in India but also abroad. They can pursue careers in public health, healthcare administration, research, and academia.
Top private MD colleges in India offer quality postgraduate medical education with advanced infrastructure and faculty. These institutions are often preferred by students despite higher tuition costs. Private MD colleges generally charge significantly more than government institutions. Below is a list of the top private MD colleges in India, along with their fee details.
| Top Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 6.60 Lakhs | |
Rs. 83.46 Lakhs | |
Rs. 36.72 Lakhs | |
Rs. 6 Lakhs | |
Rs. 83.46 Lakhs | |
Rs. 96 Lakhs | |
Rs. 19.50 Lakhs | |
Rs. 23.04 Lakhs | |
Rs. 4.30 Lakhs | |
Rs. 25.45 Lakhs |
Top government MD colleges in India are known for their academic excellence and affordability. These institutions provide quality education with lower tuition fees compared to private colleges, making them a top choice for many medical aspirants. Below is a list of the best government MD colleges in India, along with their fee details.
| Top Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 1,200 | |
Rs. 12,410 | |
Rs. 1.83 Lakhs | |
Rs. 1,200 | |
Rs. 43,580 | |
Rs. 1.13 Lakhs | |
Rs. 2.05 Lakhs | |
Rs. 1,200 | |
Rs. 57,440 | |
Rs. 94,500 |
MD is a postgraduate degree programme which provides knowledge on the specialised branches of medicine. Some of the medical specialisations include paediatrics, gynaecology, obstetrics, ophthalmology and dentistry. Individuals who hold an MBBS degree can pursue an MD degree to get comprehensive training in a particular medical specialisation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The average monthly salary of an MD (Doctor of Medicine) in India ranges between Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1.5 Lakhs, depending on factors such as specialisation, experience, type of hospital (government or private), and location. With increased experience and expertise, senior doctors may earn significantly higher salaries.
Students who have completed their MBBS degree are eligible for pursuing MD degree programme.
MD in India is considered a postgraduate degree, on the other hand, MBBS is an undergraduate degree.
The primary motive to pursue MD is to be fully trained in medicine and research. MD is designed for students who want to become research physicians.
Generally, the degree MD is considered an undergraduate in the US, which means someone who holds an MBBS in India is equivalent to someone who has done MD in the US. However, if aspirants want to pursue medicine from the US, then they have to take the USMLE exam.
Both Ph.D. and MD degrees have their own set of importance. You will get a Ph.D. degree only after you have submitted your dissertation and thesis and the MD degree deals in the treatment of patients.
On Question asked by student community
HELLO,
MD (Doctor of Medicine) is a postgraduate medical degree, and MBBS is mandatory to pursue it.
With BSc CLS + PGDMLT, you cannot directly enter MD. Your main pathway is to clear NEET-UG and take admission in MBBS. After completing MBBS (5.5 years), you must qualify NEET PG to
Hello,
Yes, it's possible to aim for a government MD homeopathy college seat next year, but you need to resign from your current seat and reenter the admission process by taking the AIAPGET exam again, not through the direct transfer.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Yes, a BDS student can pursue an MD in Physiology, but it depends on the eligibility rules of each university.
In most medical colleges in India, MD Physiology is offered mainly to MBBS graduates because it is a clinical/para-clinical postgraduate degree under the MD/MS system. However, some universities and institutes
Hello, actually both ESIC Bangalore and Chennai offer MD Physiology with adequate teaching infrastructure, well equipped labs, and hospital affiliation for academic training. ESIC Chennai though has slightly more robust facilities, including modern labs, library, and academic blocks, while ESIC Bangalore provides a decent environment with a large hospital and
Hello,
With a rank of 320 in INI CET, a percentile of 99.42, and an EWS Rank of 20, you have a good chance of getting admission in AIIMS for Medicine. If you go for AIIMS, New Delhi, the closing rank of EWS was 63 in Round One of 2025,
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