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MD (Doctor of Medicine): Course, Admission 2024, Fees, Eligibility, Entrance Exam, Colleges, Scope

MD (Doctor of Medicine): Course, Admission 2024, Fees, Eligibility, Entrance Exam, Colleges, Scope

Edited By Vandana Pandey | Updated on Jul 31, 2025 12:56 PM IST | #M.D.

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.

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.

This Story also Contains
  1. NEET-PG Important Exam Dates
  2. What is MD Full Form?
  3. MD (Doctor of Medicine) Course- Highlights
  4. MD (Doctor of Medicine) Eligibility
  5. MD Application Process
  6. Top Entrance Exams for MD
  7. MD Cut Off
  8. MD Syllabus
  9. MD (Doctor of Medicine) Specialisations
  10. MD Fees Structure
  11. Scope after MD
  12. Career Opportunities after MD
  13. Top Private MD Colleges in India with Fees
  14. Top Government MD Colleges in India with Fees

NEET-PG Important Exam Dates

What is MD Full Form?

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) Course- Highlights

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.

ParticularsValues

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

MD (Doctor of Medicine) Eligibility

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.

MD Application Process

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.

Top Entrance Exams for MD

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 NameConducting BodyExam Date

NEET PG

National Board of Examinations (NBE)

NEET PG Exam Date

INI CET

AIIMS, New Delhi

INI CET Exam Date

CUET PG
National Testing Agency
CUET PG Exam Pattern

MD Cut Off

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.

MD Syllabus

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

MD (Doctor of Medicine) Specialisations

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

Anatomy

Medical Genetics

Anesthesiology

Microbiology

Biochemistry

Nuclear medicine

Biophysics

Paediatrics

Community medicine

Palliative Medicine

Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy

Pathology

Emergency Medicine

Pharmacology

Family Medicine

Psychiatry

Forensic Medicine

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

General Medicine

Physiology

Radiotherapy

Infectious Diseases

Respiratory Medicine

Tropical Medicine

Sports Medicine

Hospital Administration

Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion

Radio diagnosis

MD Fees Structure

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.

Scope after MD

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.

Career Opportunities after MD

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 RolesDescriptionAverage 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

Doctor

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

Surgeon

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 Physician

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

Top Recruiters

  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences
  • Apollo Group
  • Indian Nursing Council
  • Fortis Hospitals
  • Manipal Group
  • Medica
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Benefits of MD

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 with Fees

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 CollegesFees

CMC Vellore

Rs. 6.60 Lakhs

KMC Manipal

Rs. 83.46 Lakhs

St Johns Medical College, Bangalore

Rs. 36.72 Lakhs

Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

Rs. 6 Lakhs

KMC Mangalore

Rs. 83.46 Lakhs

MGMCRI Pondicherry

Rs. 96 Lakhs

CMC Ludhiana

Rs. 19.50 Lakhs

KIMS Bangalore

Rs. 23.04 Lakhs

SunRise University, Alwar

Rs. 4.30 Lakhs

SSIMS Bhilai

Rs. 25.45 Lakhs

Top Government MD Colleges in India with Fees

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 CollegesFees

AIIMS Delhi

Rs. 1,200

PGIMER Chandigarh

Rs. 12,410

NIMHANS Bangalore

Rs. 1.83 Lakhs

AIIMS Jodhpur

Rs. 1,200

JIPMER Puducherry

Rs. 43,580

SGPGIMS Lucknow

Rs. 1.13 Lakhs

KGMU Lucknow

Rs. 2.05 Lakhs

AIIMS Rishikesh

Rs. 1,200

PGIMS Rohtak

Rs. 57,440

IGMC Shimla

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)

1. Who is eligible to pursue MD?

Students who have completed their MBBS degree are eligible for pursuing MD degree programme.

2. What is the difference between MD & MBBS?

MD in India is considered a postgraduate degree, on the other hand, MBBS is an undergraduate degree.

3. What is the purpose of MD training?

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.

4. What is the salary of Doctor MD in India per month?

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.

5. Can I pursue MD in the US after completing MBBS from India?

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.

6. Is a Ph.D. degree higher than MD?

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.

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Questions related to M.D.

Have a question related to M.D. ?

For pursuing an M.D. in Homoeopathy in Maharashtra, you have solid options like Dr. M. L. Dhawale Institute in Palghar, SNJB Chandwad, Bharati Vidyapeeth University (Pune), DKMM Aurangabad for affordable fees, EB Gadkari (Kolhapur), and Motiwala College (Nashik). Admissions are mostly through AIAPGET-based counselling under Maharashtra's AYUSH system. Fees vary from as low as 77,000 to about 5–6 lakh per year depending on the institution.

Hello dear, I hope you are doing well.

When it comes to postgraduate medical seats, especially in Gujarat, the number of MD Psychiatry seats is slightly limited compared to more common branches like Medicine, Pediatrics, or Gynecology. Psychiatry has gained importance in recent years due to the growing awareness about mental health. As per the data available from NMC (National Medical Commission) and the state counseling authorities, Gujarat has around 70–90 MD Psychiatry seats distributed among government as well as private medical colleges. Some reputed colleges like

  • B. J. Medical College Ahmedabad,
  • M. P. Shah Medical College Jamnagar,
  • Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College

Ahmedabad have Psychiatry departments offering PG seats. Seat numbers may vary slightly every year based on NMC approvals and renewals. If you are planning to pursue MD Psychiatry in Gujarat, I suggest you keep an eye on the official ACPPGMEC Gujarat website for counseling updates. This will give you the exact number of seats for the academic year.

Thank you !


Hello,

If you have completed your MD from the Philippines and wish to practice or further study in Australia, you will need to follow the Australian Medical Council (AMC) process. First, verify your degree with ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) through EPIC verification. Then, choose the AMC pathway — typically the Standard Pathway (for non-specialists) which involves the AMC MCQ Exam and AMC Clinical Exam, or the Competent Authority Pathway if you qualify. If your aim is postgraduate training, you should also explore specialist medical colleges in Australia for recognition of prior training. Additionally, you will need to meet English proficiency requirements through IELTS or OET. Visa requirements will vary depending on whether you apply for work, training, or further studies. It’s a detailed process, so starting early and following official AMC guidelines is key.

Thank you for your question!

Hello,

Pursuing an MD after BAMS is a great step if you wish to specialize in Ayurveda. MD Ayurveda courses are usually 3 years long and have specializations like Kayachikitsa, Panchakarma, Dravyaguna, Shalya Tantra, and Rachana Sharir. The fee structure varies depending on whether the college is government or private. In government Ayurvedic colleges like Banaras Hindu University (BHU) or Gujarat Ayurved University, fees can range from 50,000 to 1.5 lakh for the whole course. In private institutions like Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya (Pune) or Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science (Bangalore), the cost can be anywhere from 6 lakh to 15 lakh for 3 years. Hostel fees, exam charges, and material costs are usually extra. Always check the latest fee details on the official college website because these amounts can change annually.

For information about colleges , fees you can check: https://www.careers360.com/courses/md-homeopathy

I hope you find the perfect institution for your MD journey, and thank you for asking.


Hello,

For students applying under the SE category in Karnataka, the cut-off scores for NEET PG change slightly each year based on seat availability and exam difficulty. But based on recent trends:

  1. For MD Paediatrics, a NEET PG score of around 470–490 is considered safe.
  2. For MS Orthopaedics, you should aim for 480–500.
  3. For MD General Medicine, which is one of the most competitive branches, aim for 510–530+ to be safe under SE quota.

These are rough estimates and can shift depending on demand and mop-up rounds, but this should give you a clear idea of what to aim for if you're applying through Karnataka state quota.

Karnataka NEET PG Admission

All the best!


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