MCh Degree: Full Form, Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Exams, Colleges, Scope

Master of Chirurgiae or MCh is a postgraduate degree programme in medical science. There are more than 135 recognised colleges in India that offer MCh degree programmes in different specialisations. The number of seats available for the MCh programme in India is 1542.

Some of the specialisations in MCh degree programmes are Plastic Surgery, Gynaecological Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Paediatric Surgery, Neuro Surgery, Urology, and Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery. Admission to an MCh programme is offered based on merit and entrance exams such as NEET SS and INI CET.

What is the Full Form of MCh?

The MCh full form is Master of Chirurgiae. The MCh course duration is three to five years depending on the previous degree programme that students have pursued. After completing the MBBS or MD degree programme, students can opt for the MCh course or Master of Chirurgiae to pursue the specialisation in their chosen branch of medicine.

Master of Chirurgiae is also internationally recognised and is frequently offered as a two or three-year PhD programme. It allows graduates to work in the field of research. After pursuing the MCh degree programme, students can become Surgeons and work in both public and private hospitals, healthcare centres, and institutes.

MCh Degree Highlights

MCh Fees Structure

M.Ch course fees vary depending on the college or university that students attend. Before enrolling in any college, students need to check the Master of Chirurgiae fee structure. The average fee of M.Ch degree programmes in India ranges between Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 87 lakhs.

Why Choose MCh?

Master of Chirurgiae or M.Ch degree in India provides training programmes designed to meet the current needs of surgeons and prepare them for future challenges. The MCh course curriculum covers all the aspects of modern surgical techniques, radiological investigations and interventions, laparoscopic surgery, robotics, and endoscopy.

The MCh programme also covers advanced imaging methods such as computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), myocardial revascularisation, coagulation and critical care.

MCh Eligibility Criteria

Aspirants must meet the eligibility criteria defined by the respective university in order to pursue an MCh degree. Educational qualifications, registration, and internship requirements are all part of the MCh eligibility criteria. Candidates seeking admission through INI CET or any other institute where NEET PG results are not required also need to verify the eligibility criteria mentioned below.

• Candidates need to complete an MBBS or MD degree for MCh admission.
• Candidates must score at least cutoff marks in NEET SS or INI CET entrance exams to be eligible for the M.Ch programme.
• They must have completed their SMC/NMC registration.
• They must be in possession of an MS degree or provisional pass certificate (or equivalent degree) by the stipulated time. They can also be likely in possession of the same by the due date.
• It is also mandatory for candidates to be registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI)/State Medical Council (SMC). Medical graduates will also have to submit a document of proof of the same at the test centre on the day of the exam.
• Candidates who come under the category of Foreign Nationals are not required to have MCI registration.

Skills Required for MCh Degree

Students of M.Ch programmes are required to possess certain skill sets. As they are required to handle multiple patients every day and execute difficult surgeries, these skills can help them in their work setting. Some of the key skills MCh students must have are as follows:

• Critical Thinking
• Communication
• Cultural Competency
• Punctuality
• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
• Working with communities

MCh Degree Application Process

Admission to MCh degree programmes isM offered based on the scores obtained in NEET SS. Institutes like AIIMS and JIPMER conduct their own exams. After meeting all the eligibility criteria, candidates can apply for MCh admissions by submitting the application form, relevant documents and requisite admission fees.

Top MCh Entrance Exams

There are several entrance exams that MCh colleges in India consider as part of their MCh admissions.

NEET SS: The National Eligibility Entrance Test - Super Specialty (NEET SS) is a national-level exam conducted by the National Board of Education (NBE). The examination is mandatory for students to qualify to pursue MCh degree programmes.

INI CET: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi conducts the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET). The INI CET exam is conducted twice a year - January and July sessions, for various medical courses including the MCh programme.

MCh Cut off

The M.Ch cut-off is used to determine the student's excellence for admission to the M.Ch programme. NEET SS cut off is the main criteria that every medical college accepts for their MCh admissions. The cutoff is decided based on the number of students appearing for the NEET SS examination, reservation categories and the difficulty level of the NEET SS question paper.

MCh Syllabus

The syllabus of the Master of Chirurgiae (MCh) can vary depending on the specialisation chosen by students. In the table below, we have mentioned some of the subjects taught in the MCh course syllabus.

MCh Specialisations

There are various specialisations offered in MCh degree programmes. Candidates can enroll in the programme based on their specialisation of choice. Given below are some of the key MCh specialisations one can pursue.

M.Ch. (Cardio-Thoracic Vascular Surgery) - In this MCh specialisation, candidates will learn the surgical treatment of diseases in parts present inside the thorax. They will also learn to treat the organs inside the thoracic cavity, lungs, heart, and other pleural structures.

M.Ch. (Neurosurgery) - Students are taught to prevent, diagnose, surgically treat and rehabilitate disorders present in the nervous system. A Neurosurgery speciality involves the treatment of patients suffering from brain, spinal cord, and spinal column issues.

M.Ch. (Urology) - In this MCh specialisation, students will learn to operate a male or female urinary tract system or male reproductive organs to treat diseases. They will also know how to treat the infections and allergies that occur in reproductive parts in both male and female bodies.

M.Ch. (Surgical Gastroenterology) - Treating surgical problems of the digestive system which includes organs like the Esophagus, Stomach, Small intestine, Large intestine, Rectum, Anal canal, Liver, and Pancreas is taught in the Master of Chirurgiae course.

M.Ch.(Plastic Surgery) - Students will learn to carry out the procedure of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. The former includes craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, and the treatment of burns, however, later they get changes in special features to enhance the appearances of individuals.

Other specialities in M.Ch degree programmes are listed below:

• Genito-Urinary Surgery
• Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
• Gynaecological Oncology
• Paediatric Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery and Critical care

What After MCh Degree?

After completing an MCh degree, graduates will be qualified to take up surgical tasks in ICUs, health care centres, and emergency care. They can also choose a research field to work with various pharma, research agencies, and government organisations.

Many students also choose both research and surgical practice simultaneously. Public healthcare and surgical consultancy are two distinct employment paths available after completing the MCh programme. These professionals collaborate with government agencies and influence policy-making to advance the most beneficial public health policies.

Other Popular Medical Degrees

• BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
• MDS (Master of Dental Surgery)

Careers Opportunities after MCh Degree

Candidates after completion of their M.Ch degree programmes will have numerous opportunities. MCh graduates can work in hospitals, pharmacies, and surgical consultants. Some of the popular career options after MCh degree are as follows:

Urologist: A Urologist is a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract issues. He or she works with both males and women and provides treatments for urinary tract disorders in women.

Neuro-Surgeon: A Neurosurgeon analyses and diagnoses nervous system illnesses or injuries and performs procedures on the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves to treat these conditions.

Paediatric Surgeon: A Paediatric Surgeon examines and diagnoses health conditions in young patients for surgery. He or she works in collaboration with neonatal specialists and family physicians to come up with a highly efficient treatment plan.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon: A plastic surgeon is responsible for improving the overall aesthetic appearance of patients using medical procedures and surgeons. Reconstructive Surgeons mainly focus on the reconstruction of a particular body part to improve its routine functioning.

Top Recruiters

Some of the top recruiters that hire M.Ch graduates are mentioned below:

• AIIMS
• Fortis
• Apollo
• Indian Nursing Group
• Medica
• Manipal Hospitals

Salary After Completion of MCh Degree

The salary of individuals with an M.Ch degree can vary depending on the sector they choose to work in and the skills and experience they possess. In the table below, we have mentioned the M.Ch degree salary that graduates receive.

Source: Ambitionbox

Employment Areas

M.Ch. graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, and universities. They can also do individual practices. M.Ch graduates can find employment opportunities in the following fields:

• Hospitals
• Healthcare facilities
• Universities
• Individual Practice

Top Private MCh Colleges in India

There are several private MCh colleges in India. Private colleges and universities are more expensive than public colleges and universities. Some of the top private MCh colleges and their fees are listed below:

Top Government MCh Colleges in India

There are several government colleges in India that offer MCh degree programmes at an affordable cost. These colleges are known for their high academic standards. Some of the top government M.Ch colleges and their fees are as follows:

M.Ch (Master of Chirurgiae) is one of the medical qualifications in the field of medical sciences. Earning an MCh degree will qualify a student to take up surgical work in hospitals, ICU, and trauma care centres. The scope of MCh programmes is also vast as MCh graduates can join a pharmaceutical company or a medical research facility.