SGT University
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- Exams: NEET PG
Psychiatry is a specialised branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. It blends medical knowledge with psychological understanding to help individuals manage conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Strong communication skills are crucial for professionals seeking to establish trust with patients.
Psychiatric conditions vary significantly among individuals due to genetic factors, environmental influences, and personal experiences. Treatment may involve counselling, medication, or a combination of therapies. Psychiatry is usually studied at the postgraduate level, where students receive advanced clinical training and theoretical knowledge. Preventive and community psychiatry are also gaining prominence with increasing mental health awareness.
Psychiatry courses in India are primarily offered at the postgraduate level through MD or Diploma programmes, with over 200 medical colleges providing specialisations in this field. To be eligible, candidates must hold an MBBS degree from a recognised university. Admission is usually based on entrance exams like NEET PG or INI CET.
NEET PG Exam Date- August 03, 2025
Psychiatry is a medical discipline focused on understanding, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions through therapeutic methods, counselling, and pharmacological interventions. The field merges neuroscience with psychological care, offering career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, academia, and research. Here are some key highlights of the programme:
Particulars | Values |
---|---|
Branch Name | Psychiatry |
Degree | MBBS + MD (Psychiatry), Diploma, M.Phil, MSc, PGD, PhD, MD, DM |
Duration | UG: 5.5 years (MBBS) |
Eligibility | UG: 10+2 with PCB subjects |
Admission Process | Entrance Examination and Merit-Based |
Entrance Exam | NEET PG, INI CET |
Average Fees | Rs. 90,000 – Rs. 90 lakhs (varies by institute and degree) |
Job Profiles | Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychiatrist, Mental Health Counsellor, Clinical Psychiatrist, Neuropsychiatrist, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Forensic Psychiatrist |
Average Salary | Rs. 8 – 12 LPA (based on role and experience) |
Recruiting Companies | AIIMS, NIMHANS, Fortis Healthcare, Max Healthcare, Government Hospitals, NGOs |
Specialisations and related fields in Psychiatry allow students to explore specific domains of mental health care, allowing for deeper expertise and focused treatment approaches. These options cater to diverse mental health needs across age groups and conditions. Based on their interests and career aspirations, candidates can choose from the following specialisations:
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | Geriatric Psychiatry |
Forensic Psychiatry | Addiction Psychiatry |
Psychiatric Medicine | Neuropsychiatry |
Emergency Psychiatry | Community Psychiatry |
Several private medical institutions in India offer specialised postgraduate courses in Psychiatry, providing high-quality training, clinical exposure, and research opportunities. These colleges are equipped with advanced mental health departments and experienced faculty. Admission is usually based on NEET PG or INI CET scores. Here are some top colleges for the Psychiatry course, along with fees.
Top Colleges | Fees |
---|---|
Rs. 76.22 Lakhs | |
Rs. 6.60 Lakhs | |
Rs. 65.34 Lakhs | |
Rs. 5.54 Lakhs | |
Rs. 23.04 Lakhs | |
Rs. 63.75 Lakhs | |
Rs. 63.75 Lakhs | |
Rs. 83.47 Lakhs | |
Rs. 82 50 Lakhs | |
Rs. 75.75 Lakhs |
Note: The fee structure provided above may apply to any specific Psychiatry course (Diploma, Degree).
Many government medical colleges in India provide excellent Psychiatry education at affordable fees. These institutions offer strong academic training, clinical practice in public hospitals, and access to national mental health programmes. Admission is highly competitive and based on entrance exams. Here are some top government colleges for the Psychiatry course, along with fees.
Top Colleges | Fees |
---|---|
Rs. 57,440 | |
Rs. 29.40 Lakhs | |
Rs. 94,500 | |
Rs. 97,500 | |
Rs. 1.08 Lakhs | |
Rs. 90,000 | |
- | |
Rs. 1 Lakhs | |
Rs. 4.52 Lakhs | |
Rs. 1.56 Lakhs |
To pursue a course in Psychiatry, candidates must satisfy the eligibility criteria outlined by the respective institutions. Typically, students must complete an undergraduate medical degree to apply for postgraduate Psychiatry programmes. Below are the general eligibility requirements for both the UG and PG levels.
Students aspiring to enter the field of Psychiatry at the undergraduate level must pursue a general MBBS degree first, as there is no specialised psychiatry course directly after 10+2. However, MBBS is the foundational pathway. Some key eligibility conditions for MBBS admissions include:
To pursue an MBBS degree, candidates must appear for national-level entrance exams that evaluate their knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. These tests are essential for securing admission to medical colleges across India and serve as the primary selection criteria. Below are the key entrance exams for undergraduate medical programmes.
Exam Name | Level | Conducting Body | Exam Schedule |
---|---|---|---|
National | National Testing Agency |
For specialisation in Psychiatry, candidates must hold an MBBS degree from a recognised medical college. Admission to MD in Psychiatry or equivalent courses requires meeting the academic and entrance exam standards set by medical institutions. Common eligibility criteria include:
To gain admission into postgraduate Psychiatry programmes, candidates must qualify in national-level medical entrance exams. These exams assess advanced theoretical knowledge and clinical skills essential for specialisation. Scoring well is crucial for admission into reputed institutions offering MD Psychiatry or related programmes. Below are some major PG entrance exams in India.
Exam Name | Level | Conducting Body | Exam Schedule |
---|---|---|---|
National | National Board of Examinations (NBE) | ||
National | AIIMS |
The scope of psychiatry is growing steadily due to increased mental health awareness and rising cases of psychological disorders. Government initiatives like the National Mental Health Programme and global advocacy by the WHO have expanded psychiatric care access. Psychiatrists are now essential in both urban and rural healthcare systems across India.
Specialisations in psychiatry, such as child psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, and forensic psychiatry, are gaining prominence. Career options extend to rehabilitation centres, academic research, policy-making bodies, and wellness programmes in corporate settings. With mental wellness becoming a health priority, psychiatry professionals can build successful careers in hospitals, NGOs, private practice, and international mental health organisations.
Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Private | Government | Private | Government | |
UG | ||||
PG | ||||
DOCTORAL | ||||
DIPLOMA |
The psychiatry curriculum is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of mental health, behavioural science, and therapeutic practices. At the undergraduate level, psychiatry is taught as a part of the MBBS programme, while postgraduate courses offer specialised training. Below is the syllabus for both the UG and PG levels.
The undergraduate psychiatry syllabus is part of the MBBS curriculum prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Psychiatry is taught during the clinical phase, typically from semesters 6 to 9. The syllabus includes foundational and clinical subjects designed to help medical students understand and manage various mental health conditions. Here are some of the subjects covered in the MBBS syllabus for the Psychiatry course.
Introduction to Psychiatry | Doctor–Patient Relationship |
Psychopathology | Neurobiology of Mental Disorders |
Mood Disorders | Anxiety and Stress-related Disorders |
Psychotic Disorders | Personality Disorders |
Substance Use Disorders | Child and Adolescent Psychiatry |
Geriatric Psychiatry | Emergency Psychiatry |
Psychopharmacology | Psychotherapies |
Legal and Ethical Issues | Community Psychiatry |
The postgraduate curriculum in psychiatry offers advanced knowledge in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions using homoeopathic principles. It includes subjects such as Psychiatry I & II, Research Methodology, Biostatistics, and Practice of Medicine, along with an in-depth study of fundamental homoeopathy. This syllabus is part of the M.D (Hom.) Psychiatry course from Kerala University.
Part I | Part II |
Psychiatry | Psychiatry I |
Research Methodology & Biostatistics | Psychiatry II |
Advanced teaching of Fundamentals of Homoeopathy | Practice of Medicine |
Professionals in Psychiatry work to improve mental well-being by diagnosing, treating, and preventing psychological disorders. Through counselling, therapy, and medication, they help individuals manage conditions such as anxiety, depression, and mood disorders while promoting emotional stability and resilience. The focus remains on restoring mental balance and improving quality of life.
Career opportunities exist in mental health hospitals, psychiatric wards, rehabilitation centres, academic institutions, and private clinics. Psychiatrists, mental health counsellors, clinical psychiatrists, and behavioural therapists collaborate to offer holistic care. Their work plays an important role in destigmatising mental health and advancing the integration of psychological care in general healthcare systems.
Emerging trends in psychiatry highlight the integration of technology, personalised care, and broader recognition of mental health as a public health priority. These innovations aim to improve access, accuracy of diagnosis, and the effectiveness of treatment strategies. Below are some of the current developments shaping the future of psychiatry:
Job roles in psychiatry offer various opportunities across clinical, research, educational, and therapeutic settings. Professionals can specialise in treating various age groups, mental disorders, or legal aspects of mental health. These roles require strong analytical skills, empathy, and medical expertise. Here are some of the prominent job roles in this field.
Job Profiles | Description |
---|---|
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. They prescribe medications, provide psychotherapy, and help patients manage emotional and behavioural issues. | |
Neuropsychiatrists | Neuropsychiatrists deal with disorders that affect both the brain and mental functions, such as epilepsy and dementia. They apply both neurological and psychiatric approaches to treat patients with complex neurological and behavioural symptoms. |
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists | Child and adolescent psychiatrists specialise in diagnosing and managing psychiatric disorders in children and teenagers. They help young individuals cope with emotional, developmental, and behavioural issues. |
Forensic Psychiatrists | Forensic psychiatrists work at the intersection of law and mental health, assessing individuals involved in legal matters. They provide expert opinions on criminal responsibility, competency, and risk assessments. |
Clinical Psychiatrists | Clinical psychiatrists treat a wide range of mental health disorders in clinical or hospital settings. They work closely with other healthcare professionals to develop personalised treatment plans. |
Mental Health Counsellor | Mental Health Counsellors provide emotional support and therapeutic guidance to individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or trauma. They use talk therapy techniques to help clients understand their feelings, develop coping strategies, and improve their overall mental well-being. |
The average salary in the field of psychiatry depends on several factors such as experience level, location, and type of healthcare institution. Professionals working in metropolitan cities or private hospitals tend to earn higher packages. With growing awareness around mental health, salary prospects continue to improve across clinical and research settings.
Job Profiles | Average Salary (LPA) |
---|---|
Psychiatrists | Rs. 10 LPA |
Neuropsychiatrists | Rs. 4 LPA |
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists | Rs. 15.9 LPA |
Forensic Psychiatrists | Rs. 3.6 LPA |
Clinical Psychiatrists | Rs. 2.2 LPA |
Mental Health Counsellor | Rs. 3 LPA |
Source: AmbitionBox, Salary Expert
To succeed in the field of psychiatry, candidates must possess a combination of clinical expertise, emotional intelligence, and strong communication abilities. These skills enable psychiatrists to assess complex mental health issues, offer effective treatments, and build trust with patients. Below are some of the key skills essential for a psychiatry career:
The Psychiatry curriculum is structured to provide students with a deep understanding of mental health, human behaviour, and the neurological basis of psychiatric disorders. It combines core medical sciences with clinical training, emphasising the diagnosis, management, and prevention of mental illnesses. Students are introduced to both theoretical foundations and hands-on practice through hospital-based learning. Below are some of the key subjects covered in the Psychiatry course structure:
Answer :
Postgraduate Psychiatry programmes like MD generally last for 3 years. Diploma courses may be shorter, typically around 2 years, depending on the institution.
Answer :
Yes, with rising mental health awareness, the demand for psychiatrists is growing in India. Career opportunities are available in hospitals, private practice, academic research, NGOs, and government health programmes.
Answer :
No. Psychiatrists undertake treatment and diagnosis of a varied range of patients including hallucinating patients, maniacs, delusion affected individuals and illness resulting in irregular functioning of the central nervous system.
Answer :
Candidates must qualify for national-level exams such as NEET PG or INI CET after completing MBBS to get admission into MD Psychiatry or related postgraduate programmes.
Answer :
No, to become a psychiatrist, you must first complete an MBBS degree after 12th (with PCB subjects), followed by a postgraduate specialisation in Psychiatry like MD or Diploma in Psychiatry.
Answer :
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medications and provide treatment for mental illnesses, whereas a psychologist typically focuses on counselling and therapy and does not prescribe medicine.
Hello there,
Here are the
NEET PG 2024
closing ranks and marks for
MD Chest Medicine (Pulmonary Medicine)
and
MD Psychiatry
in government medical colleges in
West Bengal
:
MD Chest Medicine (Pulmonary Medicine) – Government Colleges
Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata :
Round 2 Closing Rank : 10450
Category : EWS (Economically Weaker Section)
Marks
: Not specified
Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGMER), Kolkata :
Round 1 Closing Rank : 5510
Category : General (UR)
Marks
: Not specified
Burdwan Medical College :
Round 2 Closing Rank : 4782
Category : General (UR)
Marks
: Not specified
Command Hospital EC, Alipore, Kolkata :
Round 1 Closing Rank : 4729
Category : General (UR)
Marks
: Not specified
MD Psychiatry – Government Colleges
Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata :
Round 1 Closing Rank : 5510
Category : General (UR)
Marks
: Not specified
Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGMER), Kolkata :
Round 1 Closing Rank : 83810
Category : General (UR)
Marks
: Not specified
School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata :
Round 1 Closing Rank : 101647
Category : SC (Scheduled Caste)
Marks
: Not specified
Institute of Child Health, Kolkata :
Round 1 Closing Rank : 71560
Category : General (UR)
Marks : Not specified
Note
: The exact marks corresponding to these closing ranks are not specified in the available sources. For precise information, it's advisable to refer to the official NEET PG 2024 seat allotment results or contact the respective medical colleges directly.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.
Hello,
In India, after completing a PhD in Clinical Psychology , you cannot directly pursue an MD in Psychiatry or Diploma in Psychological Medicine (DPM) because:
Hope it helps !
Hello there,
With a rank of 47,000, securing a DNB (Diplomate of National Board) seat in Psychiatry may be challenging, as this specialty generally has high competition and limited seats across institutions. However, availability varies depending on the state and institution, and some DNB hospitals may offer seats at slightly lower ranks, especially in less popular locations.
Your best approach is to monitor the cutoff trends for DNB Psychiatry in recent rounds of counseling. Also, consider applying in less competitive states or cities where cutoff ranks might be lower. Additionally, in the mop-up or stray vacancy rounds, some seats become available if they remain unfilled, increasing your chances for admission.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
With a rank of 47,716 in the general category, securing an MD or DNB seat in Psychiatry can be challenging but not impossible. Here's a breakdown of your chances based on different types of institutions:
MD Psychiatry in Government Colleges: Government medical colleges are highly competitive, especially for in-demand specializations like Psychiatry. With your rank, the chances of securing an MD seat in Psychiatry at a government college are relatively low unless there are significant variations in cutoffs or you apply in states with less competition.
DNB Psychiatry: DNB (Diplomate of National Board) courses are offered by various hospitals across India. DNB Psychiatry might be a more accessible option with your rank compared to MD. DNB seats generally have slightly lower cutoffs than MD, and with careful selection of hospitals, you might secure a seat.
Deemed Universities: Deemed universities often have higher tuition fees but may offer better chances of admission with your rank. Some deemed universities might have Psychiatry seats available, especially in the later rounds of counseling. However, the exact availability can vary widely, and you may need to be flexible regarding location and fees.
In summary, while government MD Psychiatry seats may be difficult to secure, you have better chances with DNB Psychiatry or in deemed universities, particularly if you're open to exploring different options and locations.
With a rank of 47,716 in the general quota, getting a seat in Psychiatry for DNB, MD, or at a deemed university might be challenging, but it’s not entirely out of the question. Here’s a general overview of your chances:
1. **DNB Psychiatry**: The Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses are often competitive, and higher ranks might struggle to secure a seat in popular specializations like Psychiatry. However, some private or less sought-after institutions might have openings. It’s crucial to check the specific cut-off ranks for DNB Psychiatry in previous years for better insights.
2. **MD Psychiatry**: For MD (Doctor of Medicine) in Psychiatry, government medical colleges usually have stricter cut-offs. With a rank of 47,716, getting a seat in government colleges is unlikely. However, private medical colleges and deemed universities might have higher cut-off ranks, so it’s worth exploring these options.
3. **Deemed Universities**: Deemed universities might offer more opportunities as they have their own admission criteria and higher cut-offs. Check the specific deemed universities' previous cut-off ranks for Psychiatry and apply accordingly.
**Suggestions**:
- **Research Institutions**: Investigate the cut-offs for various institutions and be prepared to consider options in private or deemed universities.
- **Counseling and Upgradation**: Participate in counseling processes and keep an eye on seat availability during subsequent rounds.
Keep a flexible approach and explore all possible avenues to maximize your chances of securing a seat.
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