Doctor of Medicine Degree in India
The MD or Doctor of Medicine, is a postgraduate degree with a duration of around three years in India.
This course offers various specializations and a flexible syllabus designed to thoroughly train students in theoretical, practical, and clinical skills.
With the healthcare industry expanding due to advancements in healthcare infrastructure and the impact of the pandemic, the demand for medical professionals is on the rise.
Completing a Doctor of Medicine degree opens up good employment opportunities, including roles as clinical practitioners and teachers. The doctor of medicine degree cost varies, depending on the doctor of medicine degree type and location of the institution offering the course.
What is a Doctor of Medicine Degree?
A Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, derived from the Latin term "Medicinae Doctor," is a postgraduate medical course pursued after completing an MBBS degree.
This professional program typically lasts 3 years and provides specialized training in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases. To be eligible for an MD, students must first complete a 5-year MBBS course and a mandatory 6-month internship.
The MD degree certificate allows students to gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in various medical fields, such as General Medicine, Radiotherapy, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics.
Graduates with an MD degree often find employment in hospitals, clinics, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies.
Doctor of Medicine Degree Highlights
| Full Form | Doctor of Medicine |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Fees | ₹50,000 - ₹15,00,000 |
| Qualification | Must have completed MBBS |
| Admission Process | Merit-Based, Entrance-Exam Based |
| Entrance Exam | NEET PG, INI CET |
| Top Colleges | AIIMS Delhi, JIPMER Puducherry, BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad |
| Job Roles | General Practitioners, Obstetricians, Anesthesiologists, Bacteriologists |
| Average Salary | ₹5,00,000 - ₹7,00,000 per annum approx. |
Who should do a Doctor of Medicine Degree?
MD or Doctor of Medicine degree is particularly suited for medical students who have completed their MBBS or equivalent medical degrees. Those ready to deepen their knowledge in the study of medicine, including disease prevention and treatment, and who are prepared for the rigorous demands of the profession, should consider pursuing an MD degree.
Why pursue a Doctor of Medicine?
Pursuing a doctor of medicine degree can be beneficial and a valuable investment for aspiring medical professionals. Here are some key benefits:
- Attractive Salary Range: MD degree holders often earn competitive salaries, with the average salary for doctors in India being around ₹5,00,000 - ₹7,00,000 lakhs per annum approx.
- Job Security: A career in medicine is among the most secure professions globally. The demand for doctors remains constant, regardless of circumstances like pandemics or natural disasters. This ensures long-term job stability.
- Enhanced Patient Trust: Specializing in a Doctor of Medicine builds greater trust with patients.
- Opportunities in Prestigious Organizations: MD graduates have the opportunity to work in well-known companies and institutions, such as Apollo Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Sun Pharma, Ranbaxy, and more, across various sectors.
- Global Job Opportunities: MD graduates are in high demand worldwide, with ample job opportunities in diverse locations.
Doctor of Medicine Qualifications
To pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, students must meet the eligibility criteria:
- Students should hold an MBBS degree from a recognized institution.
- Students must secure at least 50% aggregate marks in their MBBS to be eligible for the NEET PG entrance exam.
- Some institutions may require students to undergo a personal interview as part of the admission process.
These doctor of medicine degree requirements are essential for anyone aiming to advance their medical career through an MD degree.
Doctor of Medicine Admission Process
Admission to the Doctor of Medicine degree can be through merit-based selection or entrance exams based.
- Merit-Based Admission:
- Students must visit the official website of their chosen college to apply. They need to fill out the application form with accurate details and submit it.
- After submitting the application, students must wait for the college to release its merit list on a specified date. If their name appears on the list, they must report to the college for further processes, including counseling and seat allocation
2. Entrance Exam-Based Admission
- Students should check the official website of their desired college to find out which entrance exams are accepted for the course.
- After registering they must appear for the relevant entrance exam. Once they obtain their scores, they should apply to the college by completing the application form.
- After the merit list is published, students whose names are on the list may be required to participate in a personal interview or group discussion, which will determine their final selection for admission.
Entrance Exams for Doctor of Medicine Degree
Some institutes and colleges have entrance exams as their admission process. Some of the popular entrance exams for doctor of medicine degrees are as below:
| Entrance Exam | Conducting Body |
| National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Post Graduate (NEET PG) | National Board of Examinations (NBE) |
| Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
Doctor of Medicine Specialisations
Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a postgraduate degree that offers a wide range of specialisations for students to gain expertise in various medical fields. Here are some of the top specialisations students can choose:
| MD in General Medicine | This specialization focuses on diagnosing and treating adult diseases. It’s one of the most pursued specializations under the MD degree. |
| MD in Pediatrics | This specialization deals with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. |
| MD in Pathology | Pathology involves the diagnosis and study of diseases through lab tests and genetic technologies. |
| MD in Psychiatry | Psychiatry specializes in mental health care, diagnosing, and treating emotional and behavioral disorders. |
| MD in Radiology | Radiology focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases using imaging techniques like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. |
| MD in Dermatology | Dermatology is concerned with skin, hair, and nail disorders. |
| MD in Community Medicine | This specialization is focused on public health, preventive medicine, and health promotion. |
| MD in Microbiology | Microbiology involves the study of microorganisms and their effects on humans. |
| MD in Physiology | Physiology deals with the study of the human body's functions. |
Here are some of the other doctor of medicine specialisations:
- MD in Pharmacology
- MD in Biochemistry
- MD in Anatomy
- MD in Emergency Medicine
- MD in Nuclear Medicine
The Doctor of Medicine degree type is essential for those looking to advance their careers in the medical profession and secure specialized roles in hospitals, clinics, research institutions, and educational settings.
Top Colleges for Doctor of Medicine Degree
Many government and private colleges offer doctor of medicine degrees. Here are some of the top colleges for a Doctor of Medicine degree:
Here's the reordered list of top MD colleges in India with their full names:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi
- Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi
- University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
- Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati
- B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad
- Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial (GSVM) Medical College, Kanpur
- Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar
- Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla
- Baroda Medical College, Vadodara
Students can visit Docthub too and explore Doctor of Medicine colleges.
Future Scope of Doctor of Medicine Degree
The future scope for those with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree is vast and promising.
MD doctors, with their clinical expertise, are highly sought after in both government and private hospitals, as well as in nursing homes.
They also find opportunities in biomedical companies, where their specialized knowledge is invaluable.
For those interested in academia, positions as lecturers or thesis guides in medical colleges are available. This gives graduates the chance to shape the next generation of medical professionals.
Additionally, MD graduates can pursue careers in research, contributing to medical advancements and authoring chapters in medical textbooks.
The MD degree's focus on in-depth, research-based study equips graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the medical field, opening doors to further specialization through advanced degrees like PhD, M.Ch, or DM.
Salary of Doctor of Medicine Graduate
The salary for MD graduates in India is quite variable and depends on several factors. These factors include location, level of education, years of experience, and the specific job role.
On average, an MD in India earns a salary ranging from approximately INR 5 to 7 lakhs per annum, though this can vary based on the mentioned factors.
Students can explore MD courses in different specialisations as per their choice on Docthub and apply to those courses.
FAQs
1. What is a doctor of medicine degree?
A Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree is a postgraduate degree that focuses on the study and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases in patients.
2. How many years is a doctor of medicine degree?
Doctor of Medicine is a three-year degree program.
3. Is a Doctor of Medicine the same as an MBBS?
No, a Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a postgraduate degree focused on specialized medical training, while an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) is an undergraduate degree that qualifies students to practice as general physicians.
4. Which is the highest degree in Doctor?
The highest degree in Doctor is a Doctorate of Medicine (MD) or the Master of Chirurgae (MCh).
5. Is a Doctor of Medicine a bachelor's degree?
No, Doctor of Medicine is a postgraduate degree, not a bachelor’s degree.
