Last Updated on December 15, 2025 by Simran
The Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a highly sought-after postgraduate medical degree in India, pursued after MBBS. It offers specialization in non-surgical branches like General Medicine, Pediatrics, Radiology, and more. Regulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC), the MD program focuses on advanced clinical knowledge, diagnosis, treatment, and research skills.
This 3-year course (no separate internship required, as MBBS internship suffices) prepares doctors for specialized patient care. With around 40,000+ MD seats available across India and fierce competition through NEET PG, securing admission demands top ranks.
This comprehensive guide covers everything about MD in India for the 2026 cycle – eligibility, specializations, entrance exams, fees, top colleges, and career prospects – based on the latest NMC and NTA guidelines.
MD Course: Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| Course Name | Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
| Course Level | Postgraduate medical degree |
| Duration | 3 years (full-time residency) |
| Eligibility | MBBS degree + 1-year compulsory internship |
| Specializations Offered | General Medicine, Pediatrics, Radiology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, and other non-surgical branches |
| Regulatory Body | National Medical Commission (NMC) |
| Admission Process | NEET PG (mandatory, national-level exam) |
| Competition Level | Very high due to limited seats |
| Total Seats (Approx.) | 40,000+ MD/MS seats combined across India |
| College Types | Government, Private, and Deemed Universities |
| Fees Structure | Government: Low and affordablePrivate/Deemed: High, especially for clinical branches |
| Average Starting Salary | Government hospitals: ₹10–25 LPAPrivate hospitals: ₹20–50 LPA+ |
| Career Growth | High demand for specialists with strong long-term income potential |
| Global Recognition | Eligible for international exams like USMLE, PLAB, and AMC |
| Ideal For | MBBS graduates seeking specialization, job security, and global career opportunities |
Eligibility Criteria for MD
To apply for an MD course in India, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC). These criteria ensure that only qualified medical graduates enter postgraduate training.
First, the candidate must have completed an MBBS degree from a medical college recognized by NMC. Foreign medical graduates must also clear the FMGE/NExT as applicable. Second, completion of a 1-year compulsory rotating internship is mandatory. The internship must be completed on or before the cut-off date specified for the admission year.
Candidates must hold a Permanent or Provisional Registration with either the NMC or a State Medical Council. Without valid registration, admission is not permitted. The most important eligibility requirement is qualifying NEET PG, which is the single entrance exam for MD admissions in India.
The minimum qualifying percentile in NEET PG is:
- 50th percentile for General and EWS candidates
- 45th percentile for Persons with Disabilities (PwD – General)
- 40th percentile for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD (reserved categories)
There is no upper age limit to pursue an MD degree. Reserved category candidates are eligible for relaxation as per government norms. Meeting eligibility does not guarantee admission, as final selection depends on NEET PG rank and counseling.
Popular MD Specializations
MD offers more than 20 different specializations, allowing doctors to choose fields based on interest, lifestyle, income potential, and future scope. Among these, some branches are especially popular due to high demand and earning potential.
| MD Specialization | Approx. Seats in India | NEET PG Rank Range (General) | Average Salary (LPA) | Key Career Scope |
| MD General Medicine | 10,000+ | 1 – 10,000 | 15 – 35 | Broad clinical practice, gateway to DM specializations |
| MD Radiodiagnosis (Radiology) | 1,000+ | 100 – 5,000 | 25 – 80+ | High-demand diagnostic imaging, technology-driven |
| MD Dermatology | 500+ | 500 – 4,000 | 30 – 100+ | Cosmetic dermatology, OPD-based private practice |
| MD Pediatrics | 4,000+ | 5,000 – 15,000 | 12 – 30 | Child healthcare, hospitals and clinics |
| MD Psychiatry | 1,000+ | 10,000 – 20,000 | 15 – 40 | Mental health care, growing awareness |
| MD Pathology | 2,000+ | 15,000 – 30,000 | 10 – 25 | Laboratory diagnostics, research |
| MD Anesthesiology | 3,000+ | 10,000 – 25,000 | 15 – 40 | Surgical support, critical care units |
MD General Medicine has the highest number of seats, with over 10,000 seats across India. It offers broad clinical exposure and acts as a gateway to super-specialties like Cardiology, Neurology, and Gastroenterology. Average salaries range from ₹15–35 LPA.
MD Radiodiagnosis (Radiology) is one of the most competitive branches, with limited seats (around 1,000+) and high salaries ranging from ₹25–80 LPA or more. It is highly technology-driven and offers excellent work-life balance.
MD Dermatology is another top choice due to its OPD-based practice and cosmetic scope. With fewer seats (around 500+), salaries can reach ₹30–100 LPA, especially in private clinics.
MD Pediatrics focuses on child healthcare and has steady demand, offering salaries between ₹12–30 LPA.
MD Psychiatry is growing rapidly due to increased mental health awareness, with salaries up to ₹40 LPA.
MD Pathology and MD Anesthesiology also offer stable careers in diagnostics and surgical support roles.
Entrance Exam for MD (NEET PG)
NEET PG is the only entrance exam for admission to MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses in India. It is conducted once a year by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) in computer-based mode.
The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each carrying 4 marks, making a total of 800 marks. For every incorrect answer, 1 mark is deducted, so accuracy is crucial. The total exam duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes.
NEET PG tests a candidate’s understanding of all MBBS subjects, including pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical disciplines. There are no sectional time limits, allowing candidates to manage time freely.
Qualifying NEET PG is mandatory for MD admission, but the rank obtained determines the branch and college. Higher-demand branches like Radiology and Dermatology require top ranks. NEET PG scores are valid only for the current admission cycle.
The exam plays a central role in ensuring merit-based, transparent admissions across India. Preparation usually requires 12–18 months of focused study, revision, and practice through mock tests.
NEET PG Exam Pattern
The NEET PG exam follows a structured pattern designed to test comprehensive medical knowledge gained during MBBS. The paper is divided into three major sections: Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical subjects.
The Pre-Clinical section includes subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry. It has approximately 50 questions, contributing 200 marks. This section tests foundational medical concepts.
The Para-Clinical section covers subjects such as Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, and Community Medicine. This section also has around 50 questions, totaling 200 marks. It focuses on disease mechanisms, drugs, and population health.
The Clinical section is the most important part of NEET PG, with around 100 questions carrying 400 marks. It includes Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, ENT, and allied subjects. This section evaluates diagnostic skills and clinical decision-making.
There are 200 questions in total, with a maximum of 800 marks. The exam is entirely MCQ-based, with a single best answer. Since negative marking is applicable, strategic answering is essential.
Understanding the exam pattern helps candidates plan preparation efficiently and focus more on high-weightage clinical subjects.
MD Syllabus Overview
The MD syllabus is designed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) under the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) framework. The curriculum emphasizes not just theoretical knowledge but also practical skills, ethics, and research.
The course is divided into three phases.
Phase 1 focuses on core theoretical concepts and subject fundamentals related to the chosen specialization.
Phase 2 emphasizes clinical rotations, hands-on patient care, ward duties, and diagnostic procedures.
Phase 3 involves advanced specialization training, electives, thesis submission, and research work.
A major component of the MD program is the thesis, which trains students in medical research, data analysis, and scientific writing. Residents are also assessed through internal exams, clinical evaluations, seminars, and final university examinations.
The syllabus focuses heavily on patient management, ethical practice, communication skills, and evidence-based medicine. Residents work long hours in hospitals, gaining real-world exposure under senior faculty supervision.
Overall, the MD syllabus prepares doctors to become independent specialists capable of handling complex medical cases, teaching students, and contributing to healthcare research.
MD Admission Process
Admission to MD courses in India follows a centralized, merit-based process using NEET PG scores. There is no direct admission without qualifying the entrance exam.
The first step is to appear for and qualify NEET PG. Once results are declared, candidates must register for counseling conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats. The remaining 50% State Quota seats are filled through respective state counseling authorities.
After registration, candidates participate in choice filling and locking, selecting preferred colleges and specializations based on rank. Seat allotment is done in multiple rounds, including Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, and Stray Vacancy rounds.
Once a seat is allotted, candidates must complete document verification and report to the allotted medical college within the given timeframe. Failure to report can result in seat cancellation.
Reservation policies apply as per government norms. The entire process is transparent and rank-based, ensuring fairness in MD admissions across India.
Top MD Colleges in India
India has several reputed institutions offering high-quality MD education. Government colleges are highly preferred due to low fees and strong clinical exposure.
AIIMS Delhi is considered the top medical institute, offering over 200 MD seats with nominal fees of ₹5,000–10,000 per year.
PGIMER Chandigarh is known for Medicine and Radiology, with fees around ₹10,000–20,000 annually.
JIPMER Puducherry offers excellent training in General Medicine at low cost.
Among private institutions, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore stands out for Dermatology and Pediatrics, with reasonable fees compared to other private colleges.
Kasturba Medical College (Manipal) is popular for Radiodiagnosis but charges higher fees.
Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi is renowned for Psychiatry and Pathology.
Choosing the right college depends on rank, budget, specialization availability, and hospital exposure.
| College Name | Type | Approx. MD Seats | Fees (Government Quota / Year) | Notable MD Specializations |
| AIIMS, New Delhi | Government | 200+ | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 | All major MD branches |
| PGIMER, Chandigarh | Government | 150+ | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 | General Medicine, Radiology |
| Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore | Private | 100+ | ₹1 – 3 lakhs | Dermatology, Pediatrics |
| JIPMER, Puducherry | Government | 100+ | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 | General Medicine |
| Kasturba Medical College, Manipal | Private | 150+ | ₹20 – 40 lakhs | Radiodiagnosis |
| Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi | Government | 100+ | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 | Psychiatry, Pathology |
MD Fees Structure
MD fees vary widely depending on the type of institution and specialization. Government medical colleges offer MD courses at very affordable rates, ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakhs for the entire 3-year course.
In contrast, private and deemed universities charge significantly higher fees. The total cost can range from ₹20 lakhs to over ₹1 crore, especially for high-demand branches like Radiology and Dermatology. Non-clinical branches usually have lower fees.
Despite fees, MD residents receive a monthly stipend, which typically ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹1.2 lakh per month in most institutions. This helps cover living expenses during residency.
Candidates should carefully evaluate return on investment, as higher fees can still be justified by strong earning potential after graduation.
MD vs MS vs PG Diploma
MD, MS, and PG Diploma are all postgraduate medical qualifications but differ in focus and duration. MD focuses on non-surgical specialties, while MS is for surgical branches. Both MD and MS have a 3-year duration and require NEET PG qualification.
PG Diploma courses are shorter, lasting 2 years, and focus on specific skill-based training. Fees for PG Diplomas are generally lower, but career scope and salary potential are limited compared to MD/MS.
MD graduates typically earn ₹15–50 LPA or more, while MS specialists can earn even higher due to surgical procedures. PG Diploma holders earn ₹8–20 LPA.
MD and MS degrees offer better long-term growth, super-specialization options, and academic careers.
Career Opportunities After MD
After completing MD, doctors have a wide range of career options. Many work as hospital consultants or specialists in government or private hospitals. Others open private clinics, especially in branches like Dermatology and Psychiatry.
MD graduates can pursue super-specialization (DM) through NEET SS for advanced fields. Teaching and academics are popular options in medical colleges. Some doctors work in research, pharmaceuticals, or public health services.
Starting salaries range from ₹15–40 LPA, and with experience, income can exceed ₹1 crore annually in top branches and private practice.
MD offers strong job security, respect, and lifelong career growth.
FAQs
What is the duration of MD in India?
MD is a 3-year full-time postgraduate residency program pursued after completing MBBS and compulsory internship.
Is NEET PG mandatory for MD admission?
Yes, NEET PG is the only national-level entrance exam required for admission to MD courses in India.
What is the eligibility for MD in India?
Candidates must have an MBBS degree, completed internship, valid medical registration, and qualify NEET PG.
How many MD seats are available in India?
Around 40,000 plus MD and MS seats combined are available annually across government and private medical colleges.
Which MD specialization has the highest salary?
Radiology and Dermatology offer the highest salaries due to strong demand, limited seats, and private practice opportunities.
What is the average fee for MD in government colleges?
MD fees in government colleges range between ₹50,000 and ₹5 lakhs for the complete three-year course.
What is the fee range for MD in private colleges?
Private and deemed universities charge ₹20 lakhs to over ₹1 crore depending on specialization and institution.
What is the average salary after completing MD?
Fresh MD graduates earn ₹15–40 LPA initially, while experienced specialists can earn significantly higher incomes.
Can MD doctors practice abroad?
Yes, MD degrees are globally recognized, allowing doctors to appear for USMLE, PLAB, and other international licensing exams.
What career options are available after MD?
MD graduates can work as consultants, open private clinics, pursue super-specialization, teaching, research, or government healthcare jobs.