MD Microbiology: Course Details, Colleges, Fees, and Career Opportunities in India
The demand for skilled microbiologists is increasing in the evolving healthcare industry, making MD Microbiology a highly sought-after postgraduate degree in India. This 3-year program delves into the study of microorganisms, their interactions with the environment, and their impact on human health. To pursue MD Microbiology, you must hold an MBBS degree with a minimum of 50% marks, complete a mandatory internship, register with the Medical Council of India (MCI), and qualify for the NEET PG entrance exam. The average fees for MD Microbiology in India range from INR 20,000 to INR 5,00,000, depending on the institution and location.
Top government colleges like All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) offer the course at a relatively lower fee, around INR 1,500 to INR 2,000 per annum. Private colleges like Christian Medical College (CMC) may charge higher fees, up to INR 50,000 per annum. With an MD Microbiology degree, you can find career opportunities in research, public health, and clinical practice.Â
This article provides an in-depth look at the MD Microbiology course, covering essential details such as course duration, eligibility criteria, average fees, and career prospects, and explores the top government and private colleges offering MD Microbiology.
MD Microbiology: Course Overview
The MD Microbiology course in India is a 3-year postgraduate program that studies microorganisms, their interactions with the environment and hosts, and their role in human disease. Various medical colleges across India offer this course. To be eligible, you need an MBBS degree and qualification in the NEET PG entrance exam. The average fees range from INR 20,000 to INR 5,00,000 per year, depending on the institution type (government or private).Â
Upon completion, graduates can pursue careers in research, clinical microbiology, public health, or academia. UGC/AICTE approval for colleges offering this course ensures educational quality and recognition. MD Microbiology graduates play a crucial role in healthcare and research, contributing to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. The following table provides a detailed overview of the course, including its duration, average fees, eligibility criteria, admission process, and career prospects.
| Course | Duration | Average Fees | Admission | Career Prospects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD Microbiology | 3 years | INR 2,50,000 – INR 5,00,000 per year | NEET PG or INI-CET + centralized counseling (MCC for All India/deemed seats; state bodies for state quota) | Clinical Microbiologist, Research Scientist, Public Health Specialist |
| MD Microbiology with specialization in Bacteriology | 3 years | INR 3,00,000 – INR 6,00,000 per year | NEET PG or INI-CET + centralized counseling (MCC for All India/deemed seats; state bodies for state quota) | Bacteriologist, Infectious Disease Specialist, Laboratory Director |
| MD Microbiology with specialization in Virology | 3 years | INR 3,50,000 – INR 7,00,000 per year | NEET PG or INI-CET + centralized counseling (MCC for All India/deemed seats; state bodies for state quota) | Virologist, Research Scientist, Public Health Consultant |
| MD Microbiology with specialization in Mycology | 3 years | INR 4,00,000 – INR 8,00,000 per year | NEET PG or INI-CET + centralized counseling (MCC for All India/deemed seats; state bodies for state quota) | Mycologist, Fungal Disease Specialist, Laboratory Consultant |
| MD Microbiology with specialization in Parasitology | 3 years | INR 4,50,000 – INR 9,00,000 per year | NEET PG or INI-CET + centralized counseling (MCC for All India/deemed seats; state bodies for state quota) | Parasitologist, Tropical Disease Specialist, Public Health Advisor |
| MD Microbiology with specialization in Immunology | 3 years | INR 5,00,000 – INR 10,00,000 per year | NEET PG or INI-CET + centralized counseling (MCC for All India/deemed seats; state bodies for state quota) | Immunologist, Allergist, Research Scientist |
| MD Microbiology with specialization in Molecular Biology | 3 years | INR 5,50,000 – INR 11,00,000 per year | NEET PG or INI-CET + centralized counseling (MCC for All India/deemed seats; state bodies for state quota) | Molecular Biologist, Geneticist, Research Consultant |
| MD Microbiology with specialization in Biotechnology | 3 years | INR 6,00,000 – INR 12,00,000 per year | NEET PG or INI-CET + centralized counseling (MCC for All India/deemed seats; state bodies for state quota) | Biotechnologist, Research Scientist, Industrial Consultant |
| MD Microbiology with specialization in Bioinformatics | 3 years | INR 6,50,000 – INR 13,00,000 per year | NEET PG or INI-CET + centralized counseling (MCC for All India/deemed seats; state bodies for state quota) | Bioinformatician, Computational Biologist, Research Advisor |
| MD Microbiology with specialization in Epidemiology | 3 years | INR 7,00,000 – INR 14,00,000 per year | NEET PG or INI-CET + centralized counseling (MCC for All India/deemed seats; state bodies for state quota) | Epidemiologist, Public Health Specialist, Research Consultant |
MD Microbiology Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for admission to MD Microbiology in India, you must fulfil several key requirements. You must hold a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized medical institution. You also must have completed a mandatory internship and be registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the National Medical Commission (NMC). The minimum marks or percentage required can vary depending on the institution and the category, but generally, you need at least 50% for the general category.
Some institutions may also require you to qualify for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) examination. The table below provides a detailed overview of the eligibility criteria for MD Microbiology, including the degree required, minimum marks or percentage, internship requirement, registration requirement, and other requirements for various degrees such as MBBS, BDS, and BVSc.
| Degree Required | Minimum Marks/Percentage | Internship Requirement | Registration Requirement | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBBS | 50% | Mandatory Completion | Medical Council of India (MCI) | NEET PG Qualification |
| BDS | 50% | Mandatory Completion | Dental Council of India (DCI) | NEET MDS Qualification |
| BVSc | 50% | Mandatory Completion | Veterinary Council of India (VCI) | NEET PG Qualification or equivalent |
| MBBS with 1-year experience | 55% | Completed | Medical Council of India (MCI) | NEET PG Qualification and experience certificate |
| MBBS with a postgraduate diploma | 50% | Mandatory Completion | Medical Council of India (MCI) | NEET PG Qualification and diploma certificate |
| Foreign medical graduates | 50% in FMGE | Completed in the respective country | Medical Council of India (MCI) or National Medical Commission (NMC) | Qualification recognition by MCI/NMC |
| Indian citizens with foreign MBBS degrees | 50% in FMGE | Completed in the respective country | Medical Council of India (MCI) or National Medical Commission (NMC) | Qualification recognition by MCI/NMC and NEET PG Qualification |
| Candidates with a disability | 45% | Mandatory Completion with possible exceptions | Medical Council of India (MCI) or National Medical Commission (NMC) | NEET PG Qualification and disability certificate |
MD Microbiology Admission Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The MD Microbiology admission process in India starts with appearing for the NEET PG entrance exam, a national-level exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). You must obtain a valid score to be eligible for admission. The admission process is highly competitive, and securing a seat in a top college requires a high NEET PG score.
- Appear for the NEET PG entrance exam, which is a multiple-choice question paper with 300 questions and a duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- Obtain a valid score. The NEET PG cutoff varies each year, but generally, a score of 400 and above is considered good for government colleges.
- Participate in the counseling process conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota seats and by state authorities for state quota seats.
- Choose preferred colleges offering MD Microbiology, such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) or Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), during the counseling process.
- Secure a seat based on merit and availability. The seat allotment result is published on the MCC website.
- Complete document verification and fee payment, which includes submitting documents such as the MBBS degree certificate, internship completion certificate, and NEET PG admit card.
- Report to the allotted college. The admission process typically starts in May, and the academic session begins in July.
- Finalize the admission by paying the tuition fee, which ranges from INR 1,000 to INR 5,00,000 per year for government and private colleges, respectively.
- Complete the registration process with the Medical Council of India (MCI) to obtain a registration certificate.
- Start the academic session, which includes theoretical classes, practical training, and research work, with the goal of becoming a skilled microbiologist.
The MD Microbiology admission process is rigorous, but with the right preparation and strategy, you can secure a seat in a top college and pursue a successful career in microbiology.
Entrance Exams for MD Microbiology in India: NEET PG, INI-CET, and Other Options
The primary entrance exams for MD Microbiology in India are NEET PG, conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), and INI-CET, conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. NEET PG serves as the gateway for admissions to MD/MS/PG Diploma courses in most government, private, and deemed universities across India, including institutions like Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore. INI-CET is specifically for admissions to postgraduate courses in Institutes of National Importance (INIs), such as AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS.
Since 2020, individual entrance exams previously conducted by AIIMS, JIPMER, and PGIMER have been replaced by the unified INI-CET. Some private institutions may accept NEET PG scores or conduct limited institution-specific processes, but NEET PG and INI-CET are the dominant national-level exams. Admissions are followed by centralized counseling through the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for NEET PG and AIIMS for INI-CET.
The table below provides details on the key entrance exams, including exam name, conducting body, exam type, eligibility criteria, and syllabus.
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Exam Type | Eligibility | Syllabus |
| NEET PG | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) | National-level, computer-based test (CBT), multiple-choice questions (MCQs), 200 questions, 3.5 hours duration | MBBS degree from an MCI/NMC-recognized institution + completion of 1-year compulsory rotating internship by the specified date (typically July 31 for January session or December 31 for July session) + permanent/provisional registration with MCI/NMC or State Medical Council | Entire MBBS curriculum, divided into Phase I (pre-clinical: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry), Phase II (para-clinical: Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine), Phase III (clinical: Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, etc.), with emphasis on microbiology topics like general microbiology, immunology, systemic bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology, and applied microbiology |
| INI-CET | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi | National-level, computer-based test (CBT), multiple-choice questions (MCQs), 200 questions, 3 hours duration | MBBS degree from an MCI/NMC-recognized institution + completion of 1-year compulsory rotating internship by the specified date (typically June 30 for July session or December 31 for January session) + permanent/provisional registration with MCI/NMC or State Medical Council | Entire MBBS curriculum, including pre-clinical (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry), para-clinical (Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine), and clinical subjects (Medicine, Surgery, etc.), with specific microbiology coverage including bacteriology, virology, parasitology, immunology, sterilization, and antimicrobial resistance |
Top Government Colleges for MD Microbiology in India: Fees, NIRF Ranking, and Location
The table below lists the top government medical colleges in India that offer MD Microbiology, along with their annual fees, NIRF ranking, and location. These colleges are known for their infrastructure, faculty, and research opportunities. Admission to these colleges is based on the NEET PG entrance exam, and the fees vary. The table below lists the top Government colleges for MD microbiology:
| College Name | City | Annual Fees (INR) (Approximate) | NIRF Ranking (2025) | Admission Mode |
| All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi | New Delhi | 1,500 – 2,000 | 1 | INI-CET |
| Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh | Chandigarh | 2,000 – 10,000 (total course often around 9,000-20,000) | 2 | INI-CET |
| Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) Puducherry | Puducherry | 3,000 – 5,000 | 4 | INI-CET |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – Institute of Medical Sciences | Varanasi | 4,000 – 10,000 | 6 | NEET PG |
| King George’s Medical University (KGMU) | Lucknow | 5,000 – 20,000 | 8 | NEET PG |
| Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) | New Delhi | 6,000 – 15,000 | ~26 (based on associated rankings) | NEET PG |
| Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College (GSMC) & KEM Hospital | Mumbai | 7,000 – 50,000 (varies by category) | Not in top 10 (state-level prominence) | NEET PG |
Top Private Colleges for MD Microbiology in India: Fees, Accreditation, and Specialisations
The table below provides an overview of the top private colleges in India offering MD Microbiology, including their annual fees, accreditation, and specialized areas of focus within microbiology. These colleges are known for their experienced faculty and research opportunities.Â
| College Name | City | Annual Fees (INR) (Approximate) | Accreditation / NIRF Rank (2025) | Specializations / Focus Areas Offered |
| Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore | Vellore | 1,000 – 10,000 (very low/subsidized; total ~₹3,600 – 2.5 Lakhs) | NAAC A++, NABH; NIRF Medical Rank 3 | Molecular Biology, Microbial Genetics, Hospital Infection Control, Virology, Immunology |
| Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal | Manipal | 9-14 Lakhs (total ~₹26-42 Lakhs for course) | NAAC A++, NIRF-associated high | Clinical Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, Molecular Diagnostics |
| St. John’s Medical College | Bangalore | 3-10 Lakhs (approx.; varies) | NAAC A, NABH; High reputation | Immunology, Virology, Parasitology, Infectious Diseases |
| Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | Chennai | 6-10 Lakhs | NAAC A++, NABH | Clinical Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics, Antimicrobial Resistance, Microbial Genetics |
| Amrita School of Medicine (Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham) | Kochi | 9 Lakhs (annual for Microbiology) | NAAC A, NIRF high (University rank) | Microbial Biochemistry, Immunopathology, Virology, Hospital Infections |
| SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre | Chennai | 7-15 Lakhs | NAAC A++, NABH | Molecular Biology, Microbial Genetics, Bioinformatics, Clinical Microbiology |
MD Microbiology Syllabus PDF
MD Microbiology Subjects and Syllabus: Year-wise Breakdown for Indian Universities
The MD Microbiology course in Indian universities is a three-year postgraduate program that studies microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of microbiology, including its principles, techniques, and applications. The course is typically divided into four semesters, with each semester focusing on specific aspects of microbiology.Â
The first year covers the fundamentals of microbiology, including general microbiology, immunology, systematic bacteriology, and virology. The second year builds upon this foundation, covering topics such as parasitology, mycology, clinical microbiology, and antimicrobial resistance. Throughout the course, you’ll engage in practical training, including laboratory work, case studies, and research projects.Â
The syllabus equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in microbiology, whether in research, clinical practice, or public health.
| Year | Semester | Core Subjects | Practical Training | Electives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | General Microbiology, Immunology | Microbial Culture Techniques, Serological Tests | Advanced Diagnostic Microbiology |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | Systematic Bacteriology, Virology | Identification of Bacteria, Virus Isolation | Molecular Diagnostics |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | Parasitology, Mycology | Parasite Identification, Fungal Culture | Hospital Infection Control |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | Clinical Microbiology, Antimicrobial Resistance | Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing, Case Studies | Research Methodology |
| Year 3 | Semester 5 | Advanced Immunology, Molecular Biology | Immune Response, Gene Expression | Biotechnology Applications |
| Year 3 | Semester 6 | Public Health Microbiology, Epidemiology | Disease Surveillance, Outbreak Investigation | Global Health Perspectives |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Microbial Physiology, Biochemistry | Metabolic Pathways, Enzyme Assays | Microbial Genetics |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | Infectious Disease Management, Antimicrobial Stewardship | Clinical Case Management, Antibiotic Resistance | Infection Control Practices |
| Year 3 | Semester 5 | Research Project, Thesis Preparation | Original Research, Literature Review | Scientific Communication |
| Year 3 | Semester 6 | Professional Development, Career Planning | Resume Building, Interview Preparation | Entrepreneurship in Microbiology |
MD Microbiology Fee Structure: Government vs Private Colleges in India (INR)
The fee structure for MD Microbiology in India varies significantly between government and private colleges. Government colleges, such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), offer the course at a relatively lower fee, ranging from INR 1,000 to INR 5,000 per year for tuition, plus additional fees for exams, library, and other expenses.Â
Private colleges like Christian Medical College (CMC) and Kasturba Medical College (KMC) charge substantially higher fees, with tuition ranging from INR 50,000 to INR 5,00,000 per year, plus other fees. The table below compares the fee structure for government and private colleges in India, including tuition, hostel, examination, and other associated costs.
| Fee Component | Government Colleges | Private Colleges | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | INR 1,000 – INR 5,000 | INR 50,000 – INR 5,00,000 | Annual tuition fees for MD Microbiology course |
| Hostel Fees | INR 5,000 – INR 20,000 | INR 50,000 – INR 2,00,000 | Annual hostel fees for students |
| Examination Fees | INR 500 – INR 2,000 | INR 5,000 – INR 20,000 | Fees for university examinations |
| Other Fees | INR 1,000 – INR 5,000 | INR 10,000 – INR 50,000 | Library, lab, and other miscellaneous fees |
| Total Fees | INR 7,500 – INR 32,000 | INR 1,15,000 – INR 7,70,000 | Total annual fees for MD Microbiology course |
| Security Deposit | INR 5,000 – INR 10,000 | INR 20,000 – INR 50,000 | Refundable security deposit |
| Lab Fees | INR 1,000 – INR 5,000 | INR 10,000 – INR 20,000 | Fees for laboratory equipment and materials |
| Library Fees | INR 500 – INR 2,000 | INR 5,000 – INR 10,000 | Fees for library services and resources |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the duration of the MD Microbiology course?
The duration of the MD Microbiology course is 3 Years. The average fees for this course range from INR 20,000 to INR 5,00,000.
Q2. What are the eligibility criteria for MD Microbiology in India?
To be eligible for MD Microbiology in India, a student must have an MBBS degree with a minimum of 50% marks, completion of a mandatory internship, and registration with the Medical Council of India (MCI), along with qualifying the NEET PG exam.
Q3. What is the fee structure for MD Microbiology in government and private colleges in India?
The tuition fee for MD Microbiology in government colleges ranges from INR 1,000 to INR 5,000, while in private colleges it ranges from INR 50,000 to INR 5,00,000. Other fees such as exam and library fees also vary between government and private colleges.
Q4. What is the admission process for MD Microbiology in India?
The admission process for MD Microbiology in India involves appearing for the NEET PG entrance exam, obtaining a valid score, participating in the counseling process, choosing preferred colleges, and securing a seat based on merit and availability, followed by document verification and fee payment.










