How to Become a Doctor in India | Steps & Strategies

Becoming a doctor in India is a fulfilling and respected career path. It requires a commitment of time, effort, and dedication. You might always think, How to become a doctor in India? It demands a lifelong commitment to learning and professional growth. To get a doctorate qualification in India, the first step is to pursue the science stream after completing secondary education.

After you finish 12th grade if you want to become a doctor, you need to take a special entrance test called NEET. This test happens every year. It’s the way to get into good medical colleges all over the country. Once you get into a college, you’ll have to work hard to learn. You’ll study a lot of medical subjects. So, get ready, aim for success, and follow the exciting path of becoming a doctor in India. This article will help you understand how to get an MBBS degree.

Types of Doctors

A doctor helps patients with their health conditions. Then, they give treatments to help their patients get better. The consistent thought of how to become a doctor in India is answered by gaining practical experience. Doctors can specialize in different areas to become experts. Here are some specialized fields for doctor qualifications  to consider:

1. Cardiologist

A cardiologist is a heart and blood vessel expert. They diagnose and treat various heart-related conditions, ensuring cardiovascular health. With a deep understanding of the circulatory system, cardiologists employ interventions ranging from medication to advanced surgical procedures, safeguarding patients’ heart function and overall well-being.

2. Dermatologist

Dermatologists concentrate on skin, hair, and nail health. They diagnose and manage a wide range of skin disorders, offering treatments and personalized skincare advice. These specialists play a crucial role in promoting healthy skin and managing conditions that impact appearance, comfort, and self-confidence.

3. Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic surgeons specialize in bones, joints, and muscles. They provide comprehensive care for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, employing both surgical and non-surgical approaches. Through their expertise, patients regain mobility, alleviate pain, and improve their overall quality of life.

4. Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists are experts in eye care, diagnosing and treating various eye conditions. They offer medical and surgical solutions for vision problems and ocular diseases, ensuring optimal eye health. Ophthalmologists play a key role in maintaining clear vision and preventing vision-related complications.

Also Read: Optician Vs. Ophthalmologist: Choose Your Right Career

5. Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists focus on mental health, helping individuals cope with psychological challenges. They employ talk therapy and medication to address mental health conditions. By considering both psychological and physiological aspects, psychiatrists provide comprehensive care, promoting emotional well-being and stability.

6. Gynecologist

Gynecologists specialize in women’s reproductive health. They manage pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system. Providing prenatal care and assisting with deliveries, gynecologists ensure safe pregnancies. Additionally, they offer treatments for various gynecological conditions, contributing to women’s overall health and comfort.

7. Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists administer anaesthesia during surgeries, ensuring patient comfort and safety. They monitor vital signs throughout procedures and manage pain to facilitate successful medical interventions. Anesthesiologists play a crucial role in creating a pain-free and controlled surgical experience for patients.

Steps to Become a Doctor in India

To become a doctor in India it requires developing strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. You must always think, how many years does it take to become a doctor after 12th? The duration of becoming a doctor after completing the 12th grade varies. It depends on the country and the educational system. Here are the steps to becoming a doctor in India.

Step 1- Complete your Senior Secondary Education

To become a doctor in India, you must choose the Science stream in high school and intermediate. This stream includes subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.  These subjects are mandatory for admission into MBBS. These are crucial to qualify for medical entrance examinations such as NEET where the minimum age requirement is 17 years old. It is essential to clear the NEET exam because its score is recognized by various medical institutions. To become a doctor in India requires clearing multiple rounds of competitive exams.

Step 2- Appear for an MBBS entrance exam

Appearing for an MBBS entrance exam is a crucial step for aspiring medical students in India. These exams, like NEET and AIIMS, determine admission to MBBS programs. Candidates must meet eligibility criteria, apply online, and receive admit cards with exam details. The exams typically feature multiple-choice questions covering Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and, in some cases, General Knowledge. On exam day, candidates present their admit cards, and IDs, and take the test. Results determine ranks, leading to counseling sessions where colleges are chosen based on merit. Admission finalization involves document submission and fee payment. It’s a competitive process demanding thorough preparation and adherence to guidelines.

Step 3- Complete your MBBS

Once you finish 12th grade, you have to apply for MBBS. The first step to becoming a doctor. You can apply until you’re 25. It’s a good idea to join medical school within two years of finishing 12th grade. The youngest age for MBBS admission is 17 years. It takes about five years and six months to complete MBBS. You can also decide to specialize in a particular field after MBBS to improve your skills and find better job options.

Step 4- Complete an Internship

After MBBS, what to do to become a doctor? During the MBBS program, students must complete a mandatory one-year internship at institutions recognized by the Medical Council of India. How to become a doctor in India requires completing a mandatory residential internship. This internship allows interns to work with experienced doctors. They also treat patients needing different types of care. Some medical colleges have hospitals for internships, while others specify external hospitals.

Step 5- Register with the Indian Medical Register

After MBBS, what to do to become a doctor? To become a doctor in India you must register with a state medical council. Registered doctors can join the Indian Medical Register. To qualify, complete an MBBS degree and internship from a recognized institute. Once registered, you can start practising medicine in India. Your search to find out how to become a doctor in India does not end here. It involves completing a mandatory period of rural service to address healthcare disparities.

Step 6- Practice as a Doctor

After finishing school for medicine, some doctors want to learn even more. Some doctors decide to get another degree, like MD program or a PhD in the medical professional field. Many doctors start working after finishing their MBBS. When it comes to practice, there are two typical paths to consider. One choice is to work as a doctor at a hospital or healthcare place. The other choice is to have their clinic or work with a doctor who knows a lot.

Specializations in Medicine

How to become a doctor in India demands a postgraduate degree to enhance specialization. The quest of what we have to do to become a doctor ends by continually advancing knowledge and skills. There are numerous specializations that doctors can pursue. They can focus on specific areas of healthcare and expertise.

Some of these high paying specializations include:

1. Orthopedics

Orthopedics in India is a major concern, affecting about 15 million adults yearly. If you desire a fulfilling medical career, you can enhance your PG medical degree by specializing in orthopedics. Orthopedists earn up to ₹14.9 lakhs per year.

2. Obstetrics and Gynecology

A gynecologist is in high demand. Opportunities are abundant in India. It’s a demanding specialization in the medical field. You can become a gynecologist and have a successful career. An OB-GYN specialist earns around ₹15 lakhs per year on average.

3. Dermatology

Dermatology is a fascinating field. It covers skin-related issues. In India, the demand for dermatologists is quite high. The skin-care sector is massive and expanding year after year. It’s worth $950 million, according to estimates. And it’s rising at a 15% to 20% annual rate. The average salary of a dermatologist in India is 9.2 lakhs per year.

4. Pediatrics

Being a pediatrician is an awesome job for doctors who love kids. It’s really important, especially in India. Kids need good doctors to take care of them. The need for pediatricians is always going up. That means there are tons of job opportunities for them. On average, pediatricians in India earn about ₹14.4 lakhs every year. But guess what? There’s even more! If you want more chances, you can specialize in neonatology. Neonatology is all about taking care of brand-new babies. Isn’t that amazing?

5. Radiology

Radiology helps doctors find and treat diseases using special machines that take pictures of our insides. Radiologists do more than just look at these pictures. They also make sure that everyone is safe from too much radiation and that patients get the right amount of radiation for their tests. Radiologists usually earn about ₹24.9 lakhs per year on average.

6. General Surgery

India needs more surgeons to meet the growing healthcare demands. Sadly, only 16% of primary health centers in India have surgeons available, leaving a massive 84% shortage. That means India urgently requires around 5,000 surgeons. It’s a critical issue that requires immediate attention. One must pursue a PG medical course to specialize as a surgeon with advanced knowledge and skills. In India, general surgeons earn an average annual salary of around  ₹15.7 lakhs per year.

7. Anesthesia

World Health Organization recommends 1 anesthesiologist for every 5,000 people.  But in India, there’s only 1 anesthesiologist for every 50,000 people! On average, an anesthesiologist in India earns about around ₹10 lakhs per year, according to PayScale. That’s a pretty handsome salary! Anesthesiologists are the backbone of surgeries.  Pursuing a speciality course in anesthesia can set you up for a rewarding career.

8. Pathology

The diagnostic market in India is worth ₹75,000 crore. It’s a big market! With new technologies coming in, the industry is growing quickly. This growth creates more opportunities for pathologists. They can thrive in this field. According to PayScale, pathologists in India earn an average salary of ₹11.9 lakhs per year.

9. ENT

Taking care of ear, nose, and throat problems is a burning issue. But there’s a problem in government hospitals because they don’t have enough specialists for this. But if you specialize in ENT in India, you can have a rewarding and well-paying career. A website called Glassdoor says that in India, an ear, nose, and throat specialist can make about ₹16.3 lakhs every year. That’s a lot of money!

10. Oncology

Oncology is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. They possess specialized skills that help them accurately diagnose different types and stages of cancer. The salary for oncologists in India varies based on several factors. Generally, the average salary of oncologists is ₹35 lakhs.

11. Neurology

Neurology is a cool and super important medical field that helps people with problems in their nervous systems. Neurologists use different ways to help with these problems and make the symptoms go away. In India, how much money neurologists make can be different for each person. On average, neurologists get ₹12 lakhs per year.

12. Urology

Urology focuses on problems related to the urinary system. Urologists employ their expertise to accurately diagnose the type and severity of UTIs and prescribe appropriate treatments. This may include antibiotics or other medications. Another common condition managed by urologists is kidney stones. Urologists use various diagnostic techniques, such as imaging tests, to identify the presence and location of kidney stones. Urologists earn around  ₹21 lakhs per year.

Top Colleges to Pursue MBBS in India

1. AIIMS

AIIMS is India’s most famous medical institution. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various medical disciplines. The eligibility criteria for admission to AIIMS include the following:

• Candidates must have completed 10+2 or an equivalent examination. They must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English in 12th grade.
• The minimum aggregate score requirement for general category candidates is typically 60%, while it is 50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates.

Entrance Exam

Initially, AIIMS used to conduct its entrance examination for admission to its undergraduate medical courses. However, starting from the year 2020, AIIMS has now adopted NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) as the sole entrance examination for admission to its MBBS program.

Accepted Score

The accepted score for AIIMS MBBS admission varies each year. Generally, a percentile above 95 is considered competitive for securing a seat in AIIMS.

Average Fees

The average annual fees for the MBBS program at AIIMS range from INR 1,600 to INR 2,200 for Indian students. For foreign nationals, the fees are higher.

2. Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore

CMC Vellore is known for its high academic standards and caring approach to medical education.

The eligibility criteria for admission to CMC Vellore include the following:

• Candidates must have completed 10+2 or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
• Minimum aggregate score requirements for admission vary each year and depend on the number of applicants.

Entrance Exam

CMC Vellore conducts its entrance exam, CMC Vellore UG-NEET. In addition to the NEET score, candidates are also assessed through a separate entrance test conducted by the college.

Accepted Score

The NEET score is an essential component for admission to CMC Vellore. The separate entrance test score conducted by the college is also considered.

Average Fees

The average annual fees for the MBBS program at CMC Vellore range from INR 50,000 to INR 2,50,000 for Indian students. The fees for NRI and international students are higher.

3. Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC)

AFMC is a premier medical institute operated by the Indian Armed Forces. The eligibility criteria for admission to AFMC include the following:

• Candidates must have completed 10+2 or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
• Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
• Applicants must have appeared for the NEET exam and secured a minimum qualifying percentile.

Entrance Exam

AFMC accepts NEET scores for admission. However, qualifying for the NEET exam alone does not guarantee admission to AFMC. Shortlisted candidates must undergo further screening, including a written test, interview, and medical fitness examination.

Accepted Score

The NEET score is a crucial factor for AFMC admission. Additionally, performance in the written test, interview, and medical fitness examination is considered.

Average Fees

AFMC offers subsidized education to selected candidates. The average course fees for the MBBS program at AFMC are around INR 64,000.

4. Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), Delhi

It offers excellent academic and clinical training to medical aspirants. The eligibility criteria for admission to MAMC include the following:

• Candidates must have completed 10+2 or an equivalent examination in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
• Minimum aggregate score requirements for admission vary each year and depend on the number of applicants.

Entrance Exam

Admission to MAMC is based on the NEET score. Candidates need to qualify for NEET to be considered for admission.

Accepted Score

Generally, securing a percentile in the range of 95th to 99th percentile or above in NEET can be considered.

Average Fees

The average annual fees for the MBBS program at MAMC range from INR 30,000 to INR 40,000 for Indian students.

5. Grant Medical College (GMC), Mumbai

GMC Mumbai is one of India’s oldest medical institutions, associated with the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences.  The eligibility criteria for admission to GMC Mumbai include:

• Candidates must have completed 10+2 or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
• Minimum aggregate score requirements for admission vary each year.

Entrance Exam

Admission to GMC Mumbai is based on the NEET score.

Accepted Score

The NEET score is the primary criterion for admission to GMC Mumbai. The score varies each year. However, the candidate should aim for a higher percentile.

Average Fees

The average annual fees for the MBBS program at GMC Mumbai range from INR 20,000 to INR 1,00,000 for Indian students.

Embark on the Journey of Being a Doctor!

Becoming a doctor in India is a rewarding career path. In this ultimate guide, you have explored the various steps on how to get MBBS degree. Starting from the essential educational qualification. , you need to finish your high school science education. These subjects are important for studying medicine later on. The exams you take to get into medical colleges are really important. They decide if you can go to good medical colleges. Tests like NEET and others check what you know and how good you are in different subjects. 

It is important to prepare thoroughly for these exams. If you want to be a doctor you need to know about the best medical colleges in India. Knowing about them will help you choose the right college. By taking up this profession, you can help patients and make them feel better since doctors are the strong pillars in our communities.

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