MD Pathology

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Jun 23, 2023 07:57AM IST

MD in Pathology Course Overview

Doctor of Medicine or MD in Pathology is a postgraduate degree. Students can apply for this degree after completing their MBBS course. The duration of this course is 3 years, and it includes a 1-year in-house internship for the students. An MD in Pathology course includes an elaborative study on topics like neurology, immunology, neuroscience, etc. Students are eligible to become pathologists or even can conduct clinical or laboratory research after completing their MD in Pathology course. 

Admission to this course is given based on the marks secured by the students in entrance exams which are conducted on a national level. The major entrance exam is NEET-PG which entitles students to take admission to any college all over India based on their rankings. 

This is a full-time offline course. Distance or online learning is not offered in the MD Pathology course. Some eminent colleges that offer MD in Pathology courses are; Calcutta Medical College, AIIMS-Delhi, Armed Forces Medical College, Grant Medical College, etc. The average course fee range for MD in Pathology course is 10,00,000 to 35,00,000 INR in India. Successful completion of this course will entitle individuals to explore careers as Consultant Pathologists, HOD - Laboratory Medicine, advisors, etc.

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Important Highlights of MD Pathology Courses

Here are quick highlights regarding the MD Pathology degree course:

COURSE NAMEMD in Pathology
DURATION3 YEARS
ELIGIBILITY5 years MBBS degree with 55% aggregate marks and qualified NEET-PG exam.
ADMISSION PROCESSEntrance examination conducted on a national basis
EXAMINATION TYPESemester-based, each after 6 months
AVERAGE COURSE FEE 5,00,000 to 15,00,000 INR
AVERAGE COURSE FEE (ABROAD)10,00,000 to 40,00,000 INR
AVERAGE SALARY OFFERED IN INDIA50,000 to 1,00,000 INR (depending upon the experience and skill set of the person)
AVERAGE SALARY OFFERED ABROAD70,000 to 2,50,000 INR (depending upon the area, skill set, education level, and experience of the individual) 
Important Highlights of MD Pathology Courses
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Why Should You Choose MD In Pathology Course

In India, medical study is one of the most sought-after courses among students.  Pathology deals with many main areas of study. There are many job roles that a person can choose from after completing their MD in Pathology degree. People can also avail many scholarships, fellowships, and research grants that are associated with MD in Pathology degree. Several high-paying roles like Neuropathology, Hematology, Clinical Pathology, Genetics, etc. are available for people after completing their degree in MD Pathology.

Besides, the job role of a pathologist is very important for people who want to make an important contribution to the medical field. It is based on their interpretation and analysis of cells, tissues, and blood, other practitioners of medicine diagnose and suggest medicines for any disease.

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Entrance Exams For MD In Pathology Course:

Though some institutions conduct separate entrance exams, NEET-PG scores are mandatory during the time of admission. The Council mentions no specific age limit. Students must also complete 1-year internship before applying for MD in Pathology course. Some other entrance exams are

  • AIIMS PG: Passing this national-level examination makes a candidate eligible for taking admission in any post-graduation courses to any AIIMS institutes in any part of India. The test is conducted online mode from designated exam centers. The syllabus of the test covers the entire syllabus of the MBBS degree. AIIMS PG consists of 200 questions that are multiple-choice based. 

  • JIPMER PG: Jawaharlal Nehru Post Graduate Medical Education and Research Exam is a computer-based examination procedure held in Puducherry. The score of this examination is recorded for securing admission in MD courses. There are a total of 250 questions and students get a time limit of 3 hours. The syllabus for this entrance exam includes subjects like pathology, microbiology, physics, applied physiology, social and preventive medicines, etc. 

  • COMDECK PGET: Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges is the state-level examination of Karnataka conducted for admission to MD in Pathology courses. This exam is held in the month of June to July. The duration of this exam is 3 hours. The full mark for this test is 180. All the questions are multiple-choice based.

  • DNB CTET: Diplomate of National Board is another national-level entrance test conducted in the month of July.

  • UPSEE: This is an offline exam where students have to visit designated exam halls which are decided by the examination authority. The test consists of a total of 8 papers. The papers are divided into mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, general awareness, general aptitude, architecture and designs, a Diploma in Pharmacy, etc. All the sections contain 100 objective-type questions. 

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MD Pathology Course Eligibility Criteria

Here is the eligibility criteria for MD Pathology Course:

  • Students who wish to pursue their MD in Pathology courses, need to complete their 5 years MBBS degree in the relevant subject from a college recognized by the All Indian Medical Council. 
  • They need to pass with a minimum aggregate of 55% marks.  
  • The applicants must complete a 1-year internship. Also, aspirants need to pass the entrance exam of NEET-PG. 
  • Students qualifying for this exam become eligible to take admission to any medical college in India. 
  • There is no age limit specified by the AIMC. 
  • Aspirants who wish to pursue this course abroad need to sit for Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), registered under the All India Medical Council.
  •  It should be kept in mind that along with the qualifying marks in the above-mentioned exams, admission to foreign universities requires applicants to possess a few other mandatory certificates like ILETS, GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL. 
  • These are the language proficiency examinations for studying in countries where English is the native language. 
  • The minimum score requirement for admission depends upon the respective universities. 
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Admission Process of MD Pathology

Like all other MD degrees, aspirants who wish to enroll in pathology courses, need to clear an entrance exam called National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Post Graduate (NEET-PG) which is conducted on a national level. The National Board of Examinations (NBE) conducts the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG) which is approved by the All India Medical Council. Applicants are ranked according to the secured marks. The test is conducted on a computer-based platform and consists of 300 multiple-choice questions. After the examination, a counseling session is held with the qualified students where colleges are allocated based on personal preferences and ranking.

How To Apply for MD Pathology?

Candidates have the provision to apply for the MD Pathology degree both in the offline and online mode. In order to apply for the course, students need to visit the official website of the colleges/universities and download the application form. After that, applicants need to fill in their important details and upload documents. After that, applicants must pay the application fee that the college/university decides. In the case of offline application, students need to visit the college campus and submit the application form along with the fee. 

Selection Process of MD Pathology

In the selection process for an MD Pathology degree, the marks of the candidates in the entrance exam is calculated. Alongside that, the marks of the students in the higher secondary examination is also calculated along with the marks at the graduation level. 

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Colleges In India Offering MD In Pathology

Some of the top colleges in India which offer MD degrees in Pathology are: 

COLLEGE NAME

COURSE FEE

Christian Medical College, Vellore

  4,80,000 INR

St. Johns Medical College, Bangalore

  4,86,000 INR

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi

  16,80,000 INR

Calcutta Medical College, Kolkata

  21,00,000 INR

Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education Research, Kolkata

    1,20,000 INR

Grant Medical College, Mumbai

    2,83,000 INR

Goa Medical College, Panaji

    5,62,000 INR

Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi

      1,00,000 INR

Institute of Medical Sciences Banaras University, Varanasi

    61,000 INR

Armed Forces Medical College, Pune

      3,86,000 INR

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Top Medical Colleges Abroad For MD In Pathology

MD in Pathology is a highly demanded course in countries like USA, UK, Australia, etc. Some of the top colleges abroad for completing an MD Degree in Pathology are:

COLLEGE NAME

COURSE FEE

TOEFL SCORE (OUT OF 120)

University of Toronto

25,00,000 INR

100

Memorial University of Newfoundland

17,45,000 INR

79

University of Illinois

  23,61,000 INR

80

McGill University

68,00,000 INR

86

Northeastern University

  39,00,000 INR

100

Teesside University

  20,57,000 INR

93

The University of British Columbia

  37,00,000 INR

100

Harvard University

  27,00,000 INR

110

Melbourne University

  31,00,000 INR

97

Arizona State University

  40,00,000 INR

89

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Top Colleges Offering MD In Pathology (State and City Wise):

DELHI

College/University

City

All India Institute of Medical Sciences

New Delhi

University College of Medical Sciences

New Delhi

Vardhman Mahavir University

Kota

Maulana Azad Medical College

New Delhi

Jamia Hamdard University

New Delhi

SGT University

Gurgaon

Lady Hardinge Medical College

New Delhi

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University

New Delhi

Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research

New Delhi

West Bengal

College/University

City

Calcutta Medical College

Kolkata

Bankura Sammilani Medical College

Kenduadihi

Burdwan Medical College and Hospital

Burdwan

North Bengal Medical College

Siliguri

Calcutta National Medical College

Kolkata

Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research

Kolkata

RG Kar Medical College and Hospital

Kolkata

West Bengal University of Health Sciences

Kolkata

Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital

Kolkata

Maharastra

College/University

City

Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences

Sevagram

Dr. DY Patel Vidyapeeth

Pune

Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University

Pune

Grant Medical College

Mumbai

Government Medical College and Hospital

Nagpur

Sir JJ Medical College and Hospital

Mumbai

ACPM Medical College

Dhule

Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College

Mumbai

Tata Memorial Centre

Mumbai

   

Karnataka

St.Johns Medical College

Bangalore

KS Hedge Medical Academy

Mangalore

JSS Medical College and Hospital

Mysore

Kasturba Medical College

Manipal

Ramaiah Medical College

Bangalore

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MD In Pathology Course Fee

The fee for MD in Pathology course is different for every college. Private colleges' cost is more than government or public colleges. The average course fee range for private colleges varies between 5,75,000 to 30,00,000 INR. The average course fee range for government or public medical institutions varies between 50,000 to 5,00,000 INR. This college fee depends upon several factors like; the location of the college, the available resources of the laboratory, the infrastructure of the college, etc.

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Syllabus For MD In Pathology

In most colleges, especially in India, the 3 years of MD in Pathology are divided into 6 semesters. In each semester, the students are given extensive and in-depth knowledge about several important topics which makes them well-knowledgable about the various areas and topics of study about Pathology. All the semesters include a thorough demonstration of the use of complex types of medical equipment and require hours of training at the laboratory as specified by the Regulatory body. The semester-wise division is given in the chart below for your convenience:

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6

Basic sciences

General pathology

Histopathology

Immunopathology

Clinical biochemistry

Medical autopsy: procedure and interpretations

Biomedical ethics

          Hematology

Microbiology

Cytopathology

Immunopathology

Histopathology

Biostatistics- P & S.M

                Systematic pathology

Clinical Pathology

Systematic Pathology

Organization of the laboratory including quality control

Anatomical Pathology

Orientation to Service Department by a clinical and paraclinical doctor

                Blood banking and transfusion medicine

Biowaste disposal

Hematology

General Pathology Cytopathology

Clinical Pathology

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Subjects Of Study Under MD In Pathology Course

The syllabus of the MD in Pathology course is divided into 2 parts: theory and practical. Furthermore, The areas of study included are:

  • Surgical Pathology: It includes the study of the tissues which are removed during any surgical procedures, in order to study probable diseases and diagnose them accordingly. The students also learn about microscopic and macroscopic levels of examinations of the tissues, which are submitted by surgeons and non-surgeons, for identifying diseases.

  • Forensic Pathology: This branch of pathology studies finds probable causes and times of death of any living organism. The extensive use of forensic pathology can be seen in any criminal case. Forensic pathology also includes post-mortem tests to determine the cause and probable time of death.  

  • Cytopathology: This branch of pathology includes extensive studies about the causes, effects, and diagnosis of diseases, at the cellular level. It involves studying how to separately collect cell samples from any tissue in order to understand the nature of the disease. 

  • Immuno Pathology: Students choosing this area, study the pathology of the immunity system of organisms, their immunity, and responses to diseases of the immunity system. It studies how the immune system reacts to several pathogens. Various diseases caused by immunity-related issues are researched and studied under this subject.

  • Systematic Pathology: Under these subjects, any disorder or disease related to any particular organ, is discussed. Some of the major components of Systematic Pathology include; etiology, epidemiology, macroscopic and microscopic appearances, sequelae, etc. It also investigates the pathogenesis and etiology is diseases.

  • Anatomical Pathology: This stream of pathology studies how any particular disease affects the human body and also determines the cause of the disease. It includes macroscopic, microscopic, molecular, and immunologic levels of examination of the organs and tissues of organisms for finding any diseases.  

  • Histopathology: Tissues that are obtained from various organisms are tested in a laboratory under a microscope. This area of study falls under histopathology. Biopsy and Pathology reports are made using Histopathology results. Various interpretation techniques like molecular technique, immunohistochemistry technique, chromosomal technique, etc. are taught in this section.

  • Hematology: This stream of pathology studies all the diseases and their preventive measures, related to blood. Extensive studies about all the blood disorders, blood-forming organs, etc. are studied under Hematology. Studies that are conducted on bone marrow also fall under Hematology. Cancer research is also part of this discipline.

  • Clinical Pathology: Students opting for this stream study the diagnosis of several body fluids, tissues, and blood cells in a laboratory. 

  •  Molecular Pathology: Under this subject, students learn to study various diseases, their causes, and treatment at a molecular level. This is now the most popular and emerging stream of pathology courses. 

  • Neuro Pathology: The students are taught about various neurological anatomies, their diseases, and how to clinically detect and diagnose them in a laboratory, under this subject. This also includes pathological studies about the anatomy of the eye.

  • Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine: This is one of the most vital as well as vast areas of study under MD in Pathology. The coursework of this subject includes a detailed study about the properties of blood, various diseases attacking blood cells, how to properly detect the causes of several bloodborne diseases, how to maintain blood banks and rudimentary of blood transfusion, etc. 

  •  Clinical Biochemistry: Pathologists have to work with a lot of chemical compositions throughout their careers. Without chemicals, it is impossible to examine tissues and cells. For that, they need to have a good grip on the concept of biochemistry which deals with the properties of chemicals. Under this subject, this vital area is covered.

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Best Books For Students of MD in Pathology

There are many books available in the market that a student of MD in Pathology can refer to during their coursework. Based on popular reviews, some of the most recommended books for these students are listed below

  • Robbins & Cotran's Pathologic Basis Of Disease

  • Robbins Basic Pathology

  • Robbins And Cotran Review Of Pathology 

  • Rapid Review Pathology 

  • BRS Pathology 

  • Review of Pathology and Genetics by Sparsh Gupta

  • Textbook of Pathology with MCQs by Harsh Mohan

  • Comprehensive Image-Based Review of Pathology by Sushant Soni

  • Review in Pathology with Colour Plates by Nitin Chawla

  • Rosai and Ackermann Surgical Pathology

  • Sternberg Diagnostic Surgical Pathology

  • Weedon’s Skin Pathology

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Career And Salary After MD In Pathology Course In India

There are many designations that a candidate can pursue after completing MD in Pathology course. Some of them are:

JOB ROLE

JOB DESCRIPTION

AVERAGE SALARY(INR)

Medical Examiner

Examines the causes of death by collecting blood, organs, fluids, etc., and helps in performing the autopsy. 

4.9 to 6.3 lakhs

Clinical Managers

Manages the overall operations in clinics

2.2 to 9.8 lakhs

Forensic technicians

Specialists work alongside jurisdiction to collect physical pieces of evidence from any crime scenes and interpret and analyze them in a laboratory

3.0 to 5.5 lakhs

Clinical Pathologists

They study various bodily fluids and tissues of humans and other organisms in order to identify and treat several diseases

1.5 to 2.0 lakhs

Medical Transcriptionists

Their task includes converting oral dictations of medical practitioners and converting them into a physical form which includes notes, medical test results, referrals, etc.

1.75 to 2.2 lakhs

Veterinary Clinical Pathologists

Individuals specializing in this field determine the causes, effects, and cures of several diseases by studying the body fluids and tissues of animals. They use observation and laboratory settings for their interpretation and analysis. 

3.5 to 6.0 lakhs

Medical Pathologists

Perform autopsies and interpret the cause, nature, and effects of diseases on any organs of the body by taking specimens from patients and examining them in a laboratory.   

7.0 to 10.00 lakhs

Professors

They develop curricula related to pathology, teach students, demonstrate various laboratory techniques, and conduct examinations for the optimal development of the students. 

6.0 to 12 lakhs

Lab Executives

It is their duty to look after the overall functions and facilities available in a laboratory. They are also responsible to conduct research training and maintain the quality and availability of various laboratory equipment

2.7 to 5.0 lakhs

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Skills Required For MD In Pathology Course

  • Students who aspire to study and complete their MD in Pathology course should possess the optimum skill set and enough competency to help and assist other medical practitioners whenever required. 

  • They should have the knowledge to contribute to the development of several techniques and new world research procedures which will take medical science advances to the next level. 

  • Also, they can be required to conduct training, evaluate and guide juniors whenever required. For that, they should have the required capabilities and experience. 

  • They are also required to possess a skill set that will enable them to oversee, organize and plan the pathological services and facilities that should be available at any medical establishment. 

  • He/she should utilize his/her skill and knowledge towards constructing resourceful and updated study material and resources for their own advancement and also look after the development of others in the same field. 

  • Keeping an eye for details is another desirable skill set required to excel in this field of study. 

  • Candidates studying an MD in Pathology course are expected to possess excellent analytical skills. 

  • They should have the capability to correctly interpret anything. 

  • Individuals who possess detailed and in-depth knowledge about various areas of study and also a person with very clear concepts are desirable for this discipline. 

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Top Recruiters Of Students With MD In Pathology Course Degrees

Many medical and nonmedical establishments hire candidates possessing an MD degree in Pathology course. Some of their names are discussed below:

  • Dr. Roy and Trivedi

  • Serum Group

  • Lal Path Labs

  • Manisha Pathology

  • Lab Point

  • Pioneer Healthcare

  • Accu Health Diagnostic

  • Thyrocare

  • Path Kind Lab

  • SRL Diagnostic

  • Oncquest Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.

  • Medall Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.

  • National Institute of Health

  • Central Bureau of Investigation

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FAQs about MD Pathology

Can pathologists have their own practice?

Yes. Pathologists can have their own practice. They can legally open their own chamber for tests. They can also work in many private and government hospitals.

When to do an MD in Pathology?

Those who have completed their 5 years MBBS degree, 1-year in-house internship, and cleared the  NEET-PG exam can pursue an MD degree in pathology course.

How long is the MD Pathology course?

The duration of an MD in Pathology course is 3 years. This is a doctorate-level course. The coursework also includes 1-year in-house training.

What can I do after MD in Pathology?

After completing MD in Pathology, one can choose to complete any specialization or certification courses in streams like Hematology, Histopathology, Cytopathology, etc.

How much do MD Pathologists earn in India?

The average annual income of a person with an MD Pathology degree is 17,00,000 INR. The annual income depends on various factors like the total work experience of the professional, the job location, achievements of the individual in the field, the knowledge of the professional, etc.

Is MD Pathology a good course??

Yes, it is a very good and in-demand course in India as well as in foreign countries. There are many career opportunities that are increasing day by day and all the destinations are highly paid for. Besides, there are many fellowship and research opportunities that are available along with this course.

What does an MD Pathologist do?

There are many roles played by an MD Pathologist. They mainly take laboratory samples of tissues and blood and run tests for detecting several diseases. They help other medical professionals in treating the patients and also in surgical procedures.

What can I do after MD Pathology?

There are several career options as well as specializations available for a person after completing MD in Pathology. Many governments and private sectors hire these candidates for several high-paying roles.

What is the highest-paying Pathology degree?

Cytopathology is the highest among all the pathology streams. The average annual income of a Cytopathology in India ranges from 1,20,000 to 3,00,000 INR.

Can pathologists prescribe medicines?

Usually, a pathologist cannot prescribe medicines. They can run tests for detecting diseases.

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Related Questions

S

Samiksha Rautela, Content Team

-Answered on Sept-17-2024

Dear Student, 

A NEET PG Rank of 52645 may not be eligible for MD Pathology admission into Government Medical Colleges. A NEET PG Rank of 52645 falls under the NEET PG score range of 395 and below. Considering the increased number of candidate participation in the NEET PG Exam this year, it is needless to mention that the NEET PG Branch-wise cutoff is set high this year. A NEET PG Score of 395 or below is considered a very low score in terms of the exam performance and admission counselling process eligibility. Therefore, the chances of securing MD Pathology admission into Government Medical Colleges with a NEET PG Rank of 52645 is slim to zero. The required NEET PG 2024 Cutoff for MD Pathology for the UR Category this year is 270. Thus, while you may not be eligible to seek admission into Government Medical Colleges for the above-mentioned discipline, you are eligible to, and therefore, may apply to private medical colleges for the same. 

The NEET PG 2024 Exam was conducted on August 11, 2024 and the NEET PG Result 2024, along with the cutoff, were released on August 23, 2024. The National Board of Examinations (NBE) releases the NEET PG Branch-wise Cutoff for all the disciplines.For a detailed insight into the same, you may refer to NEET PG 2024 Branch-wise Cutoff for Top Colleges. There are many private medical colleges in the country offering MD Pathology admission to candidates with a low NEET PG Cutoff 2024 Score. Some of the popular private medical colleges offering admissions to students with a low NEET PG Rank include names such as Kasturba Medical College, Christian Medical College, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences, and many others. Candidates may either choose to apply for MD Pathology admission into one of these colleges or prepare to retake the NEET PG Entrance Exam next year for a better rank.

Thank you

S

Samiksha Rautela, Content Team

-Answered on Sept-13-2024

Dear Student, 

The NEET PG Entrance Exam is conducted every year to offer admission to candidates across the top government medical colleges in their desired postgraduate medical course. Admission to a number of MD and MS courses across various disciplines are conducted for candidates based on their NEET PG Scores obtained in the national-level entrance test. Among the list of the prestigious government and private universities and colleges in the country, the top medical colleges in India accepting NEET PG Scores 2024 list includes names of certain esteemed institutions such as IPGMER in Kolkata, Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College in New Delhi, Setting Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College in Mumbai, Maulana Azad Medical College in Delhi, Lokmanya Tilak Medical College in Mumbai. These are, therefore, the top five best colleges for MD course admissions through the NEET PG Entrance Exam qualification. Other names which make it to the list of the top medical colleges accepting NEET PG Scores are Government Medical College in Kozhikode, Madras Medical College, Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, and many others. 

The admission process for these above-mentioned institutions are conducted completely based on the entrance test qualification. Therefore, it is mandatory for all candidates to qualify the NEET PG Entrance Exam with the specified cutoff. To apply for MD course admissions, candidates must have completed their MBBS from a recognised university or institute, along with a certificate of completion of their mandatory internship. A MD degree is a postgraduate degree awarded to medical professionals who have completed advanced training in a specific field of medicine. The above-mentioned colleges offer MD admission into several disciplines of study such as Physiology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Forensic Medicine, Pharmacology, Paediatrics, Dermatology, General Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Administration, Pathology, etc. 

Thank you.”

A

Abhinav Chamoli, CollegeDekho Expert

-Answered on Dec-02-2019

Dear Student,

Here is the list of the top colleges for pursuing MD in India. Some of the best and most popular on the list include:

To provide the cut-off information, we would request you to tell us the name of the college to which you seek admission. Please feel free to write back to us.

Thank you.