Course guide · Courses & Degrees

MD / MS (Postgraduate Medical Degrees)

After MBBS, doctors specialise through MD (medical specialities), MS (surgical specialities) or DNB. These three-year residencies combine intensive clinical work, teaching and a thesis.

3 min read · Last reviewed 26 September 2026

Duration
3 years
Eligibility
MBBS with completed internship
Admission
NEET-PG (NExT proposed)
Leads to
Specialist and consultant careers

Course overview

MD specialities include medicine, paediatrics, psychiatry, dermatology, radiology and anaesthesia; MS includes general surgery, orthopaedics, ENT, ophthalmology and obstetrics. See Doctor (Medical Practitioner) and NEET-PG and NExT (Postgraduate Medical Entrance).

Who this course may suit

  • MBBS graduates seeking specialisation

Eligibility

  • MBBS with internship completed and medical council registration

Entrance exams and admission

ExamUsed forNotes
NEET-PGMD / MS / DNB admissions

Exam names, patterns, eligibility and participating institutions change. Check the official notification for the current year.

What you will study

Typical structure — varies by university
DurationTraining
Years 1–3Supervised clinical training in the speciality, teaching, thesis, and final examination

Skills you will develop

  • Specialist clinical skills
  • Research and thesis writing
  • Teaching

Where the course is offered

Government and private medical colleges; DNB hospitals.

Want help applying this to your own situation? Guidance for College Students on the Career Captain website.

Indicative fees

Government seats are relatively affordable; private and deemed seats can be very expensive. Stipends are paid during residency.

Fees differ widely between government, aided, private and deemed institutions, and change every year. Any figures here are broad indications only — check each institution's official fee notice, and ask about scholarships and fee waivers.

Career options after the course

Doctor

Specialist and consultant careers.

Psychologist (compare)

Compare psychiatry with psychology.

Higher-study options

  • DM / MCh super-speciality
  • Fellowships

Advantages of this course

  • Specialist status and higher earnings over time

Challenges to consider

  • Intense residency workload
  • Competitive entry

Is this course a good fit for you?

It may suit you if…

  • You have a clear speciality interest

It may be harder if…

  • You are choosing a speciality only by rank

Similar courses to compare

  • DNB
  • PG diplomas

Frequently asked questions

MD or DNB?

Both are recognised postgraduate qualifications; training settings differ.

Published by Career Captain Global Solutions. This page is general guidance; see the disclaimer below. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.