Career in Medicine

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MBBS, or Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, is a professional degree awarded on successful completion of the course. The aim is to provide quality education and training to help students contribute to the growing field of health and medicine. Governed by the Medical Council of India, the course spans four and a half years, followed by a mandatory one-year internship.

Eligibility for MBBS

Normally, the minimum eligibility is 10+2 with physics, chemistry, and biology, scoring at least 50% marks. English is a mandatory subject for eligibility in many universities and colleges. However, AIIMS requires 60% for general category candidates and 50% for SC/ST candidates. This is not the only criterion for admission. Students must also qualify in an entrance examination to secure a seat in any medical college. The main entrance exams are NEET and the AIIMS exam.

Some universities, like Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, restrict candidate age to between 17 and 25. AIIMS has set a lower age limit of 17.

Why Choose a Career in Medicine

Students interested in learning the basics of the human body, its functions, and the diagnosis and treatment of disease should select this course. The structure develops a mindset for diagnosing and treating various ailments. After this course, graduates become active participants in the community, always ready to help people through medical practice.

Duration of MBBS Course

The course duration is five and a half years, which includes a one-year rotating internship. Courses are usually divided into nine semesters of six months each. Apart from regular coursework, students must participate in ward and out-patient departments, gaining real-life experience.

Except for three medical colleges in India (AIIMS, JIPMER, and AFMC), admission to all government and private medical and dental colleges is done solely through the NEET examination. In India, the central government quota for government medical colleges is 15%, while the state government quota is 85%. Both quotas are admissible only for students who have written the proper examination.

MBBS Admissions Form

Forms are usually available online for the entrance examination. NEET forms are available in the last week of December, and the entrance exam typically takes place in the last week of May. Other entrance exams occur in May-June after the 10+2 results. Once admission test results are announced, students are called for counselling based on merit, considering both qualifying examination marks (10+2) and entrance exam scores.

Structure of MBBS Entrance Examination

The testing method is an objective-type test. It evaluates the candidate's basic knowledge based on subjects studied in CBSE, NCERT, and COBSE-listed boards for classes 11 and 12. The main objective is to assess the basic knowledge and qualifications of candidates for the prestigious MBBS course. Colleges believe enrolled students should have prior knowledge of the basic principles of the taught courses.

MBBS Course, Curriculum, and Topics

According to the Medical Council of India, the curriculum spreads over nine semesters (four and a half years), followed by a one-year mandatory internship. The curriculum is divided into:

• Pre-clinical: Covers the first two semesters, focusing on basic knowledge of disciplines like anatomy and physiology.
• Para-clinical: Focuses on teaching topics like forensic medicine and pathology over three semesters (one and a half years). This includes the essential aspect of community therapy.
• Clinical Phase: Focuses on practical knowledge and practice with topics like pediatrics and psychotherapy.

Study after MBBS (MD/MS)

After completing a graduation in medicine, one can pursue post-graduation, i.e., MD or MS. MD stands for Doctor of Medicine, derived from the Latin 'Medicinae Doctor,' meaning Teacher of Medicine. It is the highest academic degree in the field. MBBS degree holders obtain this degree for distinction in medicine and surgery.

The Doctor of Medicine course lasts three years and includes theoretical and practical elements, culminating in a successful examination at the end. The MD course is more practical and research-based than the MBBS course. The Medical Council of India approves institutions to offer this degree. The course involves intensive study, and it is mainly pursued by medical graduates for a high salary package.

Branches of MD/MS and its Division

Post-graduation in medicine is broadly divided into Clinical and Non-Clinical branches, both of three years duration.

• Non-Clinical Branches: Can be divided into Core non-Clinical (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology) and Para Clinical (Community Medicine, Pathology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine).
• Clinical Branches: Divided into MD (Medicine related) such as Radio-Diagnosis, General Medicine, Pediatrics, Anesthesiology, and MS (Surgery related) such as General Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, and Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

Other subjects may include Medical Genetics, Pulmonology, Blood Bank Medicine, and Family Medicine, depending on the university.

Other Career Options

Other career options in medicine include profiles like medical officers, administrators, interns, physicians, and clinical researchers. After MBBS, the job profile of Medical Superintendent or Medical Director (MD) is also promising, offering a salary package of about 12-15 lakhs.

Employment Area for MBBS

Medicine and surgery are always in demand. After completing an internship and earning a bachelor's degree from a prestigious college, one can work as a physician with a doctor or start a personal clinic. You can work as a general practitioner or pursue expertise in a specific area.

MBBS Course Salary Trends

On average, a physician's starting salary is about 6-8 lakhs, while a surgeon starts earning 8-9 lakhs. Specialists like pathologists, pediatricians, gynecologists, orthopedists, and cardiologists command a salary package of approximately 10 to 12 lakhs. Radiologists and anesthetists receive the highest pay scale of 12 to 15 lakhs.

A medical representative earns around 2 to 5 lakhs, a Chief Medical Officer gets about 8 lakhs per year. Dieticians and nutrition specialists in the health sector earn 2 to 6 lakhs annually. A paramedic earns from 2 to 5 lakhs rupees annually.

Top Recruiters for MBBS

Here are some potential recruiters for MBBS graduates in India:

1. Government Hospitals
2. Private Hospitals and Clinics
3. Pharmaceutical Companies
4. Medical Colleges and Universities
5. Research Institutions
6. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
7. Armed Forces
8. Corporate Healthcare
9. Telemedicine Platforms
10. International Organizations

Top Institutes for MBBS

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi - Established: 1956 | Government | Admission: AIIMS Entrance Exam
• Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore - Established: 1900 | Private | Admission: NEET UG for MBBS
• Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune - Established: 1948 | Government | Admission: NEET UG for MBBS
• Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi - Established: 1959 | Government | Admission: NEET UG for MBBS
• Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry - Established: 1956 | Autonomous | Admission: JIPMER Entrance Exam
• King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow - Established: 1911 | Government | Admission: NEET UG for MBBS
• Grant Medical College, Mumbai - Established: 1845 | Government | Admission: NEET UG for MBBS
• Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), New Delhi - Established: 1916 | Government | Admission: NEET UG for MBBS
• Madras Medical College (MMC), Chennai - Established: 1835 | Government | Admission: NEET UG for MBBS
• Seth GS Medical College (KEM), Mumbai - Established: 1926 | Government | Admission: NEET UG for MBBS
• Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal - Established: 1953 | Private (Deemed) | Admission: NEET UG for MBBS
• Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai - Established: 1985 | Private (Deemed) | Admission: NEET UG for MBBS
• Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh - Established: 1962 | Government | Admission: NEET UG for MBBS