Diploma in Dermatology is a 2-year medical diploma course with specialisation in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of diseases of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails. The topics taught under the course are skin biology, dermatological disorders, infections, cosmetic dermatology, and clinical dermatology.The students also study dermatopathology, laser therapy, and aesthetic treatments. The educational period for students studying at a distance is three years.
Admission to the Diploma in Dermatology program is dependent to a large extent on the NEET-PG admission test for entry into top medical colleges. Direct admission based on past performance is not common. Some of the top colleges that provide this program are Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College, Pondicherry University, and Jaipur National University. The cost of the program is different at every college, usually ranging from INR 50,000 to INR 12,00,000.
Diploma in Dermatology pass-outs have good career prospects in the private and government health sectors. They can carry out a career as a dermatologist, consultant dermatologist, or cosmetologist in skin care clinics, hospitals, and skin care centres. The first-year salary of fresher joiners in this sector typically varies from INR 6,00,000 to INR 12,00,000 as a fresher, which increases salaries according to experience and specialisations.
- Diploma in Dermatology Course Highlights
- What is a Diploma in Dermatology?
- Why Pursue a Diploma in Dermatology Course?
- Diploma in Dermatology Admission Process 2025
- Diploma in Dermatology Eligibility
- Diploma in Dermatology Colleges In India
- Diploma in Dermatology Syllabus
- Diploma in Dermatology vs MD Dermatology
- Diploma in Dermatology Job Prospects
- Diploma in Dermatology Future Scope
- Diploma in Dermatology FAQs
Diploma in Dermatology Course Highlights
Given below are some of the basic key highlights for the Diploma in Dermatology course:
Feature | Details |
Course Name | Diploma in Dermatology |
Course Level | Postgraduate Diploma |
Duration | 2 years (Full-time) / 3 years (Distance mode) |
Eligibility | MBBS degree with a one-year compulsory internship |
Admission Process | Entrance-based (NEET-PG, AIIMS PG, JIPMER PG, PGIMER) or merit-based in select institutions |
Course Mode | Full-time / Distance learning / Online (in select institutions) |
Top Colleges | Dr. BR Ambedkar Medical College, Pondicherry University, Jaipur National University |
Average Course Fee | INR 50,000 – 12,00,000 (varies by institution) |
Key Subjects | Skin biology, common skin disorders, hair and nail treatment, dermatological diseases, clinical practice |
Career Opportunities | Dermatologist, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetologist |
Average Salary | INR 6,00,000 – 12,00,000 per annum for freshers |
Future Scope | Work in hospitals, private clinics, research, or setup private clinics; Opportunities to work abroad with additional qualifications |
What is a Diploma in Dermatology?
A Diploma in Dermatology is a two-year postgraduate degree for MBBS students who have completed a one-year compulsory internship. The course contains major training in the management and diagnosis of skin illnesses, including inflammatory skin illnesses, autoimmune disorders, and infections of the skin. It also contains dermatopathology, procedural dermatology, and cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels, botox, and laser therapy.
Durations of 1–2 years on average, this course encompasses extensive study of dermatological diseases, cosmetic dermatology, venereology (STD), leprosy, and dermatopathology. It aims to incorporate theory with practice, rendering graduates eligible to work as dermatology consultants, clinical dermatologists, or cosmetologists in hospitals, clinics, and beauty centres. This diploma is quicker than an MD in Dermatology but still holds prospects for great career growth.
Why Pursue a Diploma in Dermatology Course?
A Diploma in Dermatology is a professional course focused on the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail diseases. It's ideal for someone wishing to specialise in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Offers expanding career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and private practice
- Utilises practical skills in clinical and cosmetic dermatology
- Fewer course years than MD programs, allowing for quicker entry to practice
- Leads to strong income potential with growing demand for skincare experts
- Allows specialisation within a rapidly growing healthcare and wellness sector
Diploma in Dermatology Admission Process 2025
Admission to a diploma in dermatology is through entrance exams, which are carried out at the national as well as state levels. Students have to clear the common medical PG entrance exams, such as NEET-PG, and some of the colleges carry out their own entrance exams to fill up seats for students.
Merit Admissions
Some colleges take admissions for a Diploma in Dermatology on the basis of merit. Below are the steps to be taken to apply for this course:
- Go to the official college website and find the application form.
- Enter all the details as mentioned in the identity proofs.
- Upload the documents as specified in the application form
- Next, there would be some updates from the college about the admission. They may request the student to appear for a GD or a personal interview.
- Carry all the documents during the visit to the college, and the decision will be taken on the basis of the merit of the candidates.
Diploma in Dermatology Entrance Exams
Students who want to pursue a diploma in dermatology have to appear for the qualifying exam to be admitted to the college. If the candidate clears the entrance exam, then he will be requested to appear for the next round of selection. The following is a list of nation-level entrance exams conducted in India for admission to the Diploma in Dermatology course:
Entrance Exam | Conducting Authority | Registration Period | Exam Date |
NEET-PG 2025 | National Board of Examinations (NBE) | 3rd week of May, 2025 | 2nd week of August, 2024 |
AIIMS INI-CET 2025 | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) | March 18, 2025 – April 12, 2025 | May 18, 2025 |
JIPMER PG 2025 | Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) | February 14, 2025 | May 18, 2025 |
PGIMER 2025 | Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) | March 12, 2025 | July 2025 (Tentative) |
Diploma in Dermatology Eligibility
The following are the eligibility criteria to be met by students wishing to pursue a Diploma in Dermatology:
- Those students who want to study a Diploma in Dermatology must have an MBBS degree along with one year of internship.
- Students must possess a class 10th certificate and a class 12 certificate with Biology, Physics, and Chemistry as major subjects.
- 50% marks in the 12th class along with the MBBS course are also required for admissions.
Diploma in Dermatology Colleges In India
Following is a list of some colleges in India offering a Diploma in Dermatology:
College Name | Location | Approximate Course Fees (INR) |
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College | Bangalore, Karnataka | 8,50,000 |
Pondicherry University | Puducherry | 4,50,000 |
Jaipur National University | Jaipur, Rajasthan | 2,00,000 |
Madras Medical College | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 1,12,000 |
Vinayaka Missions University | Salem, Tamil Nadu | 12,40,000 |
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research | New Delhi | 2,00,000 |
Maulana Azad Medical College | New Delhi | 16,00,000 |
Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | 16,00,000 |
Diploma in Dermatology Syllabus
The Diploma in Dermatology syllabus is mostly similar throughout all colleges. Given below is the semester-wise breakdown of subjects at Vinayaka Missions University, Tamil Nadu.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Skin Biology and Physiology | Infectious Diseases of Skin |
Basic Pathology of Skin Diseases | Dermatopathology |
Common Dermatological Disorders | Skin Disorders in Different Age Groups |
Diagnostic Techniques in Dermatology | Clinical Dermatology Practicals |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Hair and Nail Disorders | Skin Cancers and Pigmentation Disorders |
Skin Systemic Diseases | Advanced Dermatological Therapies |
Cosmetic Dermatology | Oral Lesions and Mucosal Diseases |
Procedural Dermatology (Lasers, Peels, etc.) | Research Methodology and Case Studies |
Diploma in Dermatology vs MD Dermatology
A diploma in dermatology is a course of 2 years duration. Whereas, MD course stands for Doctor of Medicine and is for 3-year duration, and it is a post-graduation course. One can also pursue a Diploma in Dermatology, Venerology and Leprosy. The following tables show you the difference between a diploma in dermatology and an MD dermatology course.
Criteria | Diploma in Dermatology | MD in Dermatology |
Full Name | Diploma in Dermatology | Doctor of Medicine in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy (MD DVL) |
Duration | 2 years (3 years for distance mode) | 3 years |
Eligibility | MBBS + 1-year compulsory internship | MBBS + NEET-PG qualification |
Curriculum Focus | Covers fundamental dermatological concepts, common skin disorders, and basic cosmetic procedures | More extensive, covering advanced dermatology, venereology, leprosy, surgical and cosmetic procedures |
Depth of Study | Basic to intermediate level | Advanced level, including clinical research and surgical dermatology |
Career Opportunities | Dermatologist, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Skincare Specialist | Dermatologist, Venereologist, Leprologist, Researcher, Professor, Senior Consultant |
Employment Areas | Private and government hospitals, clinics, and cosmetic dermatology centres | Hospitals, research institutes, academia, specialised dermatology centres |
Further Studies | Can pursue MD Dermatology for higher specialisation | Can go for DM (super-specialisation) in Dermatology or other advanced fellowships |
Ideal For | MBBS graduates looking for a shorter, career-oriented specialisation | MBBS graduates aiming for an in-depth specialisation and higher career prospects |
Diploma in Dermatology Job Prospects
Diploma in Dermatology students can work in multiple positions. Here is the list of a few jobs offered after pursuing a diploma in dermatology, along with the average salary over a period of 10+ years:
Job Role | Description | < 5 Years Experience | 5-10 Years Experience | > 10 Years Experience |
Dermatology Technician | Assists dermatologists in clinical procedures and patient care. | INR 9,00,000 | INR 13,00,000 | INR 19,00,000 |
Skin Care Specialist | Provides skincare treatments and advice to clients. | INR 8,00,000 | INR 13,00,000 | INR 21,00,000 |
Dermatology Assistant | Supports dermatologists with administrative and clinical tasks. | INR 11,00,000 | INR 19,00,000 | INR 26,00,000 |
Cosmetologist | Performs cosmetic procedures and advises on beauty treatments. | INR 13,00,000 | INR 21,00,000 | INR 31,00,000 |
Clinical Researcher | Conducts research on dermatological treatments and products. | INR 16,00,000 | INR 28,00,000 | INR 36,00,000 |
Diploma in Dermatology Future Scope
A Diploma in Dermatology offers diverse career opportunities in the fields of skincare, cosmetology, and medical research. Graduates can work in pharmaceutical companies, dermatology clinics, and aesthetic centres or contribute to the field by writing medical journals and blogs. Other pathways available after completing this diploma include:
- Pursuing higher education, such as an MD in Dermatology, to gain advanced expertise.
- Enrolling in short-term certification courses in dermatology to stay updated with industry advancements.
- Starting an entrepreneurial venture by establishing a skincare clinic or launching a personal skincare brand.
Diploma in Dermatology FAQs
Can I get a Diploma in Dermatology without holding an MBBS degree?
No, a Diploma in Dermatology is a postgraduate-level specialised course for which candidates must hold an MBBS degree and complete a one-year mandatory internship. This guarantees that students possess a basic knowledge of general medicine before they specialise in dermatology.
Is NEET-PG necessary for admission to a Diploma in Dermatology?
The majority of colleges and universities demand that candidates pass NEET-PG to secure admission into a Diploma in Dermatology. Nevertheless, some colleges and universities might provide direct admissions based on merit or marks secured in earlier academic qualifications. It is advisable to verify the particular admission requirements of the college or university you want to apply to.
Is it possible to pursue a Diploma in Dermatology through distance learning?
Yes, it is possible to take a Diploma in Dermatology through distance education in some universities. But in this mode of course, the duration is usually longer, three years instead of the normal two years. Because dermatology includes practical training and clinical exposure, distance learning will not be as hands-on as a regular full-time course.
Do online courses leading to a Diploma in Dermatology exist?
Some websites and institutions provide diploma or certification courses in dermatology. But these might not be the same as a medical college Diploma in Dermatology. Online courses might give extra information, but without clinical training, they cannot help one practice as a professional.
Can I start my dermatology clinic after a Diploma in Dermatology?
Yes, once they have finished a Diploma in Dermatology, professionals can open their dermatology clinics. But they need to acquire the required licenses and approvals as mandated by the medical regulatory bodies. Most diploma holders prefer to gain experience by working in hospitals or private dermatology clinics before opening their practice.
Which countries provide the best career prospects for Diploma in Dermatology graduates?
Other nations such as the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia demand a lot of dermatologists and provide great career prospects. These professionals might still have to complete extra licensing and qualification requirements for practice in these nations. Before applying for a job abroad, it is worth investigating the respective requirements for foreign medical professionals.
