Updated on Mar 26, 2025
Shibam Kumar
Doctorate of Medicine/DM: Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Fees, Colleges, Admission 2025, Specializations, Jobs and Salary
Doctorate of Medicine (DM) is a super-speciality program pursued after Doctor of Medicine (MD), focused on advanced research and higher-level of expertise in a specific medical field. The course duration is 3 years.
The eligibility criteria for doing Doctorate of Medicine course is to have a MBBS degree and MD/DNB degree with 50-55% marks from recognised universities. Candidates also need to qualify certain entrance exams such as INI-SS, INI-CET or NEET-SS.
The average salary for studying Doctorate of Medicine in India ranges between INR 12,000-3,00,000 for government affiliated colleges and between INR 4,00,000-55,00,000 for private colleges. Some of the top institutes are AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, CMC Vellore, SCTIMST, NIMS Hyderabad, JIPMER Puducherry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology, SMS Medical College, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal) and others.
Doctorate of Medicine graduates can work as Cardiologist, Neurologist, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Urologist, Oncologist, Anaesthesiologist, Dermatologist, Emergency Medicine Physician, Psychiatrist, Plastic Surgeon and other various roles. They can earn between INR 8-30 LPA depending on their job role and experience.
Doctorate of Medicine/DM: Course Highlights
| Course Name | DM or Doctorate of Medicine |
|---|---|
| Level of Study | Super-Speciality/Doctorate |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Eligibility | Passed MBBS and MD/DNB with 50% marks from a recognised universityQualify Entrance Exams - INI-SS, INI-CET or NEET-SS |
| Admission Process | Entrance-Based |
| Average Fees | INR 12,000-3,00,000 (Government)INR 4,00,000-55,00,000 (Private) |
| Colleges Offering | AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, CMC Vellore, SCTIMST, NIMS Hyderabad, JIPMER Puducherry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology, SMS Medical College, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal) |
| Average Salary | INR 8-30 LPA |
| Job Roles | Cardiologist, Neurologist, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Urologist, Oncologist, Anaesthesiologist, Dermatologist, Emergency Medicine Physician, Psychiatrist, Plastic Surgeon |
Why study Doctorate of Medicine/DM?
The advantages of studying Doctorate of Medicine course are given below:
- Specialization: A Doctorate of Medicine (DM) provides deep knowledge in specific areas of medicine such as cardiology, neurology, and gastroenterology, making graduates highly desirable for specialized positions.
- Career Opportunities: Individuals with a DM have access to advanced roles in clinical practice, research, and teaching, significantly improving their career options compared to general practitioners.
- Research Contributions: The DM curriculum frequently includes a robust research element, allowing graduates to make meaningful contributions to advancements in medical science and public health.
- Prestige and Recognition: Attaining a DM is linked with greater prestige within the medical field, signifying a dedication to further education and specialization.
- Higher Earning Potential: Specialists with a DM generally earn higher salaries due to their extensive training and expertise in specific medical domains.
- Teaching Opportunities: DM graduates are ideally positioned for academic careers, enabling them to train future medical professionals through roles in medical education.
- Global Career Advancement: A DM qualification can lead to possibilities for international employment, offering insights into diverse healthcare systems and practices.
- Post-Doctoral Opportunities: Completing a DM paves the way for additional specialization through post-doctoral fellowships and advanced research positions.
Doctorate of Medicine/DM: Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Doctorate of Medicine (DM) program, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Possess an MBBS degree with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized university.
- Hold a postgraduate degree (MD/DNB) from an accredited institution with 55-60% marks.
- Candidates are required to clear the INI-SS, INI-CET, NEET-SS, or any specific entrance examinations as specified by the universities.
- A number of institutions also offer admission based on merit, considering academic performance in both MBBS and MD/DNB.
Doctorate of Medicine/DM: Entrance Exams
The entrance exams for taking admission into Doctorate of Medicine course are given below:
| Entrance Exam | Level | Registration Date | Exam Date | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INI-SS 2025 | National | 28 Sept-14 Oct 2024 | 25 Oct 2024 | INR 4000 |
| INI-CET 2025 | National | 10 Mar-15 Apr 2025 | 17 May 2025 | INR 4000 (Gen/OBC)INR 3200 (SC/ST/EWS) |
| NEET-SS 2025 | National | 4-24 Feb 2025 | 29,30 Mar 2025 | INR 3,500 |
Doctorate of Medicine/DM: Colleges and Fees
Some of the top institutes in India as per NIRF rankings (Medical) offering Doctorate of Medicine course are listed below:
| Institute | NIRF | Course Fee | Intake Exams |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS Delhi, New Delhi | 1 | INR 8,000-12,000 | INI-SS |
| PGIMER, Chandigarh | 2 | INR 7,500-10,000 | INI-CET |
| Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore | 3 | INR 2,76,000-3,50,000 | NEET-SS |
| JIPMER, Puducherry | 5 | INR 56,000-70,000 | INI-SS |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore | 8 | INR 25,00,000-30,00,000 | NEET-SS |
| Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune | 11 | INR 45,00,000-55,00,000 | NEET-SS |
| SCTIMST, Thiruvananthapuram | 13 | INR 2,00,000-2,50,000 | INI-CET |
| S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai | 18 | INR 24,00,000-35,00,000 | NEET-SS |
| AMU, Aligarh | 27 | INR 1,20,000-2,00,000 | NEET-SS |
| St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru | 28 | INR 30,25,000-40,00,000 | NEET-SS |
| Armed Forces Medical College, Pune | 30 | INR 3,00,000-4,00,000 | NEET-SS |
| Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur | 43 | INR 1,20,000-2,20,000 | NEET-SS |
Doctorate of Medicine/DM: Admission Process 2025
The admission process forDoctorate of Medicine course in AIIMS Delhi is as follows:
- Applicants must register on the official AIIMS website to apply for the Doctorate of Medicine (DM) program.
- Next, they should enroll for the INI-SS entrance examination.
- Candidates are required to sit for the INI-SS test, which consists of multiple-choice questions.
- AIIMS will release a merit list showcasing the scores from the exam alongside academic records.
- Those who are selected will undergo a departmental assessment, which includes an interview process.
- Admission offers will be determined by the results of the entrance exam, interview performance, and seat availability.
- Selected candidates must pay the admission fee and complete the enrollment procedure.
Doctorate of Medicine/DM: Specializations
The specializations of Doctorate of Medicine and their eligibility requirements are listed below:
| DM Specialisations | Eligibility Requirement |
|---|---|
| DM in Cardiology | MD/DNB in General Medicine or MD/DNB in Paediatrics |
| DM in Clinical Haematology | MD/DNB in General Medicine or MD/DNB in Pathology or MD/DNB in Biochemistry or MD/DNB in Paediatrics |
| DM in Clinical Pharmacology | MD/DNB in Pharmacology |
| DM in Endocrinology | MD/DNB in General Medicine or MD/DNB in Biochemistry or MD/DNB in Paediatrics |
| DM in Immunology | MD/DNB in General Medicine or MD/DNB in Pathology or MD/DNB in Microbiology or MD/DNB in Paediatrics or MD/DNB in Physiology or MD/DNB in Biochemistry |
| DM in Medical Gastroenterology | MD/DNB in General Medicine or MD/DNB in Paediatrics |
| DM in Medical Genetics | MD/DNB or MS in any subject |
| DM in Medical Oncology | MD/DNB in General Medicine or MD/DNB in Paediatrics or MS in Radiotherapy |
| DM in Neonatology | MD/DNB in Paediatrics |
| DM in Nephrology | MD/DNB in General Medicine or MD/DNB in Paediatrics |
| DM in Neurology | MD/DNB in General Medicine or MD/DNB in Paediatrics |
| DM in Neuro-radiology | MD/DNB in Radio-Diagnosis |
Doctorate of Medicine/DM: Jobs and Salary
Some of the jobs available on Indeed and Naukri.com for Doctorate of Medicine professionals are listed below:
| Job Title | Recruiters | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist | Fortis Healthcare / Apollo Hospitals / Max Healthcare | INR 25-30 LPA |
| Neurologist | Manipal Hospitals / Medanta / Fortis Escorts Hospital | INR 15-20 LPA |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | Global Hospital / Wockhardt Hospitals / Apollo Spectra | INR 10-12 LPA |
| Urologist | BLK Super Speciality Hospital / Care Hospitals / Manipal Hospitals | INR 8-12 LPA |
| Oncologist | Tata Memorial Hospital / HCG Cancer Centre / Max Healthcare | INR 8-11 LPA |
| Anaesthesiologist | Narayana Health / Fortis Healthcare / Apollo Hospitals | INR 11-15 LPA |
| Dermatologist | Skin City Clinic / Kaya Skin Clinic / Fortis La Femme | INR 10-12 LPA |
| Emergency Medicine Physician | Apollo Hospitals / Max Healthcare / Fortis Healthcare | INR 8-10 LPA |
| Psychiatrist | VIMHANS Hospital / Manas Hospital / Fortis Mental Health | INR10-15 LPA |
| Plastic Surgeon | Dr. A's Clinic / Apollo Cosmetic Surgery / Fortis Hospital | INR 15-20 LPA |
Doctorate of Medicine: FAQs
How does the difficulty of a DM program compare to that of an MD?
A DM program is more focused and research-driven than an MD, necessitating greater expertise in a specific area of medicine. It entails advanced clinical training, research projects, and management of complicated cases. The volume of work is substantial, but it equips physicians for leadership positions in their specialties.
What type of subjects is typically included in a DM curriculum?
Candidates pursuing a DM engage in specialized medical research that concentrates on disease mechanisms, innovative treatments, and advanced diagnostic methods. This research can involve clinical trials, laboratory investigations, or epidemiological studies, and publishing results in esteemed medical journals is often promoted.
How does holding a DM degree affect career advancement?
A DM qualification greatly enhances career opportunities, providing access to prestigious hospitals, research facilities, and academic institutions. It enables physicians to become senior consultants, heads of departments, or prominent researchers within their fields. The knowledge acquired can also open doors to international career prospects.
What are the main difficulties faced by DM students?
The program requires extensive study hours, rigorous clinical responsibilities, and significant research obligations. Balancing patient care, academic demands, and personal life can be challenging. Emotional resilience and solid mentorship are vital in navigating these difficulties.
Are DM graduates able to work in non-clinical settings?
Yes, DM graduates may seek careers in medical research, healthcare policy, education, and pharmaceutical development. Many serve as consultants for healthcare organizations, regulatory entities, or medical device firms. Some also shift into hospital administration and healthcare management roles.
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