Doctor of Medicine (DM) is a super-speciality program pursued after Doctor of Medicine (MD), focused on advanced research and a higher level of expertise in a specific medical field. The course duration is 3 years. The eligibility criteria for doing a Doctor course are to have an MBBS degree and an MD/DNB degree with 50% marks from recognised universities. Aspirants must have a valid score in exams like NEET PG or INI CET.
Some of the top institutes are AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, CMC Vellore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology and Kasturba Medical College (Manipal). The graduates can work as Cardiologists, Neurologists, Oncologists, Anaesthesiologists, Dermatologists, Emergency Medicine Physicians, etc. The average package ranges between INR 8-30 LPA, depending on their job role and experience.
- Doctor of Medicine Course Highlights
- What is a Doctor of Medicine?
- Why Study Doctor of Medicine?
- Doctor of Medicine Eligibility Criteria
- Doctor of Medicine Entrance Exams
- Doctor of Medicine Colleges and Fees
- Doctor of Medicine Admission Process
- Doctor of Medicine/DM Specialisations
- Doctor of Medicine Jobs and Salary
- Doctor of Medicine FAQs
Doctor of Medicine Course Highlights
Given below are some of the basic course highlights for the Doctorate of Medicine Course:
Particulars | Details |
Course Name | DM or Doctor of Medicine |
Level of Study | Super-Speciality/Doctorate |
Duration | 3 Years |
Eligibility | Passed MBBS and MD/DNB with 50% marks from a recognised university
Qualify Entrance Exams - INI-SS, INI-CET or NEET PG |
Admission Process | Entrance-Based |
Colleges Offering | AIIMS Delhi, CMC Vellore, NIMS Hyderabad, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology, 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 |
What is a Doctor of Medicine?
The MD program is usually a combination of advanced work in the medical sciences, with a heavy emphasis on clinical training. It prepares graduates for practice in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease using conventional medicine. Although the structure and requirements for the degree vary in different parts of the world, the successful completion of a Doctor of Medicine course gives that individual the authority to examine and treat patients as a licensed medical doctor.
Why Study Doctor of Medicine?
A few reasons to pursue a Doctorate of Medicine course are given below:
- Fulfilled and replete with joy that the doctor has restored hope and has helped in some way in the recovery of a patient.
- Ability to choose a speciality according to aptitude.
- Opportunity to do research and be engaged in innovation.
- Could search for work globally to be able to move anywhere in the world or to different countries.
- Continuous learning and familiarity with the intellectual challenges of a dynamic and evolving profession.
- Always guaranteed job security because of the constant demand for physicians worldwide.
Another important specialisation under Doctor of Medicine is MD in Forensic Medicine, which deals with the application of medical knowledge in the investigation of crimes and legal cases.
Doctor of Medicine Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Doctor 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-CET, NEET PG, 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.
Doctor of Medicine Entrance Exams
The entrance exams for taking admission into Doctorate of Medicine course are given below:
Entrance Exam | Registration Date | Exam Date | Application Fee |
INI-SS 2025 | May 16, 2025 | May 24, 2025 | INR 4000 |
INI-CET 2025 | April 25, 2025 | May 17, 2025 | INR 4000 (Gen/OBC)
INR 3200 (SC/ST/EWS) |
NEET PG 2025 | May 7, 2025 | June 15, 2025 | INR 3,500 |
Doctor of Medicine Colleges and Fees
Some of the top institutes in India, as per NIRF rankings (Medical), offering the Medical Doctor degree 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 |
Doctor of Medicine Admission Process
The admission process for the Doctor of Medicine course in AIIMS Delhi is as follows:
- Applicants must register on the official AIIMS website to apply for the Doctor of Medicine (DM) program.
- Next, they should enrol 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.
Doctor of Medicine/DM Specialisations
The specialisations of Doctor 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 |
Doctor of Medicine Jobs and Salary
Some of the jobs available on Indeed and Naukri.com for Doctor 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 |
Also Check: PhD Medicine
Doctor of Medicine FAQs
How is the difficulty level of a DM program compared to that of an MD?
A medical doctor degree is more focused and research-driven than an MD, offering 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 specialities.
What type of subjects are 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.
What are the important problems faced by students pursuing DM?
The course is very demanding as it requires long hours of study, rigorous clinical responsibilities, and extensive research requirements. It can be very difficult to manage patient care with unending academic requirements as well as personal life. It requires a lot of emotional resilience and mentorship to walk through these paths.
Can DM graduates work outside clinical settings?
Certainly, DM graduates can also explore medical research, health policies, and education careers, as well as pharmaceutical development. Many consult for healthcare organisations, regulatory entities, or medical-device companies. Some have shifted into hospital administration and health-care management.
