Master of Chirurgiae (MCh) in Cardiothoracic Surgery is a super-specialty postgraduate surgical qualification. It is a 3-year course that provides intensive clinical and surgical training to the students. The training is in respect of diseases and procedures related to the heart, lungs, oesophagus, and other thoracic organs.
The candidate should have completed an MS in General Surgery/DNB in General Surgery from a reputed university in order to take this course. In addition, one is admitted to this course based on the NEET SS entrance exam.
The cost of the course varies between INR 30,000 and INR 30,00,000 based on the institute. The government institutions, such as AIIMS, PGIMER, SCTIMST, and JIPMER, charge for the course at a subsidized rate, while the private institutes charge more.
The graduates can be employed as Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons, Heart Transplant Specialists, or Consultants in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS), working in tertiary care hospitals, heart institutes, or having their own private practice. The salary varies from INR 20,00,000 – 45,00,000 per year, depending on the hospital, experience, and location.
- MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Course Highlights
- Why Pursue the MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Course?
- MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Course Eligibility Criteria
- MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Entrance Exam
- MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Colleges in India
- MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Admission Process 2025
- MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Syllabus
- MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Jobs in India
- MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery FAQs
MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Course Highlights
Listed below are some of the basic details about the course MCh in Cardiothoracic Surgery:
Details | Particulars |
Course Name | M Ch Cardiothoracic Surgery |
Course Level | Super Specialty Postgraduate |
Duration | 3 Years |
Course Type | Full-Time |
Admission Process | Entrance-Based (NEET SS) |
Eligibility Criteria | MS or DNB in General Surgery |
Course Fees (Average) | INR 30,000 – 30,00,000 |
Subjects | Cardiac Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Congenital Heart Diseases |
Top Colleges | AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER, SCTIMST, CMC Vellore, NIMS Hyderabad |
Job Profile | Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Heart Transplant Surgeon, Consultant |
Recruiters | AIIMS, Apollo Hospitals, Fortis, Medanta, Narayana Health |
Average Salary in India | INR 20,00,000 – 45,00,000 |
Why Pursue the MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Course?
Choosing MCh in Cardiothoracic Surgery is a great opportunity for candidates to broaden their future job prospects. MCh in Cardiothoracic is a great postgraduate course for the candidate who wants to master the complex procedures that involve the heart and thoracic cavity. Listed below are some points on why you should pursue this course:
- Prestigious & Specialized: The course is considered one of the most respected super-speciality degrees in medicine and surgery.
- High Demand, Low Supply: In India, there are fewer than 1,000 active candidates who practice cardiothoracic surgery, which makes it a highly in-demand specialization.
- Challenging Yet Rewarding: From coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to heart and lung transplants, the surgeries are always high-risk but are life-changing.
- Excellent Salary & Global Opportunities: The cardiothoracic surgeons are among the highest-paid specialists, both in India and abroad. Also, there’s an immense demand in the US, UK, Gulf, and Australia.
- Contribution to Critical Care: This specialty directly impacts life-saving procedures and plays a key role in tertiary cardiac care units.
MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Course Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for an MCh in Cardiothoracic Surgery are listed below:
- The candidate must have an MS (Master of Surgery)in General Surgery or DNB (Diplomate of National Board) in General Surgery.
- Furthermore, these degrees should be registered with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the State Medical Council.
- The admission to the MCh course is based on admission, the candidate should qualify for the NEET-SS with a good score.
MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Entrance Exam
Admission to MCh in Cardiothoracic Surgery is through the NEET SS, conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
Entrance Exam | Conducting Body | Registration Date (Tentative) | Exam Date (Tentative) | Application Fee |
NEET SS 2025 | National Board of Examinations | April – May 2025 | June 2025 | INR 4,250 |
MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Colleges in India
Here are list of some of the best medical institutes in India offering the MCh in Cardiothoracic Surgery:
NIRF Ranking 2024 | College Name | Location | Annual Course Fees | Seats |
1 | AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) | New Delhi | INR 5,000 – 10,000 | 11 |
2 | PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) | Chandigarh | INR 10,000 | - |
3 | CMC (Christian Medical College) | Vellore | INR 2,76,176 (Total) | 04 |
5 | JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research) | Puducherry | INR 15,000 | - |
10 | Madras Medical College | Chennai | INR 20,000 | 24 |
13 | SCTIMST (Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute) | Thiruvananthapuram | INR 24,000 | - |
- | NIMS (Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences) | Hyderabad | INR 36,000 | 06 |
- | KEM Hospital (Seth GS Medical College) | Mumbai | INR 30,000 | - |
- | Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences | Kochi | INR 5,20,000 (Total) | 02 |
- | Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences | Bangalore | INR 50,000 | - |
MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Admission Process 2025
The admission procedure to MCh in Cardiothoracic surgery may vary depending on the institution type. To give students a general idea, listed below is the admission process for Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi:
- The candidates will have to register for NEET SS through the official NBE NEET SS portal.
- The candidates shall need to appear for the NEET SS exam, and results will be made available on the official website.
- The candidates will need to undergo DGHS centralized counseling for 100% All India Quota seats.
- After allotment of a seat, the candidates shall have to report to the college for verification of documents and medical fitness.
- Shortlisted students will need to undergo admission by depositing the fees and do the joining formalities.
MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Syllabus
The syllabus/practical training of MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery may vary depending on the college. Here is the list of some subjects taken from the SRM University & Amrita School of Medicine.
Subjects (Theory) |
Applied Anatomy and Developmental Anatomy |
Applied Physiology |
Applied Pathology |
Pharmacology |
Applied Microbiology |
Cardiovascular Engineering: |
Critical Care Medicine: |
Cardiac surgery |
Thoracic endoscopies |
Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia |
Vascular surgery |
Subjects (Practical) |
Cardiac Surgery- Closed Heart Surgery, Open Heart Surgery |
Thoracic surgery- Thoracotomies, Lung resections |
Intercoastal drainage |
Vascular surgery |
VATS (Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery) - Diagnostic procedures, Therapeutic procedures |
Thoracic Endoscopies- Bronchoscopies, Oesophagoscopies, Mediastinoscopy |
Pacing and Electrophysiology- Single chamber pacing, Dual chamber pacing, Electrophysiology |
Cardiac cath & Angiography |
Thoracic endoscopies |
MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery Jobs in India
The MCh in Cardiothoracic graduates have opportunities in public and private hospitals, cardiac research centers, and multispecialty surgical units.
Job Profile | Experience | Top Recruiters/Recruiting Areas | Average Salary |
Cardiothoracic Surgeon | 5–10 Years | AIIMS, Fortis, Medanta, Narayana, Apollo | INR 25 – 40 LPA |
Heart Transplant Surgeon | 8+ Years | Global Hospitals, NH, Max Healthcare | INR 35 - 50 LPA |
Consultant – Cardiac Surgery | 5+ Years | Aster Medcity, Manipal Hospitals | INR 20 - 30 LPA |
Thoracic Surgery Specialist | 3–7 Years | Tata Memorial, Cancer Institutes | INR 18 - 28 LPA |
Academic Professor (CTVS) | 3–8 Years | Medical Colleges | INR 12 - 28 LPA |
MCh Cardiothoracic Surgery FAQs
What are the global opportunities for M.Ch Cardiothoracic Surgery graduates?
Graduates can explore international career opportunities in countries like the US, UK, Australia, and Gulf nations, where there is high demand for skilled cardiothoracic surgeons. Many global institutions also offer fellowships and advanced training programs in areas like robotic surgery and heart transplants, enabling graduates to enhance their expertise.
How does this program contribute to advancements in medical research?
The M.Ch Cardiothoracic Surgery program often includes research components where students can contribute to innovations in surgical techniques, device development, or treatment protocols for complex cardiac and thoracic conditions. This research can lead to publications in medical journals and collaborations with global institutions.
What are the challenges faced by cardiothoracic surgeons during training and practice?
Cardiothoracic surgery is a demanding field that requires long hours, precision, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. Surgeons often face challenges such as managing critical patients, staying updated with evolving technologies, and balancing clinical practice with academic responsibilities.
What role does mentorship play in this program?
Mentorship is crucial in the M.Ch Cardiothoracic Surgery program as it helps trainees navigate complex surgeries, develop leadership skills, and gain insights into career development. Experienced mentors provide guidance on surgical techniques, patient management, and research opportunities.
How does this course prepare students for humanitarian or global health initiatives?
The program equips graduates with skills to address critical cardiac care needs in underserved regions. Many surgeons participate in global health initiatives or NGOs that focus on providing cardiothoracic surgical care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), contributing to improving healthcare access worldwide.
