Master of Chirurgiae (M.Ch) in Neurosurgery is a 3-6 year PG degree with higher-level study and practical training in neurosurgery. It aims at imparting the students with the knowledge to diagnose and manage neurological ailments, perform major procedures such as resection of brain tumours, and manage conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. It is the topmost medical qualification in the area of neurosurgery.
Candidates have the option of going for MCh Neurosurgery after MBBS or after post-graduation such as MD/MS in a specific branch of medical specialisation. The competitors must have obtained at least 55% in MBBS or MD/MS in an institution approved by the MCI to be considered eligible. Apart from this, most of the colleges require the competing candidates to clear entrance examinations like INI CET, INI SS or NEET-SS for entry into India's best medical colleges.
The top institutions for MCh Neurosurgery include Christian Medical College (CMC), AIIMS Delhi, Amrita Vishwa Vidypeetham, and Kasturba Medical College (KMC), among others. The fee is highly variable with the college and can range from as low as INR 6,000 to as much as INR 72,00,000.
With course completion, students get excellent placements in the government and private sectors with very high chances of a career abroad as well. Neurosurgery is one of the highest-paying medical streams with an average salary of INR 24 LPA to 48 LPA, depending on experience and specialization.
MCh Neurosurgery Course Highlights
The table below highlights the key details about Master of Chirurgiae in Neurosurgery course:
Features | Details |
Course Name | MCh in Neurosurgery |
Full form | Master of Chirurgiae in Neurosurgery |
Course Level | Post-Graduation |
Duration | 3 years after MD/MS
5-6 years after MBBS |
Eligibility | MBBS with 55% from an MCI-recognized institute
(or)
MD/MS degree in related discipline from a University recognized by the Medical Council of India |
Age Limit | No age limit |
Admission Process | Merit-based or Entrance-based (INI CET, INI SS, NEET SS) |
Course Fee | INR 6,000-72,00,000 |
Average Starting Salary | INR 24 LPA – 48 LPA |
Top Recruiting Areas | Hospitals, Government Organizations, Research Institutions, Pharmaceutical Companies, Colleges & Universities, Healthcare Organizations |
Top Recruiters | AIIMS, Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Hospital, Max Hospital, Kailash Hospital, Metro Hospital, Medical Colleges & Universities |
Job Positions | Consultant Neurosurgeon, Senior Resident, Clinical Associate, Senior Neurosurgeon, Researcher, Professor |
Why Pursue MCh Neurosurgery Course?
Pursuing Master of Chirurgiae in Neurosurgery is of great advantage and a highly competitive course. A few of the major reasons to join this course are:
- Highest Qualification in Neurosurgery – MCh Neurosurgery is an extremely advanced level degree, providing in-depth theoretical knowledge and operative surgical skills to practice professionally.
- Good Paying Career Options – The graduates can get good-paying and high-status jobs in India as well as abroad with excellent job security in the government as well as private sectors.
- Good Salary Package – Neurosurgeons are among the highest-paid physicians with salaries ranging from INR 2 to 4 lakhs per month. Additionally, the growing demand for neurosurgeons with expertise translates into a secure and satisfying career.
MCh Neurosurgery Eligibility Criteria
Those interested in seeking admission to Master of Chirurgiae in Neurosurgery are required to meet some eligibility conditions as set forth by medical institutions. The prominent conditions are:
- Educational Qualification – Contenders must hold an MBBS degree or postgraduate degree (MD/MS or its equivalent) in the relevant field from a medical college approved by the Medical Council of India (MCI)/National Medical Commission (NMC).
- Minimum Marks Requirement – Minimum aggregate of 55% in MBBS or postgraduate MD/MS. Relaxation of 5% in the minimum marks requirement may be allowed for candidates belonging to reserved categories.
- Qualify Entrance Exam – Admission to India's top MCh Neurosurgery institutes is done on the merit of national and institute-level entrance examinations, viz., NEET SS, INI CET, INI SS followed by a Group Discussion (GD) and/or Personal Interview (PI) round in some cases.
- Work Experience (Preferred) – While not always necessary, many highly respected institutions would like to have candidates with a minimum of 12 months of direct clinical experience in neurosurgery or a subspecialty thereof.
MCh Neurosurgery Entrance Exams
Admission to MCh Neurosurgery programs in India is primarily based on national and institute-level entrance exams. Some of the key exams for Master of Chirurgiae in Neurosurgery include:
Entrance Exam | Level | Registration Date | Exam Date | Application Fee |
INI-SS 2025 | National/Institutional | Sep- Oct 2025 (Tentative) | Oct 2025 (Tentative) | INR 4000 |
INI-CET 2025 | National/Institutional | 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 |
MCh Neurosurgery Top Colleges in India
Master of Chirurgiae in Neurosurgery is offered by multiple institutes in India. Some of the top colleges in India offering MCh Neurosurgery are listed below along with their NIRF 2024 rankings under ‘Medical’ category and the approximate course fee for the 3 year program:
Institution | Location | NIRF Ranking 2024
(Medical) | Approx. Course Fees |
All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi (AIIMS Delhi) | New Delhi | 1 | INR 6,000 |
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research | Chandigarh | 2 | INR 7,500 |
Christian Medical College (CMC) | Vellore | 3 | INR 2,11,000 |
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) | Bangalore | 4 | INR 1,80,000 |
Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) | Puducherry | 5 | INR 18,810 |
Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences | Lucknow | 6 | INR 1,45,000 |
Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | 7 | INR 1,10,000 |
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Coimbatore | 8 | INR 13,13,000 |
Kasturba Medical College (KMC) | Manipal | 9 | INR 72,70,000 |
Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) | Thiruvananthapuram | 13 | INR 1,77,000 |
Armed Force Medical College | Pune | 30 | INR 3,00,000 |
MCh Neurosurgery Admission Process 2025
Admissions in Master of Chirurgiae in Neurosurgery are both entrance-based and merit-based. The majority of well-known medical colleges admit candidates on the basis of entrance test scores. Direct admissions are provided by a few private institutions on the basis of merit. For clear understanding, the admission process for MCh Neurosurgery course at AIIMS Delhi is given below:
Step 1: First of all, the Candidates need to register themselves on the official website of AIIMS in order to apply for the course of MCh Neurosurgery
Step 2: Now, the candidates need to register themselves for the INI-SS entrance exam.
Step 3: Once they register themselves, the candidates must sit for the examination.
Step 4: After the entrance exam results are announced, the AIIMS will issue the merit list for choosing the candidates.
Step 5: The shortlisted candidates will undergo a departmental assessment, including an interview.
Step 6: Admission offers will be sent out on the basis of entrance exam scores, interview performance, and seat availability.
Step 7: Selected candidates must pay the admission charge and complete the enrollment process.
MCh Neurosurgery Syllabus
The Master of Chirurgiae in Neurosurgery program is structured to provide an extensive understanding of neuroanatomy, neuropathology, surgical techniques, and patient management. The syllabus is almost similar in all the colleges, however, few subjects may vary but the core subjects remain same. The syllabus for MCh Neurosurgery course at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST).
1. Core Foundation in Neurosciences
This section covers fundamental subjects essential for understanding the nervous system and its disorders.
Subject | Key Topics |
Neuroanatomy | Structural and functional organization of the nervous system |
Neurophysiology | Brain functions and neural mechanisms |
Neurology | Diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders |
Neuropathology | Study of nervous system diseases and their pathology |
Neuropharmacology | Drugs affecting the central and peripheral nervous system |
Neuroradiology | Imaging techniques such as MRI, CT, and PET scans |
2. General Clinical Training
This section equips students with knowledge related to patient care, critical care management, and hospital administration.
Subject | Key Topics |
Fluid, Electrolytes & Nutrition | Metabolic balance and nutritional management in neurosurgical patients |
Critical Care in Neurosurgery | ICU protocols, emergency response, and patient monitoring |
Infection Control | Prevention and treatment of infections in neurosurgical practice |
Practice Management | Patient care coordination, hospital administration, and team management |
Legal & Socio Economic Issues | Medical ethics, patient rights, and healthcare policies |
3. Advanced Neurosurgical Training
This section focuses on specialized neurosurgical procedures, techniques, and patient care in different neurological conditions.
Subject | Key Topics |
Cerebrovascular Surgery | Surgical management of aneurysms, strokes, and vascular malformations |
Neurotrauma & Neurosurgical Critical Care | Emergency treatment of head injuries and trauma cases |
Pain Management | Techniques for controlling chronic and postoperative pain |
Pediatric Neurosurgery | Diagnosis and surgical intervention in childhood neurological conditions |
Peripheral Nervous System Surgery | Treatment of nerve compression syndromes and injuries |
Spinal Surgery | Surgical treatment of spinal cord disorders, trauma, and tumors |
Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery | Deep brain stimulation, epilepsy surgery, and movement disorder treatments |
MCh Neurosurgery Jobs
After completing a Master of Chirurgiae in Neurosurgery, professionals can work in various positions in the healthcare sector or research institutes. Some of the job roles and their average salary for MCh Neurosurgery students are given below:
Job Role | Average Salary (INR per annum) |
Neurosurgeon (Consultant/ Specialist) | INR 41.25 LPA |
Senior Resident Neurosurgery | INR 18 LPA |
Clinical Associate Neurosurgery | INR 15 LPA |
Spine Surgeon | INR 45 LPA |
Pediatric Neurosurgeon | INR 50 LPA |
Neurocritical Care Specialist | INR 35 LPA |
Researcher in Neuroscience | INR 20 LPA |
Professor/ Lecturer Neurosurgery | INR 22 LPA |
Medical Director (Healthcare Administration) | INR 50 LPA |
Neurosurgery Department Head | INR 60 LPA |
MCh Neurosurgery FAQs
Can I join MCh Neurosurgery immediately after MBBS?
Yes, MBBS candidates can apply for a 6-year MCh Neurosurgery course through entrance exams such as NEET-SS or AIIMS-PG.
Is MCh Neurosurgery the highest qualification in neurosurgery in India?
Yes, MCh Neurosurgery is the highest qualification in India for specialization in neurosurgery. It is necessary to have an MBBS degree to be qualified to pursue an MCh Neurosurgery.
Are all Indian medical colleges providing MCh Neurosurgery?
No, MCh Neurosurgery is provided by only a few top institutes such as AIIMS, PGIMER, and NIMHANS in India and entrance examinations like NEET-SS, AIIMS-PG, or JIPMER-PG are needed for getting admission into MCh Neurosurgery.
Is there a need for an entrance test for admission into MCh Neurosurgery?
Yes, entrance examinations like NEET-SS, AIIMS-PG, or JIPMER-PG are needed for admission into MCh Neurosurgery.
Is it possible for an M.Ch Neurosurgeon to work abroad without going through other exams?
No, neurosurgeons have to pass licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or AMC (Australia) to practice outside India after the completion of MCh Neurosurgery in India.
Does Neurosurgery fall into the list of highest-paying medical specialties?
Yes, neurosurgeons receive some of the highest paychecks, up to INR 1 crore annually in India after the completion of MCh Neurosurgery.
