M.Ch Surgical Oncology is the highest surgical qualification in India catering to operative cancer management - training surgeons to diagnose and manage all solid tumours, in all organ systems, in an evidence-based, multidisciplinary manner.
Competitively with other super-specialty programs, entry to this branch requires an MS/DNB in General Surgery or similar field, with success in the highly competitive NEET-SS exam - essentially confirming that surgical residents have requisite level of surgical independence before selecting a specialty in surgical oncology.
Compared to all other specialties, there are very few seats available- (≈200) throughout the entire country. Residency seat availability is a "churn" mostly in apex cancer centres such as TMS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Government Kilpauk Medical College, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, All India Institute Of Medical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University Medical Sciences and Technology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology - the above listed institutions are equipped with robotic suites, tumor boards and translational research labs.
With every passing hour, the incidence of cancer continues to increase in India increasing demand for trained oncologists, and those who complete a M.Ch and go on to have careers in tertiary hospitals, dedicated oncology chains, academic, or research, are able to be paid upwards of INR 25 LPA to directly contribute to life-saving surgical innovation.
Table of Contents
- M.Ch Surgical Oncology Key Highlights
- What is M.Ch Surgical Oncology course?
- Why Study M.Ch Surgical Oncology?
- Who should study M.Ch Surgical Oncology?
- M.Ch Surgical Oncology Eligibility Criteria
- M.Ch Surgical Oncology Entrance Exams 2025
- M.Ch Surgical Oncology Best Colleges in India
- M.Ch Surgical Oncology Admission Process 2025
- M.Ch Surgical Oncology Syllabus
- M.Ch Surgical Oncology Job Opportunities in India
- M.Ch Surgical Oncology FAQs
M.Ch Surgical Oncology Key Highlights
The table below gives a snapshot of the course structure, entry route, cost and career outcomes at a glance.
What is M.Ch Surgical Oncology course?
M.Ch Surgical Oncology is a three-year, competency-based training program that provides surgeons with advanced operative techniques, peri-operative oncology care, and knowledge of the interface of surgical, medical and radiation oncology.
The curriculum includes intensive combined clinical and operative rotas - covering the operative care of head-and-neck, breast, thoracic, gastrointestinal, genito-urinary, musculoskeletal and paediatric tumours - with weekly tumour boards and clinics and a research thesis, concluding with a university exit exam and log-book review.
Why Study M.Ch Surgical Oncology?
Before committing to this demanding super‑specialty, consider the unique advantages outlined below.
- High Clinical Impact: Perform complex, organ‑preserving surgeries that directly improve cancer survival rates.
- Multidisciplinary Exposure: Collaborate daily with radiation oncologists, pathologists and medical oncologists.
- Cutting‑Edge Technology: Train on robotics, intra‑operative imaging, HIPEC and sentinel‑node mapping.
- Research & Academics: Publish in high‑impact journals and participate in national cancer trials.
- Lucrative & Respected Career: Specialists remain in critical shortage, driving premium salaries and leadership roles.
Who should study M.Ch Surgical Oncology?
M.Ch in Surgical Oncology is a super-specialty program ideal for surgeons who want to specialize in the surgical treatment and management of cancer, focusing on tumor diagnosis, biopsy, and cancer surgeries to improve patient survival and outcomes. Pursue this program if you are:
- An MS/DNB General Surgery (or ENT/OBG) graduate with a strong academic record.
- Passionate about oncologic principles, pathology and long operative hours.
- Keen on research, evidence‑based practice and continual skill advancement.
- Prepared for rigorous call duties and emotionally challenging cancer care.
- Aiming for consultant posts in apex cancer centres or academic institutes.
M.Ch Surgical Oncology Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for M.Ch. (Master of Chirurgiae) in Surgical Oncology are as follows:
- Candidates must have a recognized postgraduate medical degree in MS (General Surgery), MD, or DNB from a university/institution recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI)/National Medical Commission (NMC).
- A minimum aggregate score of 55% or equivalent CGPA is generally required in the postgraduate degree. There is typically a 5% relaxation in this criterion for SC/ST candidates.
- Candidates should have completed a compulsory one-year rotating internship after their MBBS degree.
- Permanent registration with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or a state medical council is mandatory.
- Admission is usually based on qualifying competitive entrance exams like NEET-Super Specialty (NEET SS), AIIMS PG, PGIMER, or other relevant tests, followed by counseling.
- Candidates awaiting final postgraduate results may be provisionally admitted but must meet all eligibility requirements upon final results.
M.Ch Surgical Oncology Entrance Exams 2025
The details of the entrance exam for M.Ch Surgical Oncology are given below.
Click to know about another specializations M.Ch Gastroenterology Surgery
M.Ch Surgical Oncology Best Colleges in India
These institutes consistently secure top NEET‑SS ranks and offer advanced onco‑surgical infrastructure.
M.Ch Surgical Oncology Admission Process 2025
The steps below describe the simplified admission process for the M.Ch Surgical Oncology at any of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences colleges.
Step 1: Apply on aiimsexams.ac.in during the April–May window, pick Surgical Oncology, upload MBBS + MS/DNB certificates, photo/signature and pay the INR 5 000 fee.
Step 2: Sit the 90‑minute, 80‑question CBT on Aug /Sep; score ≥ 50 % to qualify.
Step 3: If your Stage‑I rank is within 3× seat count, attend the on‑site viva/clinical assessment (20 marks) at AIIMS Delhi.
Step 4: With a combined (Stage I + II) score ≥ 50 %, rank in the AIIMS merit list, log in to the MCC/AIIMS portal, choose AIIMS New Delhi, lock preferences and download the allotment letter.
Step 5: Pay the token tuition (~INR 5 700) online within the deadline to confirm the seat.
Step 6: Report to the Dean (Academic) office with originals + one xerox of all certificates, NEET‑SS/INI‑SS scorecard, ID, and bond release; complete medical & biometric formalities and receive your provisional joining order as an M.Ch Surgical Oncology resident.
Required Documents:
- Allotment / Offer Letter downloaded after INI‑SS seat‑allocation round
- MBBS Degree, Consolidated Marksheets & Compulsory Rotatory Internship Certificate
- MS / DNB General Surgery (or ENT / OBG) Degree & Final Result Letter
- Permanent NMC / State Medical Council Registration Certificate
- 10th + 12th Standard Mark Sheets
- Identity proof
- Passport-size photographs
- Design portfolio and Statement of Purpose (if required)
You can also read about M.Ch Paediatric Surgery
M.Ch Surgical Oncology Syllabus
The M.Ch in Surgical Oncology follows a sequential structure of training over three years. The training progresses from basic oncology principles and operative skill, to cancer surgery specific to complex organs and advanced techniques including robotics and HIPEC. The MGUMST prospectus provides the MCh Surgical Oncology Syllabus, outlining the year-wise training modules and the final-exam papers. The core “courses” covered are:
M.Ch Surgical Oncology Job Opportunities in India
Armed with a super‑specialty degree, graduates command premium roles nationwide.
You can also check MCh in Cardiac Surgery
M.Ch Surgical Oncology FAQs
What is the minimum NEET-SS percentile for M.Ch Surgical Oncology?
Because there are fluctuations every year, typically if your rank is in the top 150- 200, you are safe for a government seat.
Can ENT or OBG post graduates apply?
Yes, you can apply if one has an MS ENT or an MS Obstetrics & Gynaecology., However, General Surgery post-graduates make up by far the majority for seats.
What is the work load for a resident on-call?
Some residents can expect 24-hour calls every 3-4 days, elective OT lists, and emergency oncology surgeries, etc.
Are there scholarships or stipends?
Government institutes pay stipends monthly (INR 80,00 – 1.1 lakh), and private colleges may have negotiated down stipends.
Is fellowship training compulsory after M.Ch?
There are optional fellowships (ex: Breast Oncology, HIPEC, etc.) available for one-year periods in order to maintain enhanced sub-specialty capabilities and academic CV.
Is there a required volume of published research outputs?
Many universities expect at least two peer-reviewed research publications and a thesis to be defended at the final viva.
Can I work and practice abroad after an M.Ch?
Yes, further licensing (MRCS / FRCS, USMLE) and local board certification will be required: however, much of what is covered in an M.Ch will be useful for these exams and qualifications.
How competitive is post-graduate job placement?
There is more demand for trained oncologists than available oncologists. Many of the top centres are still recruiting every year, and there are private oncology chains quickly expanding into most tier-2 cities.
