MD Dermatology is a 3-year postgraduate medical course that consists of 6 semesters, and the aim of the course is to equip students with advanced knowledge on dermatology science and also that of diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail diseases. Students are prepared by means of theoretical lectures, clinical postings, case studies and by means of practice of surgical operations with maximum attention paid to the skills related with diagnosis and treatment.
Those who want to join MD Dermatology are required to have an MBBS qualification of an institution recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and must have undergone one-year mandatory internship. The admission is generally offered through national-level entrance examinations like NEET-PG. Universities could even think of interviews or counseling sessions of final selection.
The course fee of MD Dermatology may vary depending on the institution type, government colleges generally have lower fees around INR 1,75,000-2,00,0000, however, for private colleges the fee can be around INR 75,00,000-1,44,00,000. The best institutes in India offering MD Dermatology are Kerala University of Health Sciences, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research, and Shija Academy of Health Sciences.
MD Dermatology graduates have a wide range of career opportunities, which also pay well. They may act as dermatologists in hospitals, clinics and in a personal practice, or decide to choose a more specific branch of medicine, such as cosmetic dermatology, or dermatopathology. Some of the normal employment positions are Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Surgeon, Medical Advisor, Skin specialist, and Academician. Fresh graduates will have a salary of INR 8 to 12 LPA to start with and the specialist and those with good experience and knowledge can earn between INR 15 LPA to 25 LPA or above depending on their ability and area of work.
Table of Contents
- MD Dermatology Course Highlights
- What is MD Dermatology?
- Why Study MD Dermatology?
- Who Should Study MD Dermatology?
- MD Dermatology Eligibility Criteria
- MD Dermatology Entrance Exams 2025
- MD Dermatology Colleges in India
- MD Dermatology Admission Process 2025
- MD Dermatology Syllabus
- MD Dermatology Job Opportunities in India
- MD Dermatology FAQs
MD Dermatology Course Highlights
Given below are the basic key highlights for the MD Dermatology program:
What is MD Dermatology?
MD Dermatology or Doctor of Medicine in Dermatology is a three-year postgraduate medical degree focused on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases related to the skin, hair, and nails. This specialty combines both medical and surgical techniques, covering conditions such as infections, cancers, autoimmune disorders, and cosmetic concerns. The program includes in-depth training, clinical exposure, and research in dermatological diseases, as well as procedures like skin biopsies, mole removal, and cosmetic dermatology
Candidates are trained in medical as well as surgical opportunities of dermatology through this program including latest medical intervention e.g. laser therapy, dermatosurgery, aesthetic dermatology, immunotherapy etc. It also involves studying systemic diseases whose cutaneous signs act, dermatopathology, and sophisticated diagnostic methods. The course focuses more on practical clinical training and work with patients, as well as dermatological science research to create competent doctors that will be able to work at hospitals, clinics, academically or in the cosmetic business.
Why Study MD Dermatology?
Dermatology is not simply the study of skin, rather it is an important medical branch that is involved with examination and treatment of disorders pertaining to skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes. MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy is a much-admired and specialized branch in the medical field which has not only clinical depth but also aesthetic verses to it and thus is considered as one of the most sought after courses in post graduate medical courses. Some of the major reasons that support MD Dermatology as a good option of career are discussed below:
- You practice a dynamic field of medicine that integrates the traditional clinical practice with the up-coming technologies in the field of cosmetology, dermatosurgery and lasers. It offers you an opportunity to work with patients in a holistic way- treating them in terms of chronic skin issues, as well as, cosmetic surgery.
- It hones your clinical and diagnostic abilities: Dermatology will require you to have a keen eye and observation skills to make visual diagnoses and problem-solving thought processes. The ability to recognize more than 3,000 skin diseases, read histopathology slides, and interpret allergy tests increases your proficiency in the field of differential diagnosis.
- A career in MD Dermatology will enable you to combine medical care with beauty and wellness such that you get the gratification of eradicating evident pathology as well as bringing about quality life through tangible and visible outcomes.
Who Should Study MD Dermatology?
Listed below are some of the key points on who should pursue an MD in Dermatology. Let’s take a look at them:
- Those medical graduates (MBBS holders) who are really interested in the field of skin, hair, nails and mucosal diseases and wish to pursue the clinical as well as the aesthetic aspect of medical care.
- Candidates who possess good observational skills, keenness to detail, and power to diagnose especially in visual diagnosis and diagnostic procedures in dermatology with investigations.
- The ideal choice of a doctor hoping to work as an academician, researcher, or a public health specialist in the field of dermatology science, investigating such conditions as leprosy, STDs, or chronic inflammatory skin diseases.
- It is the perfect choice for those who need a steady and well-paid medical specialty that is flexible and has entrepreneurial opportunities (own clinic) with a fast-increasing demand both in urban and rural healthcare facilities.
- The MD Dermatology is an efficient medical career option that people desire to instill improvements in the lives of other people by performing procedures that result in evident cures and assist in the medical field and the emerging wellness sector.
MD Dermatology Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for admission to the MD Dermatology course are as mentioned below. Please note that the exact criteria may vary from one medical college or university to another.
- Must have completed an MBBS degree with minimum marks of 50% from a medical institution recognized by Medical Council of India or any State Medical Council.
- Should have completed a one-year compulsory rotating internship before the admission deadline.
- Must possess a valid medical registration certificate from the appropriate medical council.
- Required to qualify in the applicable entrance exam, the national-level postgraduate medical entrance test NEET PG.
- No upper age limit in most cases, though some institutions may have specific age-related criteria.
MD Dermatology Entrance Exams 2025
Admission to MD Dermatology programs is primarily based on national-level entrance exams for postgraduate medical courses. The details of the entrance exam for MD Dermatology is given below:
Looking for short-term courses after MBBS? Know about Diploma in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy
MD Dermatology Colleges in India
The list of some of the best MD Dermatology colleges in India is given below. To seek an MD Dermatology degree, students have to achieve the entry criteria and get a qualifying score in entrance tests such as NEET-PG to study in these institutes.
MD Dermatology Admission Process 2025
The MD Dermatology courses are strictly followed up with the admission based on the entrance exams like NEET PG. For clear understanding, the admission process for enrolling into MD Dermatology course at Kerala University of Health Sciences is given below:
Step 1: Complete your MBBS degree from a recognized medical college and ensure you have finished the mandatory one-year rotating internship.
Step 2: Obtain a valid registration certificate from the Medical Council of India (MCI), National Medical Commission (NMC), or your respective State Medical Council.
Step 3: Appear for the NEET PG entrance exam, which is mandatory for admission to MD Dermatology and all other postgraduate medical courses.
Step 4: Make sure you meet the required NEET PG cutoff percentile based on your category to qualify for the counselling process.
Step 5: Register for the PG medical counselling conducted by the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Kerala, through their official portal within the given deadline.
Step 6: Fill in your choices by selecting MD Dermatology and listing your preferred KUHS-affiliated colleges during the choice-filling process.
Step 7: Wait for the seat allotment result, which will be based on your NEET PG rank, seat availability, and category reservation norms.
Step 8: Report for document verification with all the necessary certificates, including NEET PG scorecard, MBBS degree, internship certificate, and ID proof.
Step 9: Pay the admission and tuition fees as instructed by the allocated college to reserve your seat in the MD Dermatology program.
Step 10: After successful fee payment and document submission, your admission will be confirmed by the university, and you can begin your course as per the academic calendar.
Required Documents:
- MBBS Degree Certificate and Final Marksheet
- Internship Certificate of Completion
- NEET PG Scorecard
- Medical Registration certificate (MCI or State Medical Council)
- Mark Sheets in 10 th and 12 th grade
- Photo (Photo Identity Proof Aadhaar, PAN, Passport etc.)
- Caste/Category Certificate (in case of a caste certificate)
- PwD Certificate (when available)
- New passport size photos
- MCC Temporary Allotment Letter
MD Dermatology Syllabus
The MD Dermatology syllabus is largely standardized across institutes in India, with core subjects, clinical training, and objectives defined by the regulations of statutory bodies like the National Medical Commission (NMC) and state universities. Given below is the MD Dermatology syllabus at Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research.
MD Dermatology Job Opportunities in India
After completing the MD Dermatology program, medical professionals can pursue various specialized job roles. Given below are some of the prominent job profiles along with top recruiters and average pay in India.
MD Dermatology FAQs
Is Dermatology MD a good choice for those planning to go into the super-specialization or government medical employment?
Indeed, MD in Dermatology provides good opportunities to people who want to study super-specialized fellowships e.g. dermatosurgery, cosmetology or pediatric dermatology. It also provides a way to explore work in government-run health facilities, health colleges, army forces, and central/state health departments. There has been an emerging demand for dermatologists in the government hospitals and AIIMS-like institutions mainly because the number of people with skin disorders has increased along with the need for cosmetic dermatology services.
Is cosmetic training and laser technology included in MD Dermatology?
In recent MD Dermatology programs there are special modules of the cosmetology, the aesthetic dermatology and the application of the new dermatological apparatus as lasers, the fillers, botulinum toxin and chemical peels and dermabrasion. The students may receive training either through clinical setting or workshops, so that they can have practical training in these booming fields of skin care and aesthetics.
What are the higher study options or research opportunities after MD Dermatology?
Once the training of MD Dermatology is done, it is followed by DM (Doctorate of Medicine) course or fellowship in specialist subjects such as dermato-oncology, cosmetic dermatology, trichology and immunodermatology. It is also considered by some in the M.Ch. in Plastic Surgery (for dual specialization). Academic interest may advance further to Ph.D. in Dermatology or clinical research opportunities in renowned institutes or as research personnel in pharmaceutical companies.
What does MD Dermatology do to enable the students into Private practice or entrepreneurship in dermatology clinics?
MD Dermatology offers a broad background in clinical diagnosis, skin procedure and patient management which are vital in establishing an autonomous practice or clinic. Exposure to dermatology business models, digital dermatology, clinic management and medico-legal ethics are among the elective courses available in many courses now. The graduates will either launch their own skin clinics or aesthetic centers or they will join hands with multi-specialty hospitals and salons.
