MD in Pathology: Admission 2025, Eligibility,Fees, Colleges, Subjects and Careers

The MD in Pathology is a 3-year postgraduate medical degree that focuses on observing body fluids, tissues, and organs under the microscope to study how disease is expressed; the mechanisms of the disease pathogenesis, and the consequences of individual diseases. Pathology is critical to the practice of medicine and pathology will help guide diagnosis, and treatment plan and clinical determination.

The eligibility criteria for MD in Pathology generally require candidates to have an MBBS degree from a recognized medical college with at least 50% aggregate marks. They must have completed a one-year compulsory internship and possess valid registration with the Medical Council of India or respective state council. Admission is based on clearing entrance exams like NEET-PG or INI-CET. There is typically no upper age limit, but specific requirements may vary by institution.

The average course fee for this course is in the range of INR 10,000-60,00,000, depending on the college (government or private). Some of the well-regarded institutes offering the course are AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER Puducherry, CMC Vellore, and MAMC Delhi.

MD in pathology graduates can find work in forensic departments, diagnostic laboratories in the private sector, research institutes, and laboratory departments of hospitals. Job roles are Pathologist, Clinical Lab Scientist, Medical Examiner, Forensic Pathologist, and Medical Officer. Fresh graduates will earn between INR 6-12 LPA and experienced professionals can earn between INR 15-25 LPA or even more.

MD in Pathology Highlights

Here’s a quick overview of the course structure, eligibility, duration, and career prospects for MD in Pathology.

What is MD in Pathology?

MD in Pathology is a postgraduate specialized medical degree with an emphasis on disease diagnosis from laboratory examinations of blood, urine, tissue, and other bodily fluids. It is the core of medical diagnosis and offers in-depth training in microscopic pathology, clinical pathology, and autopsy practice. It is necessary for those who wish to become diagnostic specialists or hospital, laboratory, or research center specialists.

The curriculum is split equally between theoretical education and practical experience in the form of working hands-on in pathology departments and laboratories within hospitals. The students are instructed in interpreting test results with good analytical skills and are involved in the medical decision-making process.

Why Study MD in Pathology?

MD in Pathology is a highly coveted postgraduate course for the candidates who want to serve in medical laboratories and research or want to become the diagnostic experts. The reasons to join this course are:

• Key Role in Diagnosis: Pathologists play a central role in disease identification and assisting clinicians with treatment plans.
• Heavy Demand for Specialists: There is growing demand for specialists in both the private and public sectors due to growing reliance on diagnostic tests.
• Research and Innovation: The program provides opportunities for research in cancer pathology, molecular diagnostics, and immunopathology.
• Job Flexibility: Freedom to work in hospitals, laboratories, schools, or set up independent diagnostic centers.
• Attractive Salary Packages: MD Pathologists are highly valued and offered competitive salaries globally.

Who should study MD in Pathology?

MD in Pathology course is ideal for:

• MBBS graduates interested in diagnosis and lab-based medical work.
• Candidates passionate about exploring disease mechanisms through laboratory research.
• Individuals aiming to contribute to public health through disease surveillance and autopsy analysis.
• Those seeking a stable and high-earning medical career with minimal patient contact.
• Students aspiring to academic careers or higher research in pathology and laboratory sciences.

MD in Pathology Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the MD in Pathology course in India, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Must have completed MBBS from an MCI-recognized institution.
• Should have completed a 1-year compulsory rotating internship before the admission date.
• Must have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate in MBBS (45% for reserved categories).
• A valid NEET-PG or INI-CET score is mandatory for admission to both private and government colleges.

MD in Pathology Entrance Exams 2025

Students have to take these entrance exams for admission to MD in Pathology, as qualifying an entrance test is mandatory for securing a seat in a postgraduate program at all universities.

MD in Pathology Top Colleges in India

Colleges offering MD in Pathology provide advanced research labs, expert faculty, and field training in disease diagnostics.

Also read about MD Radiodiagnosis

MD in Pathology Admission Process 2025

Here's a tailored step-by-step admission guide for MD in Pathology at Kasturba Medical College (KMC) Manipal based on the latest available data:

Step 1: You must have cleared MBBS from a college approved by NMC/MCI. You must have completed your internship on or before the date as decided by NMC. You must be registered with the State Medical Council or NMC.

Step 2: Register for NEET PG 2025 on the NBE (National Board of Examinations) official website. Give the test and try to get a good rank. Clearing NEET PG is a must to become eligible for admission.

Step 3: Register on MCC Counselling (Medical Counselling Committee) website after results. This is compulsory for Deemed Universities like KMC Manipal.

Step 4: Login to the MCC counselling website and select "Kasturba Medical College, Manipal" as one of your options for MD Pathology. Submit and lock your choices prior to the deadline.

Step 5: Provided that your rank qualifies you, you will be given a seat in MD Pathology at KMC Manipal. Download your allotment letter from the MCC website.

Step 6: Pay the first-year fees and complete the admission formalities.

Required Documents:

• MBBS degree & mark sheets
• NEET PG scorecard
• Internship completion certificate
• ID proof (Aadhar/PAN)
• Medical and character certificate
• State/NMC registration certificate
• Category certificate (if applicable)

MD in Pathology Syllabus

Here’s a syllabus at GITAM University (Visakhapatnam) for MD in Pathology curriculum to help you understand the topics covered during the course.

MD Pathology vs. MD Microbiology

MD in Pathology and MD in Microbiology are postgraduate medical programs that fall into the diagnostic and laboratory medicine disciplines. Both fields study the investigation of disease, but they vary significantly in their focus and specializations. The major differences are summarized below in the table.

MD in Pathology Job Opportunities in India

An MD in Pathology opens up diverse roles in diagnostics, research, and academia. Graduates play a key role in disease detection, lab management, and healthcare.

Click to read about MD Anatomy

MD in Pathology FAQs