MD Psychiatry, or better called Doctor of Medicine in Psychiatry, is a 3-year postgraduate medical program focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. The course equips students with in-depth knowledge of psychiatric disorders, psychotherapy techniques, pharmacological interventions, and research methodologies in mental health.
The eligibility criteria for MD Psychiatry are that the candidate must have completed an MBBS degree through a recognized university. Admission to the MD Psychiatry course is based on the entrance exams and a valid NEET-PG score. The average MD Psychiatry fees range from INR 80,000 – 25,00,000, depending on the institute chosen by the candidate.
In terms of the Job aspect, the MD Psychiatry course opens up various job opportunities, Students can pursue various job profiles like Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, Consultant Psychiatrist, Researcher, Mental Health Expert. Also, the average pay range after completing MD Psychiatry is between INR 3,00,000-15,00,000.
MD in Psychiatry Course Highlights
Provided below are the basic highlights for the course MD Psychiatry:
Details | Particulars |
Course Name | Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Psychiatry |
Course Level | Postgraduate |
Duration | 3 Years / 6 Semesters |
Course Type | Full-Time (Clinical) |
Recognition | National Medical Commission (NMC) |
Eligibility Criteria | MBBS degree with internship completion & valid NEET-PG score |
Course Fees | INR 80,000 – 25,00,000 per year (depending on government or private institute) |
Key Subjects | Neuropsychiatry, Clinical Psychiatry, Psychopharmacology, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Community Psychiatry |
Top Colleges | AIIMS Delhi, NIMHANS Bangalore, PGIMER Chandigarh, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal), CMC Vellore |
Job Profiles | Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, Consultant Psychiatrist, Researcher, Mental Health Expert |
Top Recruiters | Government Hospitals, Private Hospitals, NGOs, Research Institutes, Private Practice |
Average Salary in India | INR 3,00,000 – 15,00,000 |
Why Study MD in Psychiatry?
There are numerous reasons why one could opt for the course on MD Psychiatry.
- High Demand: With rising awareness about mental health, psychiatrists are in increasing demand in India and globally.
- Diverse Career Options: Opportunities to work in clinical settings, research, teaching, public health, and counseling sectors.
- Critical Impact: Psychiatrists contribute significantly to the well-being of individuals suffering from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and addiction.
- Growing Global Opportunities: MD Psychiatry opens doors to practice abroad, especially in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East.
- Interdisciplinary Exposure: The course combines medicine with psychology, sociology, and pharmacology, making it a highly engaging field.
MD in Psychiatry Eligibility
Different colleges have different eligibility requirements. However, a general criterion for eligibility has been listed below:
- An MBBS degree from an institute recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
- Completion of a one-year compulsory internship before the commencement of the MD.
- A valid NEET-PG 2025 score (minimum 50th percentile for the general category and 40th percentile for reserved categories).
- Registration with the State Medical Council/Medical Council of India is mandatory.
MD in Psychiatry Entrance Exam
Admission to MD Psychiatry is primarily through the NEET-PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate Courses). Below are details for 2025:
Exam Name | Application Date (Tentative) | Exam Date (Tentative) | Application Fee |
NEET-PG 2025 | January – February 2026 | April 2026 | INR 4250 (General/OBC) / INR 3250 (SC/ST/PwD) |
Some institutes like AIIMS and NIMHANS conduct their entrance assessments and interviews in addition to NEET-PG score consideration.
MD in Psychiatry Colleges in India
Here are some of the top institutes offering MD Psychiatry in India as per real-time 2025 data:
College Name | Location | Fees (Approx.) | Entrance Exam |
AIIMS Delhi | New Delhi | INR 80,000 – 1,00,000 per year | INI-CET / NEET-PG + Interview |
NIMHANS Bangalore | Bangalore | INR 30,000 – 40,000 per year | NIMHANS Entrance + NEET-PG |
PGIMER Chandigarh | Chandigarh | INR 25,000 – 35,000 per year | INI-CET / NEET-PG |
Kasturba Medical College (Manipal) | Manipal | INR 24,00,000 – 25,00,000 total | NEET-PG |
Christian Medical College (CMC Vellore) | Vellore | INR 1,50,000 – 2,00,000 per year | NEET-PG + CMC Vellore Test |
King George’s Medical University (KGMU) | Lucknow | INR 80,000 – 1,20,000 per year | NEET-PG |
MD in Psychiatry Admission Process 2025
The admission process of MD Psychiatry may differ depending on the institution the candidate has selected. To give a general idea to the candidate about the admission process, we have listed the admissions process of NIMHANS Bangalore below.
- Eligibility Check: Must have completed MBBS and internship with MCI registration.
- Entrance Application: Apply on the official NIMHANS website (March – April 2025).
- Exam Process: Appear for the NIMHANS Online Entrance Test, followed by a counseling/interview round.
- Final Admission: Selected candidates will be admitted based on merit, combining NEET-PG score + NIMHANS Entrance performance.
- Commencement: MD Psychiatry at NIMHANS usually begins in August 2025.
NIMHANS is globally known for its research and specialization in mental health sciences.
MD in Psychiatry Syllabus
Listed below are some subjects taken from the curriculum of AIIMS Delhi, to give students a simple syllabus from AIIMS Delhi, which is widely followed by top medical institutions offering MD Psychiatry:
Subjects | Subjects |
General Psychiatry | Child and Adolescent Psychiatry |
Neuroanatomy & Neurophysiology | Substance Abuse and Addiction Psychiatry |
Basics of Psychology and Psychopathology | Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry |
Introduction to Psychopharmacology | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
Research Methodology & Biostatistics | Community Psychiatry & Public Mental Health |
Clinical Case Presentations & Journal Clubs | Seminars & Dissertation Work |
Short-term Psychiatry Postings | Inpatient Psychiatry Rotations |
Geriatric Psychiatry | Forensic Psychiatry & Ethics |
Advanced Psychotherapy Techniques | Neuropsychiatric Disorders |
Psychosomatic Medicine | Dissertation Submission |
MD in Psychiatry Job Opportunities and Salaries
MD Psychiatry opens doors to various high-paying positions across the healthcare, research, and education sectors.
Job Profile | Experience | Top Recruiters | Average Salary (INR) |
Consultant Psychiatrist | 0-5 Years | Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, Max Healthcare | 10,00,000 – 20,00,000 |
Clinical Psychiatrist | 0-3 Years | AIIMS, NIMHANS, Govt. Hospitals | 8,00,000 – 15,00,000 |
Academic / Researcher | 0-5 Years | Medical Colleges, WHO, ICMR Projects | 8,00,000 – 12,00,000 |
Forensic Psychiatrist | 2-6 Years | Govt. Forensic Labs, Defense Services | 9,00,000 – 18,00,000 |
Private Practice | Independent | Self-employed / Freelance | 12,00,000 – 25,00,000 (variable) |
Mental Health NGO Specialist | 1-4 Years | WHO, UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières | 7,00,000 – 14,00,000 |
MD in Psychiatry FAQs
Is MD Psychiatry considered a clinical or non-clinical branch?
MD Psychiatry is a clinical branch as it involves direct patient care, diagnosis, and management of psychiatric disorders.
What is the difference between MD Psychiatry and DNB Psychiatry?
Both degrees are equivalent and recognized by the NMC, but MD Psychiatry is awarded by medical colleges/universities, while DNB Psychiatry is offered by National Board of Examinations (NBE) accredited hospitals.
Can I work abroad after MD Psychiatry in India?
Yes, but you may need to clear USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or other region-specific licensing exams, depending on the country.
Which hospital is best for an MD Psychiatry internship?
Institutes like NIMHANS, AIIMS, PGIMER, and CMC Vellore provide the most reputed internships with exposure to complex psychiatric cases.
Is Psychiatry a stressful career?
Like all medical fields, psychiatry can be demanding, but it is also highly rewarding, especially for professionals passionate about mental health and patient care.
