MS General Surgery is a 3-year postgraduate medical program focused on developing advanced surgical skills and clinical expertise. Because of the combination of theoretical and practical learning in the various fields of surgery, it remains a high value among MBBS graduates. The course is admirable due to its good job opportunities and ability to be employed in state and private healthcare services.
Eligibility for MS General Surgery requires an MBBS degree with a minimum of 50% marks and completion of a one-year internship. The method of admission is entrance, and the main way of entrance is either NEET PG or INI CET.
Fees are subject to change depending on the institute; the government colleges usually cost between INR 20,000-5,00,000; whereas, the fees at the privately run college can range between INR 15-30 lakhs per year. Some of the prestigious institutions are AIIMS Delhi, JIPMER, PGIMER Chandigarh, CMC Vellore, KMC Manpal, King George’s Medical University, and others.
Graduates are eligible to work as a general surgeon, surgical consultant or academic professionals with average starting salaries at the range of INR 8-35 LPA. The doctor of medicine specialization has possibilities of opening up to additional super-specialization and even an international career.
Table of Contents
- MS General Surgery Course Highlights
- What is MS General Surgery?
- Why Study MS General Surgery?
- Who Should Study MS General Surgery?
- MS General Surgery Eligibility Criteria
- MS General Surgery Entrance Exams 2025
- MS General Surgery Colleges in India
- MS General Surgery Admission Process 2025
- MS General Surgery Syllabus and Duration
- MS General Surgery Job Opportunities in India
- MS General Surgery FAQs
MS General Surgery Course Highlights
Given below is the basic key highlights for the MS General:
What is MS General Surgery?
MS General Surgery, or Master of Surgery in General Surgery, is a three-year postgraduate program pursued after completing an MBBS degree. The course is an advanced learning program that equips the learner with surgical skills, management of patients, and operative care so that on completion of the course, the learner is able to deal with the majority of surgical-related conditions. It includes both careful academic studies and major work experience in the field of clinics so that the graduates would master both theoretical and practical knowledge and skills of surgery.
The curriculum includes the diagnosis, preoperative, operation process, and postoperative treatment of the different types of diseases and injuries, especially those involving abdominal organs, trauma treatment, and emergency surgeries. Graduates of MS General Surgery are equipped to work as general surgeons, capable of performing complex procedures and managing complications across multiple systems.
Why Study MS General Surgery?
MS General Surgery is a highly respected postgraduate program for medical graduates seeking advanced surgical expertise. It carries openings to other professions and career development. Here’s why pursuing MS General Surgery is a smart choice:
- High Demand: The demand about qualified general surgeons in hospitals and clinics as well as trauma centers is always high both in India and overseas.
- Multiple Career Opportunities: Graduates will be employed as general surgeons, pursue further specialty, or work in an academic and research position.
- Lucrative Salaries: MS General Surgery offers attractive salary packages, with potential for significant growth as experience increases.
- Skill Development: It facilitates practical training on innovative surgical practices, handling patients and stress situations.
- Social Impact: Surgeons are very crucial in the saving of lives and the enhancement of healthcare outcomes in society.
- Pathway to Super-Specialization: MS General Surgery is a prerequisite for super-specialty courses like MCh in various surgical fields.
- International Acceptance: The degree is accepted across international lines and graduates can work or carry out higher studies in other countries.
- Job Security: Healthcare is a sector that keeps increasing and hence the career stability of qualified surgeons.
Who Should Study MS General Surgery?
MS General Surgery is ideal for medical graduates who are passionate about surgical care and aspire to become expert surgeons. Being a manual program, this kind of job would need good commitment, dexterity of the hands and ability to work under pressure. Below are the profiles of candidates who should consider pursuing MS General Surgery:
- It can be applied to individuals with high clinical interests in the fields of surgery, care of patients, and the solution of clinical problems.
- Suitable to people who are capable of coping with stress, long working hours and simple-mindedness.
- Suitable to people with ambitions of super-specialization or Surgical academic careers.
- The students of Indian descent are supposed to apply under the Indian category, whereas the foreign nationals of OCI/PIO status can apply under respective categories.
MS General Surgery Eligibility Criteria
MS General Surgery is a postgraduate program for medical graduates who wish to specialize in surgical care. The criteria selection is unanimous in most medical establishments in India. The candidates need to possess certain academic and professional conditions to be considered in admission.
- Should have an MBBS degree from any established medical college or university.
- After MBBS, completed one year of rotating internship training.
- The candidates are required to be registered with the National Medical Commission (NMC)/Medical Council of India (MCI) or a State Medical Council.
- They are mainly admitted on the basis of NEET PG entrance examination; however, a few institutes can admit on the basis of INI CET or other related examinations.
MS General Surgery Entrance Exams 2025
Admission to MS General Surgery in India is primarily through national and state-level entrance exams. These exams assess candidates’ knowledge and aptitude for postgraduate medical education. Below are the key entrance exams for the 2026 admission cycle.
MS General Surgery Colleges in India
MS General Surgery is offered by India’s most prestigious medical colleges, providing excellent clinical exposure, advanced surgical training, and strong academic support. These institutes are recognized for their rigorous selection process and high placement rates. Here is a table summarizing the top colleges offering MS General Surgery in India, along with their locations, approximate fees, latest NIRF rankings, and entrance exams.
Want to know about other specialisations?Check Master of Surgery
MS General Surgery Admission Process 2025
MS General Surgery admission in India is a structured process that ensures only eligible and qualified candidates secure seats in top medical colleges. The given process of admission is derived according to the procedure used by AIIMS New Delhi and other top-level institutions.
Step 1: NEET PG registration: The NEET PG registration is done by visiting the official NBE site and applying to the entrance exam.
Step 2: Appear for NEET PG Exam: Take the NEET PG exam, which is the mandatory qualifying test for MS General Surgery admissions.
Step 3: Result Declaration: Download NEET PG results and scorecards/rank.
Step 4: Get yourself involved in Counseling: Enroll in counseling with MCC (All India Quota) or state authorities.
Step 5: Choice Filling and Locking: This is a process whereby in the course of the counseling, one chooses the college and course, then fills and locks it.
Step 6: Seat Allotment: Allocation of seats is done on the basis of NEET PG rank, reservation policies and options filled in.
Step 7: Report to College: Report to the assigned college on or before the stated period of time.
Step 8: Document Verification: Present the needed documents to check at the college.
Step 9: Fee Payment: Pay the requisite amount as admission and tuition fees to secure your seat.
Step 10: Commencement of Classes: Begin the MS General Surgery course as per the academic calendar.
Required Documents:
- NEET PG admit card and scorecard
- MBBS degree and mark sheets
- Internship completion certificate
- Medical registration certificate (NMC/State)
- Allotment letter
- Passport-size photographs
- Identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
MS General Surgery Syllabus and Duration
MS General Surgery is a three-year postgraduate program focused on developing advanced surgical skills and clinical expertise. The curriculum is designed to cover fundamental surgical principles, operative techniques, and subspecialty exposure. The following syllabus and structure are based on the AIIMS New Delhi MS General Surgery program.
Click to read about MS Neurosurgery
MS General Surgery Job Opportunities in India
MS General Surgery graduates in India have access to a wide range of rewarding job opportunities in both public and private healthcare sectors. These roles offer strong career growth, attractive salaries, and the chance to make a significant impact on patient care. Below is a summary of key job profiles, experience requirements, top recruiters, average salaries, and sectors for MS General Surgery professionals.
Also read about MS Pediatric Surgery
MS General Surgery FAQs
What is the difference between MS General Surgery and DNB General Surgery?
MS (master of Surgery) - it is the degree which is awarded by universities and is universally accepted in higher academic and teaching jobs, whereas DNB (Diplomate of National Board) - it is a degree which is awarded by the NAS (National Board of Examination) and is more popular in the corporate and private hospitals. The NMC regards both to be equivalent, although MS might be favoured in government teaching positions and has a superior pass rate because of university-based exams.
Can MS General Surgery graduates open their own surgical clinic or hospital?
Yes, after obtaining the necessary medical licenses and fulfilling state regulatory requirements, MS General Surgery graduates can establish private surgical clinics or hospitals, offering both elective and emergency surgical services.
What are the research opportunities after MS General Surgery?
There are clinical research graduates who may apply clinical research in surgical techniques, outcomes, and innovations and share very common activities like working with academic medical centers, research institutes, or pharmaceutical companies. Research jobs can include clinical testing, surgical equipment development and medical journal publication.
Is international practice possible after MS General Surgery from India?
Many countries require additional licensing exams and credential verification, but MS General Surgery is recognized in several regions. To practice in another country, some graduates may have to pass examinations such as: USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or AMC (Australia).
What are the options for super-specialization after MS General Surgery?
Following MS, one can obtain MCh or DNB-SS in such areas as surgical oncology, urology, pediatric surgery, and so on. Admission to this is based on national-level super-specialty entrance exams.
Are there non-clinical career options for MS General Surgery graduates?
Sure, one can become a medical administrator, a healthcare manager or a surgical device consultant, or even a leader in the field of public health, besides engaging directly in a clinical practice.