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Upon completion of their Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), students aspiring to pursue post-graduation (PG) often grapple with a common question: what should they study after MBBS? Having early insights into the best specializations can greatly assist students in making informed decisions.
Despite our country being home to the most doctors globally, the available seats for post-graduation studies after MBBS are significantly less than half of the regular MBBS seats. Following current trends, specializing after MBBS is becoming increasingly crucial because people want to see specialists even for small health issues.
This article serves as a valuable resource for students, offering a comprehensive overview of various specializations both within the country and abroad. It provides information on eligibility criteria and other crucial details, helping students to make informed choices about their future career paths.
Route to pursue specialization after MBBS
In India, for postgraduate studies, according to Section 10 (D) of the Indian Medical Council Act of 2016, NEET PG is the sole eligibility-cum-entrance examination for MD/MS, PG Diploma, and DNB CET courses.
However, there has been a recent change. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced a new exam called NExT (National Exit Test) to replace NEET PG and FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination). The NExT exam is now compulsory for both Indian and foreign medical graduates, replacing several existing entrance exams for postgraduate courses.
NExT Exam Eligibility Criteria:
The eligibility criteria for the NExT exam are outlined as follows:
- Students enrolled in MBBS programs at medical institutes approved by the NMC qualify for the National Exit Exam.
- MBBS graduates from foreign medical universities, affiliated by the NMC, must take the NExT exam to obtain a license for commencing their medical practice in India.
- The National Exit Test for MBBS consists of two papers – NExT Paper-1 and NExT Paper-2.
- NExT Paper-1 is a substitute for the final year MBBS exams.
- After successfully clearing Paper-1, students must complete a mandatory 12-month clinical internship to be eligible for NExT Paper-2. Successful completion of the NExT-2 exam is a prerequisite for candidates to choose between pursuing a postgraduate (PG) degree in medical education or practicing medicine in India.
- The validity of NExT Paper-1 is two years.
For postgraduate studies abroad, students will need to take a country-specific examination corresponding to the nation where they intend to pursue their postgraduate course.
Some of the Entrance Exams are given below:
| Exam | Conducting Body |
| Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR) |
| The Association of American Medical Colleges |
| Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust (CBLA) |
| Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States |
Options of PG Courses after MBBS
There are several postgraduate programs available for medical graduates. The most common postgraduate medical degrees are Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Surgery (MS). These degrees are offered in various specialties and subspecialties. Apart from MD and MS, there are other postgraduate programs as well. Here is an overview of the postgraduate medical programs in India and abroad:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): MD is a postgraduate degree program specializing in various medical disciplines. The duration of the MD program is typically 3 years.
- Master of Surgery (MS): MS is a postgraduate program focusing on surgical specializations. The duration of the MS program is generally 3 years.
- Diplomate of National Board (DNB): DNB is a postgraduate qualification offered by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). It is equivalent to an MD or MS degree and is recognized by the Medical Council of India/National Medical Commission. The duration of the DNB program varies depending on the specialty.
- Diploma Courses: Several diploma courses are available for medical graduates that provide specialized training in specific fields. These diploma courses usually have a duration of 2 years.
- Master of Dental Surgery (MDS): MDS is a postgraduate program specifically for dental graduates. It provides specialization in various dental disciplines. The duration of the MDS program is generally 3 years.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Science (PGDMS): PGDMS is a postgraduate diploma program focusing on medical research and clinical trials. The duration of the PGDMS program varies, but it is typically 1-2 years.
Here is the list of PG courses after MBBS:
List of Post-graduate Courses with Course Duration – 3 Years
| Doctor of Medicine (MD)- 3-Year-Course | ||||
| MD Anaesthesiology | MD Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy (DVL) | MD Emergency Medicine | MD Family Medicine | MD General Medicine |
| MD General Surgery | MD Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG) | MD Ophthalmology | MD Orthopaedics | MD Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) |
| MD Paediatrics | MD Psychiatry | MD Radio Diagnosis | MD Respiratory Medicine | MD Cardiology |
| MD Endocrinology | MD Gastroenterology | MD Nephrology | MD Neurology | MD Community Medicine
|
| MD Health Administration
| MD Anatomy | MD Biochemistry | MD Biophysics
| MD Geriatrics
|
| MD Palliative Medicine
| MD Forensic Medicine
| MD Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion
| MD Infectious Diseases
| MD Nuclear Medicine
|
| MD Medical Genetics
| MD Microbiology
| MD Pathology
| MD Psychiatry
| MD Pharmacology
|
| MD Blood banking and Immunohematology duration | ||||
| Diplomate of National Board (DNB)- 3-Year Course | ||||
| DNB Anaesthesiology | DNB Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy (DVL) | DNB Family Medicine | DNB General Medicine | DNB General Surgery |
| DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBGY) | DNB Ophthalmology | DNB Orthopaedics | DNB Otorhinolaryngology | DNB Paediatrics: |
| DNB Psychiatry | DNB Radio Diagnosis | DNB Respiratory Medicine | DNB Cardiology | DNB Endocrinology |
| DNB Gastroenterology | DNB Nephrology | DNB Neurology | DNB Pathology | DNB Radiotherapy |
| DNB Physiatry/Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation | ||||
| Master of Surgery (MS)– 3-Year Course | ||||
| MS General Surgery | MS Orthopaedics | MS Ophthalmology | MS Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) | MS Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBGY) |
| MS Urology | MS Plastic Surgery | MS Neurosurgery | MS Cardiothoracic Surgery | MS Traumatology and Surgery
|
| MS in Microbiology
| ||||
| Master Chirurgiae (MCh)-3-Year Course | ||||
| MCh in Surgical Gastroenterology
| MCh in Urology
| MCh in Cardio-Thoracic Vascular Surgery
| ||
| Master of Dental Surgery (MDS)- 3-Year Course | ||||
| MDS Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics | MDS Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics | MDS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | MDS Oral Medicine and Radiology | MDS Oral Pathology and Microbiology |
| MDS Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry | MDS Periodontics | MDS Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge | MDS Public Health Dentistry | MDS Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology |
List of Post-graduate Courses with Course Duration – 5 Years
| Doctor of Medicine (MD) | ||
| MD Neurosurgery | MD Plastic Surgery | MD Cardiothoracic Surgery |
| Diplomate of National Board (DNB) | ||
| DNB Neurosurgery | DNB Plastic Surgery | DNB Cardiothoracic Surgery |
List of Courses with Course Duration – 6 Years
| DNB in Cardiothoracic Surgery
|
List of Post-graduate Courses with Course Duration – 2 Years
| Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Surgery (MS) | ||||
| MD in Aerospace Medicine | MS in Clinical Psychology
| MS in Sports Medicine | ||
| Diploma | ||||
| Diploma in Anaesthesia (DA) | Diploma in Child Health (DCH) | Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (DGO) | Diploma in Orthopaedics (D.Ortho) | Diploma in Ophthalmology (DO) |
| Diploma in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy (DDVL) | Diploma in Psychiatry (DPM) | Diploma in Radio-Diagnosis (DMRD) | Diploma in Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (DTCD) | Diploma in General Medicine |
| Diploma in General Surgery
| Diploma in Biochemistry
| Diploma in TB and Chest disease | Diploma in Radiation Medicine | |
| Diplomate of National Board (DNB) | ||||
| DNB Respiratory Disease | ||||
MBA Programs- Course Duration – 2 Years
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | |||
| MBA in Healthcare Management
| MBA in Hospital Administration
| MBA in Hospital Management | MBA in Bioinformatics
|
| MBA in Medical Administration
| MBA in Computational Biology
| ||
List of Post-graduate Courses with Course Duration – 1 Years
| Diploma | ||
| PG Diploma in maternity child welfare | PG diploma in diabetology | PG Diploma in urology |
| PG Diploma in virology | ||
It’s important to note that the study session timings for postgraduate programs can vary between institutions. Generally, postgraduate medical programs follow a full-time format, where students attend lectures, clinical rotations, and practical training sessions during regular working hours. However, specific timings may differ depending on the institution and the nature of the program. It is recommended to check with the respective institutions or universities for detailed information on study session timings for specific postgraduate programs.
Why pursue your post-graduation in Europe?
Europe stands out as an excellent destination for international students seeking to pursue post-graduate studies after completing their MBBS. Indian students can enroll in medical postgraduate programs in Europe at reasonable fees while receiving high-quality education. The medical post-graduate degree in Europe holds prestige globally, notably due to its substantial emphasis on practical learning.
- Affordability:
While many Indian universities require substantial fees for securing a seat in a post-graduate course, students can opt for medical post-graduate studies in Europe at a cost-effective rate, benefiting from top-notch education.
Additionally, if you complete your MBBS in a European university, your postgraduate education in Europe may be tuition-free.
- Diverse PG Options:
The range of medical post-graduate courses available in Europe after MBBS is extensive, with countries like Latvia, the Czech Republic, and others offering highly esteemed programs. A medical PG from Europe holds significant value globally.
- Access to Scholarships:
Eligibility for various medical post-graduate scholarships and financial aid is open to students pursuing PG in Europe, provided by the respective countries or universities.
- Global Exposure:
Studying PG abroad after MBBS opens doors to international medical networks, providing students with valuable exposure to specialized fields.
- Practical Education:
European medical universities deliver robust, practical knowledge and training, enhancing the educational experience for students.
- Ongoing Training:
The continuous training processes in European medical universities ensure that students gain high-quality expertise and experience in their chosen field.
- Clinical Job Training:
Approved hospitals affiliated with these universities offer clinical job training, allowing students to participate in medical operations.
- Successful Medical Careers:
Graduates of medical PG programs in Europe are well-positioned for successful careers in the medical field, having received comprehensive and high-quality education and training.
Book a Free Consultation
The decision to study MBBS abroad demands thoughtful planning and guidance. For personalized advice and to address any inquiries, futuretabib provides complimentary consultations. Prospective medical students can book a free consultation to receive valuable insights into the application process, eligibility criteria, and other crucial aspects of pursuing a medical education in European countries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after completing MBBS, aspiring medical students have many specialization options to explore. Early insights into these choices are crucial for tailoring career paths based on individual interests. The introduction of the NExT by the NMC adds a new dimension to post-graduate studies in India. For those eyeing international options, Europe stands out for its affordable and diverse PG programs, scholarships, and global exposure.
To aid aspiring students in their decisions, futuretabib offers free consultations, providing personalized advice on the application process, eligibility criteria, and other vital aspects of studying medicine abroad.
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