Doctors' salaries in India have always been a topic of interest for young professionals who aspire to join the medical profession. If you are considering pursuing a career in medicine, it is vital to understand the various degrees and specialisations within the field, their eligibility criteria, and what you can expect for your earning potential.
In this article, we will explore different types of doctors based on specialisations, their salaries, job roles and growth opportunities so that you can chart your path towards success as a medical professional in India.
How to Become a Doctor: A Quick Guide
To become a doctor in India, you need to complete your class 12th in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects.
The minimum marks percentage required for eligibility is 50% for general category students and 45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates.
To gain admission to medical schools in India, you have to clear specific entrance exams.
The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) are the two major entrance exams to enrol in medical schools.
There are various degrees/certifications necessary for pursuing a medical career in India. The most common ones include:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
- BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery)
- BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
The fee structure varies for each course, but on average, MBBS costs around ₹10 lakh per annum for government colleges, while private colleges charge upwards of ₹20 lakh per annum.
Types of Doctors Based on Specialisations
India offers a diverse range of specialisations for doctors to choose from. Some of the popular ones are:
1. Cardiologist: Specialises in diagnosing and treating heart diseases.
2. Dermatologist: A skin specialist who deals with issues related to skin, nails, and hair.
3. Gynaecologist: Deals with women's reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth, and other related issues.
4. Neurologist: Specialises in treating disorders of the nervous system like epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
5. Oncologist: Deals with cancer diagnosis and treatment.
6. Ophthalmologist: A specialist in diagnosing and treating eye-related diseases or injuries.
7. Orthopaedic Surgeon: Deals with correcting deformities or injuries to bones or muscles.
8. Paediatrician: Treats infants, children, and adolescents below 18 years of age for various illnesses or developmental issues.
9. Psychiatrist: Treats mental disorders like anxiety disorder, depression, etc.
10. ENT Specialist: Deals with ear, nose, and throat-related problems.
The scope and job potential vary depending on the specialisation one chooses to pursue as a doctor in India. For instance, being a cardiologist can be quite demanding yet highly rewarding financially, as they perform complex surgeries that require the utmost precision and care.
Salary Range for Indian Doctors
The average monthly salary for doctors in India ranges from around ₹40,000 per month for fresh graduates in government hospitals to upwards of several lakhs per month depending on experience level, specialisation, location, and type of hospital.
Doctors' salaries vary depending on:
- The state or region they practice medicine in;
- Private versus public sector employment;
- and even between urban and rural areas within the same region.
For instance, doctors working in metro cities such as Mumbai and Delhi earn more compared to those working in non-metro cities.
Salaries also differ between private and government hospitals. Here's a table comparing the salaries of each type of doctor at both establishments.
Upskilling Opportunities
Doctors can upskill themselves by acquiring additional certifications or specialisations that can lead them to higher-paying roles.
Specialising in critical care medicine or doing advanced courses such as Fellowship programmes or Doctorate programmes is one way through which doctors can increase their earning potential.
Job Roles and Growth Potential
There are several job roles associated with being a medical professional in India, such as consultant physicians, surgeons, and general practitioners.
- As a consultant physician or specialist doctor in a government hospital or private establishment, you will be responsible for attending to patients and overseeing their treatments.
- As a surgeon or specialist doctor in the private sector, you may also have to manage your clinic or team of doctors.
Here’s a bullet list highlighting specific duties and responsibilities unique to certain types of doctors:
- Surgeons perform surgical procedures on patients.
- Gynaecologists and obstetricians look after women's reproductive health.
- Psychiatrists assess mental health and prescribe treatment accordingly.
- Anaesthesiologists administer anaesthesia during surgeries.
In all these roles and specialisations, there is immense growth potential for individuals with the right qualifications and experience levels. As one gains more experience and expands their skillset through upskilling programmes and specialisations, they can move towards higher-paying job roles with greater responsibilities, such as heading departments or running their own clinics.
Charting Your Path to Success
Choosing a career in medicine offers an opportunity for stability and a good income. To succeed as a medical professional, you need to keep upskilling and specialising.
By consulting with experts at WIZR, you can find financing options for certification courses that will help you achieve your goals.
FAQs
1. Which is the highest degree in medicine?
The highest degrees in medicine are MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DM (Doctorate of Medicine).
2. Which type of doctor earns the most in India?
Surgeons are the highest-paid doctors in India, followed by anesthesiologists and cardiologists.
3. How soon should one start preparing to appear for medical entrance exams?
Ideally, you should start preparing for medical entrance exams after 10th grade or at least two years before taking the exam.
4. Are there any online certification courses available to upskill doctors?
Yes, there are numerous online certification courses available for different specialisations such as radiology, pathology, paediatrics, etc., offered by reputed institutions.
5. Do government doctors get any allowances or benefits?
Yes, government doctors receive several allowances and benefits, such as travel allowances, housing facilities, subsidised education for their children, etc., along with their salary.
