PG Courses After MBBS in India: Duration, Fees, Ranking & Top Demanding Specializations

PG Courses After MBBS: The Complete Guide
So you’ve finished MBBS (big congrats 👏), and now you’re staring at the next giant step, choosing the right postgraduate (PG) course. With dozens of options, varying fees, and competitive rankings, the decision feels huge. Don’t stress, I’ll break it down in plain language.
List of PG Courses After MBBS in India
After MBBS, you can pursue:
1. MD (Doctor of Medicine): non-surgical specialties
Popular branches include:
- General Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Radiology
- Psychiatry
- Pathology
- Anesthesiology
2. MS (Master of Surgery): surgical specialties
Options include:
- General Surgery
- Orthopedics
- Ophthalmology
- ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
3. DNB (Diplomate of National Board)
Equivalent to MD/MS, awarded by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). Recognized across India and abroad.
4. PG Diploma Courses (shorter duration, less competitive)
- Diploma in Child Health (DCH)
- Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynecology (DGO)
- Diploma in Ophthalmology (DO)
- Diploma in Orthopedics (D Ortho)
How Many Years is PG After MBBS?
- MD/MS → 3 years
- DNB → 3 years (can be 2 years for diploma holders)
- PG Diploma → 2 years
So generally, PG after MBBS is 2 to 3 years, depending on the path.
PG Courses After MBBS Fees in India
Fees vary a lot depending on government vs. private colleges:
- Government Colleges: ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 per year
- Private Colleges: ₹10 to ₹25 lakhs per year
- Deemed Universities: sometimes even higher
👉 Tip: Aim for NEET-PG top ranks to land affordable seats in government colleges.
Most Demanding PG Courses After MBBS
Right now, the hot picks are:
- Radiology: high-paying, less physical stress
- Dermatology: lifestyle-friendly, booming cosmetology demand
- General Medicine: broad career scope, always in demand
- Pediatrics: rewarding and steady demand
- Orthopedics: surgical, high earning potential
- Obstetrics & Gynecology: an essential and respected field
These are the “NEET PG toppers’ favorites” where cut-offs go sky high.
Ranking of PG Medical Courses
Here’s a simplified ranking based on demand, salary prospects, and lifestyle balance:
- Radiology
- Dermatology
- General Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Orthopedics
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Anesthesiology
- ENT
- Ophthalmology
FAQs
Q1: How many years is PG after MBBS in India?
A: Typically 3 years for MD/MS/DNB, and 2 years for PG Diploma.
Q2: Which PG medical course has the highest salary?
A: Radiology, Dermatology, and Orthopedics are consistently among the highest-paying.
Q3: Can I work abroad after PG in India?
A: Yes, but recognition varies. DNB and MD/MS are recognized in many countries, and always check licensing boards.
Q4: Which PG is easiest to get into?
A: Fields like Pathology, Microbiology, and Forensic Medicine often have lower cut-offs compared to Radiology or Dermatology.
Q5: Is PG mandatory after MBBS?
A: No, but it massively improves career prospects, salary, and specialization.
Quick Reference Table
| Course Type | Duration | Fees (Govt) | Fees (Private) | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD | 3 yrs | 50k to 2L | 10 to25L | Medicine, Pediatrics |
| MS | 3 yrs | 50k to 2L | 10 to 25L | Surgery, Ortho |
| DNB | 3 yrs | 1 to 2L | 10 to 20L | Equivalent to MD/MS |
| PG Diploma | 2 yrs | 30k to 1L | 5 to 15L | DGO, DCH, DO |
