Are you interested in becoming a doctor? You are in the right place. We here at Aimhook help students and aspirants get clarity to choose the right career options, so in this article you will learn how to become a doctor in India with a step-by-step process.

Here you will get to know qualifications, roles and responsibilities, skills required, pros and cons, career opportunities, salary and earning sources of a doctor, and much more.

A career as a doctor may be very tough, but it is also one of the most rewarding careers in terms of money and respect. So without wasting any time,let’s explore the step-by-step process of becoming a doctor.

Who is a Doctor?

Doctors are professionals who are responsible for giving necessary treatments to patients with their medical knowledge and expertise.

In our society, doctors are considered among the most respected professionals. In this current situation of unhealthy lifestyles, we can’t imagine a society without doctors, Take the example of COVID 19, Doctors save our world.

Doctors Stats in India

In India, the medical profession is a noble and sought-after career, evident in the vast number of registered allopathic doctors and healthcare professionals. As of November 2021, the country boasts 1,301,319 allopathic doctors, 289,000 dentists, and a staggering 1.3 million allied and healthcare professionals.

The significant doctor-population ratio of 1:854 surpasses the WHO standard of 1:1000, reflecting the nation’s commitment to healthcare. It’s a significant opportunity for you to become a doctor and serve the nation. Source: Economic times

What does a doctor do – roles and responsibilities

A doctor’s role as a professional extends beyond simply diagnosing and treating illnesses; they also provide preventive care and educate patients. The duties of a doctor vary depending on their specialty, but some of the more common ones are as follows:

Patient Care: 

A doctor is responsible for providing medical care to patients, which includes performing physical examinations, taking medical histories, prescribing diagnostic tests and diagnoses, prescribing medicines, developing treatment plans, and monitoring patient progress.

Diagnosis and Treatment: 

A doctor diagnoses a patient’s symptoms, prescribes required tests, and further treats the patient through medications and other means.

Preventive Care: 

A doctor is responsible for promoting and providing preventive care to patients, including routine full-body checkups and screenings, vaccinations, and health education, to help prevent the development of diseases.

Medical Record keeping: 

Doctors responsible for keeping patients’ medical histories, diagnoses, treatments, and other information in electronic or paper medical records.

Collaboration and Coordination: 

Doctors work with nurses, pharmacists, and other department specialists to provide comprehensive patient care; in some special cases, they also work with hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Ethical and Legal Responsibilities: 

Doctors are responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and following medical standards and regulations.

Emergency Medical Care: 

During life-threatening situations like accidents, disasters, etc., doctors are responsible for providing emergency medical care to patients.

Counseling and Support: 

A doctor is also responsible for counseling and informing patients’ families about their conditions, particularly in cases of serious illness or chronic conditions.

Medical Care Training: 

Doctors provide medical care training to junior healthcare professionals like junior doctors and nurses, including physical examinations, diagnostic testing, treatment planning, patient management, and ethical considerations.

Types of Doctor

There are several different types of doctors who specialize in various areas of medicine and surgery.

Here is a list of the most common types of doctors and an overview of what they do:

Cardiologist: 

Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating problems related to the heart, such as heart failure, heart attacks, high blood pressure, etc. Cardiologists also responsible for post-operative care.

Audiologist: 

Audiologists are health care professionals responsible for diagnosing and treating hearing-related issues and balance disorders. 

Dentist: 

A dentist is a doctor who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to teeth, gums, and mouth, such as cavities and gum disease, and who also educates patients on oral health.

ENT Specialist:

ENT specialists, also known as otolaryngologists, are doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating medical conditions and diseases of the ear, nose, and throat, such as allergies and infections.

Gynecologist: 

Gynecologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the female reproductive system. Gynecologists treat health problems like pcos, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, infertility, pregnancy problems, etc.

Orthopedic Surgeon:

Orthopaedic surgeons are responsible for diagnosing and treating health problems related to bones and joints.

Pediatrician:

Pediatricians are child specialists who specializes in diseases affecting children under the age of 12, though some pediatricians treat children up to the age of 21.

Psychiatrist:

Psychiatrists are medical professionals who are well trained and licensed to use medications and lifestyle changes to prevent and treat mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Veterinarian: 

Veterinarians are medical professionals who are well trained in diagnosing and treating health conditions in animals, including dogs, cats, and other pets.

Radiologist:

Radiologists are medical professionals who are well trained in diagnosing and doing medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, etc., to diagnose health conditions.

Pulmonologist:

Pulmonologists are doctors who are well trained in diagnosing and treating health problems related to the lungs or respiratory system, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer.

Endocrinologist:

Endocrinologists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating health problems related to endocrine glands. They treat diseases such as diabetes, metabolic disorders, infertility, growth issues, and thyroid disorders.

Oncologist: 

Oncologists or cancer specialists, are doctors who are responsible for diagnosing and treating a person diagnosed with cancer, including developing and implementing treatment plans such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Neurologist:

Neurologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Also Read: How to become a Neurosurgeon

Cardiothoracic Surgeon: 

Cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in performing surgeries on the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest.

Dermatologist:

Dermatologists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. They provide medical and cosmetic treatments for various skin conditions, ranging from acne to skin cancer.

Skills Required to Become a Doctor

Becoming a doctor requires a unique set of skills and qualities that enable you to provide the best medical care to patients.

Here are some of the skills required to become a successful doctor:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat complex medical conditions.
• Empathy and compassion to connect with patients and provide emotional support.
• Effective communication skills to explain complex medical information to patients and their families.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
• The ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions during emergency situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and provide comprehensive care to patients.
• Resilience to cope with the emotional demands of the job and handle stress effectively.
• Continuous learning and adaptation to keep up with the latest medical developments and research.

Eligibility 

To become a doctor in India, one must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• The candidate must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
• The candidate must have cleared the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) exam, which is a common entrance exam for admission to medical colleges in India.
• Also, candidate must have completed an MBBS degree (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) from a recognized medical college in India.
• After completing the MBBS degree, the candidate must complete a one-year internship in a medical(private or govt.) to become a licensed doctor.

How to Become a Doctor in India? A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a doctor in India is a rigorous process that requires years of hard work and dedication. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a doctor in India:

• Step 1: Complete your 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
• Step 2: Clear the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) exam, which is a common entrance exam for admission to medical colleges in India.
• Step 3: Enroll in an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) program at a recognized medical college in India.
• Step 4: Complete the five-and-a-half-year MBBS degree, which includes four and a half years of classroom and clinical training, and a one-year internship.
• Step 5: After completing the MBBS degree, register with the Medical Council of India (MCI) to become a licensed doctor.
• Step 6: If you wish to specialize in a particular area of medicine, you must complete a postgraduate degree in the desired specialty.
• Step 7: Undertake additional training and certification from the MCI to become a licensed specialist.

Entrance Exams to Become a Doctor

In India, most medical colleges accept scores from the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) for admission. However, some prestigious medical colleges, such as JPIMER and AIIMS, conduct their own entrance exams. Aspiring doctors must also meet certain eligibility requirements, such as completing 10+2 education with physics, chemistry, and biology as compulsory subjects. 

• NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) Conducting by National Testing Agency (NTA)
• AIIMS-MBBS (All India Institute of Medical Science)  Conducting by National Board of Examinations (NBE)
• JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research) Conducting by National Board of Examinations (NBE)
• FMGE(Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) Conducting by National Board of Examinations (NBE)
• NEET PG(National Eligibility cum Entrance PG Test) Conducting by National Board of Examinations (NBE)
• NEET SS(National Eligibility cum Entrance Super Speciality Test) Conducting by National Board of Examinations (NBE)
• AIIMS PG (All India Institute for Medical Sciences PG Exam) Conducting by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi 
• INICET(Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) Conducting by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi 
• JIPMER PG(Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research) conducting by Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry

Best Medical Colleges in India

Checkout the list of best medical colleges in India: 

• All India Institute Of Medical Sciences
• Madras Medical College
• St. John’s Medical College
• Armed Forces Medical College Pune
• IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital
• Dayanand Medical College & Hospital
• CMC Vellore
• BHU – Institute of Medical Sciences
• PGIMER Chandigarh

A Doctor Salary In India and Earning Sources.

Doctors are among the highest-paid professionals in India, with salaries varying according to experience, area of specialization, and location. According to Ambitionbox, the average annual salary for a doctor in India is approximately Rs 12.5 lakh. However, salaries can vary significantly, with entry-level doctors earning significantly less than experienced doctors.

The following is a breakdown of doctor salaries based on experience:

• Entry-level doctors (0 to 5 years of experience): The average annual salary for entry-level doctors in India is around Rs 6.5 lakh, with salaries ranging from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 12 lakh.
• Mid-career doctors (5-10 years of experience): The average annual salary for a mid-career doctor in India is around Rs 9.8 lakh, with salaries ranging from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.
• Experienced doctors (10+ years of experience): The average annual salary for experienced doctors in India is around Rs 16 lakh, with salaries ranging from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. Source: Ambitionbox

In India, doctors can earn money from a variety of sources, including:

• Many doctors in India choose to start their own private Clinic, which can be a lucrative source of income. Private Clinic income can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, area of specialization, and reputation.
• Doctors can also work in government hospitals and medical colleges, where they can earn competitive salaries and have job security. Government jobs are typically paid according to the government’s pay scale.
• Jobs in corporations: Some doctors choose to work in corporations, such as the pharmaceutical industry, medical equipment manufacturing, or medical research and development. Corporate salaries can vary depending on the company and the position.
• Teaching positions: Doctors can also work as teachers in medical colleges, which can provide a stable income as well as research opportunities. The salary for teaching positions can vary depending on the college and the doctor’s experience.
• Online consultations: With the advancement of technology and healthtech startups such as Practo, Healthians, Apollo, and others, doctors in India are able to provide online consultations to patients. Online consultations enable doctors to reach a larger audience and provide medical advice from the convenience of their own clinics or homes.

Related Article: How to become a Nutritionist

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Helping people: As a doctor, you can have a positive impact on people’s lives and assist them in overcoming health challenges.
• Doctoring is a highly respected profession that can provide a sense of pride and accomplishment.
• Financial security: Doctors in India earn competitive salaries that allow them to live comfortably.
• Continuous learning: Because medicine is a constantly evolving field, doctors have the opportunity to learn and grow throughout their careers.
• Job security: Because healthcare is such an important industry, doctors have job security and stability.

Cons:

• Working long hours: Working long hours, including weekends and holidays, can have an impact on work-life balance.
• Dealing with sick or dying patients can take an emotional toll, and doctors may need to develop coping mechanisms to deal with stress and emotional burden.
• Debt from education: Becoming a doctor necessitates a significant educational investment, which can result in significant debt.
• Liability: Doctors are responsible for their patients’ health and well-being, which can result in legal liability if mistakes are made.
• Limited resources: Doctors may face limited resources in some areas, making it difficult to provide the best possible care to patients.

Summary

Becoming a doctor in India is a rigorous and challenging process, but it can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career. In this article, we’ve covered the eligibility requirements, necessary skills, doctor salary in India, top colleges, entrance exams, and steps required to become a doctor. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into how to become a doctor in India.

If you have any questions or comments about becoming a doctor in India or any other related topics, we encourage you to share them in the comments below. Our goal is to provide you with helpful and informative content that can support you in achieving your career goals. Thank you for reading and we look forward to hearing from you!

FAQs

How many years does it take to become a doctor in India?

In India, it takes approximately 5.5 years to complete an MBBS degree (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) followed by a one-year internship to become a licensed doctor.

Is it possible to become a doctor without MBBS?

In India, an MBBS degree is the most common path to becoming a doctor. However, there are other healthcare professions such as nurses, physician assistants, and healthcare administrators that do not require an MBBS degree.

What is the AIIMS doctor salary?

The salaries of AIIMS doctors vary depending on their level of experience, position, and specialty. However, on average, AIIMS doctors can earn between INR 80,000 to INR 2,00,000 per month.

How to become a surgeon in India?

To become a surgeon in India, one must complete an MBBS degree, followed by a postgraduate degree in surgery. After completing the postgraduate degree, one must undergo additional training and certification from the Medical Council of India to become a licensed surgeon.

I want to become a doctor, what should I do?

To become a doctor in India, one must complete an MBBS degree followed by a one-year internship. It is also important to develop essential skills and qualities such as critical thinking, empathy, and effective communication.

Is it hard to become a doctor in India?

Becoming a doctor in India requires hard work, dedication, and commitment. It involves several years of rigorous academic and practical training, as well as personal development.

Is it possible to become a doctor without MBBS?

In India, an MBBS degree is the most common path to becoming a doctor. However, there are other healthcare professions such as nurses, physician assistants, and healthcare administrators that do not require an MBBS degree.

What is the AIIMS doctor salary?

The salaries of AIIMS doctors vary depending on their level of experience, position, and specialty. However, on average, AIIMS doctors can earn between INR 80,000 to INR 2,00,000 per month.

What is the doctor’s salary in the USA?

The salaries of doctors in the USA vary depending on their specialty, level of experience, and geographic location. However, on average, doctors in the USA can earn between $200,000 to $400,000 per year.

What is the doctor salary in Canada?

The salaries of doctors in Canada vary depending on their specialty, level of experience, and geographic location. However, on average, doctors in Canada can earn between CAD 150,000 to CAD 350,000 per year.

Which doctor earns the most in India?

In India, doctors who specialize in fields such as cardiology, neurology, and gastroenterology tend to earn the highest salaries.

What is the starting salary of an MBBS doctor in India?

The starting salary of an MBBS doctor in India can vary depending on their specialty and place of work. However, on average, a newly graduated doctor can earn between INR 40,000 to INR 70,000 per month.

How to become a doctor after 12th?

To become a doctor after 12th, you need to complete an MBBS program, which requires a minimum aggregate score of 50% in the science stream in +2 and also qualifying rank in the NEET exam. 

MBBS doctor salary in India?

MBBS doctors in India can earn an average salary of around Rs 7-45 lakh per year, depending on experience, location, and specialization.