How to become a Doctor

What does a Doctor do?

Doctors examine, diagnose and treat patients. In India you need an MBBS degree, a 12-month compulsory rotating internship and registration with the medical regulator before you can practise.

A doctor listens to patients, examines them, orders tests, makes a diagnosis and plans treatment. Doctors also keep records, guide families and refer patients to specialists when needed.

In India doctors work in government hospitals and primary health centres, private hospitals, clinics, medical colleges and public health programmes. Many go on to postgraduate study to specialise.

How to get there

1. Class 10Build a strong base in Science
2. Class 11–12Take Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English
3. you must be 17 by 31 January of the NEET-UG year
4. EntranceReach the minimum eligible score in NEET-UG
5. UGComplete the MBBS and the compulsory rotating medical internship of at least 12 months
6. First roleRegister with your State Medical Council and work as a junior resident or medical officer

Courses that lead here

Further study

• Doctor of Philosophy

Colleges for these courses

Skills you need

• Clinical diagnosis
• Decision making under pressure
• Ethics
• Medical record keeping
• Patient communication
• Teamwork

It suits people who are

• Caring
• Calm under pressure
• Responsible
• Hard-working

Where you work and how you grow

Where people work

• Government hospitals
• Primary health centres
• Private hospitals and clinics
• Medical colleges

Growth path

1. Intern → Junior resident or medical officer → Postgraduate specialist → Senior consultant or faculty → Head of department

Related careers

Frequently asked questions