Overview
MD is a three-year postgraduate medical degree for MBBS doctors in broad specialities such as general medicine, paediatrics, pathology and radiodiagnosis.
MD students work as full-time resident doctors while they train in one speciality. They write a thesis and must complete a three-month District Residency Programme in a district hospital.
Final university exams include theory papers, clinical or practical tests and a viva. Admission is through NEET-PG until NMC brings in the National Exit Test.
Who is it for?
MBBS doctors who want to specialise in a medical, diagnostic or pre-clinical field. It suits those ready for three years of demanding hospital work.
Eligibility
- Studying in: UG
- Enrolled in: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
- MBBS degree or provisional pass certificate recognised under the NMC Act 2019
- permanent or provisional registration with NMC/State Medical Council
- one-year internship completed by the cut-off date
- NEET-PG qualification
Colleges may set higher cut-offs or require an entrance test. Check each college's page.
What you study
| Pre and para-clinical MD subjects | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Community Medicine |
|---|---|
| Clinical MD subjects | General Medicine, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Dermatology Venereology and Leprosy, Respiratory Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Anaesthesia, Radiodiagnosis, Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
| Training | Thesis, District Residency Programme (3 months) |
Typical subjects. Each university sets its own syllabus.
Skills you build
- Clinical decision-making
- Clinical research
- Patient management
- Specialist diagnosis
- Teaching junior doctors
- Thesis writing
Where it leads
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Colleges offering MD
By location
Frequently asked questions
How long is an MD?
NMC's PG Medical Education Regulations 2023 set three years, including the exam period. Holders of a recognised two-year PG diploma in the same subject do two years.
How do I get admission to MD?
Through NEET-PG, conducted by NBEMS. NMC says NEET-PG continues until admissions move to the National Exit Test.
Is a thesis compulsory?
Yes. PGMER 2023 requires every broad-speciality student to do thesis research and submit a thesis.
Sources
Information verified on 10 Oct 2026
- NMC Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 · Official notice, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- Rules and Regulation - National Medical Commission · Official site, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- NEET-PG - National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences · Official site, accessed 10 Oct 2026
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