When it comes to medical education in India, MD (Doctor of Medicine) and MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) are two prominent degrees. While both are essential for a medical career, they represent different stages of education and training in the medical field.

Understanding MBBS and MD

• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
  • It is a 5.5-year undergraduate program, which includes a one-year mandatory internship.
  • Students are eligible for MBBS after completing Class 12 (Science stream) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
  • MBBS graduates can practice as general physicians and offer basic healthcare services.
• MD (Doctor of Medicine)
  • It is a 3-year postgraduate program pursued after completing MBBS.
  • MD provides specialized training in a specific field of medicine like Pediatrics, Dermatology, Radiology, or Internal Medicine.
  • MD-qualified doctors become specialists in their chosen field and can offer advanced healthcare services.

Why Pursue an MD After MBBS?

Many MBBS graduates opt for MD to:

• Gain specialization and expertise in a particular area of medicine.
• Expand career opportunities and qualify for senior-level roles in healthcare.
• Offer advanced care to patients with complex conditions.

If you’re wondering whether to pursue an MD or stick with your MBBS degree, keep reading to explore a detailed MD vs MBBS comparison—covering differences, eligibility, admission process, job roles, and salary prospects.

MD vs MBBS: Highlights

Candidates who wish to know the difference between MD and MBBS can look at the table below to know the key highlights of both the courses such as course level, duration, average fees, entrance exams, admission process, job profiles, average salary, etc.

Difference Between MD vs MBBS

What is MBBS?

MBBS is an undergraduate degree program in India that is equivalent to a Medical degree in many other countries. It is typically a 5.5-year program (including a one-year internship), which candidates can opt for after completing Class 12 with Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) subjects.

The curriculum of MBBS includes basic medical sciences, clinical subjects, and practical training in various medical specialities. MBBS curriculum provides a broad foundation in medicine and clinical skills. Graduates with an MBBS course in India are commonly referred to as ‘Doctors or ‘Medical Practitioners’. After completing MBBS, individuals can work as general practitioners or pursue postgraduate education (MD/MS) to specialize in a particular medical field.

What is MD?

MD is a postgraduate medical degree in India that provides specialized training in a specific medical speciality or subspecialty. To pursue MD in India, individuals typically need to complete their MBBS degree and qualify in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG) examination. MD programs in India usually last for 3 years and are available in various specialities such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Radiology, Dermatology, etc.

MD graduates in India are considered specialists in their chosen field and are eligible to practice as specialised physicians. They can work in hospitals, clinics, research institutions, or private practice. After completing MD, some doctors may choose to pursue further super-specialisation through DM (Doctorate of Medicine) or DNB (Diplomate of National Board) courses.

MD vs MBBS: Eligibility

Every college sets a criterion that candidates need to fulfill to get admission to their desired course. Failure to do so usually results in the candidate’s ineligibility to take the admission and sometimes cancellation of candidature.

Candidates can check the table below to learn the eligibility criteria for MD and MBBS courses.

MD vs MBBS: Entrance Exam

For admission to medical colleges in India, candidates need to sit for state-level entrance exams. Candidates wishing to get MBBS admission must make sure to have passed NEET and for MD admission, candidates must pass NEET PG.

Candidates can look at the table below to learn about the major differences between these two entrance exams needed for MD and MBBS admission.

MD vs MBBS: Syllabus

The MD and MBBS syllabus in India is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of Medicine. The MD and MBBS syllabus is structured to cover various subjects and topics, including both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills.

Candidates must note that the MD and MBBS syllabus can vary slightly from one medical college to another, but some core subjects and topics are common across most MD and MBBS courses.

Here is a general overview of the semester-wise MD and MBBS syllabus in India:

MD vs MBBS: Top Colleges

India is home to several prestigious medical colleges and universities known for their quality education and healthcare training. There are 740 MBBS colleges and 761 MD colleges in India.

Candidates can check the top colleges for both MD and MBBS given in the table below along with their total fees.

Top MBBS Colleges

AIIMS Delhi, Christian Medical College, Kasturba Medical College, and KGMU are some top colleges that offer MBBS in India. Candidates can check the top MBBS colleges given in the table below along with their total fees.

Top MD Colleges

AIIMS Delhi, Christian Medical College, Kasturba Medical College, and KGMU are some top colleges that offer MBBS in India. Candidates can check the top MD colleges given in the table below along with their total fees. 

AIIMS Delhi, Christian Medical College, Kasturba Medical College, and KGMU are some top colleges that offer MBBS in India. Candidates can check the top MD colleges given in the table below along with their total fees.

MD vs MBBS: Jobs and Salary

In India, the field of Medicine offers a wide range of job profiles and career opportunities across various specialties and healthcare settings. The choice of a medical job profile often depends on an individual’s interests, specialization, and career goals.

Candidates can check the table below to know which job profiles are widely chosen among MD and MBBS graduates and how much they earn on an average basis.

MBBS Salary in India

After completing an MBBS degree in India, there are several job profiles and career opportunities available in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Here are some common job profiles for MBBS graduates in India:

MD Salary in India

MD graduates have the opportunity to work in a wide range of clinical and non-clinical job profiles. The specific job profile chosen often depends on their specialisation, interests, and career goals. Many MDs continue their education and training through fellowships or pursue academic and research roles in addition to clinical practice.

Here are some common MD job profiles in India:

Conclusion

Both MBBS and MD offer rewarding careers in medicine, but choosing the right college and specialization is essential for long-term success. Guide Me Education is here to assist you with admission counseling, college selection, and career planning to ensure you make the best decision for your medical journey.

Start Your MBBS or MD Journey Today! Visit Guide Me Education for expert guidance, and explore the best medical colleges in India!