Becoming a doctor in India is an ambition for many students. It is very fulfilling because you get to help an individual overcome their disease. It is very beneficial as medical treatments are costly and medical expertise is valuable. It is also very stable because there will always be a need and demand for doctors.

So, if you’re a student in India figuring out how to become a doctor, please continue reading this post!

Who is a Doctor?

A doctor, also known as a physician and a medical practitioner is a person who is experienced and certified to practice medicine to help maintain or restore physical and mental health. They interact with patients, diagnose their medical problems, and successfully treat their illnesses or injury.

Duties of a Doctor

Some of the common duties of a doctor are:

  • listening to patients carefully to understand the disease’s symptoms.
  • perform a diagnosis to find the cause of the illness.
  • prescribe medicine and administer treatments based on the diagnosis.
  • perform general examinations and order blood tests and procedures to understand a patient’s ailment or illness.
  • provide follow-up treatments, and therapies or refer patients to other physicians.
  • perform surgeries.
  • collect, record, and maintain patients’ medical records such as laboratory test results and other documents and keep an eye on their recovery/rehabilitation.
  • collaborate with other medical professionals (lab technicians, pharmacists, assistants, nurses, etc) to provide the best patient care.
  • promote health education in patients and their family members.
  • stay up-to-date with the latest medical technology.
  • convey the patient’s status to their family members.

Reasons to Become a Doctor in India

There are multiple reasons to pursue a career in medicine and become a doctor. Some want to provide healthcare services to the needy; some want to provide medical services in underserved and rural areas while others just see it as an excellent economic opportunity and a symbol of success.

Here are a few reasons to help you let know why a career as a medical doctor is the right choice and why you should become a doctor in India:

To help others

The main role of a doctor is to save lives and improve the overall health of their patients. Also, doctors are regarded as the second god because they perform miracles too. Being a physician is an honor, recognition, and responsibility of a lifetime.

To have a purpose in your work

Doctors fill an essential role in society and can make a huge difference in the lives of the people that they interact. They can help people live better, healthier, and longer lives. This is usually a significant responsibility and can give physicians a sense of meaning and satisfaction in their work.

To collaborate

A profession in the medical field is often an adequate choice for people who enjoy working in a team. Doctors may work with nurses, administrators, specialists, and pharmacists daily. This allows them to learn from others and to find collaborative solutions to medical challenges.

To have variety in your work

Being a doctor can be an exciting and rewarding career and can provide various experiences every day. Doctors often treat a variety of different diseases and injuries in a single day and may have the opportunity to use a variety of different skills and therapies. Working in medicine also allows doctors to meet and interact with many people, including patients, families, and colleagues.

To educate

Doctors complete a comprehensive amount of education before starting their careers, and they often have a lot of knowledge to share with patients and colleagues. Their duties often include teaching and training patients how to take better care of their health and enhance their lives. Also, doctors have the opportunity to educate medical students in teaching hospitals. The ability to share knowledge and improve outcomes can be one of the most fruitful parts of a career as a doctor.

To learn

Doctors face new challenges every day and may occasionally encounter rare conditions or uncommon injuries. This allows them to explore new aspects of medical science regularly. They may also work with experienced physicians and senior surgeons who can increase their knowledge of diagnosis and treatment. These elements can make a medical career very fulfilling for individuals who love to learn.

To find new opportunities

There are many opportunities available for physicians once they finish their studies. They can consider pursuing a specialization that they are passionate about, opening a clinic, or working in communities overseas. They might also pursue scientific research, work in public health or move into a teaching part.

Salary of a Doctor in India

The field of medicine is very competitive, however, it is one of the highest-paying occupations in India. The salary of a doctor depends on numerous factors such as the doctor’s earning potential, including specialization, education, location, and workplace.

According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a Doctor in India is Rs. 301,109 per month, with an average salary of Rs. 61,109 per month. The estimated additional income is Rs. 240,000 per month. Additional compensation includes cash bonuses, commissions, etc.

Steps to Become a Doctor in India

Becoming a doctor is the aspiration of a lot of students. Doctor’s profession lets the candidates enjoy a prestigious social and professional life being able to serve a lot of people as well as make a lucrative income. If you wish to become a doctor in India after Class 10th, the planning and preparation must start very early in your life. Here is a step-by-step guide to becoming a doctor.

  • Complete Higher Secondary Education: The candidates must complete their higher secondary education (10+2) with Science subjects i.e. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology, and score a minimum of 50 percent (40 percent in the case of reserved category). They must study English as the main subject.
  • Appear for the NEET UG Exam: To get admission to top medical colleges in India, it is necessary to appear and crack the single entrance test i.e. NEET UG. The National Eligibility and Entrance Test Under Graduate (NEET-UG) is the most popular entrance exam conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) and most medical colleges accept its scores for admissions purposes.
  • Apply for Admission: Once you have cleared the NEET UG Exam, you can apply to get admission to a medical college and pursue an MBBS course. Also, you must have completed 17 years of age at the time of admission.
  • Complete the Course: You must complete the MBBS course to become a doctor. It is a five-and-a-half-year course, including one year of internship. During your MBBS program, you will learn the basics of pre and para-clinical subjects such as biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, microbiology, pathology, and forensic medicine including toxicology and pharmacology.
  • Pursue an Internship: To be eligible for the MBBS degree, candidates are usually required to complete a mandatory internship that takes place over one year. During the internship, you can work under the supervision of senior doctors to obtain hands-on training in the wards and outpatient departments, where they interact with real patients.
  • Get Registered with the Indian Medical Register: To start practicing as a doctor in India, you need to register with any state medical council in India.

You also have the option of pursuing a specialization after the MBBS to hone your skills further and develop your techniques before finding a job in the medical field.

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

MBBS also known as Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery is an important degree needed to become a doctor or physician in India. This is also the gateway to a career in medicine. It typically takes around 5.5 years to become a doctor after Class 12th. It includes one year of compulsory rotational internship at hospitals, health centers, and health camps.

Education Qualification required to become a Doctor in India

To become a doctor in India, one must have an MBBS degree that has been recognized by the National Medical Commission.

How to become a Doctor after Class 10th?

To become a doctor after Class 10th, a student should take up Science stream with Biology subject in their Class 10+2. Then, they must pass their Class 10+2 Exam with at least 50 percent aggregate marks. After that, they must apply and appear in the NEET UG Exam to get admission to top medical colleges in India.

How to become a Doctor in India after Class 12th without NEET?

There are several courses offered in India, which can be pursued by students who want to have a career as a doctor in the field of medicine without taking the NEET UG Exam. Some of the courses are listed below:

  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy
  • Bachelor of Pharmacy

The minimum eligibility required to pursue these courses is that students must clear their class 10+2 or equivalent examinations preferably in the Science stream with at least 50 percent aggregate marks.

Skills Required to Become a Doctor in India

To succeed in this profession, one must have the following qualities:

Communication Skills

Having strong communication skills helps a doctor to understand a patient’s illness and symptoms. Doctors must also be able to communicate with other medical staff like nurses to ensure patients are taken care of properly.

Professionalism

Doctors must work under certain rules and guidelines of professionalism to ensure patients feel safe and secure. Dealing with sick patients can mean that they are often stressed or emotional, so doctors must remain calm, organized, and respectful at all moments throughout the treatment process.

Problem-Solving Skills

A medical degree gives doctors the knowledge to treat patients, but implementing that learning is a desirable talent for this role. Physicians use their problem-solving skills to evaluate patients and find solutions to their illnesses.

Attention to Detail

Paying great attention to detail is crucial for a successful career because even a small deviation can result in a false diagnosis of a disease. So, it is essential to pay attention to all stages of treatment and understand a patient’s history before prescribing medicines.

Cost of Becoming a Doctor in India

Top medical colleges in India offer MBBS courses between Rs. 5 – 60 Lakhs annually.

Hope you found this article on how to become a doctor useful!