After completing MBBS, a doctor’s income depends on a variety of factors. Their salary is typically determined by the organisation they work for, the city or state they practice in, and their years of experience.
Compared to South Indian states, Northern Indian states pay higher salaries for MBBS graduates due to increased demand and higher cost of living.
The salary of an MBBS doctor varies between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 per month depending on which city or state they are from, their experience, and whether they work for a government or a private institution.
Salary of MBBS Doctor in Internship
Students must complete a year-long internship after completing the final year of MBBS.
Medical students are typically paid a stipend between Rs. 5000 to Rs. 25,000 per month during their internship, depending on which city or state they are from, and whether they are from a government or private medical college.
The stipend may not be paid by some private medical colleges. 😢
Salary of MBBS Doctor in Rural Service
Some Indian states require medical students to do mandatory rural service for a year or two after completing their internship. Karnataka is the state where I live and we signed a 1-year rural bond service agreement.
Medical students are paid between Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 60,000 per month during their rural service, depending on which state they are from.
Salary of MBBS Doctor in Government Sector
The salary of an MBBS doctor working in the government sector can vary between Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1,00,000, depending on which city or state they are from, their position, and years of experience.
MBBS doctors can join government hospitals as a Junior Resident. Generally, Central Government hospitals pay more than State Government hospitals. Junior Residents can expect a salary between Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 80,000.
One can also opt to become a Medical Officer which requires CMS (Combined Medical Services) Examination, conducted by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). Medical Officers can expect a salary between Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,00,000. 😎
One may also opt for a post in the Armed Forces. An interview and a medical check-up are required prior to being assigned to the military. While serving, you may be placed in infantry units, army hospitals, or even emergency services.
Salary of MBBS Doctor in Private Sector
The salary of an MBBS doctor working in the private sector can vary between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 70,000, depending on the hiring hospital and the years of experience.
This is mostly due to the fact that private hospitals prefer to hire fresh MBBS graduates who can work for lower salaries rather than increasing the salary for others.
My thoughts
There’s no doubt that doctors are often paid less than their counterparts in other professions, despite spending years training. 😔
Here is a brief explanation of what it takes to become an MBBS Doctor. ⬇️
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) is a 5-and-a-half-year medical course. It includes a one-year compulsory internship. Depending on the state, rural service of 1 or 2 years may also be mandatory.
It’s a really long course! ⏳
The degree is obtained from a college recognized by the NMC (National Medical Commission).
MBBS begins with preclinical and paraclinical subjects before moving on to clinical subjects.
As a part of their educational program, medical students receive hands-on training in the wards and outpatient departments of the hospital.
During this time, they have the opportunity to interact with actual patients. Students learn how to take a patient’s history, examine them, diagnose them, conduct investigations, and recommend treatment options.
To pursue MBBS after 12th grade, a student must appear for NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) which is held by the NTA (National Testing Agency).
NEET UG is considered one of the most competitive entrance exams in the country, with more than 15 lakh students appearing every year. 😮
Future
With increased education and, most importantly, the Internet, people have become more knowledgeable and aware of the various specialities and super specialities in medicine.
Nowadays, most people prefer to see a specialist right away. The number of post-graduation and super speciality seats will also increase in the coming years.
Eventually, as the competition increases, the demand for MBBS doctors will decrease, particularly in metropolitan cities.
MBBS will hold less value as a result, and the best option would be to pursue higher studies, most preferably a PG.
To pursue PG after MBBS, a student must appear for NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) which is held by the NBE (National Board of Examinations).
If you though NEET UG was hard, NEET PG is on another level! 🤯