MD / MS Admission Guidance

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a surgeon and leaving a lasting impact in the medical field, then the Master of Surgery program is the key to unlocking your full potential. MS is a postgraduate course that provides aspiring surgeons with in-depth knowledge and skillset in surgical training.

During the three-year program, students will be exposed to high-quality healthcare details and the latest advancements in the medical field, providing them with comprehensive research and training. The MS degree course is designed to equip students with the necessary scientific knowledge and skills to specialize in a particular area of surgery. In addition, students will learn how to diagnose and treat common diseases.

If you’re passionate about the field of surgery and want to make a difference in the lives of patients, a Master of Surgery degree is the perfect path to pursue. Not only will it equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a successful surgeon, but it will also provide you with a fulfilling career that allows you to make a lasting impact.

MS degrees are available in various specializations, including General Surgery, Orthopedics, Plastic Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, and more. Each specialization has its own set of curriculum and eligibility criteria, and it’s important to choose the one that aligns with your career aspirations.

The Medical Council of India (MCI) regulates postgraduate medical education in India. The MCI regulations for MS education include:

• Duration: The MS degree course has a duration of three years.
• Curriculum: The MS academic curriculum is competency-based, which means it focuses on practical and clinical skills, research methodology, and attitude development, including communication skills.
• Learning: The course encourages self-directed and autonomous learning.
• Assessments: The MS degree program includes formative and summative assessments.
• Approach: To provide systemic exposure to different subspecialties of a discipline, a modular approach is recommended.
• Participation: Active participation in community-based activities is encouraged to understand the needs of the community better.

The MS curriculum comprises theoretical knowledge, practical and clinical skills, thesis skills, attitude development, including communication skills, and training in research methodology. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful surgeons.

• Degree: Candidates must possess an MBBS degree or a provisional MBBS pass certificate.
• Registration Certificate: Aspirants must obtain a provisional or permanent registration certificate issued by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or State Medical Council (SMC).
• Internship: Candidates must complete a one-year rotatory internship and obtain the completion certificate issued by March 31 of the academic year.

Exceptional colleges like JIPMER and AIIMS have their own examination and admission procedures.

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET PG) is the common entrance exam for admission to postgraduate medical courses, including MS and MD. In 2019, nearly 80,000 candidates qualified for NEET PG, and a significant number of them opted for MS. While institutes like AIIMS and JIPMER conduct their own exams, more than 200 medical colleges in India offer MS courses with a total seat intake of 10,826.

During counseling, candidates have to choose whether they wish to opt for MD or MS. The allotment of seats is based on the merit rank of each candidate and their score. The following are the seats filled on the basis of NEET PG:

• 50% All India quota seats (except Jammu & Kashmir)
• State quota seats (including Jammu & Kashmir)
• All Private Medical Colleges, Institutions & Universities/Deemed Universities
• Armed Forces Medical Services Institutions
• DNB Broad specialty courses

The qualifying percentile, commonly known as cutoff, is the minimum percentile that a candidate is required to score in the examination to qualify. Candidates need to refer to the qualifying percentile mentioned in the column of their category. It’s important to note that the cutoff is category-specific, and scoring below it will disqualify candidates from participating in the admission process. Additionally, the qualifying percentile is not the same as the raw score and only reflects a candidate’s performance in comparison to their scores.

The NEET PG exam is a national-level examination conducted by the National Board of Education. It is the gateway to admission to both MS and MD courses in more than 200 medical colleges in India. In 2019, around 1.5 lakh candidates registered for NEET PG, and only 79,633 candidates qualified.

During the counseling process, candidates must choose whether they wish to opt for MD or MS courses. The seats are allotted on the basis of the merit rank of each candidate and their score.

The following institutions offer MS courses, and the seats are allotted based on the NEET PG exam:

• 50% All India quota seats (except for the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir)
• State quota seats (including Jammu & Kashmir)
• All Private Medical Colleges, Institutions & Universities/Deemed Universities
• Armed Forces Medical Services Institutions
• DNB Broad specialty courses

To qualify for admission to MS courses, candidates must score the minimum qualifying percentile (cutoff) in the NEET PG exam. The cutoff is category-specific, and candidates must refer to the qualifying percentile mentioned in their category’s column. The qualifying percentile is not the same as the raw score but only a reflection of a candidate’s performance in comparison to their scores.

The specializations and course that are available and can be chosen by MS aspirants while completing their postgraduate degree are:

• ENT (Ears, nose, and throat)
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Orthopedics
• General Surgery
• Ophthalmology
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Traumatology & Surgery

With this comprehensive guide, you’re all set to embark on your journey to mastering surgery. Keep these essential points in mind, prepare well for NEET PG, and secure your spot in a top-notch MS program in India.