Entry Level Qualification
Post Graduate
Degree Course Entrance Exam
NEET SS
Course Details
The MCh degree is heavily research-oriented. Students need to work in an extremely challenging and high-pressure environment. The course combines theoretical and practical training, seminars, and thesis or projects after which one becomes proficient in the surgical field.
Surgeons are provided with in-depth knowledge of the latest advancements in surgical and biomedical techniques. Those who aspire to be an MCh must have skills such as leadership, academic excellence, and skills to thrive in the professional field. The areas that are included in an MCh course are:
a. Evidence-based practice in surgery
b. Advanced understanding of service innovation process in the relevant subject area
c. Quantitative and qualitative methods of research
d. Writing a research proposal
e. Investigative inquiry from conceptualization to completion.
Course Highlights
A brief overview of MCh is given in the table mentioned below:
Name of the Course | MCh |
Full Form | Master of Chirurgiae |
Stream | Medical |
Degree Level | Postgraduation/Doctoral |
Course Mode | Regular |
Course Duration | 3 or 5 years |
Qualification Required | MBBS/MD/MS degree |
Exam Type | Semester-based |
Admission Process | Entrance-based |
Fees Range | INR 4,000-20 lakh |
Career Prospects | Neuro Surgeon, Urology Surgeon, Cardiac Surgeon, Paediatric Surgeon, etc. |
About Course
Master of Chirurgiae, also known as MCh, is the highest degree in the field of surgical science. It is a three-year course after MD or MS and a five-year course after MBBS where medical students attain mastery over surgery. The Latin term for MCh is Magister Chirugiae after completion of which one can be a surgeon. The course is known for its competitiveness and only a handful of students get the opportunity to pursue it.
There are numerous specializations offered by the MCh degree — the top ones are plastic surgery, ENT, urology, neurosurgery, paediatric surgery, and cardiac surgery. MCh course aspirants must secure at least 55% in MBBS to be eligible to appear for the entrance examination NEET-SS.
Why Choose Course And Required Skills
An MCh degree adds significant value to the resume of a medical professional and helps them emerge as the best in their profession. It requires huge efforts from candidates from taking the exam to securing the most coveted seats though they have to pass several sleepless nights, the reasons that may motivate one to choose MCh courses are:
1. Aspirants can choose a wide variety of specializations and gain mastery in their profession. This would give them an edge over others.
2. It will train students as per the demands of the industry. The course will allow them to learn every complicated technical procedure in their field of surgery.
3. It will help in research and innovations in surgical procedures and technologies.
4. MCh specialists can train juniors and students in their own domain thereby diversifying their career prospects.
5. One gets to be a part of the most rewarding profession by saving the lives of thousands.
Eligibility
Similar to every medical course, the MCh course also has certain eligibility criteria that students must fulfill to become a specialist in the field. The common eligibility criteria are given below for easy reference before enrolling in the course:
1. Students have to complete an MBBS or MD degree.
2. They are required to submit NEET-SS or INI-CET scores to be eligible for applying for MCh.
3. They must have completed their SMC/NMC registration.
4. Foreign medical candidates do not need registration under NMC.
5. Those who have MS qualifications need to provide proof of their license to the university. One also has to have an active part in an MS degree or receive an interim pass certificate.
6. Must have a valid identity card that includes PAN card, Adhaar Card, Driving License, or Voter ID.
Entrance Exams Details
They are required to submit NEET-SS or INI-CET scores to be eligible for applying for MCh.
Degree Course Syllabus
The syllabus of some of the specializations is given here.
Gastroenterology Syllabus |
Anatomical Details of Organs | Endoscopic Ultrasound and Other Diagnostic Techniques |
Contrast Imaging and CT Scan | Physiology of Gastric Secretions |
Stomach Trauma | Bile Physiology |
Liver Functions and Tests | Liver Regeneration |
Pancreatic Ductal Anomalies | Mesenteric Cyst |
Splenic Functions | Carcinoma of the Colon |
Endocrine Surgery Syllabus |
Anatomy | Embryology |
Thyroiditis | Physiology |
Lymph Node Dissection | Conn’s Adenoma |
Gatrinoma | Breast Hypertrophy |
GynecomastiaEtiology and treatment of congenital malformations | VIPOMA |
Pediatric Surgery Syllabus |
Ethics | Genetics |
Molecular Biology | Embryology Growth and Development |
Fetal Medicine | Respiratory Physiology as Applied to Children |
Growth and Development | Neonatal Surgery |
Etiology and Treatment of Congenital Malformations | Trauma in Children including Burns |
Malignancy in Childhood | Pathology of Surgical Conditions of Childhood |
Urology Syllabus |
Anatomy and Embryology of GU tracts, Adrenal and Retroperitoneum | Applied Physiology and Biochemistry |
Investigative Urology | Genito-Urinary Radiology and Imaging |
Male Infertility | Andrology |
Sexual Dysfunction | Urodynamic and Neurology |
Reconstructive Urology | Obstructive Uropathy |
Renovascular Hypertension | Laparoscopic Urologic Surgery |
Neuro Surgery Syllabus |
Essentials of Clinical Neurology | Surgical Neuropathology |
Performance and Interpretation of Neuroradiological Procedures | Principles and Interpretations of Modern Investigations |
Familiarity with Various Types of Anaesthesia | Knowledge of Recent Advances in Neurosurgical Technologies |
Performance of Common Neurosurgical Operations | Pharmacology of Various Drugs |
Top Colleges
Aspirants get to choose the colleges based on their ranks in the entrance exam, the cut-off, and the availability of specialization in that particular college. The list of popular colleges is given below:
College | Location |
All India Institute of Medical Sciences | New Delhi |
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research | Chandigarh |
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research | Puducherry |
Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology | Trivandrum |
Christian Medical College | Vellore |
Kasturba Medical College | Manipal |
Armed Forces Medical College | Pune |
Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre | Bangalore |
Maulana Azad Medical College | New Delhi |
Dayanand Medical College and Hospital | Ludhiana |
City-Wise Top Colleges for MCh in India
Let us observe some of the top MCh colleges across popular cities in India:
New Delhi
New Delhi has some of the most renowned MCh colleges. They are:
Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital
Lady Hardinge Medical College for Women
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences
Bengaluru
The top colleges for MCh in Bengaluru are:
St Johns Medical College
MS Ramaiah Medical College
Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences
Raja Rajeshwari Medical College and Hospital
Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health
Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research
Mumbai
The medical colleges that provide MCh courses in Mumbai are given below:
Grant Medical College
Seth GS Medical College
Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College
Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital
Tata Memorial Hospital
MGM Medical College and Hospital
Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences
Kolkata
Kolkata boasts the presence of some top medical colleges for MCh. Some of them are:
Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research
Medical College
Calcutta National Medical College
RG Kar Medical College and Hospital
Nilratan Sircar Medical College
Chennai
The medical colleges in Chennai provide MCh courses to students. The most popular ones are:
SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre
Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute
Stanley Medical College
Government Kilpauk Medical College
Chengalpattu Medical College
Study MCh Abroad
Studying MCh abroad can enhance the academic and professional development of students interested in surgery and improve the safety of patients. Professional surgical training coupled with research outputs motivates them to continue their studies outside India. Some of the top MCh universities abroad are:
Name of Medical College | Country |
Flinders University | Australia |
Royal College of Surgeons | Ireland |
University of Galway | Ireland |
University of New South Wales | Australia |
University of Edinburgh | United Kingdom |
University of Liverpool | United Kingdom |
University of Auckland | New Zealand |
Harvard University | United States |
Texas A&M University | United States |
MAHSA University | Malaysia |
Dalhousie University | Canada |
Course Fees
The course fees of some of the top colleges are given below:
Medical College | Average Annual Fees (in INR) |
AIIMS | 3,000 |
PGIMER | 4,000 |
Christian Medical College | 2 lakh |
Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences | 70,000 |
Banaras Hindu University | 15,000 |
Kasturba Medical College | 20 lakh |
JIPMER | 4,000 |
Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences | 70,000 |
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | 20 lakh |
Maulana Azad Medical College | 20,000 |
Top Recruiters And Salary
The average salary of a few MCh professionals is discussed below:
MCh Specializations | Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
Orthopaedic Surgeon | 12 lakh |
Neonatal Surgeon | 15 lakh |
Urology Surgeon | 10 lakh |
Plastic Surgeon | 18 lakh |
Haematology Surgeon | 10-12 lakh |
Course Scope And Career Options
MCh courses lead to a plethora of opportunities in professional fields and are therefore preferred by medical graduates. Some of the career and job prospects after completion of the course can be:
1. Students can apply for fellowship programs after completion of their MCh course. A brilliant academic profile helps in such cases.
2. There are several surgical practice opportunities in government and private hospitals in India. Graduates can also work as surgeons overseas.
3. They can also open a medical center or nursing home of their own and carry forward the legacy of learning.
4. The MCh graduates can also choose a teaching career as a professor of surgery and train future surgeons.
5. They can extend their expertise in research fields and contribute to the advancement of surgical technologies.
Some of the popular job profiles after MCh are:
1. Neuro Surgeon
2. Urology Surgeon
3. General Surgeon
4. Plastic Surgeon
5. Trauma Surgeon
Admission Process
As MCh is a highly specialized course, students can only apply through the entrance examination. There is no provision for direct admission based on merit. The common steps to apply for MCh courses in India are:
Step 1: Select medical colleges offering the specialization that the candidate is seeking.
Step 2: Fill up the application form by visiting the university portal.
Step 3: Submit all the documents required by the university.
Step 4: Take the entrance test to get selected for the program.
Step 5: Clear the cut-off of the particular specialization.
Step 6: A merit list of qualified candidates will be prepared.
Step 7: Complete the counseling process which includes registering on the official website of MCC, choice filling and locking, fee payment and application processing, and lastly provisional seat allotment. Complete rounds of counseling, as required.
Step 8: Finish the admission process by submitting other documents as mentioned.