MD (Doctor of Medicine) in Aerospace Medicine is a three-year postgraduate programme that focuses on the study of human health in aviation, space travel, and high-altitude environments. The course blends medicine, physiology, and technology to prepare doctors to address medical challenges faced by pilots, astronauts, and professionals in the aerospace industry.
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To be eligible, candidates must hold an MBBS degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 55 per cent aggregate marks and completion of an internship. Admission is typically based on performance in entrance exams such as NEET-PG, followed by counselling. Some institutions may also consider relevant work experience in clinical or defence settings.
This specialised branch of medicine covers aviation physiology, space medicine, ergonomics, and environmental health. Students gain both theoretical and clinical exposure, including training with flight simulators and hyperbaric chambers. Graduates develop expertise in preventive healthcare, aeromedical emergencies, and human performance in extreme conditions, opening careers in civil aviation, defence, research and space agencies.
The MD in Aerospace Medicine programme prepares medical graduates with specialised knowledge in aviation management, space, and environmental medicine. It trains doctors to manage health issues in high-altitude, flight, and space conditions while combining clinical, research, and preventive approaches. Below are the key highlights, including duration, eligibility, top recruits, and career roles.
| Particulars | Values |
|---|---|
Course Name | MD in Aerospace Medicine |
Degree Type | Postgraduate (MD) |
MD in Aerospace Medicine Course Duration | 3 years |
MD in Aerospace Medicine Eligibility Criteria | MBBS degree with a minimum of 55 per cent marks, completion of internship, and NEET-PG qualification |
MD in Aerospace Medicine Admission Process | Entrance-based (NEET-PG + counselling) |
MD in Aerospace Medicine Job Roles | Aviation Medicine Specialist, Aerospace Researcher, Flight Surgeon, Defence Medical Officer, Occupational Health Expert |
MD in Aerospace Medicine Average Salary | Rs. 7–25 LPA (varies with role and organisation) |
MD in Aerospace Medicine Top Recruiters | Indian Air Force, ISRO, DRDO, NASA (collaborative research), Civil Aviation Authorities, Medical Colleges |
Eligibility criteria for MD in Aerospace Medicine may differ slightly depending on the university or institute. The programme is designed for medical graduates who want to specialise in aviation, space, and environmental medicine. Below are the general eligibility parameters:
| Particulars | Eligibility Parameters |
|---|---|
Educational Qualifications | MBBS degree from a recognised university/institution |
Internship Requirement | Completion of a one-year compulsory rotatory internship |
Entrance Exam | Qualification in NEET-PG (mandatory for admission) |
Aggregate Score Requirement | Minimum of 55 per cent aggregate in MBBS (may vary by institution) |
Admission Process | Entrance-based, followed by central/state counselling |
Age Criteria | No strict upper age limit, but candidates are usually under 35 years for government seats (varies by institution) |
Admission to the MD in Aerospace Medicine in India is primarily entrance-based, with NEET-PG being the mandatory requirement. The process ensures that candidates meet medical eligibility standards, complete their internships, and pass the entrance exam cut-offs. Below are the general admission steps followed by most institutions.
Step 1: Application Form Submission – Candidates must register and apply for NEET-PG through the official NBE portal, submitting academic details and internship proof.
Step 2: Entrance Exam (NEET-PG) – Applicants appear for the NEET-PG examination, which is the standard test for admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma programmes.
Step 3: Result & Rank Declaration – Based on NEET-PG scores, a rank list is prepared by the authorities
Step 4: Counselling Process – Qualified candidates participate in the All India Quota (AIQ) or state-level counselling, where seats are allotted in medical colleges offering an MD in Aerospace Medicine.
Step 5: Admission Confirmation – Shortlisted candidates must report to the allotted college, complete document verification, and pay the admission fee to secure their seat.
To secure admission into the MD in Medicine, candidates must qualify in NEET-PG, which is the mandatory entrance exam for postgraduate medical courses in India. Admission is granted based on entrance exam scores, counselling performance, and completion of MBBS with internship. Most institutions follow this standardised process for candidate selection.
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Result |
|---|---|---|
National Board of Examinations (NBE) |
Admission to the MD in Aerospace Medicine is through NEET-PG, and the cutoff changes annually. At the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bangalore, the closing All India Rank (AIR) for the general category was 6,742 in 2024 and 25,932 in 2025. These variations depend on seat availability, exam difficulty, and competition.
The MD in Aerospace Medicine syllabus is carefully structured to cover both theoretical and clinical aspects, Subjects are divided into four parts, ranging from basic sciences and aerospace physiology to applied and clinical aerospace medicine. The syllabus is officially outlined by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Part I: Basic Sciences | Part II: Aerospace Physiology |
Aeronautics | High Altitude Physiology |
Applied Physics | Environmental Physiology |
Biomedical Engineering | Acceleration Physiology |
Medical Statistics | Space Physiology |
General Physiology | Women in Aviation |
Biochemistry & Endocrinology | - |
Neurophysiology | - |
Part III: Applied Aerospace Medicine | Part IV: Clinical Aerospace Medicine |
History of Aerospace Medicine | Internal Medicine |
Spatial Disorientation | Aviation Ophthalmology |
Human Engineering | Aviation Otolaryngology |
Human Factors | Aviation Neuropsychiatry |
Life Support Systems | Aviation Psychology |
Civil Aviation Medicine | Aviation Pathology & Toxicology |
Preventive & Social Medicine | Radiology |
Operational Aerospace Medicine | - |
The fee structure for MD in Aerospace Medicine varies depending on whether the student joins a government or private medical college. Government colleges usually have a lower fee, while private institutions may charge more. The fee ranges from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 15 lakhs for the entire course.
Graduates with an MD in Aerospace Medicine can build careers in aviation medicine, defence services, space research, and public health. They may work as aerospace physicians, flight surgeons, or researchers in organisations like the Indian Air Force, ISRO, DRDO, DGCA, and international aviation bodies.
For those pursuing further growth, MD Aerospace Medicine offers pathways in teaching, clinical research, and aviation safety policy. Specialists may join international space agencies, airlines, or private aerospace companies. As space exploration is becoming a priority globally, the demand for experts in aerospace health, ergonomics, and astronaut care is also steadily increasing.
An MD in Aerospace Medicine prepares doctors to work in aviation, space research, and military settings. The programme equips them with specialised knowledge of human performance in extreme environments, clinical aerospace medicine, and aviation safety. Graduates can pursue careers in healthcare, research, teaching, and the aerospace industries. Below are common job roles, along with average salary details.
| Job Profiles | Description | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|---|
Aerospace Medicine Specialists | Aerospace medicine specialists assess and monitor the health of pilots, astronauts, and aircrew. They contribute to flight safety, design life-support systems, and provide expertise in space health. | Rs. 18.4 LPA |
Flight Surgeons | Flight surgeons provide medical care to aviators and crew members. They conduct fitness assessments, manage in-flight medical issues, and support accident investigations. | Rs. 25.1 LPA |
Aviation Medical Examiners | Aviation medical examiners certify pilots and crew for fitness to fly. They perform clinical evaluations, monitor occupational health risks, and ensure compliance with aviation medical standards. | Rs. 18.4 LPA |
Researchers in aerospace medicine study human responses to space travel, acceleration, and microgravity. They develop new methods to enhance crew performance and improve space mission safety. | Rs. 12 LPA | |
Academicians & Trainers | Academicians and trainers teach aerospace medicine in universities and defence institutes. They guide postgraduate students, conduct workshops, and contribute to curriculum development. | Rs. 7.2 LPA |
Salary Source: AmbitionBox and Salaryexpert
Studying MD in Aerospace Medicine provides doctors with expertise in human performance under extreme flight and space conditions. It builds strong clinical, research, and analytical skills. Graduates gain opportunities in defence, aviation, and space research, while contributing to flight safety, astronaut health, and advanced aerospace medical innovations.
The Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bangalore, affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, is the only recognised institution in India offering MD in Aerospace Medicine. Managed by the Indian Air Force, it provides advanced training in aviation, space, and environmental medicine, preparing specialists for careers in defence, research, and aerospace industries.
On Question asked by student community
HELLO,
MD (Doctor of Medicine) is a postgraduate medical degree, and MBBS is mandatory to pursue it.
With BSc CLS + PGDMLT, you cannot directly enter MD. Your main pathway is to clear NEET-UG and take admission in MBBS. After completing MBBS (5.5 years), you must qualify NEET PG to
Hello,
Yes, it's possible to aim for a government MD homeopathy college seat next year, but you need to resign from your current seat and reenter the admission process by taking the AIAPGET exam again, not through the direct transfer.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Yes, a BDS student can pursue an MD in Physiology, but it depends on the eligibility rules of each university.
In most medical colleges in India, MD Physiology is offered mainly to MBBS graduates because it is a clinical/para-clinical postgraduate degree under the MD/MS system. However, some universities and institutes
Hello, actually both ESIC Bangalore and Chennai offer MD Physiology with adequate teaching infrastructure, well equipped labs, and hospital affiliation for academic training. ESIC Chennai though has slightly more robust facilities, including modern labs, library, and academic blocks, while ESIC Bangalore provides a decent environment with a large hospital and
Hello,
With a rank of 320 in INI CET, a percentile of 99.42, and an EWS Rank of 20, you have a good chance of getting admission in AIIMS for Medicine. If you go for AIIMS, New Delhi, the closing rank of EWS was 63 in Round One of 2025,
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