Doctorate of Medicine in Psychiatry (MD Psychiatry) is a three-year postgraduate course that trains students to diagnose, treat, and prevent mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. The curriculum includes basic sciences, clinical psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and community mental health, helping candidates understand psychiatric conditions in both hospital and community settings.
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To pursue MD Psychiatry, candidates must hold an MBBS degree from a recognised institution with a minimum of 55–60 per cent marks. Admission is typically through national-level entrance exams like NEET PG or INI CET, followed by counselling. Selection may vary slightly based on the college’s eligibility criteria and seat availability.
MD Psychiatry prepares students with skills to handle various psychiatric cases, including mood disorders, psychoses, addiction, and neurodevelopmental issues. The course combines theoretical knowledge with clinical exposure, research methodology, and patient interaction. Graduates often pursue careers in hospitals, private clinics, research institutions, and mental health advocacy organisations.
MD in Psychiatry is a three-year postgraduate programme that equips medical graduates to diagnose, manage, and treat various mental health conditions. This psychiatry course includes six semesters of academic training, clinical exposure, and practical experience. Below are the key highlights of this MD in Psychiatry course.
Particulars | Values |
|---|---|
Course Name | MD in Psychiatry |
MD in Psychiatry Course Duration | 3 years |
MD in Psychiatry Examination Type | Semesters |
MD in Psychiatry Semesters | 6 semesters |
MD in Psychiatry Eligibility Criteria | MBBS, DMS, BHMS or BDS |
MD in Psychiatry Admission Process | Candidate's performance in NEET PG, marks obtained in the MBBS Degree |
MD in Psychiatry Average Salary | Rs. 5.0 lakhs - 17 Lakhs |
MD in Psychiatry Average Fees | Rs. 57,000 - Rs. 83 Lakhs |
MD in Psychiatry Job Position | Child Psychiatrist, Forensic Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychiatrist, General Adult Psychiatrist, Neuropsychiatrist, Rehabilitation Psychiatrist |
MD in Psychiatry Top Recruiters | Clinics, Hospitals, Public Health Departments, Private Institutions |
The MD in Psychiatry programme is intended for medical graduates who aspire to specialise in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. It combines in-depth theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical training. Below are the general eligibility criteria for pursuing the psychiatry course.
Particulars | Eligibility Parameters |
|---|---|
Educational Qualifications | MBBS, BDS, DMS, or BHMS degree from a recognised university/institute |
Entrance Examination | Qualifying for NEET PG or INI CET is mandatory |
Registration Requirement | Permanent or provisional registration with MCI or the relevant State Medical Council |
Internship Requirement | Completion of a one-year compulsory rotating internship |
Aggregate Score Requirements | Minimum marks as specified by the institution (varies by category and institute) |
A candidate seeking admission to an institution or university offering an MD in Psychiatry in India must meet the eligibility requirements. Different colleges and universities may have different eligibility requirements, with some requiring additional qualifications. The admissions procedure for MD in Psychiatry is mentioned below:
Step 1: Apply and appear for the NEET PG or INI CET entrance examination conducted at the national level.
Step 2: Based on entrance exam scores, participate in centralised counselling (MCC/State-level) for seat allotment at various medical colleges and universities.
Step 3: Upon seat allotment, complete document verification, fee payment, and final admission formalities at the allotted institution.
There is an entrance exam for the MD in Psychiatry programme. The entrance examinations for the MD in Psychiatry programme in India are conducted by both public and private universities, and prospective students should take them.
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Exam Pattern |
|---|---|---|
National Board of Examinations (NBE) | ||
AIIMS, New Delhi |
Students must achieve the minimum score on the entrance exam. They have to meet a minimum qualifying percentage to get admitted to colleges and universities offering MD in Psychiatry programmes. The state-run colleges consider the NEET PG cutoff to assess applicants' eligibility for MD in Psychiatry.
The subjects included in the course curriculum of the MD in Psychiatry are divided into six semesters. For the candidate’s reference, we have mentioned the Papers of the course given by the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University.
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India has a large number of public and private universities that offer MDs in psychiatry. The cost, however, differs throughout educational establishments. According to the current tuition schedules offered by various Indian universities, a candidate can pursue an MD in Psychiatry by paying a fee between Rs. 57,000 and Rs. 83 lakh.
Since there is a constant need for physicians to serve the community, becoming a Psychiatrist promises a bright future. Those who pursue an MD in psychiatry will have ample career stability because they can work for the federal or state governments. Additionally, candidates may practice privately out of their own clinic. Additionally, they can work in a variety of disciplines, including teaching and research departments.
An MD in Psychiatry is a medical science-related area that allows candidates to work in clinics, hospitals, health departments, or as researchers. A candidate can work in the community after earning an MD in psychiatry. Following an MD in Psychiatry, a candidate may choose from the following employment profiles:
Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. They use a combination of therapy, medication, and other treatments to support patients' mental well-being.
Rehabilitation Psychiatrist: Rehabilitation Psychiatrists focus on helping individuals with chronic mental illnesses regain functional abilities and improve quality of life. They create long-term treatment plans that include therapy, medication, and support for social and occupational reintegration.
Neuropsychiatrist: Neuropsychiatrists specialise in treating psychiatric symptoms associated with neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, or traumatic brain injuries. They blend neurology and psychiatry to provide comprehensive care.
Forensic Psychiatrist: Forensic Psychiatrists assess and treat individuals involved with the legal system, including criminals with mental illness. They often provide expert testimony in court regarding mental competency and criminal responsibility.
Clinical Psychiatrist: Clinical Psychiatrists diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders through various therapies. They work in clinical settings with patients from diverse age groups and backgrounds.
After pursuing an MD in psychiatry, candidates become specialists in treating mental disorders. Candidates can perform relevant investigative and therapeutic procedures for the psychiatric patient. They gain the necessary skills to manage psychiatric emergencies efficiently. They can also perform the role of a trainee and facilitate the learning of medical/nursing students, practising physicians, and paramedical health workers.
The kind of remuneration a candidate will get depends on the job role and the employer. Depending on the employer, a candidate can get varying salary packages which could range from low with a small or medium-sized organisation to higher with a large organisation. A general idea of the annual salary one can currently get in various roles is as follows:
Job Profile | Average Salary |
|---|---|
Psychiatrist | Rs. 10 LPA |
Rehabilitation Psychiatrist | Rs. 7.2 LPA |
Neuropsychiatrist | Rs. 18.2 LPA |
Forensic Psychiatrists | Rs. 5.5 LPA |
Clinical Psychiatrist | Rs. 7.2 LPA |
Source: Glassdoor, Salaryexpert
Note: The salary might vary depending on various factors.
Several private colleges in India offer MD programmes in Psychiatry. The fee difference between private and public universities is substantial. Top private universities that grant MDs in Psychiatry include the following:
| Top Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 6.60 Lakhs | |
Rs. 65.34 Lakhs | |
Rs. 23.04 Lakhs | |
Rs. 61 Lakhs | |
Rs. 82.50 Lakhs | |
Rs. 63.75 Lakhs | |
Rs. 31.62 Lakhs | |
GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Visakhapatnam | Rs. 5.54 Lakhs |
Rs. 54.90 Lakhs | |
Rs. 8.07 Lakhs |
Government-run colleges have lower tuition costs than private colleges. Some of the best government colleges that offer the MD Community Medicine programme are as follows:
| Top Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 1,200 | |
Rs. 1,200 | |
Rs. 1,200 | |
Rs. 57,440 | |
Rs. 94,500 | |
Rs. 2.05 Lakhs | |
Rs. 97,500 | |
Rs. 1.08 Lakhs | |
Rs. 1 Lakh | |
Rs. 4.52 Lakhs |
MD in Psychiatry equips medical graduates with the expertise to diagnose, treat, and manage mental health disorders. The course opens up rewarding career opportunities in various psychiatric specialisations across hospitals, clinics, and research institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The majority of institutions and universities admit students to their MD programmes in Psychiatry based on their performance on the NEET PG entrance test or the INI CET.
The MD in Psychiatry course costs between Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 20 lakhs.
An MD in Psychiatry should earn a person between Rs. 5.0 lakhs and Rs. 17 lakhs.
Following an MD in Psychiatry, applicants can pursue careers as a Child Psychiatrist, Forensic Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychiatrist, General Adult Psychiatrist, Neuropsychiatrist, or Rehabilitation Psychiatrist.
Numerous schools and universities offer the three-year postgraduate Doctor of Medicine in Psychiatry.
MD in Psychiatrist is a three-year post-graduate programme that trains the candidate to treat patients suffering from mental disorders.
After completing an MBBS degree from an accredited university with at least 55–60 percent, this course can be pursued.
On Question asked by student community
HELLO,
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I hope it will clear your query!!
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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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