
Paediatrics Course Details - Fees, Subjects, Syllabus, Duration, Eligibility, Career Scope
What is Paediatrics
Paediatrics is a part of the medicine or healthcare sector that deals with child care and diseases. A Paediatrician’s job is to examine various kinds of health conditions of children, helping them, providing them care and specialising in units such as neonatal medicine. Paediatricians aim to offer the best possible healthcare to individual children by working closely in a group consisting of other healthcare professionals.
In India, various colleges and universities provide specialised courses in Paediatrics. Paediatrics courses are available for students at multiple levels, including undergraduate as well as postgraduate. But students having a science background or from a science stream with knowledge of subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are more preferred in this field.
So, if students wish to embark on a rewarding career pathway available after becoming a paediatrician, then in this article, they will access all important aspects required for making an informed decision.
Paediatrics Courses- Highlights
Particulars | Values |
---|---|
Branch Name | Paediatrics |
Degree name | MD in Paediatrics / DNB in Paediatrics |
Eligibililty | MBBS degree from a recognised medical college + 1-year internship |
Entrance Exams | NEET-PG (for MD Paediatrics) DNB-PDCET (for DNB Post Diploma) |
Course Duration | 3 years (Postgraduate level) |
Subspecialties | Neonatology, Paediatric Cardiology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Oncology, Surgery, Gastroenterology, Developmental Paediatrics |
Key Focus Areas | Child growth & development, Immunisation, Diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, Mental health, Nutrition, Preventive care |
Career Options | General Paediatrician, Neonatologist, Paediatric Surgeon, Child Health Consultant, Medical Professor, Researcher |
Work Areas | Hospitals, Clinics, NICUs, Government Health Missions, Medical Colleges, NGOs, International Health Agencies |
Average Salary | Rs. 6 to 35 LPA (depending on role and experience) |
Future Scope | Tele-paediatrics, Genetic counselling, Child mental health, Special education coordination, Global child health programs |
Related or Similar Specialisations to Paediatrics
Here is a table of related or similar specialisations to Paediatrics, especially for those pursuing careers in child healthcare or related medical fields:
Neonatology | Paediatric Endocrinology |
Paediatric Surgery | Developmental & Behavioural Paediatrics |
Paediatric Neurology | Paediatric Oncology |
Paediatric Cardiology | Community Paediatrics |
Paediatric Gastroenterology | Adolescent Medicine |
Top Colleges in India offering Paediatrics Course
Here is a list of the top colleges in India offering Paediatrics courses such as MD, DNB and Phd based on reputation, academics, clinical exposure, and infrastructure. Admission to these courses is highly competitive and based on national-level entrance exams-
Colleges | Fees |
---|---|
- | |
Rs. 6.60 Lakhs | |
- | |
Rs. 57,440 | |
- | |
Rs. 1.48 Lakhs |
Top Private Colleges in India offering Paediatrics Course
Here is a list of the Top Private Medical Colleges in India offering Paediatrics courses such as MD in Paediatrics, DNB Paediatrics, and Diploma in Child Health (DCH). All colleges require MBBS + NEET-PG for admission
Colleges | Fees |
---|---|
Rs. 85.80 Lakhs | |
Rs. 19.50 Lakhs | |
Rs. 23.04 Lakhs | |
- | |
Rs. 75.75 Lakhs | |
Rs. 31.62 Lakhs |
Top Government Colleges in India offering Paediatrics Course
Here is a list of the Top Government Medical Colleges in India offering Paediatrics courses such as MD in Paediatrics, DNB Paediatrics, and Diploma in Child Health (DCH). These colleges are known for their strong academic foundations, excellent clinical training, and highly experienced faculty.
Colleges | Fees |
---|---|
- | |
- | |
Rs. 1.08 Lakhs | |
Rs. 39,000 | |
Rs. 1 Lakh | |
Rs. 1.92 Lakhs |
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Paediatrics
To pursue the paediatrics branch, candidates should know about the basic eligibility criteria. Students can pursue further courses in the field of Paediatrics after completing their MD in Paediatrics. Students can pursue a PhD in Paediatrics as well. Below are separate tables for the eligibility criteria of Paediatrics courses at each academic level, such as PG and Doctorate-
Postgraduate Level- for MD / DNB in Paediatrics
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Educational Qualification | - MBBS degree from a recognised medical college - Completion of a 1-year compulsory rotating internship - Valid registration with NMC/State Medical Council |
Duration | 3 years |
Entrance Exam | - NEET-PG (for MD) - DNB-PDCET (for Post-Diploma DNB) |
Outcome | Qualified Paediatrician eligible for specialist roles or super-specialisation |
Doctorate Level – DM / Fellowships in Paediatrics Subspecialties
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Educational Qualification | - MD Paediatrics or DNB Paediatrics (recognised by NMC) - Permanent registration with the Medical Council |
Duration | 3 years |
Entrance Exam | NEET-SS (Super Speciality) |
Other Options | Institutional Fellowships in subspecialties (usually 1–2 years) |
Entrance Exams for Paediatrics
Students who wish to have a career in the Paediatrics field should pursue the MD in Paediatrics course at the postgraduate level. AIIMS admits students on a merit basis, while most of the colleges admit students on a rank basis based on the rank secured by the student in the relevant entrance exams.
Exam Name | Conducting Body | Cutoff |
---|---|---|
NEET-PG | NBE | NEET-PG Cutoff |
NEET- SS | NBE | - |
DNB-PDCET | NBE | - |
INI-CET | AIIMS | INI-CET Cutoff |
College Predictors VIEW ALL
Scope of Paediatrics in India and Abroad
Paediatrics is a part of the medicine or healthcare sector that deals with child care and diseases. Therefore, being a branch of medicine, Paediatrics is one of the promising and stable careers.
Qualified professionals in this field have great career opportunities both in India and abroad. With the growth of the need and necessity of the health sector all over the world, the demand for professionals is increasing. There are also new hospitals, health centres, and other initiatives being introduced all over the world. Hence, candidates can secure a job for themselves easily after completion of their course and can shine with their relevant skills and abilities.
Course Fees Paediatrics
Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Private | Government | Private | Government | |
PG | ||||
DOCTORAL |
Course Subjects
The Paediatrics postgraduate course covers a wide range of subjects focused on the health and development of children from birth to adolescence. Core topics include growth and development, nutrition, immunisation, and management of childhood diseases such as respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and neurological disorders. The course also emphasises neonatology, dealing with care for newborns and premature infants. Below is the list of some of the subjects or topics taught in the courses of Paediatrics:
Genetics | Renal Disorders |
Nutrition | Social Paediatrics |
Eye Diseases | Digestive System |
Ortopaedics | Adolescent Health |
Respiratory | Fetus and Newborn |
Skin Diseases | Neurologic Disorders |
Neonatology | Psychological Disorders |
Endocrinology | Hematology & Oncology |
Cardiovascular | Growth and Development |
ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) | Social Issues- Children with special needs |
Behavioural & Developmental Disorders | Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease |
Infections (Neonatal infections) | CNS (Central Nervous System) |
Immunology & Rheumatology | - |
Careers in Paediatrics
There are great career opportunities available in this field along with the chance to earn a handsome amount as remuneration. Moreover, work opportunities are available in the government sector as well as private sector. Professionals can choose from a wide range of job profiles in this field. Paediatrics offer great career opportunities along with various job profiles such as Neonatology Doctor, Pediatric Intensivist, Assistant Professor, and more.
Candidates can also join the railway, military, and other important fields of the country and get an opportunity to serve the country.
On the successful completion of courses in Paediatrics, freshers can expect an annual package of Rs. 4 – 10 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) The earning capability keeps on increasing in this field with an increase in expertise, and experience.
Upcoming trends
In all medical fields, paediatrics has also been witnessing an impressive growth in the last few years. With significant research being carried on at multiple levels, various interesting trends are coming up in paediatrics. Below are some of the major new trends and topics:
- Family-based care
- No pharmacological care
- Technology-based care
- More emphasis on the Primary care of a child
- Evidence-based care
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
After completing the degree in paediatrics, various attractive job opportunities are available for candidates to choose from. Here are some of the most popular job profiles available for a paediatrics graduate:
Job Profile | Description |
---|---|
Paediatricians | The job of paediatricians is to work with patients and their parents for the betterment of the health of children. They specialise in looking after specific diseases, disorders, and health-related problems in the growth/development of children. |
Neonatology Doctor | As a neonatology doctor, one needs to specialise in treating newborns. Neonatology Doctor can also work on research to develop new therapies or tools. It involves clinical trials and working with various pharmaceutical companies. |
Pediatric Intensivist or Critical Care Paediatrician | Pediatric Intensivist or a Critical Care paediatrician specialises in treating and looking after critical cases/life-threatening situations. They work to look after, treat, and diagnose all age groups (such as infants, children, and adolescents) |
Assistant Professor | The job of an Assistant Professor is to train and educate students in the field of paediatrics. They provide education on maintenance for healthy children, physiology, and medical care. |
Top Recruiters in the Paediatrics Sector
- AIIMS
- Apollo
- Rainbow Hospital
- P.D. Hinduja Hospital
- Columbia Asia Hospital
- Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
- Institute of Child Health
- Christian Medical Hospital
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Average Salary
After completing the degree in Paediatrics, candidates would be eligible to work across a range of profiles, which offer varying salary packages. Here are some details regarding the most popular salary profiles available in paediatrics, along with the average annual salary which candidates may expect: -
Job Profile | Average Salary |
---|---|
Paediatricians | Rs. 30 Lakhs |
Neonatology Doctor | Rs. 24 Lakhs |
Pediatric Intensivist or Critical Care Paediatrician | Rs. 10 Lakhs |
Assistant Professor in Paediatrics | Rs. 1 Lakhs |
Required Skillset for Paediatrics
Strong Communication Skills – Communication plays a very crucial role in paediatrics as paediatricians need to understand and communicate with different kinds of patients. In some cases, paediatricians also need to understand and catch up on things that patients are trying to communicate through non-verbal communication. During the work, they have to deal with various individuals, children, and their family members. As a result, communication becomes very important in this field to handle cases and different kinds of scenarios.
Problem-Solving Abilities – Candidates require the ability and skills as they have to face different critical situations, and problem-solving skills become a necessity in such situations. Paediatrics goes beyond the subjects taught in the courses, as professionals have to deal with problems with a different approach every time. Every case is different from one another; therefore, every time professionals are required to find a relevant solution through their concentration and problem-solving skills.
Organisational Skills – Candidates should have the ability to manage their time and keep a balance between all activities happening around them. In such a case, organisational skills are the most required. Professionals in this field have to deal with various things in their work, such as attending calls & patients, doing paperwork, studying, and researching.
Understanding of Diverse Cultures – Paediatricians should understand every person’s way of communication. Not every patient or their family members may be fluent in English, and therefore, they may need to communicate effectively with them through mutual understanding.
Course Curriculum for Paediatrics
The curriculum is designed in such a way that students are equipped with proper knowledge and skills so that they can find perfect solutions for problems in real-life scenarios. The curriculum includes subjects such as Neonatology, Psychological disorders, Orthopaedics, Respiratory, Skin Diseases, Fetus and Newborn, Neurologic Disorders, and many more.
The course trains students in such a way that they can treat patients of all age groups, such as infants, newborns, children, and adolescents. They are also trained in Paediatrics and neonatology. The curriculum provides students with every detail of the field through various theoretical topics, along with projects, assignments, and practical sessions.
The students are trained to deal with various critical cases and all kinds of diseases related to the field of paediatrics. The curriculum trains and gives students in-depth knowledge so that they can guide, provide useful suggestions, and help patients and parents relating to problems.
Popular Paediatrics Entrance Exams in India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What is the working hour of a paediatrician?
Answer :
There are no such fixed working hours for professionals in this field as it completely depends on the situation and clients. But, on average a paediatrician needs to devote 50 hours per week which may vary due to several factors. One must be hard-working, mentally & physically fit, and should be comfortable during any working hours.
Question: What are the best books that one can refer to in the field of paediatrics?
Answer :
Here is a list of some of the best books that one can refer to:
Babies A to Z – Warwick Carter
Pediatrician – Daniel Schumacher
Pediatric Oral Pathology – Kavita Kholi
Child Injury Prevention – David C. Schwebel
Question: What is the annual course fee for the MD in Paediatrics course in India?
Answer :
The course fee for Paediatrics can widely differ from one college to another. In some colleges, it may cost up to Rs. 5000 (in AIIMS) a year while in other big institutes the cost may go up to Rs. 25 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.).
Question: What type of job opportunities are available after completing a course in paediatrics?
Answer :
Various job opportunities are available for paediatrics professionals after completion of their education. The employment opportunities are available across the following institutions/employers: -
Schools
Military
Hospitals
Orphanages
Old age homes
Nursing homes
Training Institutes
Industrial houses and factories
Clinics and Health Departments
Railways and public sector medical departments
Question: Are there any reputed institutes in India offering postgraduate courses in paediatrics?
Answer :
Yes, there are several medical colleges in India that offer postgraduate courses in paediatrics for medical graduates. Some of the most popular medical education institutions of India offering postgraduate courses in paediatrics are: -
AIIMS, Delhi
PGIMER, Chandigarh
Kasturba Medical College
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER)