What is the scope of MD in Pathology?

Those who complete MD in Pathology can become certified pathologists in top-rated diagnostic laboratories in India and abroad. Because the industry is facing a shortage of skilled pathologists, career opportunities are bright. Alternatively, an MD in Pathology can choose a teaching career and join top-most universities across the world. They can also join medical research facilities in R&D activities.

Can you do MD in Pathology without NEET PG?

In India, there are other entrance tests like INI CET to gain admission for a MD Pathology course. So, it is possible to do MD Pathology without NEET PG.

Is MBBS mandatory for MD in Pathology?

Yes. An MBBS degree is a prerequisite for MD Pathology courses. Additionally, completing a minimum 1-year internship following MBBS is mandatory before pursuing MD Pathology.

Can you open a lab after MD Pathology?

Yes. It is possible to open a pathology laboratory after completing MD in Pathology. Specialised laboratories for Oncology, and immunology are in high demand for advanced medical diagnosis.

Can I become a pathologist without an MBBS degree?

In most countries, becoming a licensed pathologist requires completing an MBBS (or equivalent medical degree) followed by specialized postgraduate training in pathology. However, if you don’t have an MBBS, you can pursue related careers in pathology labs, such as medical laboratory technologist or technician roles, which do not require a medical degree but involve working closely with pathologists.

What are the disadvantages of pursuing an MD in Pathology?

While MD in Pathology offers a specialized and rewarding medical career, some disadvantages include limited direct patient interaction, the need for continuous learning due to evolving technologies, and sometimes high-pressure workloads in diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, job opportunities may be concentrated in specific healthcare settings or research institutions.

What is the average salary of a pathologist in India?

The average salary of a pathologist in India varies based on experience, location, and work setting. Entry-level pathologists typically earn between ₹4 to ₹8 lakhs per year, while experienced professionals can earn upwards of ₹15 lakhs annually, especially in private hospitals or diagnostic labs.

What are the MD Pathology career options after graduation?

MD Pathology career options include working as a consultant pathologist in hospitals and diagnostic labs, pursuing academic teaching and research roles, specializing in forensic pathology, or joining pharmaceutical and clinical research industries.

How to Become an MD in Pathology: Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming an MD in Pathology is a rigorous and rewarding journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a strong passion for the field of medicine. For those interested in pursuing this career path, it is important to have a clear understanding of the steps involved and the challenges that lie ahead.

The journey to MD Pathology starts from selecting the right undergraduate degree to completing medical school and residency training. After that gain admission to MD Pathology, take fellowships and apply for various professional roles. There is also an option to finish MD Pathology abroad. Let’s look at the different steps involved in this guide.

Steps to Become an MD in Pathology

Complete MBBS

Aspirants aiming for MD in pathology must complete an MBBS degree at a recognised medical institute in India or abroad. To do MBBS abroad and come back to India, it is important to choose colleges recognised by the Medical Council of India. Ensure to complete the MBBS degree with minimum 50% marks.

Note: The common setback for MBBS in India is disproportion between seat availability and number of candidates. For 2022-2023, there were 45,337 medical seats for 2 lakh applicants. So many opt for doing MBBS out of the country.

Clear Medical PG Entrance Tests

MD in Pathology is offered in all the recognised medical colleges of India. To gain admission, aspirants have to clear entrance tests held by respective universities. NEET-PG is the common exam accepted by most colleges. However, colleges such as AIIMS and JIPMER have their own entrance tests (INI CET).

MD in Pathology Eligibility:

MBBS degree from a recognised medical college in India with minimum 50% marks.
Completion of 1-year internship in a professional medical facility.
For reserved candidates, appropriate reservations will be available.

Entrance Tests for MD in Pathology

Entrance Examination	Application Last Date	Exam Dates
NEET PG	April 2024	July 7, 2024
INI CET 2024	Yet to be Released	May 19, 2024

After clearing the entrance tests with cut-off marks, gain admission to the medical colleges.

Complete Professional Training/Fellowships

After earning an MD Pathology degree, practical training is required to enter the professional market. The duration is 1-3 Years as required by respective employers

Get Recruited

After completion of professional training, start by applying to prominent pathology labs in India. Alternatively, an MD Pathology holder can also enter teaching profession in eminent institutes of India like AIIMS; take R&D jobs in various Government and Private medical research facilities.

Top Recruiters for MD Pathologists in India:

Path Kind Lab.
Thyrocare.
Apollo Diagnostics.
RedCliffe Labs
Agilus Diagnostics (formerly SRL).
Metropolis Pathology Lab.
Vijaya Diagnostics.
Healthians.
Max Healthcare.
Lal Path Lab.

MD in Pathology Abroad

As mentioned, the competition in India is heavy for a smaller number of seats. It is true for Medical PG also. So many students plan to complete PG abroad and return to India for practising. MD Pathology is available in most popular countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Russia, etc.

Gaining admission may require clearing entrance tests. After completing MD in Pathology abroad, one has to obtain a licence to practise or get employed in India. For that, clearing FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) exam is mandatory to get the required licence.

MD Pathology Salary in India

According to Glassdoor, MD in pathology salary has an average of ₹6.24 Lakh per year in India. They earn an compensation of ₹64,000 on average (₹8,000 - ₹1,20,000).

Average MD in Pathology Salary in India

Job Profile	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Neuropathologist	₹26.27 Lakh
Histopathologist	₹21.6 Lakh
Medical Pathologists	₹10.00 Lakh
Clinical Pathologist	₹9.00 Lakh
Veterinary Clinical Pathologist	₹8.00 Lakh
Forensic Pathologist	₹8.00 Lakh
Pathologist Professor	₹7.20 Lakh

Best Colleges for MD Pathology in India

Medical education in India is very sophisticated. Institutes like AIIMS, JIPMER or PGIMER are world-renowned. Every year, NIRF (National Institute of Ranking Framework) gives them a rating based on various criteria. The below table presents the NIRF 2023 ratings along with MD pathology fees in various colleges.

Best Colleges in India for MD Pathology

Medical College in India	NIRF Ranking 2023	First Year Fees
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi (AIIMS)	1	₹1,567
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)	2	₹3,370
Christian Medical College, Vellore	3	₹1,86,210
Jawaharlal Institute of PostGraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry (JIPMER)	5	₹12,810
Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow	7	₹72,800
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi	8	₹14,326
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal	9	₹33,98,000
Madras Medical College & Government General Hospital, Chennai	11	₹1,47,000
King George's Medical University, Lucknow	12	₹1,08,200
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur	13	₹2,147
Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi	14	₹30,000
Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune	15	₹16,10,000
Siksha `O` Anusandhan, Bhubaneswar	16	₹30,00,000

MD Pathology Disadvantages

Pathologists generally have less direct patient contact, focusing mainly on analysing samples and interpreting data. This makes the field less suitable for those seeking patient-facing roles.
Pathologists often work in labs and offices, spending considerable time examining specimens and writing reports. It may not appeal to those desiring a physically active career.
Pathologist careers necessitate extensive education, involving medical school and a four-year residency in pathology, with additional time for subspecialty fellowships.
Pathologists frequently face heavy workloads and long hours to handle diagnoses.
Pathologists must be highly detail-oriented, since minor diagnostic mistakes can greatly impact patient outcomes. So the stakes involved are high.

Conclusion

Becoming an MD in Pathology is an exercise of dedication and perseverance. The course is definitely not for the faint hearted, but for the highly-passionate people. Though the job seems demanding, the rewards of playing a critical role in determining the course of a disease, helping doctors make accurate decisions, and helping patients receive better healthcare are invaluable. It gives a sense of fulfilment like no other.

Today, pathologists are not just involved in diagnosis, but discovering new medical avenues for advanced medical care as well. They are the backbone of medical industry standards across the world. If you’re looking forward to becoming an MD in Pathology, prepare yourself well without doubt.

Related read: How to become pathologist