MCh Degree: Duration, Eligibility Criteria & Career Prospects

Vaishali Pandey
October 23, 2024

Apply Education Loan

Up to Rs. 50 Lakhs for 10 Years.
10X Faster.

Thanks! We will reach out to you shortly.
Apply Now

Apply Education Loan

Up to Rs. 50 Lakhs for 10 Years.
10X Faster.

Thanks! We will reach out to you shortly.
Apply Now

MCh Degree: Duration, Eligibility Criteria & Career Prospects

The most advanced and specialised post-doctoral/doctoral degree in surgery is called the Master of Chirurgiae, or MCh degree. After completing this three-year program, the Indian Medical System awards its highest degree in surgical science.

This blog will explain the eligibility criteria for the MCh degree, the top colleges, their fees, and much more. 

Full Form of MCh Degree

The full form of MCh in medical field is Master of Chirurgiae. The MCh duration varies from three to five years, depending on the preceding degree that the students have completed. Students who have completed the MBBS or MD degree program may choose to pursue a Master of Chirurgiae degree in order to gain specialisation in a particular area of medicine.

MCh Degree: Overview

Key Highlights Details
Full Form of MCh Degree Master of Chirurgiae (MCh)
Duration 3 years (post-MS/MD)
Eligibility MBBS + MS/MD (in relevant discipline)
Specialisation Areas Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Urology, Plastic Surgery, etc.
Entrance Exam NEET-SS, AIIMS PG, JIPMER PG, and others
Mode of Study Full-time
Course Level Post-Doctoral (Super Speciality)
Average Course Fees ₹3 Lakhs to ₹10 Lakhs per annum (varies by institution)
Top Institutes Offering MCh Degree AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, CMC Vellore, etc.
Career Prospects Consultant Surgeon, Professor, Specialist, Researcher
Average Salary ₹12 Lakhs to ₹30 Lakhs per annum
Top Recruiting Hospitals Apollo, Fortis, Max Healthcare, AIIMS, Government Hospitals, etc.

Fast-Tracked Education Loans with Propelld – Funding your Future in Just 7 Days!

Eligibility Criteria for MCh Degree

The following are the fundamental requirements that must be met in order to enrol in an MCh degree:

Criterion Requirement
Educational Qualification Professional Master's degree in medical science (e.g., MS, MD, DNB, or equivalent)
Registration Must have registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the State Medical Council
Entrance Exam Should have qualified for NEET SS (National Eligibility cum Entrance test for super specialty) before the cut-off date

Entrance Exams for MCh Degree

Two major entrance exams help students get admission into an MCh degree, they are: 

Exam Name Dates Description
NEET SS March 2025 Specialised exam for super speciality courses like MCh and DM in India. This exam is held once a year.
INI CET November 2024 The entrance exam for postgraduate medical courses at AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, and NIMHANS. It is conducted twice a year for admissions into MD, MS, DM, and MCh courses.

NEET SS is an entrance exam specifically for super speciality courses, and NEET PG is an entrance exam for courses such as MD. Get to know all about the NEET PG registration process and counselling. 

Minimal Documentation. Higher Chances of Approval. Easy Online Processes. Check Your Eligibility.

MCh Degree Fees in Top Colleges 

Let’s take a look at the government as well as private colleges that offer admissions to students for MCh degree: 

1. Fees of Government Colleges for MCh Degree 

NIRF Ranking College Name for MCh degree Location Total Fees
1 AIIMS New Delhi INR 6,875
2 Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh INR 6,690
4 Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) Lucknow INR 1,37,334
6 Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Varanasi INR 42,978
8 Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER) Pondicherry INR 6,690
9 Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences (ILBS) New Delhi INR 1,85,000
10 King George’s Medical College (KGMU) Lucknow INR 1,17,201
14 Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) New Delhi INR 15,000

2. Fees of Private Colleges for MCh Degree 

NIRF Ranking College Name for MCh Degree Location Total Fees
3 Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore INR 4,97,700
7 Kasturba Medical College (KMC) Manipal INR 49,60,000
11 Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research Chennai INR 66,00,000
12 St John’s Medical College Bangalore INR 26,35,000

Looking forward to achieving high scores in NEET PG? Know how to maximise your NEET PG scores with mock tests! 

Get Education Loan for Any College. 100% Fees Financed- Propelld Education Loan

Syllabus for MCh Degree

Year Clinical Responsibilities Academic Activities Surgical Experience Research
First Year • Clinical exposure to bed responsibilities
• On-call duties (houseman) - inpatients only
• Exposure to intensive care and artificial respiratory support with ventilators
• Journal Club/Topic discussions • Mainly assisting in all surgical procedures (emergency + elective)
• Few operations under supervision
• Protocol submission for research projects
Second Year • Ward responsibilities
• Outpatient care
• Supervision of 1st year residents
• Topic discussions
• Journal clubs
• Grand rounds
• Case conferences
• Perform emergency and elective operations as specified
• Surgical work as outlined by supervisor(s)
• Project work
Third Year • Ward responsibilities (similar to 2nd year)
• Outpatient care
• Supervision of 1st year residents
• Reduced ward duties in the later part
• Topic discussions
• Intra-department clinical case presentations
• Clinical case presentations (3 times/week)
• Expected to perform major abdominal operations independently
• Surgical work, as mentioned
• Emphasis on completion of projects/data analysis
• Submission of research projects

MCh is a super speciality degree, which means you will have to qualify for NEET UG, NEET PG, and then NEET SS to land an MCh degree. Check out the NEET PG Statewise Seat Distribution to set your goals and ace this exam.  

Specialisation in MCh Degree: Fees and Average Salary

MCh is a super speciality course and can be done in various specialisations. Some of them are: 

MCh Degree Specialization Description Average Annual Fees Average Salary (per year)
MCh in Cardiac Surgery Focuses on surgical treatments for the heart and lungs, providing advanced skills to doctors in this speciality. INR 2,00,000-6,00,000 INR 8,00,000-20,00,000
MCh in Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Specialises in thoracic organ transplants and treatment of heart diseases and pulmonary and mediastinal tumours. INR 2,00,000-6,00,000 INR 8,00,000-20,00,000
MCh in Gastroenterology Surgery Provides training in surgical procedures for organs involved in digestion, focusing on conditions like tumours. INR 50,000-20,00,000 INR 10,00,000-18,00,000
MCh in Neurosurgery Specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders related to the nervous system. INR 50,000-20,00,000 INR 10,00,000-20,00,000
MCh in Surgical Oncology Focuses on surgical management and the treatment of tumours, including diagnosis, biopsy, and cancer treatment. INR 50,000-20,00,000 INR 10,00,000-25,00,000
MCh in E.N.T. Deals with advanced surgical treatments related to the ear, nose, and throat. INR 2,00,000-6,00,000 INR 8,00,000-18,00,000
MCh in General Surgery Provides comprehensive surgical training for general and common surgical conditions. INR 2,00,000-6,00,000 INR 8,00,000-18,00,000
MCh in Anatomy Focuses on advanced studies and surgical techniques related to human anatomy. INR 2,00,000-6,00,000 INR 8,00,000-18,00,000
MCh in Pediatric Surgery Specialises in surgical care for children, dealing with congenital and acquired conditions requiring surgical care. INR 2,00,000-6,00,000 INR 10,00,000-20,00,000
MCh in Plastic Surgery Focuses on reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries to restore or enhance body structures. INR 50,000-20,00,000 INR 10,00,000-25,00,000
MCh in Urology Deals with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system. INR 50,000-20,00,000 INR 10,00,000-24,00,000
MCh in Gynaecology Oncology Focused on diagnosing and treating cancers of the female reproductive organs, using advanced surgical and therapeutic techniques for optimal patient care. INR 6,900 to INR 5,00,000 INR 26,000 - 5,00,000

Get upto 100% Education Fees Financed with Propelld. Simplified Processing Dedicated Support.

Career Prospects After Masters of Chirurgiae

This table provides an updated view of career paths and average salary expectations after completing an MCh degree. 

Job Position Job Description Average Salary
General Surgeon Specialises in performing surgeries to treat various medical conditions and injuries. INR 11.60 LPA
Oncology Specialist Focuses on diagnosing and treating cancer using medical treatments, therapies, and surgeries. INR 12.20 LPA
Orthopaedic Surgeon Diagnoses and treats conditions related to bones, joints, ligaments, and the skeletal system. INR 15.39 LPA
Neurosurgeon Specialises in diagnosing and treating disorders affecting the nervous system through surgeries. INR 25.68 LPA
Urology Surgeon Handles medical and surgical treatments for urinary tract disorders and male reproductive health. INR 24.41 LPA

Difference Between MS, MCh and MBBS 

MBBS, MS, and MCh are all medical degrees. The following table highlights the differences between these courses:

Criteria MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) MS (Master of Surgery) MCh Degree (Master of Chirurgiae)
Course Level Undergraduate Postgraduate Super-Specialty/Post-Doctoral
Duration 5.5 years (including internship) 2-3 years Three years
Eligibility 10+2 with Biology, Chemistry, Physics MBBS Degree MS/MD in relevant specialisation
Specialisation General medical training Specialised in surgical disciplines such as General Surgery, Orthopaedics Super-specialisation in fields like Neurosurgery, Urology, etc.
Focus Area Broad medical knowledge, diagnosis, and basic surgical skills Focus on advanced surgical training and techniques Advanced surgical training in highly specialised areas
Career Prospects General Practitioner, Junior Resident, Medical Officer Surgeon, Consultant, Medical Professor Super Specialist Surgeon, Consultant Surgeon, Senior Surgeon
Average Salary INR 6-12 LPA INR 10-18 LPA INR 15-30+ LPA
Entrance Exams NEET-UG NEET-PG or other relevant exams NEET-SS, AIIMS SS, JIPMER SS

Dreaming of your future career after finishing an MCh degree? Get an easy education loan for your MCh degree from Propelld! Propelld provides several education loans for medical courses such as MBBS, BDS, and MCh. 

No more long processing times, low loan approval rates, and complicated processes. Apply through a completely digital process and get your education loan approved quickly. Get the best education loan for students with Propelld

Why Propelld? 

Propelld covers 100% of your expenses for any educational course in India. Unlike complex bank application processes offered by other education loan lenders, you can apply simply and straightforwardly. The 100% digital process and unique selection criteria are hassle-free and quick. 

Here are some more benefits of applying for a loan through propelld Education Loan: 

Feature Details
Max Loan Amount50 Lacs
CollateralNot Required
MoratoriumAvailable
Processing Time10 Times Faster than Banks
Disbursal Time7 Days
Approval RateHigher than Banks
Special USPMarks Based Approval
% Financed100% of Fees

Get an Education Loan for an MCh degree from Propelld today!

Education Loan for Medical Colleges

MBBS | BDS | BAMS | Bsc Nusring |Or Pay Fees for Any Medical Course in India - Up to. Rs. 50 Lacs

Fund your College Fees with Education Loan

Loan up to Rs. 50 Lakhs for 10 Years

Thanks! We will reach out to you shortly.
Apply Now

No Collateral Low-Interest Education Loan

Available in all top Coaching Institutes
Get Loan

FAQs About MCh Degree

What is an MCh Degree?

The MCh (Master of Chirurgiae) is the highest postgraduate degree in surgery, designed for those who have completed their MBBS and MS. It provides super-specialisation in surgical disciplines like Neurosurgery, Cardiovascular Surgery, and Urology.

What is the duration of an MCh degree?

The duration is typically three years after completing an MS (Master of Surgery) or five years if pursued directly after an MBBS.

What are the eligibility criteria for MCh?

Candidates must have an MBBS degree and an MS (Master of Surgery) degree in relevant specialisation. Additionally, they must qualify for entrance exams like NEET-SS or INI-CET.

What are the different specialisations in MCh?

Popular MCh specialisations include Neurosurgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Urology, Surgical Oncology, Plastic Surgery, and Pediatric Surgery.

Which entrance exams are required for MCh admission?

Admission typically requires qualifying NEET-SS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Super Speciality) or other exams like AIIMS SS and JIPMER, depending on the college.

What are the average fees for an MCh degree in India?

Fees for MCh programs vary widely. Government institutions charge between INR 3,000 and INR 70,000 annually, while private colleges can charge up to INR 20 lakhs per year.

What is the average salary after completing an MCh?

MCh graduates can expect starting salaries between INR 8 lakhs and INR 25 lakhs annually, depending on their specialisation and experience.

Which are the top MCh colleges in India?

Some of the top institutes include AIIMS (New Delhi), PGIMER (Chandigarh), JIPMER (Pondicherry), and CMC Vellore.

Is MCh available abroad?

Yes, many prestigious international universities, such as Harvard, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Toronto, offer MCh programs, often with a research-oriented focus.

What is the difference between  MS and MCh?

While the MS (Master of Surgery) is a postgraduate degree that focuses on general surgery, the MCh is a super-speciality degree offering advanced training in specific surgical fields, such as neurosurgery or urology.

What is the scope of an MCh degree in India?

MCh graduates are in high demand in both public and private sectors, with career opportunities as Consultant Surgeons, Research Scientists, and Professors.

What is the admission process for MCh programs?

The admission process typically involves qualifying for an entrance exam like NEET-SS or AIIMS SS, followed by counselling and seat allocation based on merit.

What are the career opportunities after completing an MCh?

Career options include working as Senior Surgeons, Super-Speciality Consultants in hospitals, or Academics in medical colleges. Private practice is also an option.

Can MCh graduates pursue research or teaching?

Yes, MCh graduates often get opportunities to teach and conduct clinical research in medical colleges and research institutions.

What is the syllabus for an MCh degree?

The MCh syllabus includes advanced anatomy, clinical skills, decision-making, surgical techniques, and rotations in various departments for practical experience.

Why should someone pursue an MCh degree?

An MCh degree offers super-specialisation, making surgeons more proficient in their field. This can significantly boost their career prospects and earning potential.​

Join Group for JEE & NEET Updates