An MS in General Surgery is a 3-year postgraduate degree that trains doctors in operative and patient care skills. With only 1.5-6.8 surgeons per 100,000 people in India, the scope is high. Entry-level salaries range from ₹10 to ₹ 14 LPA, increasing with experience. This degree is essential for surgical practice or further specialisation through MCh or DNB programs.
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about pursuing an MS in General Surgery, including career opportunities, best medical colleges in India, fellowships, and seat availability.
MS in General Surgery: Overview
Here’s a snapshot of key details like course duration, eligibility, fees, specialisations, and career prospects for MS in General Surgery:
Top MS General Surgery Colleges in India
Choosing the right institution for your MS in General Surgery is crucial for your education and career. Below is a list of some of the top MS General Surgery colleges in India, along with essential details about each.
1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Location: New Delhi
- Course Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: NEET PG, MBBS + internship
- Key Highlights: AIIMS is one of the best medical colleges for MS General Surgery in India, offering world-class facilities and advanced research opportunities in surgery.
2. Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry
- Location: Puducherry
- Course Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: NEET PG, MBBS + internship
- Key Highlights: MS General Surgery in JIPMER is a wise choice. It is renowned for its exceptional infrastructure and advanced surgical training programmes, with a strong focus on academic and clinical excellence.
3. PGIMS Rohtak, Haryana
- Location: Rohtak, Haryana
- Course Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: NEET PG, MBBS + internship
- Key Highlights: PGIMS offers one of the most affordable medical education options in India while providing comprehensive training in surgery.
4. King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, Mumbai
- Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Course Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: NEET PG, MBBS + internship
- Key Highlights: Renowned for its comprehensive clinical training and hands-on surgical experience, KEM is one of the most sought-after institutions in India for general surgery.
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You can also explore other private medical colleges with flexible admission criteria.
MS in General Surgery: Course Details
MS in General Surgery is a specialised postgraduate course that prepares students to diagnose, treat, and perform surgeries on patients with various surgical conditions. Here’s a breakdown of what the course entails:
Course Duration
- Total Duration: 3 years
Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification: MBBS degree from a recognised medical institution.
- Internship: One-year compulsory rotatory internship after MBBS.
- Entrance Examination: NEET PG or specific entrance exams required by some institutions.
Course Structure
- Year 1: Core medical subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
- Year 2: Clinical training in general surgery, including handling surgical cases and emergency procedures.
- Year 3: Advanced surgery techniques, research, and thesis preparation.
Key Subjects
- General Surgery
- Abdominal Surgery
- Trauma and Emergency Surgery
- Laparoscopic Surgery
- Vascular and Endocrine Surgery
Practical Training
- Clinical rotations in surgical wards and operating rooms.
- Hands-on experience in performing surgeries under supervision.
- Research and development projects in the surgical field.
State wise Distribution of MS General Surgery Seats
Here is a detailed breakdown of the total MS General Surgery seats in India available across various states:
MS in General Surgery: Step‑by‑Step Roadmap
Pursuing an MS in General Surgery typically involves completing an MBBS degree, qualifying for the NEET PG examination, and enrolling in a 3-year surgical training program. Read in detail below:
Step 1: Complete MBBS + Internship
- Finish your MBBS degree (4.5 years) from an NMC-recognised institution.
- Complete the mandatory 1-year rotating medical internship to obtain full registration with NMC (Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship, or CRMI).
If you haven’t yet enrolled for MBBS, you can explore options for MBBS abroad for Indian students at a low cost.
Step 2: Meet Eligibility Criteria
- Hold an MBBS degree with at least 50% marks (general category) or 40% for SC/ST/OBC.
- Must have permanent/provisional registration and CRMI certificate by year-end (typically by March 31).
Step 3: Qualify NEET‑PG (or INI‑CET)
- Appear for NEET‑PG, conducted once a year by NBE. Some institutes like AIIMS, JIPMER, and PGIMER also conduct INI‑CET for their PG seats.
- Achieve minimum cut‑off percentile: 50% for general, 40% for reserved categories.
Step 4: Participate in Counselling
- Qualified candidates join central counselling via the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota (AIQ) and deemed universities.
- State-level counselling handles state quota seats through respective authorities. Fill choices, attend rounds, and lock seat preferences.
Step 5: Secure Admission & Complete Documentation
Once allotted a seat, attend document verification and admission formalities at the college.
Required documents typically include:
- MBBS degree & marksheets
- Internship completion certificate
NEET-PG scorecard and admit card - NMC/SMC registration certificate
- Transfer certificate, passport photos, identity proofs
Step 6: Join the 3‑Year MS Program
Full-time, residential course of 3 years, combining theoretical lectures, clinical rotations, and surgical training.
Syllabus covers core surgical areas: general, abdominal, trauma, vascular, pediatric, urology, orthopaedics, anaesthesia, and more; annual assessments plus thesis project.
Step 7: Explore Post‑MS Pathways
After completing MS, you can:
- Start as a general surgeon in hospitals or private practice.
- Opt for super-specialisation via MCh or DNB in fields like surgical oncology, neurosurgery, and cardiovascular surgery.
- Attempt NEET SS counselling to enter DM/MCh courses.
- Pursue fellowships in India or abroad in laparoscopic, trauma, or oncological surgery.
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MS in General Surgery: Career Paths & Top Recruiters
An MS in General Surgery paves the way to roles in routine and complex surgical care, consultancy, teaching, and clinical research. Below are key roles along with leading institutions actively recruiting in India:
Salary Expectations
- India: The average salary for MS General Surgery professionals ranges from ₹8 lakh to ₹20 lakh annually, depending on the role and experience.
- Abroad: In countries such as the UK or the US, surgeons' salaries can exceed £100,000 or $150,000 per year.
You can also explore career options after MBBS if you wish to pursue a job before pursuing an MS.
Fellowship After MS General Surgery in the UK
After completing MS in General Surgery in India, many surgeons pursue UK fellowships to gain advanced skills and global experience.
Eligibility & Registration
- GMC registration is mandatory, usually obtained via PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) or the new UKMLA.
- You must clear IELTS (7.0+) or OET, and have valid MBBS + internship credentials.
Fellowship Options
- Apply through the Royal College of Surgeons or directly to NHS hospitals.
- Popular fields: laparoscopic surgery, trauma surgery, colorectal, and oncological surgery.
- Fellowships typically last 1–2 years, offering hands-on training, research opportunities, and exposure to advanced surgical systems.
Benefits
- Gain top-notch surgical expertise, research experience, and global career opportunities.
- Opens doors to pursue FRCS, higher surgical training, or NHS consultant roles.
- UK credentials are valued in India, the Middle East, Australia, and more.
Ensure to research more about MS in the UK, including universities, expenses and jobs before moving.
Key Considerations
- Competition is high and international slots are limited.
- Many IMGs begin in non-training roles or clinical fellowships before moving into formal training.
- Visa processing, licensing timelines, and adapting to NHS systems require careful planning.
Tip: Early preparation for exams, strong clinical experience, and active networking can significantly boost your chances of securing a UK fellowship.
Is MS in General Surgery Right for You? Insights from Reddit Discussions
Reddit User in r/indianmedschool asked:
"Question for the female doctors: 6-year MCh courses vs M.S. General Surgery?"
Insight: MCh offers specialisation after MS, but MS in General Surgery provides broader training. If you're unsure about specialising, MS is a versatile option with flexibility.
Another Reddit User in r/indianmedschool posted:
"Is MS General Surgery a bad idea?"
Insight: MS in General Surgery offers strong career prospects due to the high demand for surgeons in India. While it’s a rigorous path, the opportunities in hospitals, private practice, and academia are rewarding.
What We Infer from These Cases
- MS in General Surgery provides broad skills, with options for further specialisation.
- There's a growing demand for surgeons in India, making it a promising field.
- Consider career goals, work-life balance, and specialisation preferences before making a decision.
MS in General Surgery: Fees and Financial Assistance
Pursuing an MS in General Surgery can be financially demanding. Understanding the fees and exploring financial assistance options is essential for students.
- Course Fees: The fees for MS General Surgery can range from ₹1.25 lakh to ₹20 lakh, depending on whether the institution is public or private.
- Financial Assistance: Scholarships, merit-based grants, and education loans are available to support students. Education loans from platforms like Propelld can ease the financial burden by offering flexible repayment options and low-interest rates.
An MS in General Surgery offers a rewarding career in the healthcare sector, with numerous opportunities to specialise further and make a significant impact on patients' lives. By understanding the course details, top colleges, career opportunities, and financial assistance options, you can make an informed decision about pursuing this challenging yet rewarding field.
Ready to pursue an MS in General Surgery? Propelld offers education loans with no collateral, flexible repayment options, and quick approval processes. Apply today and secure the financial support you need to embark on your journey toward becoming a skilled surgeon.
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