MD Psychiatry or Doctor of Medicine in Psychiatry, also known as MD in Psychiatry, is a Postgraduate level course for doctors in India that they do after completion of their MBBS. The duration of this postgraduate course is 3 years, and it focuses on studying various concepts related to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of emotional, mental, and behavioural disorders. Psychiatrists will be able to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems.

The course is a full-time course pursued at various recognized medical colleges across the country. Some of the top medical colleges offering this course include Andhra Medical College (Visakhapatnam), Patna Medical College(PMC, Patna), Maulana Azad Medical College(New Delhi), and Ranchi Instt. Of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences, (Ranchi) and more.

Admission to this course is made through the NEET PG Entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations, followed by counselling based on the exam scores that DGHS/MCC/State Authorities conduct.

The fee for pursuing an MD (Psychiatry) varies from college to college. The average course fee is Rs. 25000 to Rs. 20 Lakh per annum.

After completing their respective course, doctors can join the job market or pursue a super-specialization course where MD Psychiatry is a feeder qualification. Candidates can take decent jobs as Senior residents, Junior Consultants, etc., with an approximate salary range of Rs. 2 Lakh – Rs. 30 Lakh per annum.

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What is MD in Psychiatry?

Doctor of Medicine in Psychiatry, also known as MD (Psychiatry), is a three-year postgraduate programme that candidates can pursue after completing MBBS.

Psychiatry is the branch of medical science dealing with diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders.

National Medical Commission (NMC), the apex medical regulator, has released a Guidelines for Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme for MD in Psychiatry.

The Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme governs the education and training of MDs in Psychiatry.

PG education intends to create specialists who can contribute to high-quality health care and advances in science through research and training.

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The required training done by a postgraduate specialist in the field of Psychiatry would help the specialist recognize the community's health needs. The student should be competent to handle medical problems effectively and aware of the recent advances in their speciality.

The candidate should be a highly competent doctor possessing a broad range of skills that will enable her/him to practice Psychiatry independently. The PG candidate should also acquire the basic skills in teaching medical/para-medical students.

The candidate is also expected to know the principles of research methodology and modes of the consulting library. The candidate should regularly attend conferences, workshops, and CMEs to upgrade her/ his knowledge

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Course Highlights

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for MD in Psychiatry are defined as the set of rules or minimum prerequisites that aspirants must meet to be eligible for admission, which includes:

• Candidates must have an undergraduate MBBS degree from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
• Candidates should have done a compulsory rotating internship of one year in a teaching institution or other institution recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
• The candidate must have obtained permanent registration of any State Medical Council to be eligible for admission.
• The medical college's recognition cut-off dates for the MBBS Degree courses and compulsory rotatory Internship shall be as prescribed by the Medical Council of India (now NMC).

Admission Procedure

The admission process contains a few steps to be followed by the candidates for admission to MD in Psychiatry. Candidates can view the complete admission process for MD in Psychiatry mentioned below:

• The NEET PG or National Eligibility Entrance Test for Post Graduate is a national-level master's level examination conducted by the NBE for admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma Courses.
• The eligibility criteria for participation in counselling towards PG seat allotment conducted by the concerned counselling authority shall be instead of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations (as per the latest amendment) notified by the MCI (now NMC) with prior approval of MoHFW.