Which course is best after MBBS: Your career path

What comes after MBBS?

After completing your MBBS degree, you can explore various career options, job opportunities, and advanced courses for further specialization. Popular courses include MD (Doctor of Medicine), Masters in Hospital Administration, MS in Clinical Pathology, Masters in Public Health, MTech in Biomedical Engineering, and diploma courses in areas like Sports Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychology, and Occupational Health.

Alternative career paths post-MBBS include teaching, clinical forensics, medical research, and academic medicine. This blog highlights both short-term and MS degree courses, along with top career options in the field of medicine.

Route to pursue specialization after MBBS

NEET PG overview

According to Section 10 (D) of the Indian Medical Council Act of 2016, NEET PG is the sole eligibility and entrance examination for MD/MS, PG Diploma, and DNB CET courses. NEET PG is a computer-based entrance exam for admission to MD/MS and PG diploma programs across various government, private, deemed, central, ESIC, and AFMS medical institutions in India.

Recently, the National Medical Commission (NMC) introduced the NExT (National Exit Test) to replace NEET PG and FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination). The NExT exam is now mandatory for both Indian and foreign medical graduates, consolidating multiple existing postgraduate entrance exams.

NExT 2025 exam dates

As of now, the National Medical Commission has not officially announced the dates for the NExT 2025 exam. The NExT 2025 PG Step 1 exam is anticipated to take place in August 2025, with Step 2 expected in February 2026.

Earlier reports indicated that the National Exit Test was initially planned for 2019 MBBS graduates but was postponed. The latest updates confirm that the NExT 2025 will be applicable to the 2020 MBBS batch. For postgraduate studies abroad, students will need to take a country-specific examination relevant to their chosen destination.

NExT exam eligibility criteria: 

The eligibility criteria for the NExT exam are outlined as follows:

1. Students enrolled in MBBS programs at medical institutes approved by the NMC qualify for the National Exit Exam.

2. MBBS graduates from foreign medical universities, affiliated by the NMC, must take the NExT exam to obtain a license for commencing their medical practice in India.

3. The National Exit Test for MBBS consists of two papers – NExT Paper-1 and NExT Paper-2.

4. NExT Paper-1 is a substitute for the final year MBBS exams.

5. After successfully clearing Paper-1, students must complete a mandatory 12-month clinical internship to be eligible for NExT Paper-2. Successful completion of the NExT-2 exam is a prerequisite for candidates to choose between pursuing a postgraduate (PG) degree in medical education or practicing medicine in India.

6. The validity of NExT Paper-1 is two years.

For postgraduate studies abroad, students will need to take a country-specific examination corresponding to the nation where they intend to pursue their postgraduate course in the medical field.

Some of the entrance exams are given below:

Exam conducting body

Options of PG courses after MBBS

Curious about what to do after MBBS? Explore the top MD, MBA, diploma, and alternative courses available for you:

There are several postgraduate programs available for medical graduates. The most common postgraduate medical degrees are Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Surgery (MS). These degrees are offered in various specialties and subspecialties. Apart from MD and MS, there are other postgraduate programs as well. Here is an overview of the postgraduate medical programs in India and abroad:

1. Doctor of Medicine (MD): MD is a postgraduate degree program specializing in various medical disciplines. The duration of the MD program is typically 3 years.

2. Master of Surgery (MS): MS is a postgraduate program focusing on surgical specializations. The duration of the MS program is generally 3 years.

3. Diplomate of National Board (DNB): DNB is a postgraduate qualification offered by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). It is equivalent to an MD or MS degree and is recognized by the Medical Council of India/National Medical Commission. The duration of the DNB program varies depending on the specialty.

4. Diploma Courses: Several diploma courses are available for medical graduates that provide specialized training in specific fields. These diploma courses usually have a duration of 2 years.

5. Master of Dental Surgery (MDS): MDS is a postgraduate program specifically for dental graduates. It provides specialization in various dental disciplines. The duration of the MDS program is generally 3 years.

6. Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Science (PGDMS): PGDMS is a postgraduate diploma program focusing on medical research and clinical trials. The duration of the PGDMS program varies, but it is typically 1-2 years.

Here are the top colleges in India to pursue an MBA after MBBS:

• Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)

• Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) (Kharagpur, Delhi, Bombay, etc.)

• XLRI Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur

• Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi

• SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai

• SP Jain Institute of Management and Research

• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Delhi

• National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchirappalli

• Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai

List of post-graduate courses with course duration – 3 years

Doctor of Medicine (MD)- 3-year-course

Diplomate of National Board (DNB)- 3-year course

Master of Surgery (MS)– 3-year course

Master Chirurgiae (MCh)-3-year course

Master of Dental Surgery (MDS)- 3-year course

List of post-graduate courses with course duration – 5 years

List of courses with course duration – 6 years

List of post-graduate courses with course duration – 2 years

  MBA programs- course duration – 2 years

Career options after MBBS

With the continuous advancement in medical science and the emergence of interdisciplinary specializations, MBBS graduates have a wide array of career paths to explore. Here are some top alternative career options after MBBS:

• Medical Teacher/Professor

• Hospital Administration

• Public Health Work

• Medical Journalism & Writing

• Investment Banking

• Entrepreneurship

• Health Informatics & Analytics

• Medico-Legal Advisor

• Forensic Psychiatry

• Academic Medicine

• Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging

• Clinical Forensic Medical Examiner

• Sports Medicine

• Transplant Coordinator

• Medical or Pharmaceutical Researcher

• Public Services (UPSC, SSC, etc.)

Let’s explore these alternative career paths in greater detail to understand the opportunities available.

Health center practice

If you're passionate about extending healthcare services to the most remote areas, pursuing a career in health center practice is an excellent choice after MBBS. While rural experience is often part of MBBS programs in many countries, including India, you can further focus your efforts by establishing a practice in these underserved regions.

Entrepreneurship

As an MBBS graduate with a solid foundation in medicine, you’re well-positioned to venture into entrepreneurship if you have a unique business idea that could impact the healthcare sector. To gain the skills needed for this career path, consider pursuing an MBA in Entrepreneurship or enrolling in a diploma or short-term program focused on business management.

Entrepreneurship offers a rewarding yet challenging career option and is a less conventional path for MBBS graduates. It’s ideal for those eager to drive innovation and make a significant impact on the healthcare industry with their ground-breaking ideas.

Health/medical journalism and medical writing

Health and medical journalism offers a dynamic and evolving career path for MBBS graduates interested in reporting and communicating medical news and research. This specialization involves covering recent medical studies, reporting on evidence-based health information, and making it accessible to the public through various media channels.

As a medical journalist, you’ll focus on delivering up-to-date news and analysis on medical advancements and practices. Alternatively, medical writers often collaborate with pharmaceutical companies and medical journals to draft clinical trial documents, create product descriptions, and summarize research findings. This field is ideal for those who want to blend their medical knowledge with writing and communication skills.

Investment banking

While investment banking is often associated with commerce graduates, MBBS holders can also explore this field, especially within healthcare companies and organizations. By taking courses in equity research and financial modeling after MBBS, you can access a range of career opportunities beyond the traditional medical roles.

In investment banking, professionals and equity research analysts in the healthcare sector work with biotech firms and pharmaceutical companies. They provide insights on industry trends, conduct research, and help develop innovative healthcare products and technologies. This field offers a unique way for medical graduates to apply their expertise in a financial context.

Teaching

If academia interests you, pursuing MD or DM programs after MBBS can open doors to teaching positions in medical schools and colleges. Alternatively, you can consider a PhD in Medicine, allowing you to specialize and gain expertise in a specific area. A PhD is one of the top alternative courses after MBBS, apart from MD and other specialized medical programs. Upon completing your PhD, you can apply for faculty positions in medical institutions, advancing a career in teaching while also engaging in research in your chosen field.

Academic medicine

If you're passionate about academia, Academic Medicine is a great alternative path after MBBS. It allows medical professionals to engage in both clinical practice and research, while also teaching at medical schools and mentoring research programs. This career combines patient care with education, making it an ideal choice for those interested in building a future in teaching and medical research. It's a rewarding and sought-after option for MBBS graduates looking to balance practice with academics.

Health informatics and analytics

To deliver efficient healthcare services on a large scale, managing and analyzing data is essential. Health Informatics and Analytics programs focus on capturing, storing, and interpreting healthcare data to improve decision-making and patient care. These courses, offered as diplomas or degrees, equip MBBS graduates with the skills to use data-driven solutions in healthcare. Some universities offering these programs include:

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

• Centennial College

• The George Washington University

• University of Limerick

• Griffith University

Clinical research

Clinical Research is a highly sought-after field for MBBS graduates, focusing on evaluating the safety and effectiveness of medical treatments, drugs, and procedures. Those interested in a research-oriented career can pursue this course and work in research labs within government institutions or hospitals. Many international universities offer diploma programs in Clinical Research, providing an excellent opportunity for those aiming to contribute to medical advancements.

Non-medical and non-clinical courses after MBBS

For those looking beyond traditional postgraduate medical pathways, there are several non-clinical courses after MBBS across various specializations. You can opt for either a diploma or an MD in these fields to expand your knowledge and career options. Some prominent non-clinical courses available for graduate diplomas or MSc include:

• Community Medicine

• Biochemistry

• Pathology

• Microbiology

• Physiology

• Forensic Medicine

• Anatomy

• Occupational Therapy

• Depression Counselling

• Social Psychology

Courses after MBBS without NEET PG

For MBBS graduates interested in non-medical career paths or interdisciplinary roles, there are numerous options that don't require NEET PG. Here are some popular courses you can pursue:

• MBA in Hospital Management and Hospital Administration

• MBA in Bioinformatics

• MSc in Computational Biology

• MBA/Master's in Pharmaceutical Marketing

• Quality Management and Control

• Medical Administration

• Big Data Healthcare Management

• Yoga and Wellness

• E-medicine Content and Marketing

Why pursue post-graduation in Europe?

Europe offers affordable, high-quality medical PG programs with global recognition. Key benefits include:

1. Cost-effective: Lower fees, sometimes tuition-free.

2. Diverse options: Wide range of prestigious courses.

3. Scholarships: Financial aid and scholarships available.

4. Global exposure: Access to international medical networks.

5. Hands-on training: Emphasis on practical learning and clinical job placements.

Graduates gain valuable experience and are well-prepared for successful medical careers.

Book a free consultation

The decision to study MBBS abroad demands thoughtful planning and guidance. For personalized advice and to address any inquiries, futureMBBS provides complimentary consultations. Prospective medical students can book a free consultation to receive valuable insights into the application process, eligibility criteria, and other crucial aspects of pursuing a medical education in European countries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, after completing MBBS, aspiring medical students have many specialization options to explore. Early insights into these choices are crucial for tailoring career paths based on individual interests. The introduction of the NExT by the NMC adds a new dimension to post-graduate studies in India. For those eyeing international options, Europe stands out for its affordable and diverse PG programs, scholarships, and global exposure.

To aid aspiring students in their decisions, futureMBBS offers free consultations, providing personalized advice on the application process, eligibility criteria, and other vital aspects of studying medicine abroad.

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