The difference between MD between DM is that it is a general degree that can be pursued after MBBS, and DM is a specialization program in a specific area.
MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DM (Doctorate of Medicine) are both medical degrees, but the difference between MD and DM is that they represent different stages of medical education. MD is an essential degree that enables an individual to pursue general practitioners, whereas DM is an advanced degree that enables an individual to pursue in a specific medical specialty or subspeciality.
MD and DM: Key Highlights
Candidates planning to pursue their Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctorate of Medicine (DM) can refer to the table below for the difference between MD and DM are
| Criteria | MD | DM |
| Full Form | Doctor of Medicine | Doctorate of Medicine |
| Conducting Body | Medical Council of India | Medical Council of India |
| Type of Degree | Post Graduate (After MBBS) | Super Specialty Degree (After MD, MS, DNB) |
| Average Fees | 2 LPA - 30 LPA | 2 LPA - 40 LPA |
| Age Limit | No age limit barrier | No age limit barrier |
| Duration | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Percentage Criteria | 50% Marks in MBBS | 55% Marks in MBBS |
| Entrance Exam Required | NEET PG and INI CET | AIIMS SS, NEET SS, JIPMER |
| Average Salary | 8 LPA - 20 LPA | 10 LPA - 30 LPA |
Also Check: MD Vs MS - Which is Better?
What is MD?
MD stands for "Doctor of Medicine" and is commonly sought after by students who have already finished their undergraduate medical degree (MBBS). Medical graduates who have completed extra specialized training and courses in a particular medical field or specialty are given an MD degree.
Numerous medical disciplines, including internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, surgery, radiology, dermatology, and psychiatry, are available in India's MD degree programs.
What is DM?
DM stands for "Doctor of Medicine," MD is a distinct stage of medical education and super specialization. After earning the MD (Doctor of Medicine) or MS (Master of Surgery) degree, medical students prefer higher education by pursuing the DM, a postdoctoral or super-specialty medical degree.
Medical graduates who want to pursue further super specialization in cardiology, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, endocrinology, and other fields are given the DM degree.
Admission Process of MD and DM
The admission process for MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DM (Doctorate in Medicine) programs in India is based on the NEET-PG competitive exam and varies depending on the specific medical institution or university. However, there are some common steps and guidelines to consider:
- Entrance Exams: Most MD programs demand that applicants take admission exams. The famous entrance exams for MD admissions in India are
- NEET-PG (National Eligibility Cumulative Entrance Test for Post-Graduation)
- AIIMS PG (All India Institute of Medical Sciences Postgraduate Entrance Examination)
- PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research)
- Application Process: After passing the entrance exam, candidates must apply to the medical university or colleges they choose.
- Counseling and Seat Allotment: Based on the exam results and merit rankings, qualified candidates are invited to counselling sessions where they can select a college and specialization of their choice. Their preferences and available seats determine the seat allocation.
- Document Verification: Academic records, an internship completion certificate, and other required documents must be verified after seat allocation.
- Admission Fees: Candidates are advised to pay the required admission fees to secure their seat.
Eligibility Criteria for MD
For admissions to MD courses, candidates can refer to the eligibility criteria mentioned below for the MD course in India:
- Candidates must have a valid NEET-PG scorecard with them.
- Candidates must have a valid MBBS degree from any recognized medical college or university the MCI approves.
- Students applying for this course must have a minimum of at least 50% marks in the MBBS degree.
Eligibility Criteria for DM
Below is the difference between MD and DM eligibility criteria mentioned below and for the candidates planning to appear for the DM (Doctorate of Medicine) course in India:
- Candidates applying for this course must have a valid MD degree from a recognized medical college or university approved by the MCI and one year of internship after the MD degree.
- Students applying for this course must have a minimum of at least 50% marks in the MBBS degree.
- Candidates must have a degree in MS.
Career After Pursuing MD
Candidates planning to pursue an MD after their MBBS degree have different options for securing their career opportunities in multiple fields, and some of them are listed below:
- Assistant Professor - General Medicine
- Microbiologist
- Medical Doctor
- Junior Doctor/Medical Officer - General Medicine
- Senior Product Manager, Product Manager - General Medicine Antibiotics
- Specialist in General Medicine
- Specialist in Women's Health (Gynaecologist)
Career After Pursuing DM
After earning a doctorate in medicine, there is a wide range of career choices available, including working as a consultant in hospitals and clinics, conducting research, instructing medical students, and many more, which are listed below:
- Clinical Practice
- Research
- Teaching Medical Students
- Medical Administration
- Career in Pharmaceutical Companies
Top 10 Colleges for MD and DM Courses
Candidates can refer to the table below for the top colleges for Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctorate of Medicine:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences
- Maulana Azad Medical College
- Kasturba Medical College
- King Georges Medical University, Lucknow
- Indira Gandhi Medical College
- University College of Medical Sciences
- Christian Medical College
- Stanley Medical College
- Madras Medical College
- JIPMER Puducherry
MCI Approved MD Degree
For admissions in Medical Council of India (MCI)-approved MD courses, candidates can check the following courses offered in India.
- MD in Nuclear Medicine
- MD in Dermatology, Venerology, and Leprosy
- MD in Pediatrics
- MD in Obstetrics and Gynecology
- MD in Dermatology
- MD in Hospital Administration
- MD in Radiotherapy
- MD in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- MD in Lab Medicine
- MD in Pathology
- MD in Microbiology
- MD in General Medicine
- MD in Psychiatry
- MD in Ophthalmology
- MD in Dermatology and Venerology
- MD in Bio-Chemistry
- MD in Radio Diagnosis
- MD in Anesthesiology
MCI Approved DM Degree
The list of Medical Council of India (MCI)-approved courses and streams that are offered in MD are mentioned below for general reference of interested students:
- DM in Clinical Pharmacology
- DM in Endocrinology
- DM in Gastroenterology
- DM in Rheumatology
- DM in Neonatology
- DM in Pulmonary Medicine
- DM in Nephrology
- DM in Cardiology
- DM in Clinical hematology
- DM in Neuro Radiology
- DM in Medical Gastroenterology
- DM in Neurology
- DM in Immunology
- DM in Medical Oncology
Which is Better MD or DM?
The career objectives, interests, and the level of medical specialization the student wants to pursue will determine whether to pursue an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a DM (Doctorate in Medicine). Which is "better" depends on the situation; both degrees have virtues.
- The surgeon's and a doctor's scope of practice are equivalent. A person is the only one who can judge their performance.
- All courses and jobs have unique obstacles, so deciding which is ideal for an individual may require some specific thought and personal interest.
- After receiving their MBBS degree, graduates can work to gain more information and practical experience before specializing in any of the courses.
