The key difference between MS and MSc is that if you want to pursue a postgraduate course in the medical field then students must opt for MS program. However, if you want to pursue a master's course in the science field then students must go for M.Sc.
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Difference Between MS and MSc: MS (Master of Surgery) is a professional degree focused on surgical training, while MSc (Master of Science) can be focused on research or coursework, depending on the program. In India, most IITs offer a 3-year MS program and a 2-year MSc program.
Students who have pursued BSc can take up MSc program. While, aspirants who have completed MBBS or any course in the medical field can pursue MS degree.
What is MS?
The Master of Surgery program (MS) is a three-year postgraduate study that covers diseases, human body components, and various surgical approaches for disease prevention and treatment. After purusing MS course, students can become a general surgeon, plastic surgeon, neonatal surgeon, vascular surgeon, researcher, and many more.
What is MSc?
The Master of Science (MSc), is a two-year postgraduate program that focuses on multiple specializations and covers advanced studies in engineering, science, and medicine. The foundational topics in Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Biotechnology, Microbiology, and other fields are covered in the well-organized MSc curriculum.
Also Read: MD Vs MS - Which is Better?
MS or MSc: Key Differences
Students who want to pursue MS (Master of Surgery) or MSc (Master of Science) can refer to the table below to know the difference between MS and MSc.
| Criteria | MS | MSc |
| Fullform | Master of Surgery | Master of Science |
| Duration | 3 Years | 2 Years |
| Eligibility | 50% in MBBS and valid score in the entrance exam | 55% Marks in an UG degree in science or technology field |
| Domain of Study | Cardiology, Neurology, Orthopaedics, General Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology | Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Microbiology |
| Entrance Examinations | NEET- PG, JIPMER-PG | BHU-UET, OUCET, MGU-CAT, IIT JAM |
| Career Options | Cardiologist, Oncologist, Plastic Surgeon, Home Surgeon, Emergency Surgeon | Laboratory Manager, Materials Engineer, Clinical Research Associate, Quantitative Analyst. |
| Who can pursue this? | Students interested in surgical procedures and specialized clinical studies can pursue MS MS typically requires an MBBS degree |
Students who want to pursue higher education in the science field can take up MSc course MSc can have varied entry requirements depending on the specialization |
| Higher Studies Scopes | M.Ch in any specialization | MPhil, PhD, MBA |
Also Read: MSc vs MTech
MS vs MSc: Eligibility Criteria
It is important for students to know the eligibility criteria before applying for any of the course. After knowing the eligibility conditions, students can also know the primary difference between MS and MSc. The general eligibility criteria for MS and MSc is elucidated below.
MS Eligibility
Below mentioned is the eligibility criteria for MS program.
- Students need to score at least 50% marks in MBBS from a recognized university and a valid score in the entrance exam. There is no age limit for MS degree program.
MSc Eligibility
- Students must have passed a bachelor's degree in science or technology filed with atleast 55% marks and a good score in the entrance exam. Students of any age can pursue MSc course.
Also Read: MBA vs M.Sc
MS vs MSc: Admission Process
One of the difference between MS and MSc is their admission process. Students need to meet the eligibility criteria set by the authority and appear for the required entrance exam. The MS vs MSc admission process is mentioned below.
MS Admission Process
Following are the MS admission process for students who want to pursue MS course.
- Students must fill the application form online or offline and attach the necessary documents.
- Then, candidates need to meet the eligibility criteria and a good score in the entrance exam followed by GD (group discussion) and PI (personal interview) if applicable.
- Students then need to pay the fees to get admission in the respective institution.
MSc Admission Process
Students seeking admission to MSc can check the pointers given below to know the admission process.
- The application form can be available either online or offline.
- Students need to obtain a minimum of 55% in BSc or BTech program and valid marks in the entrance exam.
- After clearing the entrance exam, students need to appear for GD (group discussion) and PI (personal interview).
- To complete the admission process, students need to submit the required documents and fees.
Also Read: MBA after MSc - Is it the Right Choice?
MS vs MSc: Job Roles
When it comes to the difference between MS and MSc, the job roles also differ for both courses. Students pursuing MS or MSc degree can get into different job roles listed below.
| MS Job Roles | MSc Job Roles |
| Orthopedic Surgeon | Data Scientist |
| Cardiovascular Surgeon | Software Developer |
| NeuroSurgeon | Biochemist |
| Cardiothoracic Surgeon | Pharmacist |
| General House Surgeon | Research Scientist |
Also Read: MSc Entrance Exam 2024: Dates, Syllabus, Exam Pattern
Top Colleges for MS and MSc Courses
Since now students know the difference between MS and MSc, it is also important to know the list of best colleges for MS and MSc Courses.
Top Colleges for MS
Candidates can refer to the table below for the top colleges for MS and their average fees:
| MS Colleges | MS Average Fees (INR) |
| AIIMS, Delhi | 2023 |
| AFMC | 128800 |
| BJMC | 90000 |
| Madras Medical College | 3600 |
| Grant Medical College | 343000 |
| UCMS | 74000 |
| BMCRI | 341700 |
| MS Ramaiah Medical College | 1320000 |
| SRMCRI | 6000000 |
| DYPMC | 8220000 |
Also Check: Top M.S Colleges in India 2024
Top Colleges for MSc
Tabulated below is the list of top colleges for MSc course along with their average fees.
| MSc Colleges | MSc Average Fees (INR) |
| St Xavier’s College | 51000 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | 10000 |
| Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University | 10000 |
| Fergusson College | 50000 |
| PSG College of Arts and Science | 30000 |
| Presidency College | 3000 |
| Oxford College of Science | 50000 |
| IISc Bangalore | 50000 |
| University of Hyderabad | 13000 |
| St Joseph’s College of Arts and Science | 70000 |
Also Check: Top MSc Colleges in India 2024
Which one to choose MS or MSc? Conclusion
After knowing the difference between MS and MSc, a lot of things need to be taken into account and which one to choose—MS or MSc. A candidate should weigh each of the following aspects before deciding between a career in MS or MSc:
- The inclination must first be understood by the candidate. This means that first, he or she must comprehend the field of interest. There’s a huge difference between MS and MSc.
- MSc is the best course for the ones who have interest in the science field and have pursued BSc or BTech in their graduation. On the other hand, students who want to pursue higher studies in the medical field can take up MS course.
- A career is mostly formed by the subjects and streams that are chosen by the students. After the successful completion of BSc or BTech, students can pursue MSc. However, students must have completed MBBS to be eligible for MS.
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