Top PG Medical Specializations in India That Aspirants Prefer in 2024
NEET PG counselling is moving at full pace, and thousands of MBBS graduates are preparing to make one of the most important career choices of their lives—selecting the right postgraduate specialization. With the wide variety of MD/MS options available, the decision can feel overwhelming. Yet, a few branches have clearly emerged as the most competitive because of rising healthcare demands, new technologies, and changing patient needs.
Based on the Bodmas Medical Report 2024, here are the PG medical courses that stand out as the most sought-after among students in India.
1. MD in Radiology
Duration: 3 years
Why It Stands Out
Radiology continues to rank among the most preferred branches in today’s medical field. Modern healthcare relies heavily on imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, PET scans, and ultrasound for accurate diagnoses. Increasing cases of cancer, neurological conditions, and cardiac diseases have further boosted the demand for radiologists.
Career Growth and Earnings
Radiologists enjoy some of the highest salaries in medicine, ranging from ₹50 lakhs to ₹2 crores annually. With diagnostic centers expanding rapidly, both private and public sector roles provide lucrative opportunities.
AIQ NEET PG 2024 Closing Ranks
| Category | Rank |
| Open | 2125 |
| OBC | 4333 |
| EWS | 3972 |
| SC | 12946 |
| ST | 24792 |
2. MD in Dermatology
Duration: 3 years
Why It Stands Out
Dermatology appeals to students due to its wide scope covering skin, hair, nails, and cosmetic care. Increasing awareness of skin diseases, coupled with rising demand for aesthetic procedures like Botox, chemical peels, and laser treatments, has placed dermatology at the forefront.
Career Growth and Earnings
Annual earnings typically range from ₹10–30 lakhs, with much higher potential in private cosmetic dermatology practice, especially in urban markets.
AIQ NEET PG 2024 Closing Ranks
| Category | Rank |
| Open | 2639 |
| OBC | 5540 |
| EWS | 5956 |
| SC | 10950 |
| ST | 26675 |
3. MD in General Medicine
Duration: 3 years
Why It Stands Out
General Medicine remains a cornerstone of healthcare. Almost every patient first consults a physician before seeking specialized care. Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity have further raised the demand for internal medicine specialists.
Career Growth and Earnings
Physicians earn between ₹10–20 lakhs annually, with sub-specialties like cardiology and pulmonology pushing earnings even higher. Private practice provides excellent financial prospects.
AIQ NEET PG 2024 Closing Ranks
| Category | Rank |
| Open | 3803 |
| OBC | 6428 |
| EWS | 6194 |
| SC | 18000 |
| ST | 34452 |
4. MD in Paediatrics
Duration: 3 years
Why It Stands Out
Paediatrics focuses on child health from infancy to adolescence. Growing awareness of children’s health issues and the increasing number of pediatric hospitals make this branch indispensable.
Career Growth and Earnings
Earnings range from ₹7–15 lakhs annually, with neonatologists and pediatric sub-specialists commanding much higher salaries.
AIQ NEET PG 2024 Closing Ranks
| Category | Rank |
| Open | 5907 |
| OBC | 11080 |
| EWS | 11412 |
| SC | 21729 |
| ST | 47628 |
5. MD in Psychiatry
Duration: 3 years
Why It Stands Out
With mental health gaining recognition, psychiatry has become a vital specialty. Rising cases of anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders highlight the need for psychiatrists. Social acceptance of therapy has further boosted its demand.
Career Growth and Earnings
Psychiatrists typically earn ₹10–25 lakhs annually, with even higher income for sub-specialties like child psychiatry or de-addiction therapy.
AIQ NEET PG 2024 Closing Ranks
| Category | Rank |
| Open | 17823 |
| OBC | 23862 |
| EWS | 28252 |
| SC | 40238 |
| ST | 66750 |
6. MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG)
Duration: 3 years
Why It Stands Out
OBG specialists handle women’s health, fertility, and childbirth. With increased awareness of maternal care and fertility treatments, the demand for gynecologists has grown sharply.
Career Growth and Earnings
OBG experts earn between ₹12–30 lakhs annually, with private maternity clinics and IVF centers offering higher returns.
AIQ NEET PG 2024 Closing Ranks
| Category | Rank |
| Open | 9071 |
| OBC | 13805 |
| EWS | 15034 |
| SC | 28189 |
| ST | 51130 |
7. MS in General Surgery
Duration: 3 years
Why It Stands Out
General Surgery covers a wide variety of procedures, from appendectomies to complex surgeries. Innovations in laparoscopic and robotic surgery have expanded its scope and appeal.
Career Growth and Earnings
Surgeons earn ₹12–25 lakhs annually, with higher earnings for super-specialties like oncology and vascular surgery.
AIQ NEET PG 2024 Closing Ranks
| Category | Rank |
| Open | 10979 |
| OBC | 15140 |
| EWS | 16995 |
| SC | 32764 |
| ST | 59956 |
8. MS in Orthopaedics
Duration: 3 years
Why It Stands Out
Orthopaedics deals with bones, joints, and musculoskeletal disorders. The rise in fractures, sports injuries, and age-related joint replacements has made this field a top choice.
Career Growth and Earnings
Orthopaedic surgeons earn ₹12–30 lakhs annually. Specialists in joint replacement and sports medicine often earn significantly more.
AIQ NEET PG 2024 Closing Ranks
| Category | Rank |
| Open | 11864 |
| OBC | 13893 |
| EWS | 16505 |
| SC | 32117 |
| ST | 61277 |
9. MS in ENT
Duration: 3 years
Why It Stands Out
ENT specialists diagnose and treat ear, nose, and throat conditions. Rising respiratory issues, sinus problems, and hearing disorders drive demand for this specialization.
Career Growth and Earnings
Annual earnings range from ₹8–20 lakhs, with advanced expertise in cochlear implants or pediatric ENT leading to higher income.
AIQ NEET PG 2024 Closing Ranks
| Category | Rank |
| Open | 15351 |
| OBC | 21157 |
| EWS | 27302 |
| SC | 39857 |
| ST | 60049 |
10. MS in Ophthalmology
Duration: 3 years
Why It Stands Out
Ophthalmology specializes in eye health. Increasing cataract, glaucoma, and refractive error cases have sustained high demand. Laser-based surgeries like LASIK have made the field more attractive.
Career Growth and Earnings
Ophthalmologists earn ₹10–20 lakhs annually. Those focusing on cataract or refractive surgeries earn more in private practice.
AIQ NEET PG 2024 Closing Ranks
| Category | Rank |
| Open | 15076 |
| OBC | 22073 |
| EWS | 23272 |
| SC | 37511 |
| ST | 63489 |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right PG medical branch shapes your future career and financial growth. While demand varies across regions, these ten specializations consistently remain at the top for NEET PG aspirants in India. Whether your interest lies in diagnostics, surgery, pediatrics, or mental health, each offers rewarding opportunities and a strong career path.
ABOUT : Top PG medical specializations in India
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