Nephrology

A Doctorate in Medicine (MD) in Nephrology is a super-speciality post-graduate course involving 3 years of study, whose students are interested in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the kidney. The NEET SS stands as the main mode of entry, depending on which the selection is conducted either by the MCC or the state authority through counselling. In India, the MD Nephrology is taught in medical institutions such as AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, CMC Vellore, SGPGI Lucknow, and JIPMER Puducherry. The government colleges take a fee of around ₹50,000-₹2,00,000 per annum, whereas private institutes charge as high as ₹10,00,000 to ₹20,00,000 in fees per annum.

Graduates to work as active nephrologists in government/private hospitals, kidney care centres, research institutes, and medical colleges. Astra Hospital, Fortis Healthcare, Manipal Hospital, Max Healthcare, and government medical institutions are the top recruiters. At an entry level, the wage can be from ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,00,000 per month, and with experience, it increases to ₹3 to 6 lakh per month. Working internationally can fetch you packages upwards of ₹1 crore per annum.

MD Nephrology Course: Quick Highlights 2025 

The quick highlights of MD Nephrology are given in the table below:

MD Nephrology: Important Dates and Events 2026

One must keep track of the key dates for NEET SS application, exam, result processing, and counselling rounds for the field of MD Nephrology. The National Board of Examinations looks after the events according to which the following dates are prepared.

NEET SS 2026 Exam Dates

NEET PG Exam Dates 2026

Here are the NEET PG Exam Dates 2026.

FAQs

Ques 1. When will NEET PG 2026 be conducted for MD Nephrology?

Ans 1: Tentative schedules indicate that NEET PG 2026 will be held in the 4th week of June 2026.

Ques 2. What is the expected date for NEET SS 2026 for super‑super-specialityspecialty admissions?

Ans 2: Tentatively, the NEET SS 2026 will be conducted in the 4th week of March 2027.

MD Nephrology: Fees

MD Nephrology course fees vary depending on the type of organisation. Generally, government colleges charge very low tuition fees compared to private and deemed universities that charge high amounts for the superior infrastructure and special training. The fee structure normally includes tuition, hostel charges, caution deposits, clinical training fees, etc. Refer to the table below for an overview of the fee structures for the MD Nephrology program.

FAQs 

Ques 1. What is the fee range for MD Nephrology in private colleges?

Ans 1: Private medical colleges in India charge between ₹15,00,000 to ₹30,00,000 annually for MD Nephrology.

Ques 2.  Is there availability of scholarships or loans for MD Nephrology?

Ans 2: Yes, merit scholarships are awarded in government colleges, whereas educational loans with subsidies are offered by banks and NBFCs.

Why Choose the MD Nephrology Course?

MD Nephrology is one of the super-speciality courses for doctors willing to specialise in the treatment of kidney-related diseases. It covers chronic kidney diseases, dialysis, transplants, and electrolyte disturbances. With kidney health disorders increasing worldwide, hospitals, dialysis centres, transplant units, and research centres are required to train nephrologists. Therefore, certain chief reasons contributing to the rewarding and impactful nature of the MD Nephrology career in medicine are mentioned below.

1. Higher Demand for Nephrologists: Kidney diseases arising out of diabetes, hypertension, and so on gave rise to extreme demand for nephrologists. They are required in hospital setups, ICUs, and dialysis centres in both urban and rural areas. 
2. Subjects for Specialised Knowledge Skills: This course enhances one's knowledge about the treatment of advanced kidney diseases, dialysis procedures, and care for transplantation issues, covering both diagnostics and interventional procedures.
3. Considerable Remuneration and Benefits: Starting-level nephrologists get a salary of roughly about ₹15–20 LPA; senior-level ones get more than ₹35–40 LPA. The money is also supplemented by private consultation fees and procedure fees.
4. Diverse Career Paths: Career options include hospital roles, private practice, dialysis and transplant units, academic research, and even healthcare administration or policy-making.
5. Research and Academic Roles: There are strong opportunities in teaching and research, especially at institutes like AIIMS and PGIMER, with roles in clinical trials, publishing, and mentoring postgraduate students.

FAQs 

Ques 1. What is the salary prospect after an MD in Nephrology?

Ans 1: The starting salary ranges from ₹15–20 LPA and goes further, or climbs up to ₹35–40 LPA on specialisations and experience.

Ques 2. Is an MD in Nephrology in demand?

Ans 2: Yes, due to rising cases of kidney disorders, demand for nephrologists is high across hospitals, ICUs, and dialysis centres.

MD Nephrology Course: Eligibility Criteria- Category-wise

To avail admission to the MD Nephrology course, the candidate should have an MD degree in General Medicine or Paediatrics from an NMC-recognised institute.

The candidate has to qualify for the NEET SS to be admitted. The criteria of eligibility are slightly different under government reservations for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and Persons with Disabilities. Go through the table below to find the category-wise details on eligibility criteria for MD Nephrology.

FAQs 

Ques 1. Is NEET PG compulsory for admission into MD Nephrology?

Ans 1: Yes, passing the NEET PG is a mandatory entrance criterion for admission into MD Nephrology in India.

Ques 2. Can foreign nationals apply for this course in India?

Ans 2: Yes, foreign nationals can apply, but must meet the eligibility norms of the respective institution and regulatory bodies.

MD Nephrology: Duration

MD in Nephrology is a super-speciality medical program that is of 3 years in duration and trains candidates in various kidney-related disorders, dialysis, renal transplantation, and CKD management. Below is the highlight of the course duration:

FAQs  

Ques 1: What is the total duration of the MD Nephrology program?

Ans 1: Duration is 3 years, with a maximum of 6 years for any delay in thesis or exams.

Ques 2: Is the MD Nephrology program offered semester-wise or annually?

Ans 2: It is variable from one institution to another; i.e., semester or annual basis.

MD Nephrology: Admission Process

Generally, having an MD in General Medicine or an equivalent degree is sufficient for a prospective candidate to be eligible to apply for admission to the MD Nephrology program. After screening for eligibility, prospective candidates may have to take a national-level examination, such as NEET SS (Super-Speciality). A Stepwise overview of the entire admissions process is given below:

1. Check Eligibility

• Must have an MBBS degree from an institution recognised by MCI/NMC.
• Must have completed a 1-year rotating internship on or before 31st March/30th April of the year of admission.

2. Register for NEET PG

• Apply online at nbe.edu.in.
• Fill out the registration form.
• Upload necessary documents.
• Pay the examination fee.

3. Appear for NEET PG Exam

• Computer-based test with 300 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
• Questions are from subjects taught at the MBBS level.
• Conducted annually, usually in December.

4. Check NEET PG Result

• Results are generally declared in January.
• Must score equal to or above the qualifying percentile to participate in counselling.

5. Attend Counselling

• Register for All India Quota counselling at the MCC official website.
• Select MD Nephrology and provide your preferred college choices.

6. Document Verification

• Upload and verify key documents:
• • MBBS Degree Certificate
  • Internship Completion Certificate
  • NEET PG Scorecard
  • Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.)

7. Seat Allotment & Confirmation

• Based on NEET PG rank and preference, a seat will be allotted.
• Accept the seat by:
• • Paying the admission fee.
  • Submitting the required documents.

8. Final Admission & Enrolment

• Report to the allotted college.
• Complete formalities like medical clearance, biometric verification, and the orientation/joining process.

FAQs 

Ques 1. What happens after qualifying NEET PG exam for MD Nephrology?

Ans 1: Qualified candidates have to appear for counselling conducted by the MCC, choose colleges, undergo document verification, and accept the seat allotted.

Ques 2. Can candidates still apply for MD Nephrology if they are in the final phase of their internship?

Ans 2: Yes, candidates who will probably be finishing their internship by 31st March or 30th April can apply on a provisional basis.

Doctorate of Medicine [MD] (Nephrology): Entrance Exam

To get admission into MD Nephrology, candidates must clear competitive super-speciality entrance exams that assess their knowledge in related subjects, usually an MD in General Medicine or Paediatrics.

FAQs 

Ques 1. What is the main entrance exam for MD in Nephrology?

Ans 1: The main entrance exam for MD in Nephrology in India is NEET PG..

Ques 2. Does the NEET SS apply to the MD Nephrology course?

 Ans 2: This is for DM-level super-specialities and not for MD Nephrology.

MD Nephrology: Cut Off 2025

The NEET SS exam is a nationwide entrance test for the super-speciality courses in India. Cut-off scores depend upon various factors that change every year. These include the difficulty level of the exam, the number of applicants, the available seats, and the reservation categories. The table below gives a list of past MD Nephrology cut-offs and their expected ranges.

Quota-wise NEET SS 2025 Closing Scores for DM NEPHROLOGY

Top Colleges for DM Nephrology (Based on NEET SS AIQ 2025 Preferences)

FAQs 

Ques 1. What was the closing score for MD Nephrology under AIQ in NEET SS 2025?

Ans 1: The closing score for DM Nephrology under All India Quota was 220 in NEET SS 2025.

Ques 2. Are closing scores different for MD Nephrology management quota?

Ans 2: Yes, for Management Quota in deemed universities, the closing score was lower-category closing of about 171 in 2025.

MD Nephrology: Seats

MD Nephrology seats of a particular year vary in count depending on the institute's norms, strength of the faculty, directions from NMC, and reservation-related policies. Most of the reputed government or private colleges could offer anywhere between 2 to 10 annually. Below is a table with institute-wise and category-wise seat descriptions.

State-wise DM Nephrology Seats in India (2025)

FAQs 

Ques 1. Which are some of the top colleges in India for MD Nephrology?

Ans 1. Prestigious institutes include AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, CMC Vellore, and SGPGIMS, Lucknow. 

Ques2. Which state has the maximum number of seats in DM Nephrology?

Ans 2. Tamil Nadu has 11 colleges and the maximum number of seats, 37, in the state.

Doctorate of Medicine [MD] (Nephrology): Syllabus

The MD Nephrology course syllabus educates doctors to help in the treatment, prevention, and research of kidney diseases. The students learn using lectures, clinical rounds, and practical work in nephrology wards, dialysis units, and transplant centres. The semester-wise syllabus given here explains the full details.

FAQs 

Ques 1. What are the major subjects covered in the MD Nephrology syllabus?

Ans 1: Subjects span Glomerular Disease, CKD, Dialysis, Pediatric Nephrology, Renal Transplantation, and Nephrology Emergencies.

Ques 2. Does MD Nephrology involve thesis work?

Ans 2: Yes, the students have to carry out a thesis and defend it for the completion of the curriculum.

Best Universities/Colleges for MD Nephrology (India/Abroad)

The top medical colleges in India for MD Nephrology are known for good academics and advanced kidney care. Details of the institutes with their fee structure have been given in the table below.

Abroad

Foreign countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia provide advanced nephrology training using DM-equivalent or fellowship programs with ample clinical and research exposure.

FAQs 

Ques 1. Which are the cheapest colleges abroad to pursue MD Nephrology or related postgraduate medical education?

Ans 1: Affordable options include Charles University (Czech Republic) and University of Debrecen (Hungary), with fees around ₹4–8 lakh/year. Poznan University (Poland) offers strong clinical training at ₹6–10 lakh/year. In Asia, UV Gullas and UERM (Philippines) provide US-based MD programs for ₹5–8 lakh/year. Russian and Ukrainian universities were also budget-friendly (₹3–6 lakh/year), but current geopolitical issues may affect their feasibility. 

Ques 2. Which private university charges the highest tuition fees for MD Nephrology in India?

Ans 2: Amrita University, Coimbatore, is among the very expensive private universities, charging an annual tuition fee of ₹25,00,000 for MD Nephrology.

Doctorate of Medicine [MD] (Nephrology) Course: Abroad vs India

MD Nephrology training can be pursued in India or abroad, each having its own set of pros and cons. Training in India is cheap and offers good clinical exposure through NEET SS. While training abroad is expensive, but offers advanced technology, research opportunities, and global exposure. The table below shows the differences in eligibility, duration, fees, curriculum, and career options

FAQs

Ques 1. How much does MD Nephrology abroad cost compared to India?

Ans 1: Studying abroad could cost ₹60 to₹80 lakh per year, much more than in India, where fees vary from ₹2 lakh to ₹25 lakh. 

Ques 2: Is an MD Nephrology from abroad recognised in India? 

Ans 2: Those holding foreign degrees from recognized institutions need to clear FMGE/NExT for practicing in India.

Scope/Career Options After MD Nephrology 

After completing an MD in Nephrology, many career options are available in hospitals, dialysis and transplant units, ICUs, and clinics. Nephrologists can also work in teaching, research, pharma companies, or health organisations. The table below shows different job roles and work areas after this course.

FAQs

Ques 1. What are some of the Job profiles after an MD in Nephrology?

Ans 1: The options for the career could be a Nephrologist, Dialysis Medical Officer, Renal Care Consultant, and Professor in medical colleges.

Ques 2. Can MD Nephrology work into Research?

Ans 2: Yes, they can work on research projects, author papers for journals, and contribute to clinical innovations.

Top Recruiters/Placement Companies

With rising kidney disease cases and better treatments, MD Nephrology graduates are in high demand. They work in super-speciality hospitals, private hospital chains, dialysis centres, medical colleges, and research labs. They are also hired by international health organisations or work as consultants for kidney care device companies. The list below constitutes some of the top recruiters in India and abroad.

• Narayana Medical College
• Nephrocare Health Services Pvt.Ltd
• Apollo BSR Hospital
• Panacea Biotec Limited
• Max Super Specialty Hospital
• Claris Lifesciences Limited

FAQs

Ques 1. Who are the top recruiters for MD Nephrology graduates?

 Ans 1: Top hospitals such as Apollo, Fortis, Max Healthcare, and Nephrocare look for nephrology specialists.

Ques 2. Can MD Nephrology specialists have their private practice?

 Ans 2: Yes, many specialists open private clinics, or as consulting physicians, they operate in different hospitals for extra paying work.

MD Nephrology: Salary Package

MD in Nephrology salary package fluctuates with the place of working, the roles, the experience one holds, and also the locality. Starting officers in government hospitals or teaching institutes may be around ₹10–15 LPA as compared to private hospitals or dialysis chains, or private practice earning ₹20-30 LPA or more. Below is the table for job-wise salary range.

FAQs

Ques 1: Is MD Nephrology better than General Medicine? 

Ans 1: MD Nephrology is a super-specialisation that commands higher fees and a more focused kidney care expertise than General Medicine.

Ques 2: Can I pursue DM Nephrology after MD General Medicine? 

Ans 2: Yes. DM is a super-speciality program done after an MD in General Medicine, for which NEET SS must be qualified. 

Ques 3 Does this discipline have any such course through distance learning or online mode? 

Ans 3: No. Being a clinical course, MD Nephrology cannot be done through distance or online learning.

Ques 4 What is the difference between nephrology and urology? 

Ans 4: Nephrology involves the medical management of diseases of the kidney, while urology is surgical and involves the urinary tract.