Pathology
MD Pathology Course Overview
MD Pathology Latest updates
- NEET PG examinations are scheduled on August 3, 2025
- NEET PG results will be announced on September 3, 2025
Doctor of Medicine in Pathology (MD Pathology) is a 3-year postgraduate medical course that is designed for doctors to learn how to diagnose diseases by testing tissue specimens, blood, and body fluids using laboratory techniques. The MD Pathology syllabus includes histopathology, cytopathology, haematology, and molecular diagnostics. Every year, an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 medical students register for the course.
Candidates need to score 50% marks in MBBS to be eligible to apply for MD Pathology. Entrance exams required are NEET PG and INI CET. MD pathology fee structure for Government colleges ranges between ₹75,000- ₹4 Lakhs per year. The private colleges charge around ₹6 Lakhs - ₹21 Lakhs per annum. The top colleges for MD Pathology include AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, CMC Vellore, MAMC New Delhi.
The top recruiters of MD Pathology are AIIMS, Fortis Healthcare, Max Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, Dr. Lal PathLabs, Thyrocare Technologies, and Agilus Diagnostics.
MD Pathology: Quick Highlights 2025
The table below contains important information on MD Pathology
Particulars | Details |
Full Form of MD Pathology Course | Doctor of Medicine in Pathology |
MD Pathology Course Level | Post Graduate |
MD Pathology Course Duration | 3 years |
MD Pathology Course Type | Full time |
Application Mode | Online |
Entrance Test for MD Pathology Course | NEET PG, INI CET |
MD Pathology Fees | Govt colleges-₹1200 -₹1.4 Lakhs Private Colleges - ₹25 Lakhs-₹91 Lakhs |
Top Colleges for the MD Pathology Course | AIIMS Delhi, CMC Vellore, Madras Medical College |
Job roles after MD Pathology | General Pathologist, Clinical Pathologist, Anatomical Pathologist |
Top Recruiters for MD Pathology | AIIMS, Fortis Healthcare, Max Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, Dr. Lal PathLabs, Thyrocare Technologies, and Agilus Diagnostics |
MD Pathology: Important Dates and Events 2025
The NEET PG 2025 exams will be conducted on the 3rd of August, and the results are to be out by the 3rd of September 2025. Read below to learn about the MD Pathology important dates.
Upcoming Event | Dates |
NEET PG 2025 Admit Card (Tentative) | July 31, 2025 |
NEET PG 2025 Exam | August 3, 2025 |
NEET PG 2025 Result (Tentative) | September 3, 2025 |
FAQs
Ques 1. When will the NEET PG 2025 exams be conducted for MD Pathology?
Ans 1. NEET PG 2025 exams will be conducted on August 3, 2025.
Ques 2. What is the date of the NEET PG 2025 results announcement?
Ans 2. NEET PG 2025 results are scheduled for September 3, 2025.
MD Pathology: Fees
The fees charged by MD Pathology differ a lot. The fees of government colleges are usually minimal, i.e., ₹75,000 to 4.37 Lakhs per annum. The private institutions of the MD Pathology course charge around ₹5.75 Lakhs- ₹21 Lakhs.
College Type | Annual Fees |
Government Colleges | ₹75,000 - ₹4.37 Lakhs |
Private colleges | ₹5.75 Lakhs - ₹21 Lakhs |
FAQs
Ques 1. What is the fee range of MD Pathology in Government colleges?
Ans 1. The fee range of MD Pathology in Government colleges is ₹75,000-₹4.37 Lakhs.
Ques 2. What is the cost of an MD Pathology course in private colleges in India?
Ans 2. The cost of MD Pathology in private colleges in India is around ₹5.75 Lakhs- ₹21 Lakhs.
Why Choose the MD Pathology Course?
The MD Pathology course has multiple advantages, including thorough knowledge of pathological processes, training in subjects like histopathology, gaining real-world clinical skills, and many more. Read below to know why chose the MD Pathology course.
- The curriculum of the MD Pathology program offers students a thorough knowledge of pathological processes at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. This dual emphasis on both theoretical and practical aspects of pathology offers a solid foundation to students.
- Training in histopathology, cytopathology, haematology, clinical pathology, and molecular diagnostics is provided in the program. By the time students leave, they are fully equipped for any lab environment.
- The course offers students real-world clinical skills as well as practical exposure through experiences like tissue biopsies, lab techniques, and advanced diagnostics.
- The MD Pathology course encourages critical thinking skills and the ability to analyse data. The students are given the opportunity to practice through case studies, correlation of laboratory findings with clinical phenomena, and research projects.
MD Pathology: Qualification
For admissions in MD Pathology, the candidates require an MBBS degree from a recognised medical University. Candidates must qualify for the NEET PG scores / INI CET entrance examination for admissions. Read below to learn about the MD Pathology Course Qualification.
Particulars | Details |
Basic Qualification | An MBBS degree from a recognized medical college/university |
Minimum Marks | At least 50% aggregate in MBBS (some institutes may require 55%) |
Internship | Completion of a one-year rotational internship before course commencement |
Registration | Valid registration with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the State Medical Council (SMC) |
Entrance Exam | Must qualify NEET PG or INI CET (or equivalent national/state-level exam) |
Admission Process | Entrance-based, followed by counselling and document verification |
MD Pathology: Eligibility Criteria- Category-wise
For admissions to MD Pathology, candidates must have completed a one-year rotational internship. The table below contains detailed MD Pathology eligibility criteria.
Category | Details |
General (UR) |
|
OBC |
|
SC/ST |
|
MD Pathology: Duration
MD Pathology is a three-year program. In the first year, attention is given to elementary pathology and laboratory techniques; during the second year, subjects covered are system pathology, diagnostics, and autopsy skills; in the third year, the emphasis shifts to diagnosis and research.
MD Pathology: Admission Process
Candidates need an MCI/NMC-recognised MBBS degree and at least one year's internship as prerequisites for admission into the MD Pathology program. NEET scores are needed for admissions. Some institutions like AIIMS and JIPMER have separate entrance exams (INI CET). After passing the exam, candidates take part in centralised counselling for seat allotments based on merit and personal preferences. Read below to learn important information on MD Pathology course admissions.
Step 1: Candidates must apply for NEET PG entrance exams through the official website and upload all documents
Step 2: Appear for the exam and check the results.
Step 3: Register for counselling under the state quota or AIQ
Step 4 : Select and lock your preferred colleges.
Step 5: Seats are alloted based on NEET PG rank
Step 6: Attend the verification process in the allotted college
Step 7: Pay admission fees for seat confirmation
Step 8: Begin Classes
MD Pathology: Entrance Exam
For admission to the MD Pathology course, candidates need to qualify NEET PG entrance exam. THE INI CET qualification is required for admission to AIIMS. Here are some details on the MD Pathology entrance exam.
Entrance Exam | Conducting Body |
NBE | |
AIIMS New Delhi |
How to Prepare for NEET UG?
Candidates need strategic preparation to ace the NEET PG Exams. These include understanding exam patterns, creating a timetable, understanding fundamentals, and many more. Read below to learn about NEET PG preparations for the MD Pathology course
- Understand the pattern of the Exam very clearly
- Master the MBBS topics. This includes 19 subjects covered in the MBBS curriculum, divided into disciplines that are Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, and Clinical.
- Make a timetable that is realistic and perfectly suited to your own situation. This will help candidates devote appropriate time to each topic
- Emphasise understanding the fundamental concepts of medicine and do not rely on rote memorisation only.
- Start from the beginning, basic concepts, then continue detailed subject-wise preparation, and finally finish with an intense revision phase.
Resources to Prepare for NEET UG 2025
The resources for MD Pathology are as follows:
- Standard Books
- Online resources
- Previous years' question papers
FAQs
Ques 1. What are the entrance exams required for admission to MD Pathology in India?
Ans 1. Candidates have to qualify for NEET PG / INI CET for MD pathology admissions in India.
Ques 2. Does AIIMS conduct any separate entrance exam for MD Pathology?
Ans 2. Yes. AIIMS conducts INI CET exams for MD Pathology course
MD Pathology: Cut-Off
The expected cut-off for NEET PG 2025 is 270 for the UR category, 450 for the SC category, 305 for the ST category, and 305 for the Othe BC category. Read below to know about the MD Pathology cut-off in detail.
Category | Cut off |
OBC | 305 |
SC | 450 |
ST | 305 |
UR | 270 |
MD Pathology Cut-Off FAQs
Ques 1 . What is the UR category cut-off for MD Pathology?
Ans 1. The UR cut-off for MD pathology is 270.
cut-off
Ques 2. What is the ST category cut-off for MD Pathology?
Ans 2. The st category cut-off for MD Pathology is 305.
MD Pathology: Seats
MD Pathology course seats vary by state. Andhra Pradesh has a total of 135 course seats for MD Pathology. Bihar has around 75 seats. Read below to learn about the wise MD pathology course seat matrix.
State | MD Pathology Seats |
Andhra Pradesh | 135 |
Bihar | 75 |
Delhi | 111 |
Gujarat | 210 |
Karnataka | 373 |
Kerala | 90 |
Madhya Pradesh | 142 |
Maharashtra | 349 |
Rajasthan | 165 |
Tamil Nadu | 181 |
Telangana | 145 |
Uttar Pradesh | 263 |
Uttarakhand | 78 |
West Bengal | 95 |
FAQs
Ques 1. How many MD Pathology seats are available in West Bengal?
Ans 1. West Bengal has around 95 MD Pathology seats.
Ques 2. Which Indian state has the highest number of seats for MD Pathology courses?
Ans 2. Maharashtra has the highest number of seats for MD pathology courses. The total no of seats is 349.
MD Pathology: Syllabus
The MD Pathology course has a structured syllabus. The course is divided into 6 semesters, and each semester focuses on particular areas of pathology. Students learn General Pathology and Pathology Physiology in semester 1. In semester 2, the focus shifts to diagnostic investigations and procedures. The table below contains a detailed MD Pathology syllabus for each semester.
Semester | Key Subjects & Skills |
Semester 1 | - Applied Basic Science (cell/tissue structure, function, injury) - Immunopathology basics - Cytopathology introduction - Biostatistics & Clinical Epidemiology - Basic laboratory techniques - Biomedical research basics |
Semester 2 | - Diagnostic investigations & procedures - Diseases concerning general medicine - Advanced cytopathology - Recent advances in medicine - Laboratory safety, waste management |
Semester 3 | - Systemic Pathology (organ systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, GI, renal, etc.) - Surgical Pathology (grossing, tissue processing) - Autopsy Pathology - Patient monitoring - Research project initiation |
Semester 4 | - Haematology (anaemias, leukaemias, lymphomas) - Transfusion Medicine (blood banking) - Laboratory Medicine (quality control, management) - Ward/OPD patient management - Research project continuation |
Semester 5 | - Recent Advances (molecular pathology, cytogenetics, IHC, PCR, FISH) - Applied aspects (evidence-based pathology) - Presentations, journal clubs, conferences - Case presentations & discussions |
Semester 6 | - Dissertation/thesis submission - Advanced diagnostic techniques - PG case presentation skills - Clinico-radiological & clinicopathological conferences - Research review and viva prep |
MD Pathology: Specialisations
MD Pathology has various specialisations. These include General Pathology, Systematic Pathology, Haematology, and many more. The table below contains detailed information on MD Pathology specialisations.
Specializations | Details |
Specialisation Area | Focus/Description |
General Pathology | Basic mechanisms of disease, cell injury, inflammation, repair, and neoplasia |
Systemic Pathology | Disease processes affecting specific organ systems |
Haematology | Study and diagnosis of blood disorders, bone marrow examination, and coagulation tests 57. |
Histopathology | Microscopic examination of tissue samples for disease diagnosis |
Top Universities/Colleges for MD Pathology (India & Abroad)
MD Pathology is taught in multiple colleges/ Universities in India. The course is available in both private and Government medical colleges. Read below to learn about the best Universities / Colleges for MD Pathology courses.
Top Government Medical Colleges in MD Pathology
AIIMS Delhi holds the 1st rank and has a fee of ₹2110 per year. The NIRF rank of MMC Madras is 10, and the fee structure is ₹1.64 Lakhs per annum. The table below contains the list of top Government medical colleges in MD Pathology, along with the Rank and fee structure.
College Name | Rank | Annual Fees |
AIIMS Delhi | 1 | ₹2,110 |
AIIMS Rishikesh | 14 | ₹2,110 |
KGMU (King George's Medical University) | 19 | ₹1.64 Lakhs |
MMC (Madras Medical College) | 10 | ₹1.5 Lakhs |
Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) | 17 | ₹1.53 Lakhs |
AIIMS Bhubaneswar | 15 | ₹1.05 Lakhs |
Top Private colleges for MD pathology
Among the private medical colleges in MD Pathology, CMC Vellore has the lowest fees and the highest rank. The current NIRF Rank of CMC Vellore is 3, and the fee structure is ₹3,600 per annum. Read below for details about other private medical colleges in India that offer MD pathology courses.
College Name | Rank | Annual Fees |
CMC Vellore | 3 | ₹3,600 |
KMC Manipal | 9 | ₹36.3 Lakhs |
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science | 11 | ₹30 Lakhs |
St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences | 28 | ₹19.5 Lakhs |
KMC Mangalore | 33 | ₹36.3 Lakhs |
Top MD Pathology Colleges Abroad
MD Pathology is offered by numerous colleges worldwide. Here is a list of the Top MD Pathology colleges abroad.
Colleges | Location | Annual Fees |
Harvard University | Cambridge, Usa | ₹57 Lakhs |
The University of Sydney | Sydney, Australia | ₹28 Lakhs |
King’s College London | London, UK | ₹27 Lakhs - ₹51 Lakhs |
The University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, USA | ₹11 Lakhs |
University of Toronto | Toronto, Canada | ₹19 Lakhs -₹30 Lakhs |
MD Pathology Course: Abroad vs India
MD Pathology abroad and MD in India differ in various aspects. The program duration in India is 3 years, whereas the duration of programs abroad differs as per the location. To know more about MD Pathology Abroad vs India, check the table below.
Aspect | India | Abroad (e.g., USA) |
Program Duration | 3 years full-time | Residency: USA: 3–4 yrs; UK: Core 2–3 yrs + Specialty - 5 yrs |
Eligibility | MBBS + NEET PG (≥55%) | MBBS+ country-specific entrance exams Australia -AMC USA- USMLE Canada- MCCEE |
Tuition Fees | Govt: ₹75,000- ₹4.37 per year Private: ₹5.7 Lakhs- ₹21 Lakhs per annum | USA- ₹11 Lakhs- ₹1.10 crores per year UK- ₹19 lakhs- ₹60 Lakhs per year. Australia-₹23 Lakhs- ₹31 Lakhs |
Career Prospects | Hospital labs, teaching, diagnostics, and some fellowship options | Broad subspecialty opportunities, academic posts, clinical pathologist, laboratory director |
FAQs
Ques 1. What are the entrance exams required for MD Pathology in the USA?
Ans 1. Candidates have to qualify USMLE exams to get admission in the MD Pathology program.
Ques 2. What is the duration of MD Pathology in the USA
Ans 2. The total duration of MD Pathology in the USA is 2-3 years.
Scope/Career Options After MD Pathology
Multiple career options exist after the MD Pathology course. These include a consultant pathologist, a Laboratory director, a Research scientist, and many more. Read below to learn about career options after an MD in Pathology.
Career Option | Description |
Consultant Pathologist | Diagnose diseases via lab investigations; may work independently or in a team |
Laboratory Director | Manage and supervise clinical laboratories |
Research Scientist | Conduct research in disease mechanisms, diagnostics, or treatments |
Teaching Faculty/Professor | Teach pathology to medical students and conduct academic research |
Forensic Pathologist | Perform autopsies, determine the cause of death in legal/medico-legal cases |
Cytopathologist | Specialise in cellular diagnosis (e.g., cancer) |
Clinical Pathologist | Oversee clinical lab testing (blood, urine, etc.) |
Pharma Industry Roles | Work in drug safety, clinical trials, regulatory affairs, R&D |
Fellowship/Super-specialization | Pursue DM or fellowships in subspecialties (e.g., Hematopathology, Molecular Pathology) |
Diagnostic Lab Owner/Entrepreneur | Start and manage private diagnostic laboratories |
Medical Writer/Consultant | Prepare scientific documents and provide consultancy on medical diagnostics |
Top Recruiters/Placement Companies
MD pathology graduates are often hired by multiple recruiters. The top recruiters of MD Pathology include:
- AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences)
- Fortis Healthcare
- Max Healthcare
- Apollo Hospitals
- Dr. Lal PathLabs
- Thyrocare Technologies
- Agilus Diagnostics
MD Pathology: Salary Package
Salary package for the MD Pathology course varies as per job role. The salary of a medical examiner ranges between ₹5 LPA and ₹6.3 LPA. Read below to learn about the MD Pathology course's salary package for different job roles.
Job Roles | Salary (Per Annum) |
Medical Examiner | ₹4,00,000 |
Medical Pathologist | ₹5,00,000 |
Veterinary Clinical Pathologists | ₹12,00,000 |
FAQs
Ques 1. What is the duration of the MD Pathology course in India?
Ans 1. The duration of the MD Pathology course in India is 3 years
Ques 2. What are the specialisations of MD Pathology courses?
Ans 2. The specialisations of the MD Pathology course include General Pathology, Clinical Pathology, Anatomical Pathology, and many more.
Ques 3. What are the top colleges for MD Pathology in India?
Ans 3. The top colleges for MD Pathology in India are CMC Vellore, AIIMS Delhi, Madras Medical College, and many more.

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