Psychiatry

Doctorate of Medicine (MD) in Psychiatry is a 3-year postgraduate medical degree specialising in the diagnosis, discrimination, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders, emotional disorders, and behavioural disorders. Admission is mainly through NEET PG, followed by counselling rounds. In India, more than 180 medical colleges offer this course, including institutions like AIIMS New Delhi, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) Bengaluru, PGIMER Chandigarh, King George’s Medical University (KGMU) Lucknow, and the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) Delhi.  Fees vary from ₹25,000 to ₹1,50,000 per annum in government colleges and ₹4,00,000 to ₹20,00,000 per annum in private colleges. For eligibility, the candidate must have an MBBS degree and have completed their internship at a college recognised by the MCI or NMC.

AIIMS, NIMHANS, Fortis Mental Health, Apollo Hospitals, and Government Healthcare Services stand among the top recruiters for this specialisation.

Check out: NEET PG Registration | Neet College Predictor 

MD in Psychiatry: Quick Highlights 2025 

The quick highlights of the MD Psychiatry course are mentioned below:

MD Psychiatry Important Dates and Events 2026

MD Psychiatry course admission is mainly based on NEET PG scores, followed by national or state-level counselling. Candidates must be updated with major events such as application dates, exam schedules, results, and counselling rounds. The important dates and events relating to the MD Psychiatry course are given below.

FAQs

Ques 1. When will the correction window for photo and signature in NEET PG 2026 applications be open?

Ans 1. The correction window for the photo and signature is expected to be available from the 1st to the 2nd week of June 2026.

Ques 2. When are admit cards for 2026 NEET PG expected to be released?

Ans 2. Admit cards are expected to be released in the third week of June 2026.

MD in Psychiatry: Fees

The MD Psychiatry course fees vary depending on the college. Government medical colleges usually charge lower fees, while private colleges can be more expensive. The total fee generally includes tuition, clinical training, and other academic costs. A basic fee structure for different types of colleges is given below.

FAQs

Ques 1. What is the average fee for the MD Psychiatry course in private colleges in India?

Ans 1. Fees for private colleges range anywhere from ₹8,00,000 to ₹25,00,000 for the whole course.

Ques 2. How much does one pay for MD Psychiatry at AIIMS Delhi?

Ans 2. At AIIMS Delhi, it goes at about ₹2,000 per annum.

Why Choose the MD in Psychiatry Course?

The MD in Psychiatry course helps medical graduates specialise in mental health, a field that is becoming important in today’s world. The course trains students to diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioural problems. With growing awareness and demand for mental health care, psychiatry offers good career opportunities in both hospitals and the teaching field. Here are some main reasons to choose MD in Psychiatry.

• Growing Demand for Mental Health Professionals: Mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress are on the rise in all age groups. Along with the growing awareness of these disorders, there is an increasing demand for good psychiatrists.
• Shortage of Psychiatrists in India: India suffers a huge shortage of trained psychiatrists in areas having less than one per lakh population. These act as wide nets for new professionals to enter the field, hence ensuring strong job security.
• Diverse Career Opportunities: An MD degree in Psychiatry unlocks job opportunities in hospitals, private practice, academics, teaching, rehabilitation centres, tele-mental health, forensic psychiatry, and research.
• Less Physically Demanding Compared to Surgical-One-The-Hands: Psychiatry deals with the mind and not the body; hence, it is less straining on posture and movements. Some doctors find it better because of the fair balance it holds between clinical responsibility and lifestyle.

FAQs

Ques 1. Is Psychiatry less demanding compared to surgical specialities?

Ans 1. Yes, Psychiatry is generally less demanding. It focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions through consultation and therapy, rather than performing surgical procedures.

Ques 2. Why is there strong job security in Psychiatry in India?

Ans 2. India faces a significant shortage of psychiatrists, often fewer than one per lakh population. This high demand ensures steady job opportunities and long-term job security in the field.

MD in Psychiatry Eligibility Criteria- Category-Wise

To get admission to the MD Psychiatry, candidates must meet basic eligibility requirements. They should have an MBBS degree, completed their internship, and be registered with the MCI or NMC. The required marks and cut-offs may vary based on category (General, OBC, SC, ST). The category-wise detailed course eligibility criteria of MD Psychiatry are as follows.

FAQs

Ques 1. Is a 1-year internship before the MD Psychiatry qualification compulsory?

Ans 1. Yes, candidates must undergo a 1-year rotating internship and obtain certification.

Ques 2. Can candidates from AYUSH backgrounds apply for MD Psychiatry?

Ans 2. Only non-clinical or integrative MD programs, not MCI/NMC-approved clinical MD Psychiatry courses.

MD in Psychiatry Course Duration

MD Psychiatry is a 3-year full-time postgraduate course. It provides advanced knowledge and clinical training in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. The course includes classroom learning, seminars, case discussions, and practical experience in psychiatric wards. Details about the MD Psychiatry course duration and structure are given below.

• Total Duration: The course of MD Psychiatry is spread over 3 years full-time. 
• There are 3 structured phases:
• Year 1: Basic theoretical knowledge and clinical postings along with an introduction to psychiatric history taking. 
• Year 2: Higher studies in psychiatry and psychotherapy, and more case work under supervision.
• Year 3: Specialisation (child psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, etc.): dissertation and preparation for the final examination.

FAQs

Ques 1. How is the MD Psychiatry course set up over these 3 years?

Ans 1. Year 1 is for basic knowledge, Year 2 is for advanced knowledge and psychotherapy, and Year 3 is for specialisations and a dissertation.

Ques 2. Are part-time or correspondence study modes available for MD Ayurveda?

Ans 2. No, as per the guidelines of the NMC, MD Ayurveda must be pursued as a full-time residency program and is not available in part-time or correspondence formats.

MD in Psychiatry: Admission Process

MD Psychiatry admission process is based on NEET PG scores. After the exam, candidates must register for national or state-level counselling, choose their preferred colleges, and get a seat based on rank and availability. Some colleges may also have their own process, like document checks or separate counselling. The full admission process is explained below.

1. Appear for NEET PG Exam

• Candidates must register and appear for the NEET PG entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
• This is the only accepted entrance test for MD Psychiatry admission in most colleges.

2. Check NEET PG Result

• Results are declared by NBE with individual scores and All India Rank (AIR).
• Cut-offs are announced category-wise.

3. Register for Counselling

• Based on the NEET PG score, candidates must register for:
• • MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) for All India 50% quota seats and central institutions.
  • State counselling authorities for state quota seats in respective states.

4. Choice Filling and Locking

• After registration, candidates must:
• • Fill in their college and course preferences (e.g., MD Psychiatry).
  • Lock their choices before the deadline.

5. Seat Allotment

• Seats are allotted based on:
• • NEET PG rank
  • Category (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS)
  • Choice preference
  • Seat availability in the selected colleges

6. Results & Reporting

• Allotment results are published online.
• Selected candidates must:
• • Download the allotment letter
  • Report to the allotted college within the given time
  • Carry the necessary original documents for verification

7. Mop-Up & Stray Vacancy Rounds

• If seats remain vacant, mop-up rounds are held by both MCC and state counselling bodies.
• Final seats, if still unfilled, are allotted through a stray vacancy round.

FAQs

Ques 1. What happens after the declaration of NEET PG 2026 results?

Ans 1. After the NEET PG 2026 results are declared, candidates must register for national or state-level counselling, followed by choice filling, seat allotment, and document verification.

Ques 2. What is the mop-up round in MD Psychiatry admissions?

Ans 2. It is a round of counselling to fill the remaining seats after all the main rounds are over, along with stray Vacancy options.

Top MD Psychiatry Entrance Exam

To get admission to MD in Psychiatry, candidates must clear a national-level entrance exam. This exam checks their medical knowledge and readiness for postgraduate study. NEET PG is the main exam accepted by most medical colleges in India. Some colleges may also hold their counselling using NEET PG scores. An overview of the MD Psychiatry entrance exam is given below.

FAQs

Ques 1. When is the INI CET 2025 entrance scheduled for AIIMS MD Psychiatry? 

Ans 1. INI CET 2025 has been scheduled for May 17, 2025.

Ques 2. Can NEET PG 2026 scores be used for MD or MS admissions in central institutes?

Ans 2. Yes, NEET PG 2026 scores are accepted for MD/MS admissions in many central institutes, except those under INI-CET like AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS.

MD in Psychiatry Cut-Off

The cutoff for MD in Psychiatry is the minimum NEET PG score required to qualify for admission. It changes every year based on factors like exam difficulty, number of applicants, and seat availability. Cutoffs also vary by category and type of college. The category-wise cutoff details for MD Psychiatry are given below.

Category-wise NEET PG Closing Rank 2024

FAQs

Ques 1. What was the NEET PG percentile cutoff for the SC/ST/OBC categories?

Ans 1. It was the 40th percentile, corresponding to scores stretching from 163 down to 129. 

Ques 2. What was the closing rank for MD Psychiatry at All India Quota (AIQ) in NEET PG 2024?

Ans 2. The closing rank for MD Psychiatry is 623rd rank in NEET PG 2024.

MD Psychiatry Seats

MD Psychiatry seats vary between government and private medical colleges in India. The Medical Council decides the seat count based on college facilities, staff, and approval. Government colleges usually have fewer seats with high competition, while private colleges offer more seats. Some colleges and their seat availability are listed below.

FAQs

Ques 1. Which state offers the most MD Psychiatry seats in India?

Ans 1. Karnataka leads by having 42 colleges offering a total of 174 seats.

Ques 2. How many seats does West Bengal offer for MD Psychiatry?

Ans 2. West Bengal offers a total of 43 seats through 13 colleges.

MD Psychiatry Syllabus

The MD Psychiatry syllabus is designed to give students a clear understanding of mental health, psychiatric illnesses, and their treatment. It combines classroom learning with clinical training to build strong diagnostic and treatment skills. Topics include general psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and community psychiatry. The syllabus is given below.

FAQs

Ques 1. Is psychotherapy taught as part of the MD Psychiatry syllabus?

Ans 1. Yes, the syllabus has many models of psychotherapy, including cognitive and behavioural therapy.

Ques 2. Does the MD Psychiatry course cover mental health related to chronic conditions like HIV or cancer?

Ans 2. Yes, the MD Psychiatry syllabus includes the neuropsychiatric effects of HIV and the psychological aspects associated with chronic illnesses such as cardiac diseases and cancer.

Top Universities/Colleges offering MD in Psychiatry

Choosing a good college for an MD in Psychiatry is important for getting a quality education, good clinical training, and better career options. In India, many well-known government and private medical colleges offer this course with proper facilities and experienced teachers. Some foreign universities also offer similar programs in psychiatry and mental health. Below is a list of top colleges offering MD Psychiatry in India.

Best Government MD Psychiatry Colleges in India (with Fees)

The best government colleges for MD in Psychiatry are given below: 

Best Private MD Psychiatry Colleges in India (with Fees)

The best private colleges for MD in Psychiatry are given below: 

FAQs

Ques 1: How much is the MD Psychiatry course at JIPMER, Puducherry?

Ans 1. The fee is approximately stands at ₹46,580.

Ques 2: Which private college charges the highest fees for MD Psychiatry?

Ans 2. Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana charges approximately ₹77,85,000.

MD Psychiatry: Abroad vs India

Studying MD Psychiatry in India and abroad has provided several benefits for education, cost, and career scope. In India, the course is cheaper and recognised by MCI/NMC with good clinical exposure. Abroad, students may be able to work with advanced facilities and have international experience. The table below shows the comparison between India and abroad.

FAQs

Ques 1: How much does one pay for tuition in psychiatry courses abroad, on average?

Ans 1. Tuition abroad ranges between ₹30 to ₹80 Lakhs or more, depending on the country and university.

Ques 2: What examinations are required for earning the MD Psychiatry diploma in a foreign country?

Ans 2. It depends on the country. However, USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), and IELTS/TOEFL are generally accepted examinations.

Scope/Career Options After MD Psychiatry

MD Psychiatry career options are in both clinical and academic fields. Graduates can work as psychiatrists in hospitals, and clinics, or start private practice. They can also go for further studies, teaching, research, or public health roles. Some key career options are listed below.

• Clinical Practice: Work in government/private hospitals, rehabilitation centres, psychiatric clinics, and digital health platforms.
• Academic Roles: Professorships in medical colleges for MBBS and MD students.
• Research & Development: Positions in institutions like NIMHANS, ICMR, and other research bodies.
• Private Practice: Independent clinics or consultancy roles in corporates, NGOs, and legal firms.
• Specialisations: Opportunities to specialise in:
• Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
• Geriatric Psychiatry 
• Forensic Psychiatry
• Addiction Psychiatry 
• Telepsychiatry: Growing demand on online mental health platforms and startups.

FAQs

Ques 1. Can MD Psychiatry graduates work with telehealth services?

Ans 1. Yes, telepsychiatry is an emerging field with increased demand along with mental health startups.

Ques 2. Is teaching considered a career option upon completion of MD Psychiatry?

Ans 2. Yes, academic careers such as being an assistant professor or a lecturer in a medical college are common.

MD Psychiatry Salary Package

After completing an MD Psychiatry course, graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, colleges, and research centers. Job roles include psychiatrist, consultant, therapist, or teacher. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer type. The table below shows average salaries for common job profiles.

FAQs

Ques 1. What is the average Indian salary of a psychiatrist after an MD?

Ans 1. Psychiatrists in India earn an average of ₹16.2 LPA.

Ques 2. How much is paid to a Professor of Psychiatry in a medical college?

Ans 2. Professors of psychiatry are paid up to ₹29.3 LPA with variation due to institutions and seniority.

Top Recruiters/Placement Companies

MD Psychiatry graduates are in high demand in both the government and private healthcare sectors. Top recruiters include multi-speciality hospitals, mental health centres, colleges, NGOs, and international health organisations. They also get job opportunities in government health services. A list of top recruiters is given below.

• AIIMS
• PGIMER
• PGIMER
• Apollo Hospitals
• Fortis Healthcare
• Cadabams Hospitals
• Government Health Missions (e.g., NMHP)
• Online platforms (e.g., YourDOST, Practo, MindPeers)

FAQs

Ques 1. What is MD Psychiatry?

Ans 1. It is a 3-year post-graduate medical course in the Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of mental, emotional, and behavioural nature.

Ques 2. For MD Psychiatry, what is the eligibility?

Ans 2. An MBBS degree from any college/university recognised by MCI/NMC should be possessed by the candidate. He/She should have qualified for NEET-PG as well.

Ques 3. What are the career options after a degree in MD Psychiatry?

Ans 3. They can work as psychiatrists in hospitals, private practice, academia, research, telepsychiatry, or government mental health schemes. 

Ques 4. What is the average salary for an MD Psychiatry degree in India?

Ans 4. It varies between ₹10 and ₹30 LPA, depending on the job profile, experience, and working area (government/private/academic). 

Ques 5. Can they pursue super-specialisation after completing MD Psychiatry? 

Ans 5. Yes, they can pursue a Fellowship or DM in Child Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, or Neuropsychiatry.