MD Psychiatry - Course, Eligibility, Admission, Colleges, Fees, Syllabus, Salary, Career Options

Doctorate of Medicine in Psychiatry (MD Psychiatry) is a three-year postgraduate course that trains students to diagnose, treat, and prevent mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. The curriculum includes basic sciences, clinical psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and community mental health, helping candidates understand psychiatric conditions in both hospital and community settings.

To pursue MD Psychiatry, candidates must hold an MBBS degree from a recognised institution with a minimum of 55–60 per cent marks. Admission is typically through national-level entrance exams like NEET PG or INI CET, followed by counselling. Selection may vary slightly based on the college’s eligibility criteria and seat availability.

MD Psychiatry prepares students with skills to handle various psychiatric cases, including mood disorders, psychoses, addiction, and neurodevelopmental issues. The course combines theoretical knowledge with clinical exposure, research methodology, and patient interaction. Graduates often pursue careers in hospitals, private clinics, research institutions, and mental health advocacy organisations.

MD in Psychiatry Important Dates

• NEET PG Admit Card has been released on 31st July 2025
• NEET PG 2025 Exam Date – 3rd August 2025

MD in Psychiatry- Highlights

MD in Psychiatry is a three-year postgraduate programme that equips medical graduates to diagnose, manage, and treat various mental health conditions. This psychiatry course includes six semesters of academic training, clinical exposure, and practical experience. Below are the key highlights of this MD in Psychiatry course.

MD in Psychiatry Eligibility Criteria

The MD in Psychiatry programme is intended for medical graduates who aspire to specialise in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. It combines in-depth theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical training. Below are the general eligibility criteria for pursuing the psychiatry course.

MD in Psychiatry Admission Procedure

A candidate seeking admission to an institution or university offering an MD in Psychiatry in India must meet the eligibility requirements. Different colleges and universities may have different eligibility requirements, with some requiring additional qualifications. The admissions procedure for MD in Psychiatry is mentioned below:

Step 1: Apply and appear for the NEET PG or INI CET entrance examination conducted at the national level.

Step 2: Based on entrance exam scores, participate in centralised counselling (MCC/State-level) for seat allotment at various medical colleges and universities.

Step 3: Upon seat allotment, complete document verification, fee payment, and final admission formalities at the allotted institution.

Top MD in Psychiatry Entrance Exam

There is an entrance exam for the MD in Psychiatry programme. The entrance examinations for the MD in Psychiatry programme in India are conducted by both public and private universities, and prospective students should take them.

MD in Psychiatry Cutoff of Top Colleges

Students must achieve the minimum score on the entrance exam. They have to meet a minimum qualifying percentage to get admitted to colleges and universities offering MD in Psychiatry programmes. The state-run colleges consider the NEET PG cutoff to assess applicants' eligibility for MD in Psychiatry.

MD in Psychiatry Subject/ Syllabus

The subjects included in the course curriculum of the MD in Psychiatry are divided into six semesters. For the candidate’s reference, we have mentioned the Papers of the course given by the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University.

• Basic sciences as related to psychiatry
• Clinical Psychiatry
• Psychiatric Theory specialities, general medicine and neurology related to psychiatry
• Recent advances in psychiatry, including forensic psychiatry and community mental health

MD in Psychiatrist Fees Structure

India has a large number of public and private universities that offer MDs in psychiatry. The cost, however, differs throughout educational establishments. According to the current tuition schedules offered by various Indian universities, a candidate can pursue an MD in Psychiatry by paying a fee between Rs. 57,000 and Rs. 83 lakh.

Scope of MD in Psychiatry

Since there is a constant need for physicians to serve the community, becoming a Psychiatrist promises a bright future. Those who pursue an MD in psychiatry will have ample career stability because they can work for the federal or state governments. Additionally, candidates may practice privately out of their own clinic. Additionally, they can work in a variety of disciplines, including teaching and research departments.

Career Opportunities After an MD in Psychiatry

An MD in Psychiatry is a medical science-related area that allows candidates to work in clinics, hospitals, health departments, or as researchers. A candidate can work in the community after earning an MD in psychiatry. Following an MD in Psychiatry, a candidate may choose from the following employment profiles:

Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. They use a combination of therapy, medication, and other treatments to support patients' mental well-being.

Rehabilitation Psychiatrist: Rehabilitation Psychiatrists focus on helping individuals with chronic mental illnesses regain functional abilities and improve quality of life. They create long-term treatment plans that include therapy, medication, and support for social and occupational reintegration.

Neuropsychiatrist: Neuropsychiatrists specialise in treating psychiatric symptoms associated with neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, or traumatic brain injuries. They blend neurology and psychiatry to provide comprehensive care.

Forensic Psychiatrist: Forensic Psychiatrists assess and treat individuals involved with the legal system, including criminals with mental illness. They often provide expert testimony in court regarding mental competency and criminal responsibility.

Clinical Psychiatrist: Clinical Psychiatrists diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders through various therapies. They work in clinical settings with patients from diverse age groups and backgrounds.

Top Recruiters

• PGIMER, Chandigarh
• Institute of Behaviour and Allied Sciences, New Delhi
• Dr. Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health, Amritsar
• National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS)

Benefits of MD in Psychiatry

After pursuing an MD in psychiatry, candidates become specialists in treating mental disorders. Candidates can perform relevant investigative and therapeutic procedures for the psychiatric patient. They gain the necessary skills to manage psychiatric emergencies efficiently. They can also perform the role of a trainee and facilitate the learning of medical/nursing students, practising physicians, and paramedical health workers.

Salary After an MD in Psychiatry

The kind of remuneration a candidate will get depends on the job role and the employer. Depending on the employer, a candidate can get varying salary packages which could range from low with a small or medium-sized organisation to higher with a large organisation. A general idea of the annual salary one can currently get in various roles is as follows:

Source: Glassdoor, Salaryexpert

Note: The salary might vary depending on various factors.

Top Private MD in Psychiatry Colleges in India

Several private colleges in India offer MD programmes in Psychiatry. The fee difference between private and public universities is substantial. Top private universities that grant MDs in Psychiatry include the following:

Top Government MD Community Medicine Colleges in India

Government-run colleges have lower tuition costs than private colleges. Some of the best government colleges that offer the MD Community Medicine programme are as follows:

MD in Psychiatry equips medical graduates with the expertise to diagnose, treat, and manage mental health disorders. The course opens up rewarding career opportunities in various psychiatric specialisations across hospitals, clinics, and research institutions.