One of the highest degrees in surgical education is the MCh degree, or Master of Chirurgiae. This prestigious qualification is recognised as a super-speciality degree in India, allowing surgeons to master their skills in various subfields of surgery. In this article, we will walk you through what the MCh degree entails, including its full form, duration, eligibility criteria, admission process, and the vast scope it offers. If you are considering this path, it is crucial to understand every aspect to make an informed decision.
What is the Master of Chirurgiae or MCh?
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) shows how much haemoglobin is in each red blood cell. Haemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in your blood.
If your MCH level is too high or too low, it could mean you have a vitamin deficiency or a type of anaemia.
MCH tells us the average amount of haemoglobin found in one red blood cell.
Important Dates: Master of Chirurgaie
NEET SS Result Date- 30th April.
MCh degree highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Full form | Master of Chirurgiae |
| Course duration | 3 years |
| Eligibility | MS or equivalent degree in surgery |
| Average fees | INR 35,000 - 45,000 per annum |
| Top entrance exam | NEET SS |
| Specialisations | Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, etc. |
| Average salary | INR 12 – 20 lakh per annum |
MCh degree admission process
Admission to the MCh degree is mainly based on scores from the NEET SS exam. However, some institutes like AIIMS and JIPMER have their own entrance tests. Once you meet all the eligibility requirements, you can apply for MCh by filling in the application form, providing the necessary documents, and paying the admission fee.
- Fill out the online application form on the institute’s official website.
- Enter all details carefully and check everything before submitting.
- You must take the entrance exams required by the institutes, such as NEET SS or INI CET.
- After passing the entrance exams, a merit list will be made and you will be given a college based on your cutoff score.
- If you are shortlisted, you need to pay the course fees and submit the required documents to finish the admission process.
MCh degree eligibility
To be eligible for an MCh degree, you must meet the following criteria:
- Educational qualification: Must have completed an MS (Master of Surgery) or equivalent degree.
- Entrance exam: Must qualify for the NEET SS exam.
- Registration: Must be registered with the Medical Council of India or the State Medical Council.
- Work experience: Some specialisations may require prior work experience in the relevant field.
MCh degree entrance exams
To get into MCh courses in India, colleges use a few different entrance exams as part of the admissions process. Here's a list of the main exams used for MCh degree applications:
Exam name |
Who runs it |
When it's on |
NEET SS |
NBE |
NEET SS Exam Date |
INI CET |
AIIMS New Delhi |
INI CET Exam Date |
Cut-off in MCh Admission
The cut-off score for the MCh programme shows how well a student needs to do to get in. Medical colleges mainly use the NEET SS cut-off for MCh admissions. The cut-off is determined by how many students take the NEET SS exam, any special categories for applicants, and how difficult the NEET SS exam is.
MCh syllabus
The syllabus for the MCh degree varies depending on the specialisation. However, it generally includes the following components:
| Subjects | Details |
| Core subjects | Advanced surgical techniques, research methodology, clinical skills |
| Specialised subjects | Depends on the chosen field (for example: Neurosurgery, Urology, Plastic Surgery) |
| Practical training | Hands-on surgical experience, case studies, clinical rotations |
| Research project | Mandatory research thesis related to the specialisation |
MCh degree: What is it about?
The MCh degree is designed to provide advanced training in various surgical subfields. Here is what it entails:
- Specialisation: Focuses on a specific area of surgery, such as Cardiac Surgery or Urology.
- Advanced techniques: In-depth learning of the latest surgical techniques and technologies.
- Research: Emphasises research and innovation in surgical practices.
- Clinical expertise: Enhances clinical skills through extensive hands-on experience.
- Leadership: Prepares doctors for leadership roles in healthcare institutions.
Why pursue an MCh degree?
After finishing an MCh degree, graduates can work in intensive care units (ICUs), health centres, and emergency services doing surgical jobs. They can also go into research with drug companies, research organisations, and government departments.
Lots of students do both research and surgery at the same time. Working in public health or as a surgical consultant are two different career paths you can take after the MCh course. These professionals work with government groups and help make policies to improve public health.
Here are some career options:
- Specialised Surgeons: After the MCh, you'll become a specialised surgeon. You can focus on things like brain surgery, urology, plastic surgery, or heart and chest surgery.
- Teaching and Academia: If you're interested in research and university life, you can apply to be a professor or teacher. You can teach surgery or other specialist subjects.
- Medical Research: An MCh degree gives you lots of chances to do medical research. You can work in medical research centres and help with research projects.
- Consulting or Private Practice: Graduates can also work on their own after graduating if they don't want to work for companies or labs.
- Areas of Work: Graduates can find jobs in areas like drug companies, research organisations, the government, ICUs, health centres, and emergency services
MCh degree specialisations
The MCh degree offers various specialisations, allowing you to focus on a particular surgical area. Here are some popular options:
| Specialisation | Details |
| Cardiothoracic surgery | Focuses on heart and thoracic surgeries. |
| Neurosurgery | Specialises in surgeries of the brain and spinal cord. |
| Plastic surgery | Involves reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries. |
| Urology | Deals with urinary tract surgeries. |
| Paediatric surgery | Focuses on surgeries for infants and children. |
Career opportunities after MCh degree
After finishing an MCh degree, graduates can work in intensive care units (ICUs), health centres, and emergency services doing surgical jobs. They can also go into research with drug companies, research organisations, and government departments.
Lots of students do both research and surgery at the same time. Working in public health or as a surgical consultant are two different career paths you can take after the MCh course. These professionals work with government groups and help make policies to improve public health.
Here are some career options:
- Specialised Surgeons: After the MCh, you'll become a specialised surgeon. You can focus on things like brain surgery, urology, plastic surgery, or heart and chest surgery.
- Teaching and Academia: If you're interested in research and university life, you can apply to be a professor or teacher. You can teach surgery or other specialist subjects.
- Medical Research: An MCh degree gives you lots of chances to do medical research. You can work in medical research centres and help with research projects.
- Consulting or Private Practice: Graduates can also work on their own after graduating if they don't want to work for companies or labs.
- Areas of Work: Graduates can find jobs in areas like drug companies, research organisations, the government, ICUs, health centres, and emergency services.
Conclusion
The MCh degree is a prestigious qualification that can significantly elevate your career in the medical field. It offers specialised training, hands-on experience, and global recognition. If you are looking to finance your education or set up your own clinic, consider a doctor loan from Bajaj Finance, which offers flexible financing options for medical professionals.
