Pediatrics Courses, Colleges & Career Paths

A career in pediatrics in India begins with the 5.5-year MBBS degree (admission via NEET UG), followed by a 3-year MD in Pediatrics or postgraduate diploma (DCH) obtained through NEET PG, and optionally a 3-year DM super-speciality in Neonatology, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Neurology, or Pediatric Oncology obtained through NEET SS or INI SS. Premier institutions for pediatric training include AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, CMC Vellore, JIPMER Puducherry, and Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute Lucknow. Government MBBS fees range from ₹10,000–₹50,000 per year and private/deemed fees from ₹5–25 lakh per year; PG resident stipends for pediatrics range from ₹60,000–₹90,000 per month. Pediatricians work in government and corporate hospitals, dedicated children's hospitals, neonatal and paediatric ICUs, and private practice, with specialist earnings rising substantially after MD and DM qualifications. India's focus on child and maternal health through programmes like Mission Indradhanush continues to sustain strong demand for pediatric specialists.