Aspire to be a neurologist in India? You’re choosing a path that saves people’s life. These specialists tackle complex tasks like brain and nerve disorders with skill and care.
With over 25 years of experience, Vishwa Medical Admission Point has been helping students pursue medical careers — and we’re here to guide you on the path to becoming a neurologist in India. This guide is simple, practical, and answers the questions you’re probably asking right now.
Why Choose Neurology?
Neurology is amazing because it’s about understanding the human body’s most complex system—the nervous system. Plus, it’s a field with many growing opportunities.
According to the Indian Academy of Neurology, brain-related health problems are on the rise, while today there are only 3,000 of them. By 2030, India will need about 10,000 neurologists to take care of these types of health problems. Moreover, neurologists can earn Rs 15-25 lakh per year in 2030.
You could work in a hospital, dive into research, or even start your own clinic.
Steps to Become a Neurologist in India
To become a neurologist in India you need to complete an MD degree in General Medicine after an MBBS degree. After that, a specialization with a DM in Neurology is required.
Step 1: Finish High School with Science
Your journey starts in 12th grade. You’ll need to study Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) and score at least 50% (or 40% for reserved categories). These subjects are your foundation for medical school. At Vishwa Medical Admission Point, we’ve helped students pick the best schools and coaching classes.
For example, we worked with a student named Arjun who boosted his PCB scores with our tailored study tips.
Step 2: Ace the NEET-UG Exam
Next up is the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG). About 20 lakh students will take it in 2024, all competing for around 1.2 lakh MBBS seats. A high score gets you into top colleges like AIIMS Delhi or Christian Medical College, Vellore. We’ve seen many students that shine after our guidance.
Take Meera, who got an All India Rank of 420 in NEET-UG 2024 with our mock tests and study plans. Vishwa can help you prepare smart and stay focused.
Step 3: Pursue MBBS Degree
Once you pass NEET-UG, you’ll join a 5.5-year MBBS program. That’s 4.5 years of classes plus a 1-year internship where you get real-world experience. This degree teaches you the basics of being a doctor. Vishwa Medical Admission Point helps you choose MBBS colleges for Indian students, whether in India or abroad.
For instance, we’ve placed students in colleges like Kasturba Medical College or universities in Georgia, which offer affordable, Medical Council of India (MCI)-approved programs.
Step 4: Get a Postgraduate Degree
Once you finish MBBS, the next step is a 3-year MD or DNB in General Medicine or Pediatrics. It starts with NEET-PG—yes, it’s competitive, with 2 lakh aspirants for 50,000 seats by 2030, but with the right preparation, you can succeed. This step prepares you for neurology. Vishwa offers NEET-PG prep advice and helps you pick programs that fit your plans.
Step 5: Specialize in Neurology with a DM
To become a neurologist, you need a 3-year DM (Doctorate of Medicine) in Neurology. You will take the NEET-SS exam, which will test what you have learned in your postgraduate degree. There are only about 500 DM Neurology seats in India, at places like NIMHANS Bangalore or AIIMS Delhi.
It’s competitive, but Vishwa helps with mock tests and guides you to apply to the right programs.
Step 6: Get Your Medical License
After your DM, you’ll register with the Medical Council of India or your state’s medical council to practice as a neurologist. This license shows you’re legit. If you studied MBBS abroad, Vishwa makes sure you understand the licensing process to meet Indian rules.
Step 7: Gain Hands-On Experience
The DM program includes a clinical residency, where you’ll manage patient cases under expert guidance. After that, you might do a fellowship in something like pediatric neurology to level up your skills. Joining groups like the Indian Academy of Neurology keeps you in the loop with new research.
Vishwa connects students with internships at top hospitals like Apollo or Fortis, so you’re ready to grow.
How to Choose MBBS Colleges for Indian Students
Choosing the right MBBS college is huge. Look for colleges with strong accreditation, good teachers, and hospital connections. Top Indian colleges include AIIMS Delhi and CMC Vellore. Abroad, places like Russia or Georgia offer budget-friendly, MCI-approved programs. Vishwa has helped over 10,000 students find great colleges since 2010.
For example, our student Priyank joined Tbilisi State Medical University in 2023 with our support, from applications to visas.
What’s Next for Neurologists?
By 2030, brain-related disorders are expected to rise by 25%, so neurologists will be in high demand. You could work at hospitals like Medanta, do research at places like the National Brain Research Centre. Salaries start around INR 15 lakhs and can hit INR 40 lakhs for experienced doctors. Specializing in areas like neurocritical care can make you even more sought-after.
Why Choose Vishwa Medical Admission Point?
We’ve been guiding students into medical colleges for over 25 years. Our team, including former doctors, gives you honest, one-on-one advice. We’ve helped thousands of students, like the 500 we placed in 2024, get into top programs. We keep it clear and simple—no hidden costs, just real help with exams, college choices, and more.
Tips to Get There
- Start Early: NEET prep in 10th grade for a head start.
- Stay Curious: Check out neurology journals or events to learn more.
- Build Connections: Join groups like the Neurological Society of India for support.
- Get Guidance: Let Vishwa help you navigate admissions and exams.
Let’s Sum It Up
Becoming a neurologist in India takes time, but it’s a path to a meaningful career helping people. You’ll need to finish 12th with science, pass NEET-UG, get your MBBS, earn an MD, specialize with a DM, and gain experience. Vishwa Medical Admission Point is here to guide you every step of the way, from picking colleges to prepping for exams. Ready to get started? Contact us for more support.
Answering Common Questions
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Neurology Courses?
For MBBS, you need 12th grade with PCB and a good NEET-UG score. For DM Neurology, you need an MBBS, an MD or DNB in General Medicine or Pediatrics, and at least 50% on the NEET-SS exam. Some places, like NIMHANS, might want extra work experience. Vishwa checks your eligibility and helps with applications to avoid any slip-ups.
Can You Pursue Neurology Course After 12th?
Neurology isn’t available right after 12th. You’ll need to go through a 6-year MBBS course first, which teaches fundamental medical sciences. Vishwa helps you find the right MBBS program.
Can You Study Neurology Without NEET?
NEET-UG is a must for MBBS, and MBBS is required for neurology. There aren’t any neurology courses after 12th without NEET. That said, you could try related fields like B.Sc. Neuroscience at some colleges, which don’t always need NEET. These won’t make you a neurologist but can teach you about the brain.
Duration to Become a Neurologist?
About 12 to 14 years of study and training after 12th:
- MBBS: 6 years
- MD or DNB: 3 years
- DM Neurology: 3 years
Add 1-2 years for a fellowship if you want one. Vishwa helps you map out your timeline to stay on track.
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