MD Subjects 2025: Syllabus, Year/Semester-wise Subjects, Books, Specializations

The degree of Doctor of Medicine, usually abbreviated as MD, is a postgraduate degree awarded to students who have completed extensive medical studies. It is a two-year duration programme and provides medical students with training in illness research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. A person who has obtained an MBBS degree is eligible to pursue an MD degree to acquire training in a speciality of their choosing. Paediatrics, Gynaecology, Obstetrics, Ophthalmology, and Dentistry are just a few available specialities.

Graduates should be aware that institutions provide admissions based on the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test PG, more popularly referred to as NEET PG.

MD Subjects — Important Facts

Take a look at some of the facts and information on MD subjects.

• The Doctor of Medicine degree curriculum is a postgraduate medicine degree typically completed in three years, each consisting of six academic terms.

• Compared to the MBBS programme, the MD curriculum emphasises research and practical application.

• Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Pathology are just a few topics covered in the MD curriculum.

• During the final semester of the programme, students are required to participate in a work placement or internship so that they may receive some hands-on experience in addition to the theoretical knowledge they have acquired.

• The general exam pattern for entrance exams into MD courses is MCQ-based questions with negative marking for incorrect answers.

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List of MD Subjects

For Basic Medical Sciences-MD, candidates must possess a recognised MBBS degree (or its equivalent recognised degree). The list of subjects taught under the MD syllabus is given in the table below.

MD Subject	Details
Anatomy	The study of the composition and organisation of the human body is the domain of anatomy. The following topics are included in the curriculum for this degree: osteology, anthropology, myology, systemic anatomy, applied and clinical anatomy, comparative embryology, systemic anatomy, general and systematic embryology, general histology, staining procedures, the evolutionary process, comparative anatomy, physical anthropology, gross and regional anatomy, principles of genetics, radiological anatomy.
Biochemistry	This course covers core principles and current breakthroughs in the field, metabolic and molecular medicine and research methods. It prepares trainees to structure and integrate teaching programmes in medical and nursing schools, set up and manage a diagnostic testing lab, generate, analyse, and understand diagnostic laboratory data, and interact with healthcare professionals to improve patient care.
Microbiology	This includes the study of microorganism-human-organism interactions. The curriculum is subjective and allows students to be more practical by delivering a dimension-based education. The curriculum creates a competent expert and medical professional who recognises community health needs and responsibly fulfils all professional duties.
Pathology	Pathology covers examining organs, tissues, physiological fluids, and complete bodies to diagnose diseases. It is fundamental to every facet of patient care, from diagnostic tests and treatment recommendations to cutting-edge genetic technology and illness prevention.
Pharmacology	Researching the efficacy of different medications in treating a wide range of illnesses in living creatures is the primary focus of this field. The National Medical Council states that the curriculum covers clinical and experimental sciences. Clinical pharmacology covers topics such as providing pharmaceuticals to patients, studying the side effects of such treatments, conducting clinical trials, and pharmacovigilance. In contrast, experimental pharmacology focuses on creating new drugs and investigating their effects.
Physiology	It delves into the research of how normally-functioning biological systems operate. This class also covers the fundamental knowledge of improper function in human illness, which is necessary for treating such diseases via translational research and developing novel approaches.

For Clinical Disciplines-MD, candidates must possess a recognised MBBS degree (or its equivalent recognised degree).

MD Subject	Details
Anaesthesiology	This course focuses on using medications that dull one's senses to pain to reduce its intensity. It is designed for students interested in providing services in the preoperative setting, pain, and emergency medicine. It helps contribute to the field of anesthesiology through a commitment to learning, scientific studies, and scholarly exercises.
Community Medicine	This course studies the variables that cause disease in populations, the disease's natural history, and the effects of the natural environment and human civilization on health and sickness. Students will emerge from the class better equipped to identify the health requirements of their communities, fulfil their professional commitments ethically, and conform their actions to the national health policy goals.
Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy	This course helps cope with various skin conditions and ailments. These graduates are not only skilled in treating skin conditions; they can treat issues of nails and hair. It entails removing scars from the skin, additional development in the skin, abnormal skin behaviour, and other skin conditions. Psoriasis, eczema, and allergies to the scalp and skin are just a few of the conditions included in this category.
General Medicine	Internal medicine is the subspecialty of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and (non-surgical) treatment of conditions that affect the body's internal organs (especially in adults). The course covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to applied fundamental scientific knowledge, diagnostic investigation and procedures, outpatient department (OPD) care, biostatistics and clinical epidemiology, practicals, conferences, research, and more.
Paediatrics	This course covers the diagnosis of babies, children, and adolescents and carries out professional responsibilities consistent with the principles of the National Health Policy and professional morality.
Radiotherapy	This course provides extensive research on radiation to treat various disorders that need laser technology.
Tuberculosis and Chest	This course deals with conditions that affect the respiratory tract and teaches students about preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions that affect the lungs, bronchial tubes, and respiratory system, including the nose, pharynx, and throat. The program's goal is to prepare students for careers in internal medicine, which specialises primarily in these areas.

Detailed Syllabus for MD Subjects

The MD curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics and fields, such as Haematology, Clinical Pathology, Community Medicine, Ophthalmology, etc. It is spread over six semesters or three years. The curricula of universities and colleges in India are almost identical.

The following is an overview of the MD curriculum:

Year/ Time period	Level	MD Subject	Details
1 month	Cognitive Domain (Orientation)	-Basic sciences -Systemic medicine	Basics of human anatomy, the basic functioning of various organ systems, control of vital functions, common pathological changes in various organs, recent advances in relevant basic science, clinical pharmacology, genetics, immunology, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
1st year	Beginner	Procedural abilities and Ward work	History sheet writing-Clinically abilities: - Procedural abilities (PA, PI)*, - Laboratory-diagnostic (All PI) - Communication skills O, A, - PA- BLS & ACLS
2nd year	Intermediate	Specialised procedural skills and emergency	- Independent duties - All procedures - Respiratory management abilities (All PI) - Communication skills (PA, PI) - Writing thesis - Teaching UGs
3rd year		Special skills and intensive critical care	Advanced levels of independent duties, casualty calls, ICU, NICU, UG teaching.

Specialisations Offered in MD

Candidates are eligible for the MD programme after earning their MBBS and completing an internship at a recognised medical school. The specialised programmes last for three years.

Specialisation	Subject	Details
Radiodiagnosis	Neurology Urology Vascular Radiology Gastrointestinal Radiology Musculoskeletal Radiology Interventional Radiology Emergency Radiology Paediatric Radiology	Diagnostic procedures and therapy with radiation are also included in this specialisation. According to the previous year's trends, radio diagnosis has emerged as the most chosen speciality to pursue after completing an MBBS. The primary responsibility of this position is the interpretation of diagnostic tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound images.
General Medicine	Applied basic science knowledge Biostatistics and clinical epidemiology Research review Diagnostic investigation and procedures Diseases concerning General Medicine	This course helps students meet community needs. The speciality demands extensive care. Postgraduates in general medicine practise ambulatory, critical care, inpatient care, and emergency medicine.
Dermatology	The structure, functions, and development of human skin Clinical dermatology Leprosy Venereology	Acne, rashes, rosacea, warts, and different kinds of skin cancer are just a few ailments that dermatologists specialise in. They apply the most recent scientific findings to treat or prevent life-threatening illnesses.
Pulmonary Medicine	development of the respiratory tract Control of ventilation Ventilation and perfusion Non-respiratory functions of the g Acid-Base Balance Interstitial lung disease, including drug-induced or radiation-induced lung disease Infectious diseases and pneumonia	This course covers lung transplantation, non-tuberculous mycobacterial illness, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary vascular disease. The facility also provides preoperative examinations and complete pulmonary function tests.
Anesthesiology	Applied Physiology Muscle Function Applied Anatomy Clinical Pharmacology General Anaesthesia Neurosurgery and management of head injuries Cardiac Anaesthesia	This course focuses on using medications that alleviate pain by rendering the patient unconscious. Students may study ambulatory anaesthesia, cardiothoracic anaesthesia, paediatric anaesthesia, obstetrical anaesthesia, and pain management.

Books and Authors Related to MD

As medicine is a highly versatile field with many specialisations, students read many books during their post-graduation.

Listed below are a few highly-referred books:

Subject	Title	Author	Description
Gross Anatomy	Gray's Anatomy 39th Ed	Henry Gray	It is the finest reference for human anatomy, with its unparalleled description of human structure. It helps the reader understand and memorise 3-D connections of anatomical structures, which may be used in their clinical, oral, or therapeutic profession. It has approximately 700 new pictures.
Histology	Basic Histology Text & Atlas, 10th Ed.	Junqueira	It provides comprehensive knowledge of cell and tissue biology and their structures and functions; the composition and structure of cells, the four fundamental tissues of the body and the organs. It emphasises cell biology as the method with the most basic potential for explaining structure and composition.
Embryology	Medical Embryology	Langman	As a healthcare provider, you may meet pregnant women of reproductive age or have pregnant friends. Pregnancy and delivery affect us all, yet they frequently end badly. This book combines little text with outstanding graphics and clinical photographs. It emphasises the therapeutic significance of the topic by offering clinical instances of unusual embryological occurrences.
Genetics	Medical Genetics 3rd Ed	Jorde	It discusses pharmacogenomics, the social consequences of technology, the Human Genome Project, cloning, genetic enhancement, research on embryonic stem cells and novel tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes, and other topics.
Medicine	Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine	Sir William Osler	It provides an overview of the foundations of genetics, immunology, infectious illnesses, and population health and discusses the essential concepts of clinical decision-making and proper prescription, emergency and critical care medicine, clinical examination, and other topics.
Anaesthesia	Clinical Anesthesiology	Pam Kellner	This book explains medical anaesthesia in simple terms. Anaesthesia is localised or general. Regional anaesthesia is used to numb a specific bodily location, such as during delivery.
Pharmacology	Goodman and Gilman’s Manual of Pharmacology and Therapeutics	Randa Hilal-Dandan and Laurence Brunton.	Having a solid understanding of how each medication works is necessary for medicine. This book covers all there is to know about pharmacology, from the fundamental concepts to the organisational structures.
Dermatology	The Oxford Handbook of Medical Dermatology	Susan Burge, Rubeta Matin, and Dinny Wallis	Provides realistic and accessible guidance on diagnosing and managing skin disorders. This book helps clinicians do a step-by-step analysis of clinical indicators of skin diseases.

Entrance Exams for MD

After graduating from medical school, students may pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, a three-year post-graduate degree program. NEET PG and INI CET are two admission examinations for medical school. To be eligible for these tests, students must have completed an MBBS degree with 50 per cent marks. Depending on the test, there are multiple cutoff points.

• NEET PG: This computer-based exam is available to MD/MS and PG diploma programs in different states, private institutes, deemed/central, ESIC, and AFMS medical institutes throughout India. There's only one exam for all PG admissions. According to the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, no other entrance test will be valid for admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma degrees beginning with the 2021 admission session, whether at the state or university level. NEET PG consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, and the maximum marks is 800, with a negative marking of -1 for every wrong answer.

• INI CET: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) conducts INI CET for admission to MS, DM, and MD programmes. There will be 200 multiple-choice and single-answer questions in the exam. This test determines eligibility for admission to AIIMS-Delhi, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Jodhpur, Rishikesh, and Raipur as well as JIPMER, NIMHANS and PGIMER.

The difficulty level of these exams ranges from moderate to high. To score good marks in these examinations, you should study MBBS subjects such as Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, etc. Almost all of the examinations are conducted as multiple-choice questions and are computer-based. The exams can get you into the best colleges for MD like AIIMS, PGI Chandigarh, MAMC, LHMC, etc.

Top Colleges for MD

Based on the curriculum, choices of specialisations offered, and learning opportunities, these are the top colleges for MD in India along with their official syllabus:

S. No.	Institute	Syllabus (URL)
	AIIMS, Delhi	To be uploaded soon
	Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi	To be uploaded soon
	CMC, Vellore	To be uploaded soon
	Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune	To be uploaded soon
	JIPMER, Puducherry	To be uploaded soon
	Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi	To be uploaded soon
	PGIMER, Chandigarh	To be uploaded soon
	King George’s Medical University, Lucknow	To be uploaded soon
	Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh	Download Here
	AIIMS, Jodhpur	To be uploaded soon

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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding MD Subjects

Q: What is the scope of an MD?

Q: Is an MBBS the same as a doctor with an MD?

Q: Do I need an MD to practise medicine?

Q: How long does an MD course take?

Q: What are the entrance exams for MD?

Q: What are MD's employment prospects?

Q: What is the average cost of an MD course?

Q: Is an internship required for admission to an MD programme?

Q: Is it possible for me to get my doctorate while working full time?

Q: How many types of MD courses are there?

Q: After MBBS, which MD is the most qualified to practise?

Q: What is the eligibility to pursue an MD?

Q: Is it possible for an MD to do surgery?

Q: What comes next after an MD degree?

Following are the most popular MD (Doctor of Medicine) courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in MD (Doctor of Medicine).

Following are the most popular MD (Doctor of Medicine) Colleges in India. Learn more about these MD (Doctor of Medicine) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

Following are the most popular MD (Doctor of Medicine) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.