Master Of Chirurgiae [M.CH] 2025 - Full Form, Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Duration

The most advanced postgraduate degree in surgery is called a Master of Chirurgiae, or MCh. The highest degree available in surgical science in the Indian medical system is a three-year study. MCh Course duration is 3 years.  A MS (Master of Surgery), MD (Doctor of Medicine), or any other postgraduate degree recognised by the Medical Council of India is the minimum requirement to pursue an MCh degree, and admission is solely based on performance in the NEET SS test.

This course is mostly taken by younger doctors and professionals who desire to improve their clinical and research skills by deepening their knowledge of the field and engaging in more clinical practise, in order to have the qualifications required of a senior level doctor. Alert: In the first week of May 2025, NEET SS 2025 registration will open - CHECK HERE

This top-tier programme is offered in India by more than 120 universities, both public and private, at an average annual cost of about INR 60,000.

According to the NIRF ranking, the following are the finest Master of Surgery colleges in India

In comparison, government universities charge far lower tuition, allowing students to complete the MCh programme in under INR 1 lakh, whereas private institutions like Ramaiah Medical College and Kasturba Medical College may charge as much as INR 20 LPA year. Therefore, due to lower tuition and more prospects, doctors choose to pursue their MCh degree from a government college rather than a private college. This course provides training that is essential to the MCh curriculum, including practical training, surgery training, research training, seminars, teaching ward rounds, clinical case presentations, and much more. The primary MCh specialisations are General Surgery, Anatomy, Cardiac Surgery, ENT, Plastic Surgery, and Neuro Surgery, among others. After completing training in a relevant specialisation, you may be eligible for a variety of professions in government institutions.

MCh Degree Admission Procedure

The admission is determined by the results of the NEET SS (Super Speciality), which takes place every June.

Following the counselling provided by the organisations MCC (Medical Counselling Committee), DGHS (Director General of Health Services), and MoHFW (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare) following result declaration, candidates are chosen.

MCh Degree Eligibility Criteria

The following basic requirements must be met in order to enrol in the MCh programme:

• Candidates must hold an equivalent professional master's degree, such as an MS, MD, or DNB, in the subject of medical science.
• They must be registered with either the State Medical Council or the Medical Council of India (MCI).
• They ought to have passed the admission exam (NEET SS) prior to the deadline.

On the condition that they are a licenced physician with the MCI or State Medical Council, candidates with an MBBS degree are eligible to choose the 5- to 6-year MCh degree.

MCh Entrance Exams

NEET SS is the primary entrance exam required for admission. All colleges that provide Master of Surgery degrees can give admission through this exam, with the exception of AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and others because they hold separate entrance exams for MCh Admission.

NEET SS (Super Speciality)

We are all aware that the NEET score is crucial for admission to any medical programme, whether it be a UG or PG programme like MBBS, MD, etc.

NEET SS certification is required for admission to the best MCh institutes, including the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Lady Hardinge Medical College, Madras Medical College (MMC), and other public and private institutions. The National Board of Examinations (NBE) administers the computer-based exam, which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.

The crucial dates for the NEET SS 2025 can be found in the table below:

Preparation for NEET SS

The NEET SS exam is an MCQ-based test with 100 questions separated into Parts A and B.

• Questions from the eligible feeder wide specialties and/or specialties for a certain super specialty course make up Part A and are given a 40% weighting.
• Questions from the relevant super-speciality or set of related super-specialties are included in Part B and are given a 60% weighting (at the PG exit level).

Four points are given for each accurate response, while one point is taken away for each erroneous response. Candidates should use the appropriate books and study materials to completely prepare for both portions.

Points to keep in mind while preparing for the NEET SS Exam

• Timetable: To complete the entire curriculum in time for the exam, a correct timetable should be maintained when studying for it.
• Specialization Knowledge: Your topic knowledge should be solid because this exam will include questions from the specialisation you studied at the PG level.
• Clinical Practice: Questions in Part B will cover clinical practise and basic science concepts as they relate to the relevant super-specialty, so you should be prepared to answer these questions as well.
• Books and Study Aids: You can purchase a variety of practise books for the NEET SS Exam that are MCQ-based from bookstores and online. These also include old question and answer sheets from prior years' exams.
• Revision Notes: Making diagrams, flowcharts, or tables out of your revision notes will make it simpler for you to review them in the days leading up to the exam.

What is MCh?

• Students who desire to gain expertise in the field of surgical science favour this 3-year programme based on specialised learning.
• The highest degree offered by the Faculty of Medicine in medical institutions and universities is a doctoral or postdoctoral degree.
• The MCh programme comprises instruction and practical experience in the chosen area of specialisation, such as general surgery, anatomy, ear, nose, and throat, plastic surgery, etc.
• Students must pass an exit exam at the conclusion of their third year, which will assess their abilities.
• Every student enrolled in the MCh programme is obliged to complete a dissertation.
• Students who enrol in the Master of Surgery programme receive a stipend of between INR 40,000 and INR 45,000 per month while working part-time in the institution or institute.

MCh Course Information

Why Study an MCh degree?

• Doctors who want to advance their clinical surgical competence typically enrol in the Master of Chirurgiae programme, which is the highest degree available in the area of surgery.
• Through this course, surgeons can learn the latest developments and advancements in surgery and become skilled in applying these abilities to a variety of operations and patients.
• In addition, an MCh degree offers training that enables doctors to instruct medical students and juniors on the various facets of surgical science.
• After a rigorous training programme, this course is the ideal approach to become a qualified specialist surgeon in a variety of specialties, including urology, cardiothoracic, paediatric, endocrine, and even general surgery.
• These surgeons can use their talents and earn an average salary of about INR 10-15 Lakhs per year at hospitals, medical clinics, and research facilities.
• In reputable hospitals and research facilities, the salary range rises with experience and might reach INR 35 Lakhs per year.

Course Comparison

Following an MS, MD, or any other master's degree recognised by MCI, students may pursue an MCh degree, which is a super specialisation course. Since both MCh and DM (Doctorate of Medicine) are regarded as among the top degrees in the Indian medical system, the majority of people mistake them for one other. Both of these three-year courses are available to clinicians who desire to advance their education and earn an MD or MS.

Specializations in MCh

Because this is a specialist school, there are numerous specialities that provide doctors advanced study and training.

MCh in Cardiac Surgery

Cardiac surgery is the surgical management of conditions affecting the heart and lungs as well as their organs. MCh in Cardiac Surgery offers trained and experienced doctors evidence-based training that enables them to gain the necessary abilities to make a contribution to the healthcare industry.

MCh in Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery

The MCh in Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery is a research-based programme that focuses on the treatment of pulmonary and mediastinal malignancies, as well as the transplantation of thoracic organs and the management of valvular, aneurysm, congenital, and ischemic heart problems.

MCh in Gastroenterology Surgery

Surgery performed on the organs involved in digestion is referred to as gastroenterology surgery. The MCh in Gastroenterology Surgery offers doctors specialised training to become surgeons in this specialty.

MCh in NeuroSurgery

The medical speciality known as MCh in Neurological Surgery is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of diseases that affect any portion of the neurological system.

MCh in Surgical Oncology

Aspirants interested in learning about the surgical management and treatment of tumours might consider the MCh in Surgical Oncology programme. All aspects of cancer diagnosis, biopsy, and treatment are covered in this course.

Other MCh Degree Specializations

Top MCh Colleges

This PhD level degree is offered by more than 120 colleges in India, including those in the states of New Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and others.

According to the NIRF Ranking, the following table lists the top MCH colleges in India:

A monthly stipend of between INR 35,000 and 45,000 is paid to doctors enrolled in the MCh degree to work in the hospital's various departments as they receive the training and skills they need to succeed as surgeons in their field of concentration.

College Comparison

The chart below compares a few of the top institutions that medical professionals choose to attend in order to receive training in the field of surgery, taking into account the college's profile, reputation, and cost.

Read More:

MCh Syllabus

The MCh course curriculum is designed to ensure that doctors receive the required training by utilising resources such clinical practise and training, surgical training, seminars, conferences, ward rounds, academic activities, research & publications, etc.

The Theory Syllabus consists of subjects such as:

• General Topics
• Oesophagus
• Stomach & Duodenum
• Biliary System
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Spleen
• Intestine, and other studies

Some of the training that is covered by the MCH Syllabus is listed in the table below:

The exam is given following the completion of the third year and typically consists of three papers in theory and one or more practical exams such as an operational test, viva, specimen test, etc.

MCh Scope and Career

Being a super specialist degree, Master of Chirurgiae is one of the most challenging programmes and necessitates extensive clinical, surgical, and academic training. Government hospitals and clinics offer some of the best job options for MCh doctors. They are given numerous surgical tasks and other research projects, which improves their surgical abilities and makes them compatible enough to supervise an operation.They can also collaborate closely with decision-makers and help them assess the many policies that should be taken to advance the healthcare industry.In addition to this, they can work as surgeons, surgical consultants, and much more in the commercial sector, research institutes, and other industries.

Some of the key roles that a doctor can pursue after completing his or her MCh education are listed below:

Similar course: Doctorate of Medicine (MD)