MBBS Doctor Salary in India: What You Really Earn After Graduation
When you finish your MBBS, the undergraduate medical degree required to practice as a doctor in India. Also known as Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, it’s the gateway to becoming a licensed physician. But the big question isn’t just whether you can get in—it’s what you’ll make after you do. The MBBS doctor salary isn’t one number. It changes based on where you work, how long you’ve been practicing, and whether you’re in a government hospital or a private clinic.
Right after graduation, most doctors start with a one-year rotating internship. During this time, you might earn between ₹15,000 and ₹30,000 a month, depending on the state and hospital. After that, if you join a government hospital, your starting salary as a junior doctor usually hits ₹50,000 to ₹70,000 per month. That’s with basic pay, allowances, and sometimes housing. In contrast, private hospitals often pay less at first—₹30,000 to ₹50,000—but offer more hours and chances to pick up extra shifts. The real jump comes after you clear your NEET PG and specialize. A general physician in a city like Delhi or Mumbai can make ₹1.2 lakh to ₹2 lakh a month. Surgeons, cardiologists, and radiologists? Those numbers can go even higher, especially in corporate hospitals.
Don’t forget the government jobs, positions in state or central health services like AIIMS, PGIMER, or state medical departments. Also known as civil medical services, these roles offer job security, pensions, and steady raises. They’re competitive, but the pay scales are transparent and rise with seniority. A senior consultant in a government hospital can earn over ₹3 lakh a month. Meanwhile, private practice, running your own clinic or partnering with other doctors. Also known as independent medical practice, it’s the path where earnings aren’t capped by a salary chart. You might work 12-hour days for years before seeing big returns, but once your reputation grows, your income can far outpace salaried roles.
What most people don’t tell you? The first five years after MBBS are tough. Long hours, low pay compared to the effort, and constant pressure. But after that, the financial payoff kicks in—if you’re smart about your choices. Whether you go for a government post, join a hospital chain, or open your own clinic, your salary isn’t just about your degree. It’s about your specialization, location, work ethic, and how you build your career over time. Below, you’ll find real insights from doctors who’ve been there—from fresh graduates to seasoned specialists—on how they made their money, where they struggled, and what actually pays off in the long run.
