Master of Chirurgiae (M Ch) Full Form, Admission Process, Entrance Exams, Top Colleges, Eligibility, Scope and Salary

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Sounak Banerjee

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What is MCh Neurosurgery?

What is MCh Neurosurgery?

Master of Chirurgiae in Neurosurgery is a three to six-year postgraduate specialisation course in surgery, providing the knowledge and expertise to examine, diagnose, and surgically treat disorders of the nervous system, including Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.

Principal subjects included in this course are Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Neuropathology, Pain Management, Spinal Surgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery, and Fluid, Electrolytes and Nutrition. Students may also need to complete a seven-year residency program if they have enrolled into the course directly after an MBBS, or a four-year residency program if they have enrolled after an MS in General Surgery, in order to become a neurosurgeon.

Candidates who have completed an MBBS, MS General Surgery, or equivalent, from an institute recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI), with an aggregate of 55% marks are eligible to enroll for this program. 

Check Out: MBA After MBBS

Students who have entered directly after an MBBS must complete the six-year program in order to get the degree, while those who have entered after an MS General Surgery, only, can attend the three-year program to get the MCh Neurosurgery qualification.

Below are few of the top colleges offering an MCh in Neurosurgery:

NIRF Ranking 2020: Medical College Admission Process* Average Course Fee (INR) [3-year] Average Placement Offer (INR)
1 AIIMS, Delhi AIIMS-PG 7,125 9.6 - 12 LPA
2 PGIMER, Chandigarh PGIMER Exam 10,410 4.5 - 7 LPA
3 Christian Medical College NEET-PG 6,14,178 2.2 - 7.2 LPA
4 NIMHANS, Bangalore NIMHANS Exam 2,33,000 3-6 LPA
6 Institute of Medical Sciences BHU NEET-PG 1,64,000 3 - 8.4 LPA

The average fee charged for the course ranges from INR 2,000 - 12 Lakh in different colleges.

Aspiring candidates can proceed with their studies after MCh in Neurosurgery by pursuing fellowship programs, as MCh in Neurosurgery is the most advanced degree in the field of surgery. Contenders may even take up Clinical Research and practice medicine. 

Otherwise, graduates could work in hospitals and publishing companies as Senior Resident Neurosurgeon, Consultant for Neurosurgery, Journal Reviewer, and Researcher. They may also enter the profession of teaching and/or further research. 

See Also: MCh Neurosurgery Colleges

Students must prepare and submit a thesis six months before the final examination. Students may also need to complete a seven-year residency program if they have enrolled into the course directly after an MBBS, or a four-year residency program if they have enrolled after an MS in General Surgery, in order to become a neurosurgeon. After the course, students may get a three-month posting in basic neurosciences like pathology and animal lab.

Enrolling students may need to work for long hours, and require computational, speaking and writing skills, ability to handle microscopes and other equipment, and a critical, analytical and observant nature to acquire maximum understanding of the discipline during the course.

See Also: List of All MCh Courses in India

Average initial salary proffered to a postgraduate in neurosurgery is 4-15 LPA, which increases with the number of years of work experience and knowledge in the field.

MCh Neurosurgery Course Highlights

MCh Neurosurgery Course Highlights

Course Level Post Graduation
Full Form  Master of Chirurgiae in Neurosurgery
Duration 3-6 years
Examination Type  Semester-based
Eligibility MBBS, MS General Surgery, or equivalent, from an institute recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI), with an aggregate of 55% marks
Admission Process Entrance-based and Personal Interview/Counselling
Average Course Fee (INR) 2,000-12 Lakh
Average Salary Package (INR) 4-15 LPA
Top Recruiting Companies Kailash Hospital, Apollo Hospital, Metro Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Max Hospital
Job Position Senior Resident Neurosurgeon, Consultant for Neurosurgery, Journal Reviewer, Researcher
MCh Neurosurgery Eligibility

MCh Neurosurgery Eligibility

The eligibility for studying MCh Neurosurgery are mentioned below:

  • Candidates who have completed their MBBS or a post graduation in General Surgery, from an institute recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI), with an aggregate of 55% marks are eligible to enroll for this program.
  • Candidates with a minimum of 1 year of work experience in a recognised medical institute get special preferences.
  • Institutions requiring an entrance exam for admission may take into account both the entrance exam score as well as previous academic records. The cut-off mark for the examination is decided by each institution.
  • Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), differently abled, and other categories shall get a relaxation of 5% of marks.
  • Letters of recommendation can also be favourable to the candidate.

Check Out: Top MCh Colleges in India

What is MCh Neurosurgery Admission Process

What is MCh Neurosurgery Admission Process

Most varsities offer admission to a master’s in Neurosurgery through the qualification in an entrance exam.

  • Direct entrance - 

  • Candidates are selected on the basis of merit. They must make sure that they fit into the eligibility criteria before applying.
  • Students can apply for colleges managing merit-based entrances through online or offline applications, where the mode of payment is the same as that of application respectively.
  • Exam-based entrance - 

  • Most institutions conduct an entrance exam for a candidate to be enrolled in MCh Neurosurgery.
  • Some of the most common entrance exams accepted nationally are AIIMS and NIMS entrance exams.
  • In order to appear for exams, students have to register and make payments through the online mode.
  • Institutes accepting entrance exam scores follow a common selection procedure, though the cut-off mark set depends on the institutions.
  • Relaxation of a fixed percentile is allowed to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), differently abled, and other categories.
  • Selection procedure consists mainly of three steps-
  1. Shortlisting:

Candidates are shortlisted depending on their accepted entrance exam score and by their academic records.

  1. Personal Interview (PI):

After being shortlisted, aspirants get into the Group Discussion/Personal Interview (PI) round, where their competence, critical thinking and communication skills are tested.

  1. Final Selection:

After the PI round, a fixed number of candidates are selected, who are now eligible to be admitted to the respective institute.

  • Before being admitted into a college, students are advised to partake in the counseling session or go through the college prospectus carefully to get an idea about the curriculum and fee structure.
  • After a student is entitled to be admitted in a university, they are expected to submit the following documents to the management of the school:
  1. The corresponding entrance exam admit card, score card and rank letter.
  2. Two copies of allotment Letter from National Board of Examinations (NBE) or the corresponding State Directorate of Medical Education.
  3. MBBS/MD / MS degree certificate
  4. Internship Completion certificate (MBBS)
  5. Registration certificate from the MCI/State Medical Council (both for MBBS and MD/MS)
  6. Transfer Certificate
  7. Six passport size photographs.
  8. Character certificate
  9. Experience certificate (if any)
  10. Reservation certificate (if any)
  11. Migration certificate
  12. Medical Certificate
  13. Self-attested copies of various identity verification documents.
  14. Domicile certificate
  15. Demand Draft 
MCh Neurosurgery Entrance Exams

MCh Neurosurgery Entrance Exams

Various entrance exams are conducted by the central government, which are commonly accepted; by different states of India, and by certain universities.

Different schools may look into the scores gained in the exams of their choice.

Most common / national-level entrance exams are:

  1. AIIMS-PG - Conducted twice a year by the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi for admissions to MD, MS, MCh, DM courses of three and six years of duration offered by all AIIMS.
  2. PGIMER Entrance Exam - Conducted twice a year by Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh to offer an admission in MD, MS, MCh, and DM Hospital Administrative courses availed by PGIMER.
  3. NEET-PG - Run by the National Board of Examination (NBE) every year to admit candidates into MD, MS, PG Diploma courses in medical colleges all over India except AIIMS, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and JIPMER.
  4. NIMHANS Entrance Exam - Conducted twice a year by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) for admission to PhD, super-specialty, PD medical, post non-medical, and UG programs offered in NIMHANS.
  5. NEET SS - Managed by the NBE to allot candidates to DM, MCh, DNB super-specialty, and FNB fellowship courses offered in medical institutions all over India, except AIIMS, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and JIPMER.
  6. JIPMER PG - Conducted twice a year by Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry for admissions to MD, MS, DM, MCh, and MDS courses offered in JIPMER.

Important dates to be noted about the Entrance Exams for MCh Neurosurgery are mentioned below:

Exams Registration Date* Examination Date* Mode of Examination
AIIMS-PG 2021 For 3-year MCh: Sept 10 - 30, 2020 Apr 03, 2021 Online (CBT***)
For 6-year MCh: TBA** May 09, 2021
PGIMER Entrance Exam 2021 2nd week of Nov - 4th week of Nov, 2020 Nov 27, 2020 Online
NEET-PG 2021 1st week of Nov - 3rd week of Nov, 2020 1st week of Jan, 2021 Online (CBT)
NIMHANS Entrance Exam 2021 Jan 07 - Feb 06, 2020 Sept 29-30, 2020 Online
NEET SS 2020 Aug 03 - 23, 2020 Sept 15, 2020 Online (CBT)
JIPMER 2021 Sept 16 - Oct 21, 2020 Dec 06, 2020 Online (CBT)

*Dates may vary due to Covid-19 pandemic.

**TBA= To Be Announced

***CBT=Computer Based Test

How to Prepare for MCh Neurosurgery Entrance Exams?

Each entrance exam is held between 11/2 hour and 31/2  hours, and their maximum marks are different. Nonetheless, their pattern is similar and students may prepare for any of the exams with some common methods.

Given below is the NEET PG Exam Pattern:

Section Subjects No. Of Questions
  Part - A Anatomy 17
Physiology 17
Biochemistry 16
Total 50



  Part - B
Pathology 25
Pharmacology 20
Microbiology 20
Forensic Medicine 10
Social and Preventive Medicine 25
Total 100




  Part - C
General Medicine with Dermatology Venereology & Psychiatry 45
General Surgery with Orthopedics, Anaesthesia & Radio Diagnosis 45
Obstetrics and Gynaecology 30
Paediatrics 10
ENT 10
Ophthalmology 10
Total 150

Other details:

  • Every correct answer is awarded 4 marks. Maximum marks for NEET PG is 1200.
  • Questions are of objective type.
  • There are negative markings of 1 each for every wrong answer.
  • Medium of Examination: English only.
  • Examination syllabus is mostly based on the MBBS curriculum, though the examination patterns are different.

Preparation Tips for MCh Neurosurgery:

The preparation tips followed by MCh Neurosurgery are mentioned below:

  • Candidates must start their preparation months in advance as there is an extensive amount of knowledge to be obtained.
  • Students must get familiar with MCQ-based exams by practicing mock or previous question papers.
  • Contenders must take the decision of preparation through self-study or through coaching classes.
  • Some of the best coaching centres for PG medical entrances are Dr Bhatia Medical Coaching Institute, Delhi Academy of Medical Sciences (DAMS), Institute of Advanced Medical Studies (IAMS), and Speed Medical Centre.

Check Out: Top Coaching Centres for MBBS

Various reference books and guides are available in bookstores and online shops. Some of them are:

Name of Book Author
The Next Level of Preparation NEET PG Crystal Clear 2016-2020 Thameem Saif & Apurv Mehra
Review of Pharmacology Gobind Rai Garg
Self Assessment & Review Obstetrics Sakshi Arora Hans
Self Assessment & Review Gynecology Sakshi Arora Hans
Review of Pediatrics and Neonatology Taruna Mehra, Apurv Mehra, Meenakshi Bothra Gupta
AIIMS ESSENCE 2015 - 2019 Pritesh Singh
Orthopedics Quick Review (OPQR) Apurv Mehra
PGI Chandigarh Manoj Chaudhary, Hemalatha Patel Chaudhary
MEDICINE SIMPLIFIED Dr. Mukesh Bhatia

How To Get Admission in a Good College?

The process for getting admission in a good college for studying MCh Neurosurgery are mentioned below:

  • Since most colleges enroll students on the basis of entrance exams, candidates are advised to procure high percentages in the corresponding entrance exams.
  • Admission to institutions taking entrance exams into account comprises of two main steps:
  1. Exam Score:

  • Scoring a percentile more than the required cut-off can help in being shortlisted right away. Students must take note of the cut-off mark decided by each college and work hard enough to achieve that score in the entrance exams.
  • Practice for an entrance exam must not stop just because one has tackled some mock question papers. There is still room for improvement and candidates must keep practicing consistently.
  1. Personal Interview (PI): 

  • Students must upgrade their communication skills, critical thinking and knowledge about the subject, as these are some of the criteria being tested during this round.
  • Participation and certification in various extra-curricular activities such as clubs, sports, and NGO volunteering can be an addendum to the list of merits.

Other suggestions studying MCh Neurosurgery:

  • Be updated about the dates of registration and examination, and apply before the deadline.
  • Prepare well and in advance for the entrance exams.
  • Always be aware about current affairs.
  • Make sure to exercise the necessary skills for the interview/group discussion held after the exams.
MCh Neurosurgery Syllabus

MCh Neurosurgery Syllabus

The following table gives a subject-wise syllabus followed in the curriculum for MCh in Neurosurgery:

Basics
Neuroanatomy Neuropharmacology
Neuropathology Neuroradiology
Neurophysiology Neurology
General Clinical
Fluid, Electrolytes, and Nutrition Infection
General Critical Care Practice Management, Legal and Socioeconomic Issues 
Neurosurgical Clinical
Neurotrauma and Neurosurgical Critical Care Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery
Cerebrovascular Surgery Spinal Surgery
Pediatric Neurosurgery Surgery of the Peripheral Nervous System
Pain Management --
MCh Neurosurgery Top Colleges

MCh Neurosurgery Top Colleges

Below are a few colleges, approved by the Medical Council of India (MCI), supporting an MCh in Neurosurgery:

NIRF Ranking 2020: Medical Name of College City Average Course Fee (INR) [3-year] Average Salary Package (INR)
1 AIIMS, Delhi Delhi 7,125 9.6 - 12 LPA
2 PGIMER, Chandigarh Chandigarh 10,410 4.5 - 7 LPA
3 Christian Medical College Vellore 6,14,178 2.2 - 7.2 LPA
4 NIMHANS, Bangalore Bengaluru 2,33,000 3-6 LPA
5 Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences Lucknow 2,06,000 --
6 Institute of Medical Sciences BHU Varanasi 1,64,000 3 - 8.4 LPA
7 Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Kochi 54,00,000 4.2 - 9.6 LPA
8 Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research Puducherry 26,580 3 - 7.2 LPA
9 Kasturba Medical College Manipal 66,10,000 3 - 9.6 LPA
10 King George's Medical University Lucknow 1,17,000 6-9 LPA

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College Comparison

Given below are the comparisons between a few of the best colleges supporting a MCh Neurosurgery program:

Parameter AIIMS, Delhi Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Cochin Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
Overview Founded in 1956 and ranked 231st out of medical colleges in the world according to QS WUR, the institute develops patterns for teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and produces teachers and researchers in the field of medicine and related sciences. Inaugurated in 1998 and accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), the institute is equipped with modern amenities and computerised facilities which helps medical education and treatments to reach utmost efficiency. Established in 1953 and recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI), the college provides many medical courses out of which the MBBS degree is internationally recognized, and includes many exchange programs with various countries including US, Canada and Netherlands.
NIRF Medical Ranking 2020 1 7 9
Average Course Fee (INR) [3 year] 7,125 54 Lakh 66.10 Lakh
Average Placement Package (INR) 9.6 - 12 LPA 4.2 - 9.6 LPA 3 - 9.6 LPA
Top Recruiting Companies AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital AIMS, The Advisory Board Company,  National Instruments Corporation, ATLAS Healthcare Indigene, Biocon LTD., Cipla, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Eris Life Sciences, GSK Pharma

Note:-   A distant/online MCh Neurosurgery program is not available since they involve surgical studies and the completion of residency programs, and may require the candidate's attendance on campus for their final examinations.

Why Study MCh Neurosurgery?

Why Study MCh Neurosurgery?

The reasons for studying MCh Neurosurgery are mentioned below:

  • Through this course, contenders may learn to treat patients having nervous, peripheral, and cervical disorders through both surgical and non-surgical methods.
  • They may conduct clinical research, clinical trials, and basic and translational research; perform diagnostic tests like CAT scan, MRI, spinal taps, electroencephalography, and electromyography; and refer patients to other specialists for further diagnosis or treatment.
  • The course is suitable for clinical scientists, doctors with neuroradiology, and neurosurgeons who want to establish a career in Endovascular Neurological Therapy and Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery. Postgraduates may also facilitate the learning of medical and nursing students, practising surgeons, and paramedical health workers.
  • The curriculum is shaped in such a way that it helps develop skills for self-directed learning, critical analysis, organising and supervising, collaborations, effective communication, appropriate use of learning resources, recognising the continuing educational needs, and practicing neurosurgery in a community.
  • Students get experienced in Research Methodology and epidemiology, and an awareness about modern advancements in medical sciences.  
  • The program helps realise the importance of health as the priority of the country and implement national health programs effectively.
  • Graduands develop a feeling of empathy, and provide counselling to patients and their families, in addition to planning and delivering treatment using principles of drug therapy.
  • Neurosurgeons may also document case details about morbidity and mortality depending on the relevance of the situation.
MCh Neurosurgery Course Comparisons

MCh Neurosurgery Course Comparisons

The comparisons between MCh Neurology vs MCh Plastic Surgery and MCh Neurology vs MCh Cardio-thoracic Surgery are mentioned below:

  1. MCh Neurology vs. MCh Plastic Surgery

The comparison between MCh Neurology vs MCh Plastic Surgery are based on numerous factors and parameters which are described below:

Parameter MCh Neurosurgery MCh Plastic Surgery
Qualification Master of Chirurgiae in Neurosurgery Master of Chirurgiae in Plastic Surgery
Duration 3-6 years 3-6 years
Eligibility An MBBS, MS General Surgery, or equivalent, from an institute recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI), with an aggregate of 55% marks are eligible to enroll for this program. An MBBS, MS General Surgery, or equivalent, from an institute recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI), with an aggregate of 55% marks are eligible to enroll for this program.
Course Objective Deals with diagnosis, examination, rehabilitation, surgical treatment, and prevention of disorders that affect the nervous system - the spinal cord, extracranial cerebrovascular system, brain, and peripheral nerves. Deals with correction and restoration of different parts of the human body through surgeries like microsurgery, hand surgery, reconstructive surgery and treatment of burns.
 
Average Course Fee (INR) 2,000-12 Lakh 1-10 Lakh
Average Placement Package (INR) 4-15 LPA 3-16 LPA
Job Positions Senior Resident Neurosurgeon, Consultant for Neurosurgery, Journal Reviewer, Researcher Plastic Surgeon, Paediatric Surgeon, Cosmetic Surgeon, Neurosurgeon, Assistant Surgeon
  1. MCh Neurosurgery vs. MCh Cardio-thoracic Surgery

The comparisons between MCh Neurosurgery vs. MCh Cardio-thoracic Surgery are compared on the basis of various parameters which are mentioned below:

Parameter MCh Neurosurgery MCh Cardio-thoracic Surgery
Qualification Master of Chirurgiae in Neurosurgery Master of Chirurgiae in Cardio-thoracic Surgery
Duration 3-6 years 3-6 years
Eligibility An MBBS, MS General Surgery, or equivalent, from an institute recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI), with an aggregate of 55% marks are eligible to enroll for this program. An MBBS, MS General Surgery, or equivalent, from an institute recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI), with an aggregate of 55% marks are eligible to enroll for this program.
Course Objective Deals with diagnosis, examination, rehabilitation, surgical treatment, and prevention of disorders that affect the nervous system - the spinal cord, extracranial cerebrovascular system, brain, and peripheral nerves. Deals with the diagnosis, examination, and surgical treatment of thorax - a part of the human body consisting of heart, lungs, and thymus gland, as well as the muscles and other internal structures.
Average Course Fee (INR) 2,000-12 Lakh 1.5 - 11 Lakh
Average Placement Package (INR) 4-15 LPA 3-30 LPA
Job Positions Senior Resident Neurosurgeon, Consultant for Neurosurgery, Journal Reviewer, Researcher Thoracic Surgery Consultant, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Clinical Manager, Cardiothoracic Specialist

Note:- MCh Neurosurgery is in itself a specialisation in surgery, and has no further specializations.

MCh Neurosurgery Jobs

MCh Neurosurgery Jobs

A wide range of careers await, in both private and public sectors, to those who have graduated in MCh Neurosurgery.

Some popular employment sectors are:

Hospitals Integrative healthcare clinics
Integrative healthcare clinics Integrative healthcare clinics
Integrative healthcare clinics Public health clinics
Military  College health centers

The jobs available after completing MCh Neurosurgery are mentioned below along with job description and salary:

Job Job Description Salary (INR)
Senior Resident Neurosurgeon They help with the training of new doctors who want to gain experience after completing their degree.  6,20,500
Consultant for Neurosurgery They consult patients about their needs and wants and try to provide the service they need in the field of neurosurgery. 6,00,000
Neurosurgery Professor They teach neurosurgery to students who would be doctors of tomorrow.  8,90,000
Neurosurgery Clinical Associate They help neurosurgeons with workings and patient treatment. 5,80,000

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