Master of Surgery: Course, Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Exams, Top Colleges, Career Scope
Master of Surgery is a postgraduate degree that comes under medical or surgical disciplines. The course aims to provide the student with advanced knowledge and practical skills in various surgical disciplines, thus giving a good theoretical understanding and practical experiences. The health care system is always changing, and an MS degree is required to cater to professionals who would desire to become expert surgeons in field specialties or specializations such as orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, and so on.
This article covers everything from an overview of the course, admissions, fees, syllabus, exams, and top colleges to career scope, job profiles, and salary expectations for those pursuing a Master of Surgery in 2025.
Master of Surgery: An Overview
The Master of Surgery (MS) is a postgraduate for medical graduates who have completed MBBS and now wish to pursue higher education in surgical specialties. Generally, this is 3 years long and includes intensive training over several surgical procedures. This degree and study equip medical practitioners with the knowledge needed to perform intricate surgeries, include in the scope the understanding of surgical anatomy, and attend to patients requiring surgical interventions.
The students are prepared while in the MS course balancing theoretical lectures, lab work, and intensive clinical practices. They are also exposed to hands-on experience in the operation rooms, the use of advanced medical technologies, and master various forms of surgical techniques under the teaching and guidance of renowned surgeons.
Master of Surgery Highlights
| Feature |
Details |
| Course Name |
Master of Surgery (MS) |
| Course Level |
Postgraduate |
| Duration |
3 Years |
| Eligibility |
MBBS Degree |
| Specializations |
Orthopedics, ENT, Ophthalmology, etc. |
| Admission Process |
Entrance-based |
| Popular Entrance Exams |
NEET-PG, INI-CET, AIIMS PG |
| Average Course Fees |
INR 2-20 Lakhs (varies by college) |
| Average Starting Salary |
INR 10-30 Lakhs per annum |
| Top Colleges |
AIIMS, PGIMER, Maulana Azad Medical College |
Why Study Master of Surgery?
The master's surgery does provide a lot of benefits to medical professionals. First and foremost, it offers the knowledge and skills necessary to become an expert surgeon in specialized fields. Whether of interest in orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, or neurology, the MS program offers an uncompromising curriculum that will establish a basis for your surgical career.
An MS degree also makes a candidate much more employable and valuable as a surgeon. With this postgraduate degree, you are sure to be placed in very prestigious hospitals and health care centers. More than that, the salary prospects for MS graduates are much higher than those of other medical professionals.
Master of Surgery Eligibility Criteria
To apply for an MS course, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed their MBBS degree from a recognized medical institution, and they should have completed a one-year compulsory rotatory internship.
- Minimum Marks: Most institutions require candidates to have a minimum of 50-55% marks in their MBBS degree.
- Entrance Exams: Candidates must qualify for entrance exams like NEET-PG, INI-CET, or AIIMS PG to secure admission to reputed medical colleges.
It is also important for candidates to possess a strong interest in surgical procedures, good hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure in an operating room.
Master of Surgery Entrance Exams 2025
Several national-level entrance exams are conducted for admission to the Master of Surgery course. Some of the most popular exams include:
- NEET-PG: The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Postgraduate) is the most widely accepted exam for admission to MS programs in India. It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
- INI-CET: The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) is conducted by AIIMS for admission to postgraduate medical courses, including MS, at various AIIMS institutions.
- AIIMS PG: The AIIMS PG entrance exam is specifically for candidates who wish to pursue an MS from one of the AIIMS institutions across India.
Each of these exams is highly competitive, and students are required to prepare diligently for subjects like General Surgery, Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology.
| Exam Name |
Conducting Body |
Application Date |
Exam Date |
| NEET-PG |
National Board of Examinations |
November 2024 |
January 2025 |
| INI-CET |
AIIMS |
March 2025 |
May 2025 |
| AIIMS PG |
AIIMS |
June 2025 |
July 2025 |
Master of Surgery Syllabus
The Master of Surgery is broad and depending on the specialization. Common subjects to include are:
- General Surgery: A central field involving the practice of basic surgical procedures, techniques, and post-operative care.
- Surgical Anatomy: This sub-specialization focuses on a study of human anatomy in those areas most often operated on.
- Pathology: These skills concerned knowledge of causative, effects, and treatments of diseases that will require surgical intervention.
- Surgical Instruments: Study about the tools and devices used in various surgical operations.
- Anesthesia and Pain Management: Techniques for pain management during and after surgery.
In addition, students have to undergo clinical rotations, participate in seminars, and submit a research paper on surgical case studies.
Master of Surgery Specialisations
The degree of Master of Surgery contains various specializations thus it makes students focus on areas of interest. Various types of specializations are as follows:
- Orthopedic Surgery: Specialization in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the musculoskeletal structure, primarily bones, joints, and muscles.
- Ophthalmology: Eye surgeries, with special attention given to, for example, cataract and glaucoma operations.
- ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat): Specialization in the treatment of diseases relating to the ear, nose, throat, and head and neck surgeries.
- Cardiothoracic Surgery: This surgery focuses on the heart and lungs, along with other organs found within the chest cavity.
- Neurosurgery: Surgery involving the brain, spinal cord, and other elements of the central nervous system.
| Specialisation |
Area of Focus |
| Orthopedics |
Bone and Joint Surgery |
| Ophthalmology |
Eye Surgery |
| ENT |
Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgery |
| Cardiothoracic Surgery |
Heart and Lung Surgery |
| Neurosurgery |
Brain and Nervous System Surgery |
Master of Surgery Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
The scope of the career after MS is wide and can have various job opportunities in both public and private healthcare sectors. Some of the common job profiles include:
- General Surgeon: It encompasses a broad range of surgeries related to various types of diseases.
- Orthopedic Surgeon: An orthopedic surgeon is a surgeon dealing with surgery for the musculoskeletal system.
- Cardiothoracic Surgeon: The physician responsible for performing surgery relating to heart and lung.
- Neurosurgeon: This physician is engaged in complex surgery, particularly to do with the brain and spinal cord.
The average starting salary for an MS graduate varies between INR 10-30 Lakhs per annum, based on the specialization, experience, and the institution they are hired by.
| Job Profile |
Average Salary (INR) |
| General Surgeon |
12-15 Lakhs |
| Orthopedic Surgeon |
15-18 Lakhs |
| Cardiothoracic Surgeon |
20-30 Lakhs |
| Neurosurgeon |
25-35 Lakhs |
Top recruiters for MS graduates include Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, AIIMS, Max Healthcare, and Manipal Hospitals.
What After a Master of Surgery?
A Masters of Surgery can lead to fellowship in areas of plastic surgery, pediatric surgery, or minimally invasive surgery. Others may continue into a PhD in Medical Sciences to give back to research and academia or take on teaching positions in medical colleges.
Moreover, with a tendency toward private practice, there are ample opportunities for them to open their clinics or even serve as consultants in any of the major health care facilities. Also, given the growing medical tourism market, a large number of Indian surgeons find sufficient profitable opportunities in foreign countries.
Master of Surgery FAQs
- What is the duration of the MS course?
- The MS program is typically 3 years long.
- Can I pursue MS after completing MBBS?
- Yes, MBBS graduates can apply for MS programs.
- What are the top specializations in MS?
- Some popular specializations include orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and neurosurgery.
- Which entrance exams are required for MS admissions?
- NEET-PG, INI-CET, and AIIMS PG are common entrance exams for MS admissions.
- What is the average salary of an MS graduate?
- The average salary ranges from INR 10-30 Lakhs per annum, depending on the specialization.
Conclusion: The Master of Surgery is a prestigious degree for medical professionals looking to specialize in surgery. With a comprehensive curriculum, high earning potential, and opportunities to work in top medical institutions, it is a rewarding career path.
