Medical & Allied Health · Super-speciality

Orthopedic Surgeon

⚠ Estimate — needs validation · as of 2025

Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat bone, joint, spine, and sports injuries through medicines, procedures, and surgery. In India, this is a long medical specialisation path after MBBS, usually via NEET-based postgraduate training and hospital residency.

Who it's for: Best for students who like biology, surgery, problem-solving, and long clinical training. It suits those who can handle pressure, steady hands, teamwork, and years of study after class 12.

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At a glance

Entry mode: Government Exam
Exam shape: national
Key exam: NEET UG
Min qualification: MBBS+MS
Duration: 8.5-10.5 yr
Starting salary: 8-20 LPA (approx, as of 2025; varies widely by city, hospital, experience, and private practice)
Sector: Govt/Private
Category: Medical & Allied Health

Subjects / Stream

BiologyPhysicsChemistryEnglishMBBS anatomy, physiology, and biochemistryOrthopedics and surgery during postgraduate training

Step-by-step path

  1. Choose PCB in classes 11-12 and prepare for medical entrance.
  2. Clear NEET UG and join MBBS in an NMC-recognised medical college.
  3. Complete MBBS, including internship and medical registration.
  4. Clear NEET PG and enter MS Orthopaedics or an equivalent postgraduate seat.
  5. Finish MS training with hospital postings, surgeries, and exams.
  6. Start work as a junior consultant, senior resident, or hospital surgeon; later pursue fellowships if needed.

Key exams

NEET UG - admissionNEET PG - postgraduateINI-CET - admissionFMGE - licensingNExT - qualifying

Top institutes / boards

AIIMSPGIMERCMC VelloreJIPMERArmed Forces Medical ServicesState medical colleges

Similar careers

General SurgeonNeurosurgeonPlastic SurgeonSports Medicine PhysicianPhysiotherapist
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Frequently asked questions

What is an orthopedic surgeon in India?
An orthopedic surgeon is a doctor who treats bone, joint, spine, ligament, and fracture problems, often using surgery when needed.
What is the minimum qualification for orthopedic surgeon in India?
The usual minimum path is MBBS followed by MS Orthopaedics or an equivalent recognised postgraduate qualification.
Which exam is needed after class 12 for this career?
NEET UG is the main national exam for MBBS admission, which is the first step toward orthopaedic surgery.
Is NEET UG enough to become an orthopedic surgeon?
No. NEET UG gets you into MBBS. After MBBS, you usually need NEET PG or INI-CET for MS Orthopaedics.
How many years does it take to become job-ready?
Usually about 8.5 to 10.5 years after class 12, including MBBS, internship, and postgraduate training.
Can I become an orthopedic surgeon after BSc or BPT?
No. In India, the standard route is MBBS first, then postgraduate orthopaedic training.
What subjects should I take in class 11-12?
Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are essential. Strong English and basic maths skills can also help with exam preparation.
Is there an age limit for NEET UG?
As of 2025, NEET UG has no upper age limit in the usual national eligibility framework, but candidates must meet the minimum age and other rules.
Are there reservations or quotas in medical admissions?
Yes. Government medical admissions in India follow applicable reservation rules such as SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD, and state-specific policies.
Can girls become orthopedic surgeons?
Yes. Orthopaedics is open to women, and many girls successfully build careers in surgery and hospital practice.
Is orthopedic surgery a good career in India?
Yes, if you want a respected clinical career with strong demand, but it needs long training, patience, and comfort with surgery.
What is the salary of a fresher orthopedic surgeon in India?
A fresher may earn roughly 8-20 LPA in 2025, depending on city, hospital type, and whether the role is in government or private practice.
Do government orthopedic surgeons earn more than private ones?
Not always. Government jobs offer stability and benefits, while private earnings can be higher later, especially with experience and practice.
What are the fees for MBBS and MS Orthopaedics?
Fees vary widely. Government colleges are usually much cheaper than private colleges, and exact amounts depend on the institute and state.
Which institutes are best for orthopaedics in India?
AIIMS, PGIMER, CMC Vellore, JIPMER, and other strong government medical colleges are well known for medical training.
What is the scope of orthopaedics in India?
The scope is strong because of fractures, road accidents, sports injuries, arthritis, spine issues, and an ageing population.
Is this career right for me?
It may suit you if you enjoy biology, surgery, long study, and patient care. It may not suit you if you want a short course or low-pressure job.
What skills are important for an orthopedic surgeon?
Clinical judgment, hand-eye coordination, communication, teamwork, stamina, and the ability to work under pressure are important.
Can I join this field through a government exam only?
You need government entrance exams, but the career itself is not a single-exam job. It requires MBBS and postgraduate medical training.
What are similar careers if I like orthopaedics but not surgery?
You can consider physiotherapy, sports medicine, rehabilitation medicine, or radiology-related support roles, depending on your interests and qualifications.

Figures are indicative and source-stamped with an "as of" year (2025). Confirm on the official exam authority website before deciding.

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