Medical & Allied Health · Super-speciality

Pediatrician

⚠ Estimate — needs validation · as of 2025

Pediatricians are doctors who diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses in infants, children, and adolescents. In India, the usual path is MBBS followed by MD/DNB in Paediatrics, then work in hospitals, clinics, or child health centres in government or private sector.

Who it's for: Best for students who like biology, patient care, and long-term doctor-patient relationships, and who are comfortable with children and families. It suits those ready for competitive exams and years of postgraduate training.

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At a glance

Entry mode: Government Exam
Exam shape: national
Key exam: NEET UG
Min qualification: MBBS+MD
Duration: 8.5-10.5 yr
Starting salary: 8-20 LPA (approx, as of 2025)
Sector: Govt/Private
Category: Medical & Allied Health

Subjects / Stream

PhysicsChemistryBiologyEnglishScience streamHuman biology

Step-by-step path

  1. Choose Science stream in Class 11-12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
  2. Prepare for and clear NEET UG for MBBS admission.
  3. Complete MBBS, including internship and medical registration.
  4. Appear for NEET PG or INI-CET to enter MD/DNB Paediatrics.
  5. Complete MD/DNB in Paediatrics and gain clinical experience.
  6. Join a government hospital, private hospital, child clinic, or continue to super-specialise.

Key exams

NEET UG - admissionNEET PG - postgraduate entryINI-CET - institute entryFMGE - licensureNExT - proposed licensure

Top institutes / boards

AIIMSPGIMERJIPMERChristian Medical College, VelloreKasturba Medical College, ManipalArmed Forces Medical College

Similar careers

General PhysicianFamily PhysicianNeonatologistChild PsychiatristPediatric Surgeon
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Frequently asked questions

What is a pediatrician in India?
A pediatrician is a doctor who treats babies, children, and teenagers, and also advises on growth, nutrition, vaccination, and child development.
What is the minimum qualification to become a pediatrician?
In India, the usual minimum route is MBBS followed by MD Paediatrics or DNB Paediatrics. MBBS alone is not enough for specialist pediatric practice.
Which exam is needed for MBBS?
NEET UG is the national entrance exam for MBBS admission in India.
Which exam is needed after MBBS for pediatrics?
NEET PG is the main national exam for MD Paediatrics and many DNB seats. Some institutes also use INI-CET.
Is pediatrician a government job or private job?
Both. Pediatricians work in government hospitals, medical colleges, district hospitals, private hospitals, clinics, and child health programmes.
How many years does it take to become a pediatrician?
Usually about 8.5 to 10.5 years after Class 12, including MBBS, internship, and MD/DNB Paediatrics.
What subjects should I take in school?
Take Science with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Strong English and basic maths skills also help in medical studies.
Is there an age limit for NEET UG?
As per current NEET UG rules, there is no upper age limit. Candidates must still meet eligibility and subject requirements.
Are girls/women suitable for pediatrics?
Yes. Pediatrics is a good career for women and men alike. Many women doctors choose it because it offers meaningful patient care and flexible practice options later.
What is the scope of pediatrics in India?
The scope is strong because India has a large child population and ongoing need for newborn care, vaccination, nutrition, and treatment of childhood illnesses.
What is the starting salary of a pediatrician in India?
Starting pay is often around 8-20 LPA in 2025, depending on government or private setting, city, experience, and duty hours.
Do government pediatricians get reservation benefits?
Yes, government medical admissions and many recruitments follow applicable reservation rules for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwD, and other eligible categories.
How much do MBBS and MD Paediatrics seats cost?
Government college fees are usually much lower than private colleges. Private MBBS and MD fees can be high and vary widely by institute and state.
Can I become a pediatrician without MD?
You can work as an MBBS doctor, but to be a specialist pediatrician, MD Paediatrics or DNB Paediatrics is the standard route.
Is pediatrics a super-speciality?
Paediatrics is a postgraduate specialty after MBBS. Super-specialities within child care include neonatology, pediatric cardiology, pediatric neurology, and pediatric surgery.
What are the best institutes for pediatrics in India?
Top choices include AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, CMC Vellore, AFMC, and KMC Manipal, depending on the course and admission route.
What kind of work does a pediatrician do daily?
They examine children, prescribe treatment, monitor growth, give vaccination advice, manage infections and chronic illnesses, and counsel parents.
Is pediatrics right for me?
It may suit you if you enjoy biology, medicine, communication, and working with children and families. It needs patience, empathy, and strong exam preparation.
Can a pediatrician open a private clinic?
Yes. After the required medical qualification and registration, many pediatricians open or join private clinics, often after gaining hospital experience.
What are similar careers if I like child health?
Related options include neonatology, child psychiatry, pediatric surgery, family medicine, and general medicine with child-health focus.

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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