Top Paediatrics Courses After MBBS: Complete Career Guide

Have you ever thought about dedicating your medical career to children’s health? If yes, Pediatrics could be your calling. After completing MBBS, many doctors aspire to specialize in Pediatrics because it not only promises professional growth but also offers immense personal satisfaction. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top Pediatrics courses after MBBS, their scope, career opportunities, and future prospects.

Understanding Pediatrics as a Career

A Pediatrician is a doctor who focuses on the health, growth, and development of infants, children, and adolescents. Unlike adult medicine, Pediatrics demands more patience, compassion, and a keen ability to handle young patients and guide parents. From diagnosing common infections to treating life-threatening disorders, pediatricians play a crucial role in shaping a healthy future generation.

Why Choose Pediatrics After MBBS?

• Growing demand – With India’s large child population, the demand for pediatric specialists is rising rapidly.

• Emotional satisfaction – Helping children recover and grow is one of the most rewarding aspects of medicine.

• Diverse opportunities – Pediatricians can work in hospitals, clinics, research centers, or even start private practice.

Eligibility for Pediatrics Courses After MBBS

To specialize in Pediatrics, you must first complete MBBS and then qualify through entrance exams:

• NEET-PG – For MD and Diploma seats across India.

• INI-CET – For top institutes like AIIMS and JIPMER.

• DNB Exams – For Diplomate of National Board (Pediatrics).

Most courses require MBBS completion with internship and registration with the Medical Council of India (MCI/NMC).

Top Pediatrics Courses After MBBS

After MBBS, aspiring pediatricians can choose from:

1. MD in Pediatrics – The most preferred course.

2. DNB in Pediatrics – Equivalent to MD but offered by the National Board of Examinations.

3. Diploma in Child Health (DCH) – A shorter course for those who want to start practice early.

4. Fellowship Programs – Focused on subspecialties like Neonatology, Pediatric Cardiology, etc.

5. Super-Specialization (DM courses) – For advanced expertise.

MD Pediatrics

• Duration: 3 years

• Curriculum: Covers general pediatrics, neonatology, pediatric emergencies, growth monitoring, immunization, and preventive pediatrics.

• Career Opportunities: After MD, one can work as a consultant pediatrician, join teaching institutes, or pursue DM for super-specialization.

DNB Pediatrics

• Duration: 3 years

• Highlights: Recognized by NMC, equivalent to MD, offered in reputed hospitals across India.

• Scope: Opens up opportunities in hospitals, academics, and research, with equal weightage as MD.

Diploma in Child Health (DCH)

• Duration: 2 years

• Eligibility: MBBS graduates with internship completion.

• Scope: Best suited for doctors who want to start pediatric practice quickly or in rural/secondary care hospitals.

Fellowships in Pediatrics

For those who want to specialize further, fellowships provide hands-on training:

• Neonatology – Care of premature and critically ill newborns.

• Pediatric Cardiology – Focused on heart diseases in children.

• Pediatric Neurology – Deals with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and other neurological conditions.

• Pediatric Intensive Care – Managing critically ill children.

• Pediatric Oncology – Specialization in childhood cancers.

Super-Specialization Options (DM Courses)

After MD/DNB, you can pursue DM courses such as:

• DM Neonatology

• DM Pediatric Cardiology

• DM Pediatric Neurology

• DM Pediatric Gastroenterology

These programs usually span 3 years and make you a super-specialist with high demand globally.

Top Colleges Offering Pediatrics Courses in India

Some of the best institutes for Pediatrics are:

• AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), New Delhi

• PGIMER, Chandigarh

• CMC Vellore

• JIPMER, Puducherry

• King George’s Medical University, Lucknow

Skills Required to Become a Successful Pediatrician

• Strong clinical knowledge – Quick decision-making during emergencies.

• Patience and empathy – Children may not express symptoms clearly.

• Communication – Guiding parents and caregivers.

• Problem-solving – Handling rare and critical conditions.

Career Opportunities After Pediatrics

A pediatrician can choose from multiple paths:

• Government hospitals – Stable jobs with benefits.

• Private practice – Higher earnings with independence.

• Academics and teaching – Training the next generation of doctors.

• Research – Developing vaccines, child nutrition studies, etc.

• International practice – High demand in the Middle East, UK, USA, and Australia.

Salary of a Pediatrician in India

• Freshers (DCH/MD): ₹8 – ₹12 LPA

• Experienced pediatricians: ₹15 – ₹25 LPA

• Super-specialists (DM): ₹30 – ₹50+ LPA

Challenges in a Pediatrician’s Career

• High responsibility – A child’s life is in your hands.

• Emotional stress – Handling sick children can be emotionally draining.

• Work-life balance – Emergencies and odd-hour duties are common.

Future Scope of Pediatrics in India

The future is bright for pediatrics because:

• Increasing child healthcare awareness

• Rising population and demand for specialists

• Telemedicine and global opportunities

This makes Pediatrics one of the most promising specializations after MBBS.

Conclusion

Choosing Pediatrics after MBBS is more than just a career—it’s a calling. With multiple courses like MD, DNB, DCH, fellowships, and DM programs, aspiring doctors can shape their careers based on passion and ambition. While the journey is demanding, the rewards—both financial and emotional—make Pediatrics one of the most fulfilling medical specialties.

FAQs

Q1. Which is the best course after MBBS for Pediatrics?

MD in Pediatrics is the most preferred and widely recognized course.

Q2. Is DCH better than MD Pediatrics?

DCH is shorter but MD offers broader scope and better career opportunities.

Q3. What is the average salary after MD Pediatrics?

Freshers earn around ₹8–12 LPA, with potential to earn ₹25 LPA+ with experience.

Q4. Can I study Pediatrics abroad after MBBS in India?

Yes, you can appear for USMLE, PLAB, or other licensing exams and pursue Pediatrics abroad.

Q5. Which is the toughest branch in Pediatrics?

Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care are considered the most challenging due to high-risk cases.