Rahul · July 27, 2025 
Introduction
A career as a General Physician is one of the most respected and vital roles in India’s healthcare system. These doctors act as the first point of contact for patients, diagnosing common illnesses, offering preventive care, and guiding them toward specialized treatment when needed. They play a crucial role in delivering effective healthcare across both urban and rural areas. For medical students planning their journey after MBBS, understanding the pathway to becoming a General Physician is essential. This general physician career guide offers a complete roadmap—from high school preparation to earning an MD degree. It includes key details about required courses, entrance exams, job roles, salary expectations, and long-term career opportunities. Whether you’re just starting or looking to specialize, this general physician career guide helps you make informed decisions for a successful medical career.
Table of Contents
Who is a General Physician?
A General Physician, or a doctor with an MD in General Medicine, is a medical expert who specializes in providing comprehensive, non-surgical healthcare to adults. They are trained to manage complex, multi-system diseases and are often the principal care providers for many individuals. Their expertise lies in diagnosing a wide spectrum of illnesses and providing holistic treatment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a General Physician in India
The journey is long and demanding, but with dedication, it is an achievable and fulfilling goal. Here is the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Complete Your 10+2 Education in the Science Stream
The foundation for a medical career begins in school.
Subjects: You must choose the Science stream in your higher secondary education (Class 11 and 12).
Core Subjects: Your subject combination must include Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) along with English.
Minimum Marks: Aim for a minimum aggregate of 50% in your PCB subjects (40% for reserved category students) to be eligible for medical entrance exams.
Step 2: Crack the NEET-UG Entrance Exam
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET-UG is the single gateway for admission to all undergraduate medical courses in India.
Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA).
Syllabus: Based on the Class 11 and 12 syllabi of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology).
Pattern: It’s a pen-and-paper exam consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions, out of which you have to attempt 180. The total marks are 720.
Competition: The competition is intense, with lakhs of students vying for a limited number of seats. A high score is crucial for securing a place in a good government medical college.
Step 3: Complete Your MBBS Degree
After securing a good rank in NEET-UG, you will be admitted to an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) program.
Duration: The MBBS course is 5.5 years long.
Structure: It is divided into 4.5 years of academic study and a mandatory 1-year Compulsory Rotating Residential Internship (CRRI).
Curriculum: The curriculum covers subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, and Community Medicine, followed by clinical subjects like Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Internship: The 1-year internship provides hands-on clinical experience across various hospital departments. This is a crucial phase where you learn to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-life patient care.
Step 4: Obtain Your Medical License
Upon successful completion of your MBBS and the compulsory internship, you are eligible to register with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or a State Medical Council. This registration provides you with a license to practice medicine as a junior doctor or medical officer in India.
Step 5: Prepare for and Clear the NEET-PG Exam
To become a General Physician, you must pursue a postgraduate specialization. The gateway to this is the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Postgraduate) or NEET-PG.
Eligibility: You must have completed your MBBS and the one-year internship.
Syllabus: The exam covers all 19 subjects taught during the MBBS curriculum.
Competition: Just like NEET-UG, this is a highly competitive exam. Your rank will determine your eligibility for the MD in General Medicine course.
Step 6: Pursue an MD in General Medicine
A good rank in NEET-PG will allow you to enroll in a 3-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program in General Medicine.
Duration: 3 years.
Focus: This program provides rigorous training in diagnosing and managing a vast array of diseases. You will work as a Junior Resident Doctor in a hospital, managing patients in OPDs, wards, and ICUs under the supervision of senior doctors.
Outcome: Upon completion of the MD, you are officially qualified as a General Physician.
Key Skills Required for a General Physician
Beyond academic qualifications, a successful General Physician possesses a unique blend of skills:
Diagnostic Skills: The ability to identify diseases from symptoms and medical evidence.
Clinical Knowledge: An in-depth understanding of diseases, treatments, and pharmacology.
Communication Skills: The ability to explain complex medical conditions to patients and their families in a simple, empathetic manner.
Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and sharing the feelings of patients.
Problem-Solving Ability: Making critical decisions under pressure.
Stamina and Resilience: The ability to work long and irregular hours.
Job Profiles and Work Environments
After completing your MD in General Medicine, a wide array of career opportunities opens up.
| Sector | Work Environment & Job Roles |
|---|---|
| Public Sector | Work in government hospitals, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Community Health Centres (CHCs). Roles include Medical Officer, Senior Resident, and later, positions in hospital administration. The patient load is high, offering immense learning experience. |
| Private Sector | Work in corporate hospitals, private clinics, and nursing homes. Roles include Junior Consultant, Consultant, and Senior Consultant. This sector often offers better infrastructure and higher pay. |
| Private Practice | Many physicians choose to set up their own private clinics. This offers autonomy and high earning potential but requires business acumen. |
| Academics & Research | Work as a professor or researcher in medical colleges and research institutions. This path is ideal for those passionate about teaching and contributing to medical science. |
Salary of a General Physician in India
The salary of a General Physician varies significantly based on experience, sector, and location.
Entry-Level (Junior Resident/Registrar): In the public sector, the salary can range from ₹70,000 to ₹1,20,000 per month. In private hospitals, it can be slightly higher.
Mid-Career (Consultant with 5-10 years of experience): A consultant can earn between ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh per month.
Senior-Level (Senior Consultant/Private Practice): With over 15-20 years of experience or a successful private practice, the earning potential is immense, often exceeding ₹10 lakh per month
Still Confused? Contact Career Plan B for Personalized Guidance
Choosing a medical career path, especially one as demanding as becoming a General Physician, can be overwhelming. If you’re still unsure about your future, need help planning alternative medical careers, or want expert advice tailored to your strengths and interests, Career Plan B is here to guide you
What We Offer:
- Personalized career counseling from our expert Colunsellors.
- Alternatives to MBBS and MD in the healthcare domain.
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- Admission assistance and planning across India and abroad
Reach Out Today and make a confident, informed decision for your future in medicine!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are detailed answers to some of the most common questions aspiring doctors have.
1. What is the total time it takes to become a General Physician in India?
The entire journey takes a minimum of 10.5 to 11 years after Class 12. Here is the breakdown:
MBBS: 5.5 years (4.5 years academic + 1-year internship)
Post-MBBS Preparation (NEET-PG): This can take anywhere from 6 months to 1-2 years, depending on the individual.
MD in General Medicine: 3 years.
2. What is the approximate total cost of becoming a General Physician in India?
The cost varies dramatically depending on whether you secure a seat in a government or private college.
Government College Route: This is the most affordable option.
MBBS: The total tuition fee for the 5.5-year course can be as low as ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh.
MD: The fee for the 3-year MD program is also highly subsidized, often ranging from ₹60,000 to ₹3 lakh in total.
Private College Route: This route is significantly more expensive.
MBBS: Fees can range from ₹40 lakh to over ₹1 Crore for the entire course.
MD: Private college fees for an MD in General Medicine can range from ₹60 lakh to ₹2 Crore or more for the 3-year program.
3. What is the work-life balance of a General Physician like?
The work-life balance can be challenging, especially in the early years.
Residency (MD): Expect long and demanding work hours, including night shifts and emergency calls. This phase is intense and leaves little time for a personal life.
Post-MD: As you become a consultant, you gain more control over your schedule. However, emergencies are a part of the job. Those in private practice can set their own hours, but building a practice requires significant time and effort.
4. What are the biggest challenges of being a General Physician in India?
The profession is noble but comes with its own set of challenges:
High Patient Load: Especially in the public sector, doctors are often overworked.
Emotional Stress: Dealing with critical illnesses and patient deaths can be emotionally draining.
Keeping Updated: Medicine is an ever-evolving field, requiring continuous learning.
Risk of Burnout: The long hours and high-stress environment can lead to burnout if not managed well.
5. What are the future specialization options after completing an MD in General Medicine?
After your MD, you can practice as a General Physician or choose to specialize further by pursuing a Doctorate of Medicine (DM) or a Diplomate of National Board (DrNB) super-specialty degree. Popular options include:
Cardiology (Heart)
Neurology (Brain and Nerves)
Gastroenterology (Digestive System)
Nephrology (Kidneys)
Endocrinology (Hormones)
Oncology (Cancer)
6. Is career as a General Physician a good choice in 2025 and beyond?
Absolutely. With a growing population and increasing health awareness, the demand for skilled General Physicians is perpetually high. They are crucial to the healthcare infrastructure, both in urban and rural areas. It is a stable, financially rewarding, and deeply satisfying career path for those who are passionate about helping others.
