Diploma in Child Health (DCH) Course in India – 2025 Admission, Eligibility, Syllabus, Fees & Career Opportunities
Likhith
August 8, 2025
Introduction – Why Diploma In Child Health?
So you’ve completed your MBBS, and pediatrics interests you—but MD seems too long? A powerful alternative exists: the diploma in child health (DCH). This specialized program suits practitioners who want focused training in child healthcare without pursuing a full MD degree.
The diploma in child health offers a smart, shorter route into pediatric practice—perfect for clinicians who aim to work in hospitals, private clinics, or community health centers, especially in underserved areas where pediatric specialists remain scarce.
Medical professionals increasingly choose the diploma in child health as it provides comprehensive pediatric training while allowing faster entry into specialized practice. This guide covers everything you need to know about pursuing this valuable qualification, from admission requirements to career opportunities in India’s growing pediatric healthcare sector.
Table of Contents
What Is the Diploma in Child Health (DCH)?
DCH is a postgraduate diploma in pediatrics, typically spread over 2 years and approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Some institutes—like Kasturba Hospital, Delhi (University of Delhi)—offer it as a regulated full-time program for degree holders such as MBBS, BAMS, BUMS, BHMS, or BNYS.
Designed to train professionals in child and adolescent healthcare, DCH focuses on neonatal care, community pediatrics, and management of common childhood illnesses and emergencies.
Eligibility Criteria (2025)
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A medical bachelor’s degree (e.g., MBBS, BAMS, BUMS, BHMS, or BNYS) from a recognized university.
- Marks Required: Generally 50% minimum aggregate in the qualifying degree; SC/ST/OBC candidates may get up to 5% relaxation.
- Entrance Test: Many colleges require NEET PG qualification.
- Internship Completion: At least one year of rotating internship required before admission.
Fees Structure
Course fees vary widely depending on institute and format:
- At institutions like Kasturba Hospital, fees are around ₹26,000 for the entire two-year program.
- Across India, annual DCH tuition can range from ₹24,000 to ₹1,20,000 depending on private or government setup.
- In some cases, fees can go higher for private or international-affiliated institutions.
Syllabus Overview
The DCH syllabus, standardized across many institutes, covers comprehensive pediatric and child health topics:
- Core modules include clinical epidemiology, preventive pediatrics, social pediatrics, and lab medicine.
- Detailed study of growth, development, nutrition, behavioral disorders, and immunization.
- Focused training in neonatal care, infectious diseases, genetic disorders, respiratory and cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal and renal systems, endocrinology, and hematology.
The curriculum is designed to build both theoretical and hands-on clinical skills needed to handle child health cases effectively.
Admission Process
Admission typically follows these steps:
- NEET PG Qualification: Candidates must appear for NEET PG and clear institute or state-level cut-offs.
- Counselling or Matching: Based on NEET PG rank and seat availability in DCH-offering institutions.
- Document Verification: Includes medical degree, internship completion certificate, ID, caste/domicile, and NEET PG scorecard.
- Final Admission Confirmation: Fee payment and joining within the academic window.
Career Scope and Opportunities
Completing DCH opens multiple career paths:
- Pediatrician in hospitals or multispecialty clinics
- Child Health Specialist at primary health centers or urban clinics
- Positions in NGOs, public health departments, or maternal-child welfare programs
- Opportunities in medical writing, academia, and research
Annual earnings for DCH holders typically range from ₹2–5 lakh per annum initially, with higher potential after experience or specialization.
Career Plan B helps aspiring pediatric specialists navigate every step of the DCH journey. Here’s how:
- University Shortlisting: Helps you find NMC-approved DCH colleges with verified credentials.
- Admission Guidance: From NEET PG preparation to application and counselling support.
- Eligibility Clarification: Assists with details on degree equivalence (MBBS, BAMS, BHMS).
- Course Insights: Provides clarity on pediatric specializations, syllabus focus areas, and practical training.
- Placement Roadmap: Helps plan your career path post-DCH in clinics, hospitals, NGOs, or further studies.
- Scholarship Alerts: Keeps you updated on fellowship and funding opportunities.
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FAQs: Diploma in Child Health (DCH)
Q1. Is DCH equivalent to MD Pediatrics?
No. DCH is a 2-year diploma, while MD Pediatrics is a 3-year postgraduate degree with broader depth and research components.
Q2. Can BAMS/BHMS graduates apply for DCH?
Yes, many institutes accept BAMS/BHMS/BUMS/BNYS degree holders, depending on eligibility norms and entrance scores.
Q3. What is the duration of the DCH course?
Typically 2 years, including clinical rotations and practical assessments.
Q4. What is the starting salary after DCH?
Most DCH graduates start at ₹2–5 lakh per annum, depending on the employer, role, and location.
Q5. Do all colleges require NEET PG for DCH?
Most government and recognized private colleges do. Some exceptions may exist for alternative admission pathways.
Final Thoughts
The diploma in child health opens doors to a specialized medical career that directly impacts India’s most vulnerable population—children. This qualification bridges the gap between general medical practice and specialized pediatric care, making you an invaluable asset in both urban hospitals and rural healthcare settings.
Choosing the diploma in child health means stepping into a field where skilled professionals remain in high demand. You gain specialized knowledge, practical experience, and the credentials needed to make a meaningful difference in child healthcare across India.
If pediatric medicine calls to you and you seek a focused, practical pathway into specialized practice, the diploma in child health provides the perfect foundation. Research the programs, understand admission requirements, and take the first step toward becoming a dedicated child health specialist today.
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