As we all know, children are the future of our society, and taking care of their health requires specialized knowledge and skills. A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases in infants, children, and adolescents.
Becoming a pediatrician is a highly respected career in India. A pediatrician not only treats illnesses but also guides parents on nutrition, vaccinations, and overall child health.
Who is a Pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a doctor who takes care of children from birth to adolescence (usually up to 18 years). A Pediatrician handles:
- Routine check-ups and vaccinations.
- Diagnosing and treating infections and chronic illnesses.
- Managing developmental and growth concerns.
- Addressing behavioral and emotional issues in children.
- Collaborating with specialists in cases of serious medical conditions.
These Pediatricians often work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices and sometimes in research or academic institutions.
Why Choose a Career in Pediatrics?
Check out the reasons why to choose pediatrics:
- Opportunity to make a positive impact on children’s health.
- High demand in hospitals, clinics, and community health centers.
- Excellent career growth and financial stability.
- Possibility of specialization in fields like neonatology, pediatric cardiology, or pediatric surgery.
- Respectable and trusted profession.
If you love working with children and families and have patience and empathy, pediatrics is the best career for you..
Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Pediatrician in India
Becoming a pediatrician requires a strong educational foundation and medical training. Here is the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Complete 10+2 with Science (PCB)
The first step is to take Class 1th and 12th education with the science stream.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB)
- Minimum marks: 50% aggregate (40% for reserved categories)
- English as a compulsory subject
Tip: Good scores in PCB helps you get admission in top medical colleges through NEET-UG.
Step 2: Clear NEET-UG and Get Admission in MBBS
To study medicine in India, you must qualify the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG).
NEET-UG Overview:
- Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Age: Minimum 17 years
Based on your NEET score, you can get admission in MBBS programs at government or private medical colleges across India.
Step 3: Complete MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery)
MBBS is the foundation for any medical career, including pediatrics.
Course Details:
- Duration: 5.5 years (4.5 years academics + 1-year compulsory internship)
- Curriculum: Basic medical sciences, clinical exposure, and rotations in various specialties including pediatrics
During MBBS, you will gain:
- Understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and diseases.
- Exposure to general medicine, surgery, and child health.
- Practical training through internships and clinical postings.
Completion of MBBS makes you a general doctor, who can specialize in pediatrics through postgraduate studies.
Step 4: Appear for NEET-PG and Pursue MD/DNB Pediatrics
After MBBS, If you want to become a pediatrician, you must specialize in pediatrics by doing:
- MD in Pediatrics – 3 years
- DNB in Pediatrics – 3 years
Eligibility:
- MBBS degree with completion of internship
- Qualify NEET-PG (Postgraduate entrance)
During MD/DNB Pediatrics, you will learn:
- Pediatric diseases and management
- Neonatal care and intensive care
- Vaccination schedules and preventive medicine
- Pediatric emergency care
- Child growth and development
Step 5: Optional Super-Specialization in Pediatric Fields
After MD/DNB Pediatrics, you can further specialize in pediatric subspecialties like:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Pediatric Surgery
Duration: 1–3 years
Benefits: High-level expertise, better career opportunities, and higher income.
Courses to Become a Pediatrician in India
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Level |
| MBBS | 5.5 years | 10+2 PCB + NEET-UG | Undergraduate |
| MD Pediatrics | 3 years | MBBS + NEET-PG | Postgraduate |
| DNB Pediatrics | 3 years | MBBS + NEET-PG | Postgraduate |
| Fellowship in Pediatric Subspecialties | 1–3 years | MD/DNB Pediatrics | Super-specialty |
Top Medical Colleges for Pediatrics in India
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
- Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune
- King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow
- Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi
- JIPMER, Puducherry
- Grant Medical College, Mumbai
Job Opportunities for Pediatricians in India
Pediatricians have different job options in hospitals, clinics, and research.
Common Job Roles:
- Pediatric Consultant
- Neonatologist
- Pediatrician in Private Clinics
- Academic Pediatrician (Medical Colleges)
- Researcher in Pediatric Medicine
- Hospital-based Pediatric Specialist
Work Settings:
- Government and private hospitals
- Maternity and child care centers
- Community health programs and NGOs
- Corporate hospitals and telemedicine platforms
- Academic and research institutions
Emerging Opportunities:
- Tele-pediatrics and online consultation
- Pediatric healthcare entrepreneurship
- Child nutrition and wellness consultancy
Salary of Pediatricians in India
Salary depends on experience, qualification, and type of employment:
| Experience Level | Average Monthly Salary (INR) |
| Junior Resident (Post-MBBS) | ₹60,000 – ₹1 lakh |
| MD/DNB Pediatrician | ₹1.2 lakh – ₹2.5 lakh |
| Senior Consultant / Private Practice | ₹3 lakh – ₹6 lakh+ |
| Sub-specialist Pediatrician | ₹5 lakh – ₹10 lakh+ |
Private practice and metro city hospitals generally offer higher earnings.
Skills Required to Become a Successful Pediatrician
A good pediatrician requires skills like:
- Deep understanding of pediatric medicine.
- Compassion and patience with children.
- Good communication with parents and families.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Ability to handle medical emergencies.
- Teamwork with nurses and other specialists.
Conclusion
Becoming a pediatrician in India is a journey of dedication and learning. From completing MBBS to specializing in pediatrics through MD/DNB, every step requires you to handle child health with expertise and care.
With increasing demand for child healthcare, modern hospitals, and specialized pediatric fields, pediatrics is a highly respected and rewarding career in India.
FAQs
Q1. What qualification is required to become a pediatrician in India?
MBBS followed by MD/DNB Pediatrics is required.
Q2. Is NEET mandatory for pediatric specialization?
Yes. NEET-UG for MBBS and NEET-PG for MD/DNB Pediatrics.
Q3. How long does it take to become a pediatrician in India?
Around 8–10 years (5.5 years MBBS + 3 years MD/DNB Pediatrics).
Q4. Can pediatricians open their own clinic?
Yes. After specialization and experience, pediatricians can start private clinics.
Q5. What is the salary of a pediatrician in India?
₹1.2 lakh – ₹6 lakh+ per month depending on experience, qualifications, and location.