A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.
Neurology is a branch of medicine that deals with conditions like epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, migraines, neuropathy, and many other neurological disorders.
Becoming a neurologist in India requires years of study, training, and practice.
Who is a Neurologist?
A neurologist is a doctor trained to treat patients with nervous system problems. Unlike neurosurgeons, neurologists do not perform surgery. Instead, they focus on:
- Diagnosing neurological conditions.
- Prescribing medicines.
- Monitoring and managing long-term neurological disorders.
- Advising patients on lifestyle changes and therapy.
Some common neurological conditions include:
- Stroke
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Migraine and chronic headaches
- Brain infections (meningitis, encephalitis)
- Spinal cord and nerve injuries
- Neuropathy and muscular disorders
Neurologists work closely with other specialists, such as psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, cardiologists, and physiotherapists, to provide complete care for patients.
Eligibility to Become a Neurologist in India
To become a neurologist, you must complete MBBS, then MD in General Medicine, and finally a DM in Neurology.
Basic eligibility criteria:
- Complete 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Clear NEET-UG for MBBS admission.
- Complete MBBS degree from a recognized medical college.
- Clear NEET-PG for MD admission.
- Complete MD in General Medicine (or Pediatrics in some cases).
- Clear NEET-SS for DM admission.
- Complete DM in Neurology.
Step-by-Step Process to Become a Neurologist
Step 1: Complete Class 12th (Science)
You must complete 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Good marks are essential to qualify for NEET-UG and secure admission to a top MBBS college.
Step 2: Clear NEET-UG
NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate) is a national-level entrance exam for admission to MBBS courses in India.
- Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA).
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology.
- Format: Multiple choice questions.
- Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes.
A high rank in NEET-UG helps secure admission in government medical colleges.
Step 3: Complete MBBS
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) is the basic medical degree required to become a doctor.
- Duration: 5.5 years (4.5 years of academics + 1-year internship)
- Curriculum: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and basic Neurology
During MBBS, you will learn the fundamentals of medicine, patient care, and basic diagnostics.
Step 4: Clear NEET-PG
After MBBS, you must clear NEET-PG (Postgraduate Entrance Exam) to pursue a postgraduate course such as MD in General Medicine.
- Conducted by: NTA
- Exam Pattern: Multiple choice questions
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Subjects: Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pharmacology, etc.
Step 5: Complete MD in General Medicine
MD in General Medicine is required to become eligible for super-specialization in Neurology.
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: MBBS degree
- Focus: Diagnosis and treatment of adult medical diseases, including neurological disorders
During MD, you will also rotationally study neurology, gaining exposure to cases like stroke, epilepsy, and neuropathies.
Step 6: Clear NEET-SS (Super Specialty Exam)
After MD, you need to clear NEET-SS for admission into a DM (Doctorate of Medicine) in Neurology.
- NEET-SS is a national-level exam for super-specialty courses like DM and MCh.
- Admission is highly competitive because seats are limited.
Step 7: Complete DM in Neurology
DM in Neurology is the super-specialization course that trains you to become a neurologist.
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: MD in General Medicine (sometimes MD in Pediatrics)
- Curriculum: Advanced study of nervous system disorders, diagnostic procedures, treatment planning, patient management, and research
- Training includes: Stroke management, epilepsy treatment, Parkinson’s disease, neurodegenerative disorders, neuropathies, spinal disorders, and clinical neurology practice
After DM, you are a fully qualified neurologist. Cheer up 💐
Step 8: Register with Medical Council
After completing DM, you must register with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council to legally practice as a neurologist in India.
Step 9: Gain Work Experience
Once registered, you can start working in:
- Government hospitals
- Private hospitals
- Medical colleges (as faculty)
- Research institutes
- Diagnostic centers
- Own clinic
Duration Summary
| Stage | Course | Duration |
| Class 12 (PCB) | 2 years | |
| MBBS | Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery | 5.5 years |
| MD | General Medicine | 3 years |
| DM | Neurology | 3 years |
| Total | 12–14 years |
Top Colleges for Neurology in India
Some of the best colleges and institutes offering neurology courses:
- AIIMS, New Delhi
- NIMHANS, Bengaluru
- PGIMER, Chandigarh
- CMC, Vellore
- JIPMER, Puducherry
- KGMU, Lucknow
- AFMC, Pune
Skills Required to Become a Neurologist
A neurologist needs the following skills:
- Strong understanding of the nervous system
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Patience and attention to detail
- Good communication skills
- Ability to handle complex cases
- Empathy for patients and families
Job Opportunities
Neurologists are in demand in both government and private sectors. You can work in:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Research institutions
- Medical colleges
- Diagnostic centers
- Rehabilitation centers
- Private practice
Some neurologists also move abroad after clearing exams like USMLE (USA) or PLAB (UK).
Salary of a Neurologist in India
The salary varies based on experience, location, and type of hospital:
| Experience | Salary per Month |
| Fresher | ₹80,000 – ₹1.5 lakh |
| Mid-level | ₹2 – ₹4 lakh |
| Senior/Experienced | ₹5 lakh+ |
| Private Clinic | ₹10 lakh+ depending on patients |
Conclusion
Becoming a neurologist in India requires a lot of learning, patience, and practical experience. Neurologists deal with disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, so their work needs both strong medical knowledge and careful observation skills.
This field is suitable for those who are interested in understanding how the human brain and nervous system work and are willing to handle complex medical cases.
FAQs
1. How many years does it take to become a neurologist in India?
Around 12–14 years after Class 12 (MBBS + MD + DM).
2. Can I become a neurologist after MBBS?
Not directly. You must do MD in General Medicine and then DM in Neurology.
3. What is the difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon?
A neurologist treats neurological diseases with medicines and therapy.
A neurosurgeon performs surgery on the brain, spine, or nerves.
4. Is Neurology a good career in India?
Yes. With increasing neurological disorders, demand for neurologists is high.
5. Can I work abroad as a neurologist after DM?
Yes, after clearing licensing exams like USMLE (USA) or PLAB (UK).