An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. Cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and can affect any part of the body.
Oncologists are trained to treat different types of cancer using medicines, therapies, or sometimes surgery.
Who is an Oncologist?
An oncologist is a medical doctor who deals with cancer. They help patients in:
- Diagnosing cancer
- Planning treatment
- Prescribing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy
- Managing side effects of cancer treatment
- Providing palliative care and emotional support
Oncologists work closely with surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists to provide complete care.
There are different types of oncologists:
- Medical Oncologist: Treats cancer using medicines like chemotherapy or targeted therapy.
- Surgical Oncologist: Performs surgery to remove tumors.
- Radiation Oncologist: Uses radiation therapy to treat cancer.
This article focuses mainly on medical oncology, which is the most common path after MBBS.
Eligibility to Become an Oncologist in India
To become an oncologist, you must first become a doctor and then specialize in oncology.
Basic eligibility:
- 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 (General Medicine or Pediatrics) or related postgraduate degree.
- Clear NEET-SS for DM/DNB in Oncology.
- Complete super-specialization (DM/DNB in Medical Oncology).
Step-by-Step Process to Become an Oncologist
Step 1: Complete Class 12th (Science)
You must complete 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Scoring well is important for NEET-UG admission into MBBS.
Step 2: Clear NEET-UG
NEET-UG is required to get admission in MBBS courses across India.
- Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Format: Multiple choice questions
Good NEET rank increases chances of admission in top government medical colleges.
Step 3: Complete MBBS
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) is the basic medical degree.
- Duration: 5.5 years (4.5 years academic + 1-year internship)
- Subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Oncology basics
During MBBS, you gain knowledge about diseases and patient care, including cancer basics.
Step 4: Clear NEET-PG
After MBBS, you need to clear NEET-PG to get admission into postgraduate courses like MD in General Medicine, MD in Pediatrics, or MD in Radiotherapy.
Step 5: Complete MD / MS
To specialize in oncology, you first complete a postgraduate degree:
- MD in General Medicine (for adult cancer care)
- MD in Pediatrics (for pediatric oncology)
- MS in Surgery (if interested in surgical oncology)
- MD in Radiotherapy (for radiation oncology)
Duration: 3 years
Eligibility: MBBS degree
Step 6: Clear NEET-SS (Super Specialty Exam)
After MD or MS, you need to clear NEET-SS, the entrance exam for super-specialty courses (DM/DNB) in oncology.
Step 7: Complete DM or DNB in Oncology
DM/DNB in Oncology is the super-specialization course to become a qualified oncologist.
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: MD in General Medicine, Pediatrics, or MD/MS in relevant field
- Focus: Diagnosis, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation planning, patient management, clinical research, and palliative care
After completing DM/DNB, you are a fully qualified oncologist.
Step 8: Register with Medical Council
After completing DM/DNB, you must register with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or your State Medical Council to practice as an oncologist in India.
Step 9: Gain Work Experience
Once registered, you can work in:
- Government cancer hospitals
- Private hospitals
- Research institutes
- Medical colleges (as faculty)
- Diagnostic centers
- Cancer treatment centers
- Own private clinic (consultancy)
Duration Summary
| Stage | Course | Duration |
| Class 12 (PCB) | 2 years | |
| MBBS | Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery | 5.5 years |
| MD/MS | General Medicine / Pediatrics / Surgery | 3 years |
| DM/DNB | Medical Oncology / Surgical Oncology / Radiation Oncology | 3 years |
| Total | 13–14 years |
Top Colleges for Oncology Courses in India
Some of the top institutes for oncology training:
- AIIMS, New Delhi
- Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
- PGIMER, Chandigarh
- Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru
- CMC, Vellore
- JIPMER, Puducherry
- Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad
Skills Required to Become an Oncologist
An oncologist needs the following skills:
- Deep understanding of cancer biology and treatment
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Patience and attention to detail
- Good communication and counseling skills
- Emotional stability and empathy
- Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams
- Research skills for clinical studies
Job Opportunities
After becoming an oncologist, you can work in:
- Government cancer hospitals
- Private hospitals and cancer centers
- Medical colleges (teaching and research)
- Diagnostic centers
- Palliative care centers
- Research and pharmaceutical companies
- Private oncology clinic
Oncologists can also work abroad after clearing exams like USMLE (USA) or PLAB (UK).
Salary of an Oncologist in India
Salary varies based on experience, hospital, and city:
| Experience | Salary per Month |
| Fresher | ₹80,000 – ₹1.5 lakh |
| Mid-level | ₹2 – ₹5 lakh |
| Senior/Experienced | ₹5–10 lakh+ |
| Private Practice / Own Clinic | ₹10 lakh+ (depends on patients) |
Conclusion
Becoming an oncologist in India takes time, effort, and dedication. It involves many years of study and training, but it leads to a meaningful and respected career. Oncologists play an important role in diagnosing and treating cancer patients and helping them through a difficult time.
The need for qualified oncologists is increasing in India, and this field offers both professional growth and the chance to make a difference in patients’ lives.
FAQs
1. How many years does it take to become an oncologist in India?
Around 13–14 years after Class 12.
2. Can I become an oncologist after MBBS?
Not directly. You need MD/MS and then DM/DNB in Oncology.
3. What types of oncologists are there?
- Medical oncologist (medicine-based treatment)
- Surgical oncologist (surgery for cancer)
- Radiation oncologist (radiation therapy)
4. Is oncology a good career in India?
Yes. With rising cancer cases, demand for oncologists is high.
5. Can oncologists work abroad?
Yes, after passing exams like USMLE (USA) or PLAB (UK).