A cardiologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases related to the heart and blood vessels. They deal with conditions such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, heart failure, and other cardiovascular issues.
Heart diseases are increasing in India due to stress, poor lifestyle, and unhealthy habits. This has created a high demand for qualified cardiologists in both government and private hospitals.
Let’s understand the step-by-step process of how to become a cardiologist in India.
Who Is a Cardiologist?
A cardiologist is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating problems related to the heart and blood circulation. They perform tests, prescribe medicines, and sometimes assist in heart-related procedures.
Cardiologists do not perform open-heart surgeries, it is the work of cardiac surgeons.
However, they do perform non-surgical procedures like angiography, angioplasty, and managing heart rhythm problems.
Types of Cardiologists
There are different types of cardiologists like:
- Clinical Cardiologist – Diagnoses and manages heart diseases through tests and medicines.
- Interventional Cardiologist – Performs minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty or stent placement.
- Electrophysiologist – Deals with problems related to heart rhythm.
- Pediatric Cardiologist – Treats heart problems in children.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist – Helps patients recover after heart surgery or treatment.
Eligibility to Become a Cardiologist in India
To become a cardiologist, you must first complete your basic medical education. The main requirements are:
- Educational Qualification: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Entrance Exams: NEET-UG for MBBS admission and NEET-PG for MD/MS admission.
- Degrees Required: MBBS → MD (General Medicine) → DM (Cardiology).
- Duration: It usually takes around 10–12 years to become a fully qualified cardiologist.
Step-by-Step Process to Become a Cardiologist in India
Step 1: Complete 10+2 with Science
The first step is to complete your higher secondary education (Class 12th) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as main subjects.
Step 2: Appear for NEET-UG Exam
After Class 12th, you must appear for the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).
Step 3: Complete MBBS Degree
Once you clear NEET-UG, you can join an MBBS course at a recognized medical college.
- Duration: 5.5 years (including 1-year internship).
- During MBBS, you will learn about general medicine, anatomy, physiology, and basic heart functions.
Step 4: Complete MD in General Medicine
After MBBS, you need to pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in General Medicine.
- Duration: 3 years.
- Admission is through NEET-PG or INI-CET.
This stage helps you understand internal medicine, which forms the base for cardiology.
Step 5: Appear for DM (Cardiology) Entrance Exam
After completing your MD, you must appear for DM (Doctorate of Medicine) in Cardiology entrance exams such as:
- NEET-SS (Super Specialty)
- INI-SS (AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER exams)
Step 6: Complete DM in Cardiology
Once you clear the entrance, you can enroll in the DM Cardiology course.
- Duration: 3 years.
- You will study advanced subjects like ECG interpretation, cardiac imaging, heart failure management, angiography, and more.
After completing DM, you become a qualified Cardiologist.
Step 7: Gain Experience
Start working in hospitals or clinics under senior cardiologists. Experience helps you build confidence and practical knowledge in treating patients.
Step 8: Apply for Registration
Register with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the State Medical Council to practice legally as a cardiologist in India.
Duration to Become a Cardiologist in India
| Course | Duration |
| MBBS | 5.5 years |
| MD (General Medicine) | 3 years |
| DM (Cardiology) | 3 years |
| Total Duration | 11–12 years |
Entrance Exams for Cardiology
- NEET-UG – For admission into MBBS programs.
- NEET-PG – For admission into MD (General Medicine).
- NEET-SS – For admission into DM (Cardiology).
- INI-CET / INI-SS – For AIIMS and other top institutes.
Top Colleges for Cardiology in India
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
- King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry
- Grant Medical College, Mumbai
- Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru
Skills Required to Become a Cardiologist
To succeed as a cardiologist, you must have:
- Strong medical and analytical skills.
- Patience and focus.
- Good decision-making ability.
- Problem-solving attitude.
- Ability to handle emergency situations.
- Clear communication with patients.
Career Options for Cardiologists in India
After completing DM in Cardiology, you can work in:
- Government or private hospitals
- Heart care centers and cardiac clinics
- Medical colleges as a lecturer
- Diagnostic centers
- Research institutions
- Private practice
You can also specialize further in interventional cardiology or non-invasive cardiology for advanced career growth.
Salary of a Cardiologist in India
The salary depends on qualification, experience, and workplace.
| Level | Average Salary (Per Month) |
| Fresher (After DM) | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
| Experienced Cardiologist | ₹3,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 |
| Senior Consultant | ₹8,00,000 and above |
| Private Practice | Earnings can be much higher |
Cardiologists in metro cities and private hospitals earn more compared to small towns.
Conclusion
Becoming a cardiologist in India takes time, discipline, and hard work. You must complete MBBS, MD, and DM degrees to qualify for this field. Though it is a long process, it offers a respected and stable career with good growth opportunities.
FAQs
Q1. What is the qualification required to become a cardiologist in India?
To become a cardiologist, you must complete MBBS, then MD in General Medicine, and finally DM in Cardiology. This is the standard educational path for this specialization.
Q2. How many years does it take to become a cardiologist in India?
It usually takes about 11 to 12 years — 5.5 years for MBBS, 3 years for MD, and 3 years for DM in Cardiology.
Q3. Can I become a cardiologist after completing MBBS?
Not directly. After MBBS, you must complete MD in General Medicine and then pursue a DM in Cardiology to become a qualified cardiologist.
Q4. Which entrance exams are required for cardiology courses in India?
You need to clear:
- NEET-UG for MBBS admission,
- NEET-PG for MD admission, and
- NEET-SS or INI-SS for DM in Cardiology.
Q5. What is the role of a cardiologist?
A cardiologist diagnoses, treats, and manages diseases related to the heart and blood vessels. They perform tests, prescribe medicines, and manage conditions like heart attacks, hypertension, and arrhythmia.
Q6. Is cardiology a good career in India?
Yes. Cardiology is one of the most respected and well-paying medical fields in India. With rising heart diseases, the demand for skilled cardiologists is increasing in both government and private hospitals.
Q7. What is the average salary of a cardiologist in India?
A beginner cardiologist can earn around ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh per month. With experience, the salary can rise to ₹5 lakh or more per month. Senior cardiologists and those with private practice can earn much higher.
Q8. What is the difference between a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon?
A cardiologist diagnoses and treats heart diseases using medicines and non-surgical methods, while a cardiac surgeon performs open-heart and bypass surgeries.
Q9. Can I become a cardiologist without doing MBBS?
No. MBBS is mandatory to become a doctor in India. You must complete MBBS before pursuing higher studies in cardiology.
Q10. What are the top colleges for studying cardiology in India?
Some of the best institutes are:
- AIIMS, New Delhi
- CMC, Vellore
- PGIMER, Chandigarh
- JIPMER, Puducherry
- KGMU, Lucknow
- Grant Medical College, Mumbai