MBBS in Abroad
Ensure Education  Logo
Home
ensure tv icon Ensure TV

Follow Us

blog
||MBBS||
blog
Written by Mumtaj Khan
Dec 03, 2025

MD vs MBBS Which is Better - Similarities and Differences Explained

Starting a job in medicine means facing one key puzzle: MD vs MBBS Which is Better. A lot of learners studying for NEET get stuck trying to figure out how these qualifications aren't the same, along with which path leads to more chances later on.

In this article, we’ll break down MD vs MBBS similarities, MD vs MBBS differences, eligibility, course duration, admissions, career opportunities, and salaries - all laid out so you can pick the right move for your future in medicine.

What is MBBS?

MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery - it’s what you need to start your path as a doctor. This course kicks off your journey into healthcare work.

  • After MBBS, a student becomes a General Doctor
  • A person might help sick people, suggest meds, or do shifts at a clinic

What is MD?

MD stands for Doctor of Medicine - it's what you study once you finish MBBS. This degree comes afterward, building on earlier training in medicine.

  • MDs train deeply in one area instead of many
  • They know a lot about spotting problems plus how to fix them

MD vs MBBS Similarities

Point

MBBS

MD

Medical Field

Treat Patients

Clinical Practice

Licensed Doctors

Each is a trusted medical credential that lets a physician help people.

MD vs MBBS Differences

Feature

MBBS

MD

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Focus

General Medicine

Specialization

Title

General Doctor

Specialist Doctor

Duration

5.5 years (including internship)

3 years

Scope

Broad medical knowledge

Advanced expert skills

Salary

Moderate initially

Higher earning potential

Is MD Higher Than MBBS?

True. MD ranks above MBBS since MBBS comes first as the starting degree, whereas MD follows it as advanced training.

Which Degree is Highest in Doctor?

MD is a higher degree than MBBS, but even above MD, doctors can pursue:

  • DM (Doctorate of Medicine – super specialization)
  • MCh (Master of Chirurgiae – surgical super specialization)

Should I Do MD or MBBS?

It depends on where you currently are:

  • If you are just starting your medical journey, choose MBBS
  • If you want to become a specialist, then go for MD after MBBS

So, MBBS → MD is the natural career path to become a specialist doctor.

MD or MBBS Eligibility

MBBS Eligibility

  • Must complete 10+2 with PCB
  • Qualify for NEET-UG
  • Minimum required percentage as per category rules 

MD Eligibility

  • Must have MBBS degree
  • Complete 1-year internship
  • Qualify for NEET-PG

MD or MBBS Admission Process

MBBS Admission

MD Admission

NEET-UG Score + CounselingNEET-PG Score + Counseling
Admission in Govt./Private CollegesAdmission in Govt./Private Medical Institutions

MD or MBBS Jobs & Career Opportunities

After MBBS

  • General Doctor
  • Emergency Doctor
  • Medical Officer
  • Clinical Practitioner
  • Hospital Resident

After MD

  • Specialist Doctor (e.g., Physician, Radiologist, Pediatrician)
  • Consultant in hospitals
  • Medical Researcher
  • Lecturer in Medical Colleges

MD provides higher-level career opportunities than MBBS.

MD or MBBS Salary

  • MBBS doctors usually start with a moderate salary as General Physicians
  • MD specialists earn a significantly higher income due to expertise

(Salary varies by location, hospital type, and specialization)

Key Differences in Simple Words

➡ MBBS = Become a Doctor
➡ MD = Become a Specialist Doctor

Both are important → but MD offers higher recognition, specialization & career growth.

Future Scope: MD vs MBBS Which is Better?

If your goal is:

  • To start practicing early → MBBS is enough
  • To gain high expertise and better career growth → MD is better

Most doctors complete MBBS first → then MD to grow in their field.

MD Specializations – Full List With Career Path & Scope

After MBBS, doctors can choose from multiple specialization fields in MD. Below is the complete table you can add to the blog for better user engagement and ranking.

Popular MD Specializations in India

MD Specialization

What Doctors Do

Career Options

Salary Range (Approx.)

MD MedicineTreat adult diseases & internal disordersPhysician, Consultant₹12-35 LPA
MD PediatricsTreat infants & childrenPediatric Specialist₹10-30 LPA
MD RadiologyDiagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, X-ray)Radiologist, Imaging Consultant₹20-60 LPA
MD DermatologySkin, hair & nail diseasesDermatologist, Cosmetic Specialist₹18-50 LPA
MD AnesthesiologyPain management & anesthesia in surgeryAnesthesiologist₹15-40 LPA
MD PsychiatryMental health & behavior disordersPsychiatrist, Therapist₹15-35 LPA
MD PathologyDiagnose diseases in labsPathologist₹12-30 LPA
MD OphthalmologyEye diseases & surgeryEye Specialist, Surgeon₹15-40 LPA
MD Emergency MedicineCritical emergency careER Specialist, Trauma Consultant₹15-40 LPA
MD GynecologyWomen’s reproductive healthGynecologist, Consultant₹18-45 LPA
MD Orthopedics*Bones & joints treatments (note: MS variant)Orthopedic Surgeon₹20-60 LPA
MD OncologyDiagnosis & treatment of cancersOncologist₹20-50 LPA
MD GastroenterologyDigestive system treatmentsGastro Specialist₹20-55 LPA
MD Cardiology*Heart specialist (super specialization DM)Cardiologist₹20-70 LPA

Some specializations like Orthopedics & Cardiology usually fall under MS or DM super-specialty after MD.

MD Specialization Career Routes

Goal

Route

Become a Specialist DoctorMBBS → MD → Practice
Become a Super SpecialistMBBS → MD → DM/MCh
Become a Medical ProfessorMBBS → MD → Teaching in Colleges
Work in Government HospitalsMBBS → MD + Gov. Exams
Research in Medical SciencesMBBS → MD → PhD (Optional)

Why Do Doctors Prefer MD After MBBS?

✔ More authority & specialization
✔ Higher salary and job security
✔ Better hospital ranking and reputation
✔ Improved diagnostic & treatment skills
✔ Opportunity for super-specialization (DM/MCh)
✔ Scope to work internationally

Difference Between Physician & Specialist

Aspect

Physician (MBBS)

Specialist (MD)

RoleGeneral DoctorExpert Doctor
Patient TypeAll common diseasesField-specific cases
Career GrowthModerateVery high

This major difference is the reason many students choose MD after MBBS.

Final Career Choice Recommendation

➡ First become a doctor → MBBS
➡ Then master a field → MD

If your future goal is:

  • High income
  • Specialization
  • Prestigious medical career

👉MD offers better growth than only MBBS.

Quick Summary Table: MD vs MBBS Which is Better?

Feature

MBBS

MD

Best Option

Degree LevelUndergraduatePostgraduateMD
Job RoleGeneral DoctorSpecialist DoctorMD
SalaryGood StartVery HighMD
Time Required5.5 Years+3 YearsDepends
Career ScopeBroadHighly FocusedMD

➡ You must complete MBBS first, so the full journey becomes:
 MBBS → MD → Super Specialist (DM/MCh)

Conclusion

MBBS is the starting medical degree that makes you a doctor.
MD is the advanced specialization degree that makes you a specialist.

So, the right question isn’t “MD vs MBBS which is better?”
The answer is:

👉 MBBS is essential
👉 MD is an upgrade for better career and salary

Both degrees together create a successful medical career.

Tags

Frequently Asked Questions

MBBS makes you a general doctor; MD makes you a specialist.
Yes, MD is a postgraduate specialization after MBBS.
No. MBBS is compulsory before MD.
Both require dedication, but MD involves deeper specialization.
MD and further super specializations like DM/MCh offer the highest scope.
If you aspire to become a medical practitioner practicing allopathic medicine, then MBBS is the right choice. On the other hand, if you wish to advance your career in medicine, or explore medical research careers, or become a specialist in a particular area of medicine, then MD is the right choice for you.
No, a general MD (Doctor of Medicine) without surgical training cannot perform surgery.
No, an MBBS degree has not lost its value, but the profession is facing new challenges like increased competition and the necessity of further specialization. While the degree is still the fundamental path to becoming a doctor and remains valuable, especially for roles in primary care or in rural areas, its standalone value is often debated due to the saturation of the field and the rising expectation for postgraduate qualifications like an MD or MS for higher-paying or more specialized positions.
Colorectal surgery. Bosom surgery. Vascular surgery. Endocrine surgery. Transplant surgery. Careful oncology. Cardiothoracic surgery. Pediatric surgery.
Takeaways. Both MDs and DOs are well-trained doctors that can give you the care you need.