After completing your MBBS degree, it is important to find answers to the question ‘What after MBBS?. The traditional path after MBBS for medical students is to start general practice in the primary healthcare, diagnosis and other medical fields. This career prospect is a common choice allowing students to earn a decent living in the range of 4 to 5 lakhs per year.
After MBBS, students may pursue PG level specialization courses through MD/MS. With MD or MS, students may work at private clinics, hospitals, become surgeons or even start their own private practice. You may also consider Diploma and PhD courses after MBBS. It is not necessary to stick to the medical field after MBBS, you may choose to broaden your career options with an MBA degree.
Pursuing MBA after MBBS opens up career prospects such as entrepreneurship, medical administration, healthcare business, health insurance, marketing roles, etc. MBA after MBBS provides the scope for a leadership role with better earning prospects. Students may ask, ‘why is it important to plan a career after MBBS?’ It is important to do so to gain clarity, avoid being misled, become successful and achieve self satisfaction.

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PG Courses To Pursue After MBBS
Students planning to pursue PG courses after MBBS must check the complete list of options available before taking a decision about their medical career. You may choose to study MD, DM, hD and Diploma courses at the post-graduate level after MBBS. Since MBBS is an undergraduate degree, pursuing PG courses with specializations will lead to a good career path with strong foundations in the medical sector.
PG Courses To Pursue After MBBS | |
Post Graduation After MBBS | Career Prospects |
MD | With an MD in specializations like General Medicine, Dermatology, Paediatrics, etc, students may work at private clinics, hospitals, etc. |
MS | MS programs in specializations like Ophthalmology, ENT, Orthopaedics, etc will help individuals become surgeons or carry out their private practice. |
Diploma | After completing diploma courses, individuals may enhance their knowledge and take up specific roles based on the specialization opted for in the course. |
PhD | With a PhD degree after MBBS, MBBS graduates can take up professor or lecturer level jobs at medical colleges as well as turn to research and writing fields. |
MBA After MBBS – Advantages and Scope
Students may expand their scope of study and open doors to new career options such as an MBA degree after pursuing a MBBS degree. Typically, students choose specializations after MBBS or practice medicine after MBBS.
The option of MBA after MBBS is also a good choice having multiple advantages and a wider career scope. Pursuing an MBA after MBBS provides business knowledge to candidates making them ideal for management roles in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry.
MBA After MBBS | |
Advantages | Scope |
Choose from a variety of MBA specializations like healthcare consulting, healthcare management, pharmaceutical administration, medical administration, hospital administration, medical informatics, and public health. | Students may choose entrepreneurship opportunities after MBBS widening their scope of study and practice with an MBA degree |
Undertake management roles or start your own healthcare business after completing MBBS and MBA. | You may work as a person who oversees the administrative, clinical, and financial aspects of a hospital. |
Gain management, business and leadership skills necessary for success in any industry. | Work as a development and management professional for health insurance based products and services. |
Skills to manage and lead help students get better paying jobs compared to a plain MBBS degree with no additional skills. | Sell, promote and conduct marketing for medical devices and equipment. |
Why Is It Important To Plan a Career After MBBS?
Career planning is important after MBBS to gain clarity on your path and avoid confusion or selecting the wrong career after MBBS. Students must understand the importance of career planning after MBBS since there are lots of options and opportunities. Choosing the best option is important for self satisfaction and a successful career. Below table summarizes some pointers on why it is important to plan a career after MBBS.
Reasons To Plan a Career After MBBS | |
List of Reasons | Detailed Explanation |
Medical careers | After MBBS, students can explore a variety of medical career pathways such as self practice, higher studies and so on. |
Non-clinical options | MBA, research and writing, law, startups, etc are some non-clinical career options available to those planning a career after MBBS. |
Different Specializations | After MBBS, students may take up specialized courses such as MD, MS, Diploma, International Certifications and so on and so forth. |
Job Prospects | Those interested in directly taking up jobs in the medical field may explore job prospects after MBBS. |
International Career | Plan your career after MBBS in an abroad country through exams like PLAB, USMLE or opt for international fellowships. |
How To Determine the Best Option After MBBS?
Students may determine the best career option after MBBS with the help of the psychometric test. You may additionally go for career counselling to know the different career options available after MBBS. Choosing the best option after MBBS depends on your personal needs and goals. Here are some action items to help you break down the complex notion of how to determine the best option after MBBS.
- Take a psychometric test.
- Apply for career counselling
- Read and explore different PG courses
- Learn about medical practice
- Explore research and writing options
- Know different specializations after MBBS

What After MBBS – FAQs
Students pursuing an MBA after MBBS can take up managerial roles and learn leadership qualities which help them secure high paying jobs. They can also pursue entrepreneurship.
You should understand yourself and your goals and ambition before deciding what you should do after MBBS. You may choose higher studies, practice or pursue a different career path depending on your interests.
You may plan your career after MBBS with the help of a psychometric test, career counselling, self research on PG courses, learning about medical practice, exploring research/writing careers, and specializations.