Doctor Salaries in India: What You Really Earn and How

When you think of a doctor, a licensed medical professional trained to diagnose and treat illness. Also known as a physician, it's one of the most respected and sought-after careers in India. But what you see on TV or hear at family gatherings doesn’t match reality. Doctor salaries in India vary wildly—some earn over ₹20 lakh a year, while others struggle to make ₹30,000. It’s not about being a doctor. It’s about where you work, who you work for, and how long you’ve been in the game.

Most people assume all doctors make big money. But if you’re a fresh MBBS graduate working in a government hospital, your starting pay is often just above the minimum wage for skilled labor. In states like Uttar Pradesh or Bihar, a junior doctor might earn ₹40,000–₹50,000 a month after all deductions. In Delhi or Maharashtra, it’s a bit higher—₹60,000–₹80,000. But that’s only if you’re lucky enough to get a government posting. Many end up in rural posts with no housing, no transport allowance, and 72-hour shifts. On the flip side, a senior surgeon in a private hospital in Mumbai or Bangalore can pull in ₹3–5 lakh monthly. And specialists in cardiology, neurology, or oncology? They often earn more than CEOs. The difference? Experience, location, and whether you’re working for a hospital or running your own clinic.

Then there’s the NEET factor. Every year, over 20 lakh students take the exam hoping to become doctors. But getting into medical college is just the first step. After five years of study, you need to do a year of internship, then pass the NEXT exam to get a license. Only then can you start earning. And even then, many spend years working as resident doctors before they can open their own practice. The real money comes after 8–10 years of grinding—when you’ve built a patient base, mastered your specialty, and gained trust. Government jobs offer stability, pensions, and benefits, but slow growth. Private practice offers speed, risk, and huge upside—if you can handle the pressure.

What you won’t hear often is how much debt most doctors carry. A private medical college can cost ₹80 lakh–₹1.5 crore. Many take loans that take 15 years to pay off. So even if you’re making ₹1 lakh a month at 28, half of it might go to EMI. That’s why many new doctors work multiple shifts—morning at a clinic, night at a hospital, weekends at diagnostic centers. It’s not glamorous. It’s survival.

So if you’re thinking of becoming a doctor in India, don’t do it for the money. Do it because you can’t imagine doing anything else. But if you’re curious about pay, know this: the highest salaries aren’t in big cities. They’re in private hospitals that serve the top 10% of earners. The rest? They’re working hard, often underpaid, and rarely thanked. The system isn’t broken—it’s just uneven. And the truth? Most doctors aren’t rich. They’re just resilient.

Below, you’ll find real insights from doctors, parents, and students who’ve been through this system. No fluff. Just what actually happens on the ground.