MCh Degree full form is Master of Chirurgiae (General Surgery) which comes from the Latin word Magister Chirugiae. Considered the highest master’s degree in Surgical Science, the Master Chirurgiae (MCh) is an extremely advanced and selective postgraduate/doctoral degree after Master of Surgery that equips an individual with a technical understanding of complex surgical procedures. It includes a heavy amount of research and practical training as graduates are expected to work in a highly demanding environment. If you have recently completed your MS in Surgery and want to delve deeper into the field, the MCh degree is the right one to pursue. In this article, we will explore the specifics of this course such as eligibility criteria, course structure, offered concentrations, amongst others.

What is MCh Degree?

Known as the Magister Chirurgiae (MCh Degree), the MCh degree is tailor-made to suit the different specializations such as Neuro Surgery, Cardio-Thoracic Vascular Surgery, Plastic Surgery, ENT, and Urology. Magister Chirurgiae is a Latin word that means Master of General Surgery, Generally, it focuses on providing research and technical knowledge related to surgical science. The course is meant for junior doctors and clinical professionals and is offered as a postgraduate course across the globe. Universities employ tools like seminars, long-term placements, assistance programs, study advisors, research projects and dissertations, etc to equip an individual with the required skills of working in ICUs, operation theatres, emergency, and trauma care. 

Types of MCh Degree

While there is only one type of MCh degree, there are two different ways you can take the MCh degree. If you already have an MBBS, your MCh course can be for 5 years but if you also have an MD, your MCh degree is for a 3-year duration.

Why Study MCh Degree

An MCh degree is one of the highest degrees in the field of surgery and the doctors who have an MCh degree are considered super-specialty doctors. 

• An MCh degree allows doctors to be more proficient in their work and promote innovations in the field of surgery
• MCh degree doctors can also train their juniors and students in the different fields of medical science
• The average salary after MCh degree is 10-15 lakhs per annum and considered one of the most lucrative careers in the world.
• The degree opens job opportunities in several different fields like Urology, Paediatrics, Cardiovascular, Endocrine, etc
• The programs also include a bunch of internships where students get stipends roughly INR 35,000- 45,000.

Difference Between MS and MCh

Before delving into the details about this postdoctoral degree in Surgery, it is important to point out the differences between an MS (Surgery) and MCh degree.

• An MS degree is only offered as a postgraduate degree which can be pursued by MBBS graduates. On the other hand, an MCh is offered as a doctoral or postdoctoral program that can be pursued either after completing an MBBS or MS.

• In India, the duration is typically 6 years in the case of the former and 3 years for the latter. However, international universities generally have a varying duration in terms of postdoctoral degree programs in Surgery.

MCh Degree Admission Process

Admission in MCh is offered through an entrance exam NEET SS- NEET Super Speciality, but those who wish to apply at AIIMS and JIPMER, need to take the college’s own entrance tests. The NEET SS Exam is conducted every year by the National Board of Examinations. Candidates are allotted seats depending on their ranking in the exam. For your MCh Admission, you need to have:

• NEET SS Result
• Photocopy of Permanent or Provisional SMC/MCI Registration.
• Valid ID

Difference Between MCh and MD

You can get all the details regarding NEET SS on this page. 

The admission process of the MCh Degree is based on the merit list of the NEET SS examination which occurs every year in the month of June. The selection process is done after the counselling session by the Medical Counseling Committee(MCC),  Director General of Health Services(DCHS) and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare(MoHFW). Entrance Exams

COLLEGES OFFERING M.CH UROLOGY IN INDIA

Mentioned below are some states in India that offer the program.