Medical & Allied Health · Super-speciality

Palliative Care Physician

⚠ Estimate — needs validation · as of 2025

A palliative care physician helps people with serious, life-limiting illness by reducing pain, breathlessness, anxiety, and other symptoms. In India, this is usually pursued after MBBS and MD, often through oncology, anaesthesia, medicine, or family medicine pathways, with work in hospitals, hospices, and home-care teams.

Who it's for: Best for students who are empathetic, calm under pressure, good communicators, and comfortable with long-term patient and family counselling. It suits those interested in symptom relief, ethics, and quality-of-life care.

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At a glance

Entry mode: Government Exam
Exam shape: national
Key exam: NEET UG
Min qualification: MBBS+MD
Duration: 8.5-10.5 yr
Starting salary: 8-20 LPA (approx, as of 2025)
Sector: Govt/Private
Category: Medical & Allied Health

Subjects / Stream

PhysicsChemistryBiologyEnglishMBBS clinical medicinePsychology/communication skills

Step-by-step path

  1. Choose PCB in Class 11-12 and prepare for NEET UG.
  2. Qualify NEET UG and complete MBBS from a recognised medical college.
  3. Complete internship and register with the National Medical Commission/state medical council.
  4. Qualify NEET PG and pursue MD in a relevant branch such as Anaesthesia, General Medicine, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, or Radiotherapy, depending on the training route available.
  5. Take palliative care exposure through electives, observerships, fellowships, or hospital-based training.
  6. Build experience in pain management, symptom control, counselling, and multidisciplinary care, then apply for palliative care physician roles in hospitals, cancer centres, or home-care services.

Key exams

NEET UG: admissionNEET PG: postgraduate entryINI-CET: admissionFMGE: licensureNExT: licensure

Top institutes / boards

AIIMS, New DelhiTata Memorial Centre, MumbaiChristian Medical College, VelloreSCTIMST, ThiruvananthapuramPGIMER, ChandigarhKidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru

Similar careers

Pain Medicine PhysicianOncologistAnaesthesiologistGeriatricianHospice Care Physician
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Frequently asked questions

What is a palliative care physician?
A doctor who focuses on relieving pain, symptoms, and stress in serious illness, while supporting patients and families. The goal is better quality of life, not only cure.
What is the minimum qualification for this career in India?
Typically MBBS followed by MD in a relevant specialty, plus palliative care training or fellowship. Exact pathways vary by hospital and institute.
Is NEET UG enough to become a palliative care physician?
No. NEET UG is needed for MBBS admission, but you also need postgraduate medical training, usually through NEET PG or INI-CET, before specialising further.
Which exam should I prepare for first?
NEET UG is the first major exam after Class 12 for MBBS admission. After MBBS, you usually prepare for NEET PG or INI-CET for postgraduate training.
Can I become a palliative care physician after MBBS only?
You can work in palliative care settings after MBBS, but physician-level specialist roles usually need postgraduate training and additional palliative care exposure or fellowship.
What subjects should I take in school?
Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are essential for MBBS. English and good communication skills also help because counselling is a major part of palliative care.
Is there an age limit for NEET UG?
As per current practice, there is no upper age limit for NEET UG, but candidates should always check the latest NTA and counselling rules for the admission year.
How many years does it take to become job-ready?
Usually about 8.5 to 10.5 years after Class 12, depending on MBBS duration, internship, postgraduate training, and any fellowship or additional palliative care training.
What is the salary of a palliative care physician in India?
Starting pay is often around 8-20 LPA in 2025, depending on city, hospital type, experience, and whether the role is in a cancer centre, private hospital, or home-care service.
Is this career available in government hospitals?
Yes. Some government hospitals, medical colleges, and cancer centres have palliative care services, though opportunities are more limited than in general medicine or anaesthesia.
Is this career available in private hospitals too?
Yes. Private hospitals, cancer centres, hospices, and home-care organisations hire doctors with palliative care training, especially where chronic and cancer care services are strong.
What is the scope of palliative care in India?
The scope is growing because of cancer, chronic disease, ageing, and home-based care needs. Demand is increasing in hospitals, oncology centres, and community care programs.
Are girls and women suitable for this profession?
Yes. It is a very suitable field for women and men alike. Success depends more on empathy, communication, and clinical skill than on gender.
Is reservation available in medical admissions?
Yes. Reservation policies apply in many government medical admissions as per central and state rules. Exact categories and percentages depend on the counselling authority and year.
What are the fees for MBBS and MD in India?
Fees vary widely. Government colleges are usually much lower than private colleges, while private MBBS and MD fees can be significantly higher. Check the latest institute-wise fee structure.
Which institutes are known for this field?
AIIMS New Delhi, Tata Memorial Centre, CMC Vellore, PGIMER Chandigarh, SCTIMST Thiruvananthapuram, and Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology are well-known options for related training and exposure.
Do I need to be very strong in surgery for this career?
No. This field is more about symptom control, medicine, counselling, ethics, and teamwork than surgery. A compassionate bedside manner is more important than operative skills.
What kind of work does a palliative care physician do daily?
They assess pain and symptoms, adjust medicines, counsel families, coordinate with oncologists and other specialists, and plan care that matches the patient’s goals and comfort.
Is this a good career for someone who likes patient interaction?
Yes. It is ideal for people who enjoy deep patient interaction, listening, counselling, and supporting families through difficult medical decisions.
How do I know if this career is right for me?
If you value empathy, communication, long-term patient care, and improving comfort and dignity, this may suit you. If you prefer fast-paced procedural work only, another specialty may fit better.

Figures are indicative and source-stamped with an "as of" year (2025). Confirm on the official exam authority website before deciding.

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