Medical & Allied Health · Super-speciality

Pulmonologist

⚠ Estimate — needs validation · as of 2025

A pulmonologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the lungs and breathing system, such as asthma, COPD, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and sleep-related breathing problems. In India, this is a super-speciality path after MBBS and MD, usually through further training in pulmonary medicine or respiratory medicine.

Who it's for: Best for students who like biology, patient care, long-term study, and working in hospitals. It suits those comfortable with emergency situations, teamwork, and detailed diagnosis.

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At a glance

Entry mode: Government Exam
Exam shape: national
Key exam: NEET UG
Min qualification: MBBS+MD
Duration: 10-12 yr
Starting salary: 8-20 LPA (approx, as of 2025)
Sector: Govt/Private
Category: Medical & Allied Health

Subjects / Stream

PhysicsChemistryBiologyEnglishScience streamHuman Anatomy and Physiology

Step-by-step path

  1. Choose Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 11-12.
  2. Qualify NEET UG and complete MBBS from a recognised medical college.
  3. Complete internship and register with the National Medical Commission or State Medical Council.
  4. Qualify NEET PG and pursue MD in Respiratory Medicine / Pulmonary Medicine or related branch.
  5. Complete super-speciality training if required by the chosen pathway, such as DM or equivalent advanced training in some institutions.
  6. Join a hospital, medical college, ICU, or private practice as a pulmonologist.

Key exams

NEET UG - admissionNEET PG - postgraduateINI-CET - admissionFMGE - licensingNExT - licensing

Top institutes / boards

AIIMSPGIMER ChandigarhJIPMER PuducherryChristian Medical College, VelloreKGMU LucknowMadras Medical College, Chennai

Similar careers

Chest PhysicianCritical Care SpecialistAllergist and ImmunologistInternal Medicine SpecialistSleep Medicine Specialist
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Frequently asked questions

What does a pulmonologist do?
A pulmonologist treats diseases of the lungs and airways, including asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and breathing failure. They also manage ICU respiratory care and some sleep-related breathing disorders.
What is the minimum qualification to become a pulmonologist in India?
The usual path is MBBS followed by postgraduate training such as MD in Respiratory Medicine or Pulmonary Medicine, and in some cases further super-speciality training.
Which exam should I take after Class 12 for this career?
NEET UG is the key national exam for MBBS admission, which is the first required step toward becoming a pulmonologist.
Is NEET UG enough to become a pulmonologist?
No. NEET UG only gets you into MBBS. After that, you usually need NEET PG for MD admission, and sometimes additional super-speciality training.
What is the full route from school to pulmonologist?
Science with Biology in Class 11-12, NEET UG, MBBS, internship, medical registration, NEET PG, MD in respiratory-related branch, and then advanced specialist training or job.
How many years does it take to become job-ready?
Usually about 10-12 years after Class 12, depending on the exact postgraduate and super-speciality route taken.
Can I become a pulmonologist after MBBS only?
You can work as a general doctor after MBBS, but not as a pulmonologist. Specialised training in respiratory medicine is needed for that role.
What subjects should I study in school?
Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are essential. English and strong science fundamentals also help for NEET and medical studies.
Is this career available in both government and private sectors?
Yes. Pulmonologists work in government hospitals, medical colleges, private hospitals, ICUs, clinics, and diagnostic centres.
What is the starting salary of a pulmonologist in India?
Starting pay is often around 8-20 LPA in India, but it varies widely by city, hospital type, experience, and whether the doctor is in government or private practice, as of 2025.
Are fees for medical education very high?
Fees vary a lot. Government medical colleges are usually much more affordable than private colleges, while private MBBS and postgraduate seats can be expensive.
Is there an age limit for NEET UG?
As of 2025, there is no upper age limit for NEET UG, but candidates must meet the minimum age and eligibility rules set for the exam.
Do reservations apply in medical admissions?
Yes. Government medical admissions in India follow the applicable reservation rules for categories such as SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwD, as per current government policy.
Can girls become pulmonologists?
Yes. This career is open to all genders, and many women work successfully as pulmonologists in India.
Is this a good career for someone who likes patient care and diagnosis?
Yes. It suits students who enjoy science, problem-solving, long-term patient care, and hospital-based work.
What kind of patients does a pulmonologist usually see?
Common patients include people with asthma, chronic cough, breathlessness, lung infections, tuberculosis, smoking-related lung disease, and sleep-breathing problems.
Which hospitals are best for training in this field?
Top government medical institutes such as AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, and other large teaching hospitals are highly valued for training and exposure.
Is this career stressful?
It can be stressful because lung diseases may be serious and emergencies are common. It suits people who can stay calm, work long hours, and handle responsibility.
What are the main alternatives if I like this field but want related options?
Related options include chest physician, critical care specialist, internal medicine specialist, sleep medicine specialist, and allergist-immunologist.
How do I know if this career is right for me?
If you like biology, medical problem-solving, hospital work, and helping patients with long-term breathing problems, it may be a strong fit.

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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