Opting for a cardiologist as one’s career is among the most laudable and lucrative decisions in the medical profession. A cardiologist focuses on the heart and considers the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the heart and vessels as their prime concern. In India, the incidence of heart-related disorders is surging greatly as a result of the unhealthy lifestyle, stress, and a larger aged population. The guide provides a complete and realistic explanation of how to become a cardiologist after 12th.
Who Is a Cardiologist and What Do They Do?
This discussion is about who a cardiologist is and what they do. As a medical doctor, a cardiologist is an expert in diagnosing and treating defects of the heart and blood vessels, including heart attacks, blocked arteries, arrhythmia, congenital heart defects, heart failure, and high blood pressure. Additionally, they might choose to focus on such branches as interventional cardiology, paediatric cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac imaging, or heart failure management.
They may be found working in government hospitals, private hospitals, super-speciality heart centres, medical colleges, and research institutions. Some cardiologists also set up their private practices. Cardiologists are often in emergency rooms, ICUs, and catheterisation labs due to the critical nature of heart diseases, where quick and accurate decision-making is vital.
The long and tough trip, however, is accompanied by the great honour of the profession, job stability, and worldwide doctors’ mobility, not to mention the great salaries of cardiologists.
How to Become a Cardiologist After 12th – Step-by-Step Roadmap
To be able to say you truly know how to become a cardiologist after 12th, you have to be ready to fight a long but perfectly organised academic battle that spans over 14 to 15 years in total.
| Stage | Course / Exam | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 11–12 | PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 2 Years | Foundation for medical entrance |
| Entrance Exam | NEET-UG | Yearly Attempt | Admission to MBBS |
| Undergraduate Degree | MBBS | 5.5 Years | Core medical education |
| Entrance Exam | NEET-PG | Yearly Attempt | Admission to MD |
| Postgraduate Degree | MD (General Medicine) | 3 Years | Advanced medical training |
| Super-Specialization | DM (Cardiology) | 3 Years | Become a certified cardiologist |
| Total Duration | — | 14–15 Years | Full cardiology qualification |
➤Step 1: Choose Science with PCB in Class 11 & 12
The first thing to do is choose the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Without Biology, no access to medical studies is permitted in India.
➤Step 2: Clear NEET-UG for MBBS Admission
After getting the Class 12 certificate, the students are required by the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) to sit for the exam. In India, this is the only entrance test for MBBS.
Every year, the number of students taking the exam exceeds 20 lakhs, whereas the number of available seats is limited—this is what makes the exam one of the most difficult.
➤Step 3: Complete MBBS Degree (5.5 Years)
Only after entrance will you be able to start the MBBS program, which consists of 4.5 years of theory and 1 year of obligatory internship. During the internship, students get to practice trained anatomy, medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, and emergency care.
➤Step 4: Clear NEET-PG and Pursue MD
One step after completing MBBS is taking the NEET-PG and choosing MD in General Medicine for three years. This period is primarily focused on the study of internal diseases, diagnostics, and patient care at an advanced level.
➤Step 5: Complete DM in Cardiology
After 3 years of DM (Doctor of Medicine) in Cardiology, the title of cardiologist can be granted to you. After this stage, you will be allowed to practice as a cardiologist.
The Indian Medical Education System has been regulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC)
Alternative Route: BSc Cardiology After 12th
BSc Cardiology is another option after finishing school. This path does not lead directly to being a doctor, but it does equip a person to become a cardiac technician who will be responsible for assisting cardiologists in various procedures such as ECG, TMT, Cath lab and echocardiography.
BSc Cardiology Salary vs Cardiologist Salary
| Course | Monthly Salary (Freshers) | Monthly Salary (Experienced) | Role Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Cardiology | ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 | Technician / Assistant |
| Cardiologist (DM) | ₹1.5 – ₹3 Lakh | ₹6 – ₹12 Lakh+ | Doctor / Specialist |
Cardiologist Salary in India
The monthly salary of a cardiologist in India varies by professional experience, hospital reputation, geographical location, and whether private practice is involved.
Experience-Wise Cardiologist Salary Per Month
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Junior (0–3 Years) | ₹1.5 – ₹3 Lakh |
| Mid-Level (4–8 Years) | ₹3 – ₹6 Lakh |
| Senior (10+ Years) | ₹6 – ₹12 Lakh |
| Top Clinic Owners | ₹10 – ₹25 Lakh+ |
City-Wise Scope and Income
| City | Monthly Salary Range | Career Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹4 – ₹10 Lakh | Very High |
| Delhi | ₹3.5 – ₹9 Lakh | Very High |
| Bengaluru | ₹3 – ₹8 Lakh | High |
| Chennai | ₹3 – ₹7 Lakh | High |
| Kolkata | ₹2.5 – ₹6 Lakh | High |
| Hyderabad | ₹3 – ₹7 Lakh | High |
| Tier-2 Cities | ₹1.5 – ₹4 Lakh | Growing |
A senior cardiologist in Mumbai may get ₹12–25 lakh every month. A top cardiologist in Kolkata usually receives ₹6–12 lakh every month as a combined income from the hospital and the clinic.
Skills Required to Become a Successful Cardiologist
Analytical thinking is a major skill that allows for differential diagnosis since it gives the doctor the knowledge to properly assess symptoms and the medical data. Emotional control is also a very important skill in emergencies because it enables the person to work effectively and calmly, particularly if the circumstances are very stressful. Good communication skills are very useful in building trust with patients, in addition to making sure that treatment and care are well understood. Physical endurance is a must-have to last throughout long and tiring surgeries without getting distracted. Ethical decision-making is a key factor in the process of deciding between two or more good, life-saving treatments or patient safety and medical integrity.
Career Opportunities After Becoming a Cardiologist
| Career Role | Work Location | Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Cardiologist | Government & Private Hospitals | ₹18 – ₹60 LPA |
| Interventional Cardiologist | Super Speciality Hospitals | ₹40 LPA – ₹1 Crore+ |
| Paediatric Cardiologist | Children’s Hospitals | ₹20 – ₹50 LPA |
| Academic Professor | Medical Colleges | ₹12 – ₹30 LPA |
| Research Cardiologist | Research Institutes | ₹15 – ₹40 LPA |
| Private Clinic Owner | Self Practice | ₹50 Lakh – ₹3 Crore+ |
FAQs
Q1. How does one go about becoming a cardiologist after the 12th grade?
ANS. A circuitous route is implied where one goes through the selection of PCB in 12th, taking NEET-UG, completing MBBS, taking up MD in Medicine & then finally DM in Cardiology.
Q2. What is a cardiologist's monthly salary in India?
ANS. Junior cardiologists are paid ₹1.5–3 lakhs per month, while veteran cardiologists are paid ₹6–12 lakhs or more.
Q3. How much does a cardiologist earn in Mumbai?
ANS. The salary of a cardiologist in Mumbai varies from ₹4 lakhs to 10 lakhs per month, along with ₹12-25 lakhs with private practice.
Q4. How much does a cardiologist earn in Kolkata?
ANS. A cardiologist's salary in Kolkata is around ₹2.5–6 lakhs per month and ₹6–12 lakhs+ in total with other associates.
Q5. What is the monthly pay of a BSc cardiologist?
ANS. BSc cardiology monthly salary varies from ₹12,000 to ₹45,000 depending upon the level of experience.