Career as an Oncologist in India: Salary, Courses and How to Begin

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Updated

At a glance

An oncologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats cancer; in India most train through an MBBS, then an MD or MS, then a DM or MCh in oncology.

An oncologist is a medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing, staging and treating cancer. They also explain treatment options and side effects, oversee care during and after treatment, and help patients cope with a serious diagnosis.

Cancer care is usually delivered by a team, so most oncologists focus on one kind of treatment: medical oncology (chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy), radiation oncology (radiotherapy) or surgical oncology (removing tumours). Others specialise in cancers of children, the blood or the reproductive organs.

In India the route is long: an MBBS after Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, then a postgraduate degree, then a super-speciality DM or MCh. The work is demanding and emotionally heavy, but many doctors find it deeply meaningful, since early diagnosis and better treatments can improve outcomes.

Minimum Qualification
MBBS after Class 12 with PCB (via NEET UG)
Typical Degree
MBBS, then MD/MS, then DM/MCh
Expected Entry Salary
To be verified (see editor notes)
Entry-level to Senior
To be verified (see editor notes)
Job Demand Growth
Steady long-term demand
Work Hours
Long and often irregular; on-call common
Places of Work
Hospitals, cancer centres, medical colleges

What Does an Oncologist Do?

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Take a detailed history, examine patients, and review family history and past illnesses.

  • Order and review biopsies, imaging such as PET-CT and MRI, and lab tests to diagnose and stage cancer.

  • Explain the diagnosis, the stage and each treatment option, including its benefits and side effects.

  • Plan and supervise treatment: chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted or hormone therapy, radiation or surgery.

  • Take part in multidisciplinary tumour boards with surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and nurses.

  • Monitor side effects, manage urgent problems such as fever during chemotherapy, and arrange follow-up visits.

  • Give second opinions and connect patients and families with counsellors, social workers and palliative care support.

Where They Work

Most oncologists in India work in hospitals. Private multispecialty hospitals with dedicated oncology units, such as VS Hospitals, Apollo and Medway Hospitals in Chennai, are among the employers named in our research. Hospital-based cancer centres also hire oncologists.

Government medical colleges and national institutes such as AIIMS employ oncologists as faculty and senior residents, so teaching and research roles are common. Some oncologists also work in private practice, in NGO-run cancer care such as the Madras Cancer Care Foundation, or in clinical trials.

How to Become an Oncologist in India?

After Class 10

Build strong foundations in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Reading and memory matter a lot, because both NEET and medical training are heavy on theory.

After Class 12

Take Class 12 in Science with Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB). Appear for NEET UG to get an MBBS seat at a medical college.

Undergraduate

Complete MBBS, which takes about 5.5 years including a one-year compulsory internship. Use electives and ward postings to explore oncology early.

Postgraduate and Specialisation

Clear NEET PG and complete an MD (Medicine or Radiotherapy) or MS (General Surgery), usually 3 years. Then clear NEET SS for a DM in Medical Oncology or Haematology-Oncology, or an MCh in Surgical Oncology, usually 3 years.

Licence / Certification

Register with your State Medical Council to practise. Fellowships in medical, surgical or radiation oncology can add specialised skills before or after your first job.

First Job

Most doctors begin as senior residents or junior consultants in a hospital oncology unit, then move to consultant roles as experience and case load grow.

You might also
want to explore.

Radiologist

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Radiographer

Nuclear Power & Radiological Engineering

Cardiologist

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Clinical Pharmacist

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Radiologist

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Radiographer

Nuclear Power & Radiological Engineering

Cardiologist

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Clinical Pharmacist

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Radiologist

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Radiographer

Nuclear Power & Radiological Engineering

Cardiologist

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Clinical Pharmacist

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Radiologist

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Radiographer

Nuclear Power & Radiological Engineering

Cardiologist

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Clinical Pharmacist

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Eligibility and Subjects Required

Stream and Subject Requirements

  • Class 12 in Science with Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) is required for NEET UG and MBBS.

  • Biology carries weight throughout the course, so strong biology and chemistry are essential.

  • Typically at least 50% aggregate in PCB for the general category to qualify for NEET UG; reserved categories have lower cut-offs. Confirm current rules before applying.

Minimum Qualification

  • MBBS from a recognised medical college, the base degree for every oncology route.

  • Postgraduate degree (MD or MS) after clearing NEET PG.

  • Super-speciality degree (DM or MCh in oncology) after clearing NEET SS, the usual route to practise as a specialist oncologist.

  • Registration with the State Medical Council to practise.

Courses and Degrees for Oncologist

  • Undergraduate Degrees
    • MBBS (about 5.5 years, including a one-year compulsory internship)
    • MBBS from a recognised foreign university, followed by the FMGE screening test (duration varies by country)
    Postgraduate Degrees
    • MD Medicine, the usual base for medical oncology (3 years)
    • MD Radiotherapy, for radiation oncology (3 years)
    • MS General Surgery, the base for surgical oncology (3 years)
    Super-speciality Degrees
    • DM Medical Oncology (3 years)
    • DM Clinical Haematology, for blood cancers (3 years)
    • MCh Surgical Oncology (3 years)
    Certifications & Short-term Courses
    • Fellowship in medical, surgical or radiation oncology (typically 1 to 2 years, after a PG or super-speciality degree)
    • Certificate in palliative care (typically a few months to 1 year)

Entrance Exams for Oncologist

  • Exam
    NEET UG
    Level
    National, undergraduate
    Held
    Once a year
    For Course
    MBBS and BDS (undergraduate medicine)
  • Exam
    NEET PG
    Level
    National, postgraduate
    Held
    Once a year
    For Course
    MD, MS and PG diplomas
  • Exam
    NEET SS
    Level
    National, super-speciality
    Held
    Typically once a year (confirm current schedule)
    For Course
    DM and MCh super-speciality courses, including oncology

Top Colleges for Oncologist

Government Institutes

  • College
    AIIMS New Delhi
    Location
    New Delhi, Delhi
  • College
    Tata Memorial Centre
    Location
    Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • College
    Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)
    Location
    Chandigarh
  • College
    Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology
    Location
    Bengaluru, Karnataka
  • College
    AIIMS Jodhpur
    Location
    Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Private Institutes

  • College
    Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore
    Location
    Vellore, Tamil Nadu

Skills Required to Become an Oncologist

Technical Skills

  • Diagnosing cancer from biopsy, imaging and lab results
  • Prescribing chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy
  • Understanding radiotherapy planning and its side effects
  • Reading PET-CT, MRI and pathology reports
  • Clinical staging and treatment-planning protocols
  • Managing chemotherapy side effects and emergencies
  • Reading clinical trial data and current treatment guidelines

Soft Skills

  • Empathy and clear communication with patients
  • Breaking difficult news with care
  • Teamwork in multidisciplinary tumour boards
  • Emotional resilience
  • Decision-making under pressure
  • Patience and long-term commitment

Oncologist Salary in India

0 to 3 years after MD/MS or DM/MCh

Entry Level

To be verified before publishing

  • Typical job titles: Senior Resident, Junior Consultant
  • Work at this level: assisting on ward rounds, supervised chemotherapy and clinic follow-ups

4 to 10 years

Mid Level

To be verified before publishing

  • Typical job titles: Consultant Medical Oncologist, Assistant Professor
  • Work at this level: leading treatment plans, taking tumour board decisions, teaching residents

10+ years

Senior Level

To be verified before publishing

  • Typical job titles: Senior Consultant, Professor and Head of Department, Director
  • Work at this level: running a unit, research and clinical trials, training and policy

Career Opportunities and Job Roles

Medical Oncologist

Treats cancer with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted and hormone therapy.

Radiation Oncologist

Plans and delivers radiotherapy, alone or alongside surgery and chemotherapy.

Surgical Oncologist

Removes tumours and affected tissue, and helps with recovery after surgery.

Haematologist-Oncologist

Diagnoses and treats blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Paediatric Oncologist

Treats cancers in children and adolescents, such as leukaemia and brain tumours.

Gynaecologic Oncologist

Treats cancers of the cervix, uterus and ovaries.

Neuro-oncologist

Treats brain tumours and cancers affecting the nervous system.

Academic Oncologist and Clinical Researcher

Runs clinical trials, publishes research and teaches in medical colleges.

Scope and Future of Oncologist in India

Cancer remains a major health challenge in India. An ET HealthWorld report from 2016 quoted Dr Sanjeev Mishra saying head and neck cancers make up about 30% of cancers in the Indian subcontinent; treat this as dated and check current national figures. In February 2026, The Times of India warned that women who stop seeing gynaecologists after 50 can miss cancers, a reminder that early detection matters.

Demand is growing in newer parts of the field. Psycho-oncology, which supports patients' mental health during cancer care, was highlighted by The Hindu in January 2026. Researchers are also studying AI in oncology, including a 2025 Frontiers perspective on its role in developing nations, and an AIIMS research project in New Delhi invited professionals to join in August 2026. In July 2026, NEET UG 2026 topper Aryan Gupta said he wants to become an oncologist, a sign of interest among top medical aspirants.

Public institutions such as AIIMS hold oncology meets (AIIMS Jodhpur hosted a Nextgen Oncology meet in March 2026), which suggests oncology remains a priority in public health. Abroad, the path is also structured. In the US, radiation oncologists need initial certification from the American Board of Radiology after residency, and many oncologists train further through fellowships. Indian doctors who want to practise overseas must usually meet that country's licensing rules.

Is Oncologist
the Right Career for You?

Oncologist can be an exciting career, but the right choice depends on more than academic eligibility.

Interests

What excites you?

Aptitude

What are you good at?

Personality

How do you work?

Work Preferences

What kind of environment suits you?

Discover careers that match your interests, strengths and preferences.

See how well this career fits you

Related Careers

More careers in Healthcare & Life Sciences that students read about.

Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Officer

Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Officer

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Quality

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Psychologist

Behavioral Health & Teletherapy

Veterinarian

Veterinarian

Veterinary Medicine & Animal Health

Psychotherapist

Psychotherapist

Behavioral Health & Teletherapy

Health Physicist

Health Physicist

Nuclear Power & Radiological Engineering

Oncologist: Frequently Asked Questions

What is an oncologist?

An oncologist is a doctor who specialises in cancer. They diagnose and stage cancer, plan treatment with chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or newer targeted and immune therapies, explain side effects, and oversee follow-up care. Many focus on one type of treatment or one group of cancers, such as children's cancers or blood cancers.

How long does it take to become an oncologist in India?

The usual path is an MBBS of about 5.5 years, then 3 years of MD or MS, then 3 years of DM or MCh. That adds up to well over a decade after Class 12, before counting any gap between NEET attempts. Cleveland Clinic estimates about 14 to 16 years of training in the United States, which is a useful rough benchmark.

Which NEET exam do I need to become an oncologist?

You need NEET UG to enter MBBS, NEET PG to enter an MD or MS, and NEET SS to enter a super-speciality course such as DM Medical Oncology or MCh Surgical Oncology. Each is a separate national test with its own eligibility rules, so check the official notification every year before you apply.

Can I become an oncologist after MBBS without a PG degree?

An MBBS doctor can work in cancer care and learn basic oncology, but to practise as a specialist oncologist you need a postgraduate degree and usually a super-speciality DM or MCh in oncology. The MBBS is the starting point, not the finish line.

Which type of oncologist should I choose?

Choose based on what you enjoy. Medical oncologists manage drug treatment and follow patients over long periods. Radiation oncologists plan and deliver radiotherapy. Surgical oncologists operate to remove tumours. Haematologist-oncologists treat blood cancers, and paediatric oncologists care for children. Talk to doctors in each field during your training to test your interest.

How much does an oncologist earn in India?

Pay depends on experience, city, and whether you work in a government or private hospital. It generally rises from senior resident to consultant and professor level. Check the salary section for current verified ranges before you plan your finances.

Is oncology an emotionally hard career?

It can be. Oncologists give difficult news, and many patients are in pain or very frightened. Cleveland Clinic notes that oncologists are trained to help patients cope with stress and anxiety, and VS Hospitals offers psychological support for patients and families. Good supervision, peer support and clear boundaries help doctors stay well over a long career.

Sources and Further Reading

Official and published pages this guide was researched from (facts last checked ). Fees, dates and cut-offs change every year, so confirm them on the official websites.

  1. What Is An Oncologist? Types & What They Do - Cleveland Clinicmy.clevelandclinic.org
  2. Oncologists in Chennai - VS Hospitalsvshospitals.com
  3. Initial Certification for Radiation Oncology - American Board of Radiologytheabr.org

Book a Free Counselling Session to Know Your Perfect Career Fit!