In India, an MD or MS is a postgraduate degree which is awarded to MBBS holders after three years of study.

The key option is to get admission to a three-year medical postgraduate programme (MD or MS). Thereafter one can go for medical research leading to Ph.D.

In surgery, orthopedics and gynecology, the equivalent degree is Master of Surgery (MS). DNB qualification is considered equivalent to MD and MS.

After obtaining the first postgraduate degree (MD, MS, DNB), one can go for further specialisation in medical or surgical area.

This requires three years of training and study and then passing an exam, both theory and practical. The degree awarded is DM (Doctorate in Medicine).

For surgical super specialties, the degree awarded is M.Ch. The DM or M.Ch. degrees are equivalent to the fellowship training in the US and are considered postdoctoral degrees in India, similar to Ph.D.

One with post-graduation (MD or MS) can further go for Ph.D. in any specialized area of medicine. MD or MS degree holders can complete the doctoral programme in two years.

Postgraduates in medicine with 60 per cent marks are eligible to apply for Ph.D. Though selection will be on the basis of entrance test and interview.

Besides this, there is few research institutions admit meritorious medical graduates directly for research programmes.

There are two ways to switch over to research leading to Ph.D. for meritorious MBBS graduates.

First class (with 60 per cent marks) MBBS degree holders are also eligible for admission.

Those having a valid research fellowship from UGC- CSIR or ICMR are eligible to receive fellowships.