Anaesthesia is a medical practice used to prevent pain during surgeries and medical procedures. It involves the administration of medicines (anesthetics) that make a patient lose sensation or consciousness temporarily. This allows doctors to perform operations without causing discomfort or pain to the patient.
The word anaesthesia (also known as anaesthesia) is derived from two Greek words – “an” means “without” and esthesis meaning “sensation”.
The physicians who perform anaesthesia are called anaesthesiologists (in the US) and anaesthetists (in the UK).
The highest degree in this field is MD/MS/DNB in Anesthesiology, which can be pursued after completing MBBS. To get admission, candidates must qualify NEET-PG or INI-CET entrance exam.
Before we discuss more about courses, eligibility and admission process, let’s understand more about anaesthesia.
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What is Anaesthesia?
Anesthesia is the temporary state of unconsciousness that can be done either through injection or by inhalation (breathing in). It numbs the sensation of the patient and enables the doctors to carry out medical procedures without any pain and discomfort.
If you are passionate about healthcare and want to work in a field that combines precision, responsibility, and patient care. A career in Anesthesia provides immense scope and respect.
Types of Anaesthesia
General Anaesthesia – Puts the patient into complete unconsciousness during major surgeries.
Local Anaesthesia – Numbs only a small part of the body, commonly used in dental work or minor procedures.
Regional Anesthesia – Blocks pain in a larger area of the body (e.g., spinal or epidural anesthesia during childbirth).
Sedation (Conscious Anesthesia) – Keeps the patient relaxed and sleepy but not fully unconscious.
How to Become an Anesthesiologists
To become an Anesthesiologists, candidates must follow the below steps:
Step 1: Complete 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) in Class 12 with at least 50% marks (40% for reserved categories).
Step 2: Qualify NEET-UG and take admission into a MBBS program.
Step 3: Pursue MBBS (5.5 years) from a well recognzed college/university.
Step 4: After MBBS, qualify NEET-PG (for most medical colleges) or INI-CET (for AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS) for postgraduate admission.
Step 5: Pursue MD/MS/DNB in Anesthesiology (3 years)
Step 6: Specialize in MD/MS/DNB in Anesthesiology.
Step 7: Training includes general anesthesia, critical care, pain management, and sub-specialties.
Step 8: Get registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI)/National Medical Commission (NMC) or respective State Medical Council.
Step 9: Start practicing as an Anesthesiologist in hospitals, clinics, or private practice.
Anesthesia Courses 2025
A MD or MS in Anesthesiology is one of the most coveted and high in demand medical specialties in India.
Candidates can pursue MD (Doctor of Medicine) or MS (Master of Surgery) after completing an MBBS program.
Candidates can also pursue diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Anesthesiology. The list of popular programs in Anesthesia are listed below:
| Course | Eligibility | Admission Process | Duration |
| MD in Anaesthesiology | MBBS | NEET PG/ INI CET Entrance Exam | 3 years |
| MS in Anaesthesiology | MBBS | NEET PG/ INI CET Entrance Exam | 3 years |
| B.Sc. Anesthesia Technology | 10+2 with PCB | CUET UG, NEET Exam | 3 years |
| M.Sc. in Anesthesia Technology | Bachelor’s in related field | CUET PG / University Specific Exam | 2 years |
| Diploma in Anesthesia | 10+2 with PCB | Diploma Entrance Exam | 2 years |
| PG Diploma in Anesthesia | MBBS | NEET PG Exam | 2 years |
Admission Process
The admission process in Anaesthesiology courses, involves qualifying entrance exams conducted at national level, followed by counselling rounds.
The admission is done on the basis of rank/merit score in the qualifying exam (NEET PG or INI CET).
NEET PG and INICET are the key exams candidates need to focus on for MD/MS in Anaesthesiology.
Entrance Exams
The admission in MD or MS (Anaesthesiology) courses is done on the basis of qualifying NEET PG and INICET entrance exams.
Below is the list of entrance exams with key details:
NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Postgraduate) – The most common exam for admission to MD/MS programs across India.
INICET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) – Conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi, for admission to AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS.
PGIMER Entrance Exam – For postgraduate medical courses at PGIMER, Chandigarh (now merged with INICET).
JIPMER PG Entrance Exam – For admission to Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (now part of INICET).
AIIMS PG Entrance Exam – For AIIMS institutes (now merged under INICET).
State-level PG Medical Entrance Exams – Like Kerala PG Medical, Maharashtra NEET PG counseling, etc. (based on NEET PG scores).
Top Universities & Colleges
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune
- Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry
- King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow
- Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi
- Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
- Grant Medical College & Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai
- Stanley Medical College, Chennai
- Madras Medical College (MMC), Chennai
- Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad
- Seth GS Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai
- Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College (LTMMC), Mumbai
- St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai
- Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Pune
- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Kochi
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Career Opportunities
Anesthesia is a vital medical specialty that focuses on patient care before, during, and after surgeries and medical procedures by administering anesthesia and managing critical life functions.
This discipline opens up a wide range of career opportunities for anesthesiologists, critical care specialists, pain management experts, and researchers.
Anesthesiologists are very high in demand in India and abroad, these professionals are employed in sectors such as hospitals, medical colleges, trauma care centers, intensive care units (ICUs), pain clinics, and research institutions.
Top Job Profile
- Anesthesiologist
- Critical Care Anesthesiologist
- Pediatric Anesthesiologist
- Neuro-Anesthesiologist
- Cardiac Anesthesiologist
- Obstetric Anesthesiologist
- Pain Management Specialist
- Consultant Anesthesiologist
- Academic/Researcher
- Military/Defense Medical Officer
An anaesthetist can choose any of the following specializations:
- General anaesthetists
- Cardio thoracic anaesthetists
- Neuro anaesthetists
- Regional anaesthetists
- Acute or chronic pain medicine
- Pre-hospital and trauma care, including air ambulance transfer
- Paediatric anaesthetists
- Obstetric anaesthetists
- Intensive care
Top Recruiters
- AIIMS
- PGIMER, Chandigarh
- JIPMER, Puducherry
- Fortis Healthcare
- Max Healthcare
- Manipal Hospitals
- Narayana Health
- State Government Medical Colleges & Hospitals
- Indian Railways & Defense Hospitals (Army, Navy, Air Force Medical Services)
- Apollo Hospitals
- Medanta – The Medicity
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
- Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
- Specialized Clinics & Surgical Centers
- IVF & Fertility Centers
- NHS (UK – National Health Service)
- Mayo Clinic (USA)
- Cleveland Clinic (USA)
- Hospitals in Canada, Australia, Middle East, and Europe
Salary & Payscale
The salary of Anesthesiology professionals varies based on their educational qualifications, specialization, type of hospital (government/private), experience, and location.
Being a highly skilled and critical branch of medicine, anaesthesiologists are among the best-paid medical professionals in India and abroad.
Freshers/Residents – The average annual salary for freshers (post MD/MS) could range between ₹8–12 LPA, depending on the hospital and city.
Experienced Specialists – With 5–10 years of experience, anesthesiologists can earn ₹15–25 LPA or more in reputed hospitals like AIIMS, Appolo, Max Healthcare, Medanta.
Government/PSU Jobs – Professionals working in government hospitals or PSUs earn in the range of ₹12–18 LPA, along with additional benefits such as housing allowance, pension, and other perks.
Private Practice & Super-Specialty Hospitals – Anesthesiologists in private super-specialty hospitals or those running their own clinics often command ₹20–50 LPA, depending on reputation and patient base.
Abroad Opportunities – Candidates working in the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia can earn significantly higher salaries as anesthesiologists.
The average annual package for professionals working abroad ranges from USD $150,000–$300,000, depending on expertise, specialization, and years of practice.
FAQ’s
For any queries regarding career in Anaesthesia, feel free to drop your comments below!