Pathology is considered one of the most essential and evergreen branches of medicine. It forms the backbone of diagnosis and treatment in modern healthcare.
The demand for qualified pathologists has always been on a higher side. As in the modern healthcare system doctors rely on their findings for accurate treatment plans.
The term Pathology comes from two Greek words: Pathos (meaning suffering or disease) and Logia (meaning study).
In general, we can say that pathology is “the study of disease” and understanding its causes, development, and effects on the body.
In medical practice, pathology involves examining body tissues, organs, and fluids to identify illnesses. It is broadly divided into two categories:
Clinical Pathology – this field covers laboratory specialties like microbiology, immunology, clinical chemistry, and hematology.
Anatomic Pathology – Involves the study of tissues and cells, often through biopsy and microscopic examination.
Who is a Pathologist?
A pathologist is a medical doctor (MD in Pathology) trained to analyze samples of blood, tissue, and body fluids.
The job profile of a pathologist includes interpreting test results, confirming diagnoses, and helping other doctors decide the right treatment.
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What Did Pathologists Do?
Some of the core duties performed by the pathologists include:
- Conduct laboratory tests and ensure their accuracy.
- Monitor chronic conditions such as diabetes or liver disorders through lab data.
- Play a role in forensic medicine, identifying causes of death
- Examine tissues under a microscope to detect cancer, infections, or genetic conditions.
- If you want to become a pathologist and are looking for the courses then you are at the right place.
Below, we have listed some most sought pathology courses.
Pathology Courses in India
Pathology education in India is offered at multiple levels, this includes programs at undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), doctoral, and paramedical.
Undergraduate Courses
- MBBS (5.5 years, including internship) – The basic requirement to later specialize in pathology.
Postgraduate Courses
- MD in Pathology (3 years)
- Diploma in Clinical Pathology (DCP, 2 years)
- M.Sc. in Pathology (2 years)
Doctoral & Super-Specialty
- DM in Hematopathology / Histopathology
- Ph.D. in Pathology or Life Sciences
Paramedical & Allied Courses
- B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT) – 3 years
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) – 2 years
- Certificate Courses in Lab Technology – 6–12 months
Other Specialized Courses
PDCC (Post-Doctoral Certificate Courses) in Cytopathology, Immunopathology, Renal Pathology, etc.
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Eligibility Required
Below is the list of eligibility criteria, for pursuing pathology courses:
For UG Courses
The minimum educational qualification for pursuing an MBBS program is 10+2 passed with PCB subjects.
Candidates must qualify NEET UG for admission to a MBBS program.
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For PG Courses
Candidates must pass an MBBS degree with an internship. The admission are offered on qualifying NEET-PG / INI-CET / AIIMS PG examination.
Admission Process
The admission in MBBS program is offered through NEET UG examination conducted by NTA.
For PG Admission in MD/DM courses, candidates need to qualify NEET-PG, INI-CET (AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS), or state-level exams.
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Career Scope
Pathology offers diverse career opportunities across hospitals, research centers, universities, and private labs.
Pathologists usually work in three main roles:
Diagnosticians – in hospitals and clinics.
Researchers – in medical laboratories and biotechnology firms.
Educators – as professors in medical colleges and universities.
Candidates can also pursue specializations in histopathology, cytopathology, hematology, neuropathology, surgical pathology, forensic pathology, dermatopathology, pediatric pathology, and veterinary pathology.
Pathologists are also employed in:
- Premier institutes like AIIMS, PGIMER, and JIPMER
- Government organizations such as ICMR, Armed Forces Medical Services, and NIH
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
- Private diagnostic laboratories
- Agricultural and veterinary research centers
Many experienced pathologists also set up their own pathology laboratories or work as consultants for industries.
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Jobs & Career Opportunities
Every day, doctors recommend numerous clinical, genetic, and microbiological tests to patients in order to identify the underlying disease. This growing demand for diagnostic testing continues to expand the career scope for pathologists.
Pathologists can work as:
- Diagnosticians in hospitals and clinics
- Researchers/Investigators in medical laboratories
- Teachers in medical colleges and universities
Both government and private hospitals regularly recruit pathologists. Prestigious institutions such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offer excellent career opportunities.
Many pathologists also choose to establish their own diagnostic laboratories or pathology clinics, providing services directly to patients and healthcare providers.
Beyond hospitals, pathologists are employed in diverse fields such as agriculture, public health, law enforcement, drug manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology companies. They may also work as consultants to private industries.
For those interested in serving the nation, the UPSC conducts the Combined Medical Services Examination and other competitive exams, which allow qualified pathologists to secure positions in defense medical services such as the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Pathologists can work in:
- Government and private hospitals
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Medical colleges and universities
- Pharmaceutical and biotech companies
- Forensic departments and law enforcement
- Defense medical services (through UPSC exams)
Job Profiles
- Medical Examiner
- Forensic Pathologist
- Cytotechnologist
- Dermatopathologist
- Lab Director / Consultant
- Medical Lab Technician
- Professors / Researchers
Salary and Payscale
Candidates starting their career as a pathologist can expect ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 per month during training. The salaries of pathologists largely depend on their qualifications, job roles, working organization and experience.
After 5–10 years of experience, professionals can expect salaries in the range ₹1–1.5 lakh per month in reputed hospitals or labs.
Senior consultants can earn ₹20–30 lakh annually or more with private practice.
Professionals working abroad (USA, UK, Gulf countries)earn significantly higher. In the US, the average annual salary is around $180,000–$220,000.
Books & Study Materials
Candidates opting pathology courses can refer these books for preparation:
- Textbook of Pathology by Harsh Mohan
- Rubin’s Pathology by David S. Strayer
- Textbook of Oral Pathology by Anil Govindrao Ghom, Shubhangi Mhaske
- Rosai and Ackerman’s Surgical Pathology Review by Ivan Damjanov, Marin Nola
- Robbins and Cotran’s Pathologic Basis of Disease by Kumar, Abbas, Fausto
FAQ’s
For more information about Career in Pathology, you may ask us by commenting below.
Sir me 12th kar Raha hu me pathology karna chahta hu to me 12th ke bad kya kru