Introduction
The journey after MBBS often brings medical graduates to a crucial career choice: MD vs MS. While MD focuses on medicine and diagnostics, MS specializes in surgical fields. Among MS specialties, MS Orthopedics stands out as one of the most rewarding and in-demand branches. With India’s growing healthcare needs, rising sports medicine requirements, and increasing orthopedic cases, pursuing MS Orthopedics can open doors to a stable, respected, and lucrative career.
In this blog, we’ll explore the career growth, opportunities, admission guidance, and counselling process for MS Orthopedics. We’ll also highlight how Path Mentor can help you secure your dream seat through NEET PG counselling.
What is MS Orthopedics?
MS Orthopedics (Master of Surgery in Orthopedics) is a postgraduate surgical degree pursued after MBBS. It focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, including:
- Bones
- Joints
- Muscles
- Tendons and ligaments
- Spine injuries
- Congenital deformities
Orthopedic surgeons are trained not only in surgeries but also in rehabilitation, ensuring patients regain maximum mobility and quality of life.
Why Choose MS Orthopedics After MBBS?
Choosing MS Orthopedics after MBBS is ideal for students who are inclined toward surgery and want to specialize in bone and joint-related treatments. Here’s why it’s a top career choice:
- 🔹 High Career Demand – Orthopedic specialists are required in hospitals, clinics, and sports facilities.
- 🔹 Diverse Opportunities – From trauma cases to joint replacements and sports medicine.
- 🔹 Lucrative Salary Prospects – Orthopedic surgeons are among the top-paid doctors in India and abroad.
- 🔹 Global Career Scope – Opportunities to practice and specialize internationally.
- 🔹 Prestige & Recognition – Orthopedics is considered a high-impact medical profession with visible results.
Career Opportunities After MS Orthopedics
An MS in Orthopedics opens a wide range of professional pathways:
1. Hospital Practice
Work in multi-specialty hospitals, trauma centers, or orthopedic departments.
2. Private Practice
Set up your own clinic or specialty hospital for long-term independent growth.
3. Sub-Specialization
Pursue further training in areas like:
- Spine Surgery
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Joint Replacement Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
4. Academic & Research Careers
Contribute to medical research, join teaching institutions, or publish scholarly work.
5. Global Opportunities
Orthopedic surgeons are in high demand worldwide, offering placements in developed countries with attractive salaries.
Salary Growth in MS Orthopedics
- India: Freshers can earn ₹10–15 LPA, which can grow up to ₹40–50 LPA with experience and private practice.
- Abroad: Orthopedic surgeons in the US, UK, and Middle East earn significantly higher packages, often above $200,000 annually.
- Private Practice: Long-term independent practice can generate exponential income, especially in metropolitan cities.
Admission Process for MS Orthopedics
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have completed MBBS from an MCI-recognized institute.
- Completion of a 1-year internship.
- Qualifying score in NEET PG Examination.
Steps for Admission
- Appear for NEET PG Exam
NEET PG is compulsory for securing a seat in MS Orthopedics. - Participate in NEET PG Counselling
Central (MCC) and state counselling rounds help allocate seats based on rank and preferences. - Choice Filling & Locking
Candidates must carefully prioritize orthopedic seats across government, private, deemed, or NRI quota colleges. - Seat Allotment & Admission
After counselling rounds, confirm admission by paying fees and submitting documents.
MD vs MS: Why Orthopedics Falls Under MS
Many MBBS graduates often get confused between MD vs MS while planning their postgraduate journey.
- MD (Doctor of Medicine) deals with non-surgical specializations such as internal medicine, dermatology, pediatrics, and psychiatry.
- MS (Master of Surgery) focuses on surgical fields like general surgery, ENT, ophthalmology, and orthopedics.
Since Orthopedics is surgery-driven (fractures, joint replacements, spinal corrections), it comes under MS and not MD.
Common Challenges in MS Orthopedics Admissions
- High Competition – Top ranks required for government seats.
- Limited Seats – Orthopedics is a highly preferred branch.
- Counselling Confusion – Students often make mistakes in choice filling, leading to loss of better seats.
- Quota Complexities – Government, private, deemed, and NRI quotas each have different fee structures and cut-offs.
This is why expert guidance through Path Mentor’s counselling service is crucial.
How Path Mentor Helps You Secure MS Orthopedics
Path Mentor specializes in helping MBBS graduates secure their dream MD/MS seats by providing:
- ✅ Personalized counselling sessions
- ✅ Guidance for choice filling & college selection
- ✅ Information on government, private, deemed & NRI quotas
- ✅ Transparent fee structure insights
- ✅ End-to-end admission support till seat allotment
With Path Mentor’s expertise, you can avoid common counselling mistakes and maximize your chances of securing a seat in MS Orthopedics.
FAQs on MS Orthopedics
1. Is NEET PG compulsory for MS Orthopedics?
Yes, NEET PG is mandatory to pursue MS Orthopedics in India.
2. What is the average salary of an orthopedic surgeon in India?
A fresher earns around ₹10–15 LPA, with experienced doctors and private practitioners making up to ₹40–50 LPA or more.
3. Can I specialize further after MS Orthopedics?
Yes, sub-specializations like spine surgery, sports medicine, and pediatric orthopedics are available.
4. Which is better after MBBS – MD or MS?
It depends on your interest. Choose MD if you prefer diagnostics and medicine; choose MS if you are inclined toward surgical practice.
5. How does Path Mentor help in MS Orthopedics counselling?
Path Mentor provides one-on-one counselling, helps with choice filling, and ensures transparent guidance throughout NEET PG counselling.
Conclusion
Pursuing MS Orthopedics after MBBS is one of the best career decisions for students aspiring to build a rewarding surgical career. With immense demand, attractive salaries, and opportunities in India and abroad, Orthopedics offers stability, growth, and prestige.
However, the competition is fierce, and counselling can be overwhelming without expert guidance. That’s where Path Mentor steps in – simplifying the process, guiding you through every step, and ensuring you secure your dream MS Orthopedics seat.
👉 Book your counselling session with Path Mentor today and take the first step toward becoming a successful orthopedic surgeon.
