Medical Officer: Do I need to pass NEET to become a medical officer? Which exam should I take to join the army?
Medical Officer: Many young people dream of becoming officers in the medical field. It's not just a profession, but also a vital contribution to social service and the improvement of public health. As medical officer, they play a crucial role in health policy implementation, medical research, and public health management. This position offers responsibility, respect, and stability. However, becoming a medical officer is not easy.
The first and most essential qualification to become a medical officer is an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degree. This requires passing examinations conducted by various government and private organizations. Successful completion of these examinations leads to appointment to officer-level positions. However, a separate examination is required to become a medical officer in the Indian Army.
Medical Officer Recruitment: Essential Qualifications to Become a Medical Officer
The first and most essential qualification to become a medical officer is an MBBS degree. This is a five-and-a-half-year undergraduate program, consisting of 4.5 years of academic coursework and a one-year mandatory internship. To obtain admission to MBBS, students must have secured a minimum of 50% marks (40% for SC/ST category) in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in the 12th grade. Passing the NEET (UG) is required for MBBS admission.
Medical Officer Exam: Required Exams to Become a Medical Officer
After completing an MBBS degree, candidates can apply for officer positions in various government and armed forces organizations.
1. UPSC CMS
To become a medical officer in India, passing the UPSC CMS exam is essential. The Union Public Service Commission's Combined Medical Services exam is one of the most prestigious examinations for medical officers in India. The exam is conducted in two parts:
Part I: Computer-Based Examination: This consists of two papers, each carrying 250 marks. It covers subjects such as general medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, and preventive and social medicine.
Part II: Personality Test/Interview: Candidates who qualify the computer-based exam are called for a 100-mark UPSC interview.
Those who pass the UPSC CMS exam are appointed as medical officers in the Indian Railways, Delhi Municipal Corporation, and other central government organizations.
2. State Public Service Commission
Almost all state governments conduct examinations through the State Public Service Commission (SPSC) to recruit medical officers in their health departments. The pattern of these examinations may vary by state, but generally includes a written examination followed by an interview.
3. Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS)
The Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force) also recruit medical officers. For this, there is an entrance examination at the AFMC (Armed Forces Medical College), through which doctors become commissioned officers in the army. Additionally, selection is also made through direct recruitment after completing an MBBS degree. This requires an interview and a medical fitness test.
How is the final selection done?
Candidates who succeed in these exams are selected based on a merit list. They are then appointed as medical officers in government hospitals, clinics, and health centers. Medical officers advance to positions such as Senior Medical Officer, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), and Director of Health Services.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News 18 hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
