How to Become an Oncologist?

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in India and across the world. With the increasing number of cancer patients every year, the demand for specialized cancer doctors — known as oncologists — is rising steadily. Oncologists play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and helping patients recover from various types of cancer.

If you’re passionate about medicine, research, and want to make a big difference in people’s lives, becoming an oncologist could be a highly rewarding career path.

This guide covers all important details such as eligibility, oncology courses, entrance exams, types of oncology, career options, salary, and scope.

Who is an Oncologist?

An oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Oncologists work with a team of healthcare professionals to provide the best care for patients with different types and stages of cancer.

There are different types of oncologists based on their area of specialization:

Why Choose Oncology as a Career?

Here are some reasons why many medical students consider oncology:

• High demand due to rising cancer cases
• Opportunity to save and improve lives
• Engaging and intellectually challenging field
• Strong focus on research and innovation
• High salary and job stability
• Emotional satisfaction of helping patients in need

How to Become an Oncologist in India: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s go through the entire journey to becoming an oncologist in India.

Step 1: Complete Class 12th with Science (PCB)

• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB)
• Minimum Marks: 50% (General), 40% (Reserved categories)
• Board: Any recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, State)

Tip: Strong foundations in biology and chemistry will help in entrance exams and later medical studies.

Step 2: Clear NEET-UG Exam

To pursue MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), you must clear the NEET-UG exam.

• Full Form: National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate)
• Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (MCQs)
• Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Exam Mode: Offline

Admission: Through centralized counseling based on NEET-UG rank.

Step 3: Complete MBBS (5.5 Years)

• Course Name: MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
• Duration: 4.5 years of academic study + 1-year compulsory internship
• Subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Surgery, Medicine, etc.

Top MBBS Colleges in India:

• AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences)
• JIPMER
• CMC Vellore
• Maulana Azad Medical College
• Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC)

Step 4: Appear for NEET-PG or INI-CET

After MBBS, the next step is to specialize in Internal Medicine or General Surgery, depending on the type of oncology you want to pursue.

• Exam for MD/MS: NEET-PG (for most colleges) or INI-CET (for AIIMS, JIPMER, etc.)
• Course Duration: 3 years
• Specializations to choose:
  • MD Internal Medicine (for Medical Oncology)
  • MS General Surgery (for Surgical Oncology)
  • MD Radiotherapy (for Radiation Oncology)
  • MD Pediatrics (for Pediatric Oncology)

Step 5: Complete MD or MS Degree (3 Years)

Based on your NEET-PG rank and interest, pursue an MD or MS in one of the above specializations.

Examples:

• If you want to become a Medical Oncologist, take MD in Internal Medicine.
• For Radiation Oncology, choose MD in Radiotherapy.
• For Surgical Oncology, take MS in General Surgery.

Step 6: Appear for NEET-SS or INI-SS for DM/MCh

After completing your MD/MS, you need to pursue a super-specialty course:

• Medical Oncology → DM in Medical Oncology
• Surgical Oncology → MCh in Surgical Oncology
• Radiation Oncology → DM in Radiation Oncology (optional in some cases)

Entrance Exam:

• NEET-SS (Super Specialty exam conducted by NBE)
• INI-SS (for AIIMS and other top institutes)

Step 7: Complete DM/MCh (3 Years)

• DM (Doctorate of Medicine): For Medical or Radiation Oncologists
• MCh (Master of Chirurgiae): For Surgical Oncologists
• Duration: 3 years

Top Institutes for Oncology Super-specialty:

• AIIMS, New Delhi
• Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
• Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore
• CMC Vellore
• PGIMER, Chandigarh
• TMH Homi Bhabha National Institute

Summary: Educational Path to Become an Oncologist

Cost of Becoming an Oncologist in India

Tip: Government colleges are affordable and offer great quality education, but the competition is high.

Skills Required for an Oncologist

To become a successful oncologist, the following skills are important:

• Deep medical knowledge
• Compassion and emotional strength
• Decision-making ability
• Communication and counseling skills
• Teamwork and coordination
• Research and analytical skills
• Patience and time management

Career Opportunities for Oncologists in India

Oncologists can work in various healthcare settings such as:

Employment Areas:

• Government hospitals (AIIMS, PGI, etc.)
• Private multi-specialty hospitals
• Cancer research institutes
• Medical colleges and universities
• Private clinics or super-specialty centers
• International hospitals or NGOs
• Pharmaceutical and biotech companies
• Cancer awareness and prevention NGOs

Job Roles:

• Consultant Oncologist
• Senior Resident in Oncology
• Radiation Therapy Specialist
• Pediatric Oncologist
• Surgical Oncologist
• Research Scientist
• Oncology Professor
• Medical Director

Salary of Oncologists in India

Note: Private oncologists in metro cities or those with celebrity clientele can earn ₹20+ lakhs per month.

Scope of Oncology in India

Cancer cases in India are rising due to lifestyle changes, pollution, and increased life expectancy. As per recent estimates, over 15 lakh new cancer cases are reported each year in India.

Why the Scope is High:

• Growing number of cancer patients
• Lack of enough trained oncologists (high demand)
• Rising awareness and early detection
• Advancements in cancer research and therapy
• Expansion of cancer centers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
• Demand for affordable cancer care and palliative support

Opportunities Abroad

Indian oncologists are highly respected in countries like:

• USA
• Canada
• UK
• Australia
• Gulf countries
• Singapore

However, working abroad requires clearing additional licensing exams like:

• USMLE (USA)
• PLAB (UK)
• AMC (Australia)
• MCCQE (Canada)

Pros and Cons of Becoming an Oncologist

Pros:

• Highly respected profession
• High salary and job security
• Scope for international career
• Opportunity to save lives
• Exposure to research and latest technology

Cons:

• Long and competitive academic journey
• Emotionally demanding
• Risk of burnout
• High pressure and stress
• Requires continuous learning

Tips for Aspiring Oncologists

• Start early preparation for NEET-UG
• Choose reputed colleges for MBBS and PG
• Do internships in cancer hospitals
• Stay updated with research journals
• Join oncology seminars, webinars, and workshops
• Develop soft skills like empathy and communication
• Pursue fellowships and certifications in oncology after DM/MCh
• Build a professional network with peers and mentors

Conclusion

Becoming an oncologist in India is a long and demanding journey, requiring 13–14 years of dedicated study and training. However, it is one of the most meaningful and impactful careers in medicine. As an oncologist, you will have the opportunity to fight one of the deadliest diseases, save lives, and bring hope to patients and families.

If you’re passionate about medicine, have emotional strength, and a desire to make a real difference in people’s lives, oncology could be the perfect career path for you.