Choice Filling for NEET PG Counselling 2024: Tips & Guide

Important Questions to Be Answered Before Choice Filling for NEET PG

Choosing the right branch during NEET PG counselling is more than just selecting a career path; it's about finding your passion and aligning it with your future aspirations. Therefore, you must make this decision carefully. We have listed some important questions below that will help you navigate this path and reach your destination. So, consider the following -

What is More Important - the Branch or the Institute?

When faced with the dilemma of choosing between a preferred branch and a reputed institute, it's essential to prioritise the branch. Your specialisation will define your professional life, and the skills you acquire will stay with you for a lifetime.

On the other hand, your association with the institute will last only during the three-year course duration.

Consider this example: Pursuing Anatomy at a prestigious institute like AIIMS may seem appealing, but if the branch isn't aligned with your interests and career goals, it might not be the best choice. Always remember to prioritise the branch over the institute.

MD/MS vs DNB - Which One to Choose?

The decision between pursuing MD/MS in a branch or opting for DNB (Diplomate of National Board) is another crucial factor to consider during counselling. Here are some insights to help you make an informed choice:

Which Branch is Right for You?

One of the most critical decisions you'll face during NEET PG counselling choice filling is selecting the branch that aligns with your true calling. The choices might seem overwhelming, with options ranging from surgery to radiology and everything in between. However, you navigate this crucial decision-making process with the help of the following pointers -

Determine where your heart lies -

When choice filling for NEET PG, ask yourself: Are you a physician at heart, drawn to the intricacies of diagnosing and treating patients with medical conditions? Or do you possess a surgeon's spirit, eager to cut, operate, and heal?

Branches like Medicine, Pediatrics, Radiology, and Dermatology are known as medical branches. If you find joy in understanding diseases, prescribing treatments, and making a difference through patient care, these branches might suit you. Among these, Radiology and Dermatology generally offer a less hectic lifestyle, while Medicine and Pediatrics can be more demanding.

On the other hand, if your passion lies in performing surgeries and handling surgical cases, you might find fulfilment in branches like Orthopedics, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology (OBG), and, to some extent, ENT (Otorhinolaryngology).

Create Your Preference List

To simplify the choice filling process:

• Create a preference list.
• Take a piece of paper and jot down your top three preferred branches.
• Consider what excites you and what aligns with your personality and career goals.
• Identify branches that are non-negotiable for you.

This exercise will help you focus during counselling and make the right choice for your future. Knowing what you don't want will refine your branch metrics for counselling.

To help you decide, we have listed the merits and demerits of all the popular branches below -

1. Dermatology as a Career

Dermatology is a popular branch among NEET PG aspirants running neck to neck with medicine and radiology. Let’s explore its pros and cons so you can better understand what makes it a preferred choice for many.

Also watch this video by Dr Khushbu on how life as a dermatologist would be.

How to Choose the Right College/Institute?

During the NEET PG choice filling process after selecting the branch, the next most important decision is choosing the right college or institute for your postgraduate studies. Several factors come into play when it comes to making an informed decision including the institute's reputation, availability of specialised faculty, research opportunities, clinical exposure, and student support system. Let’s discuss each of these factors in detail:

Financial Considerations

Tuition fee and the overall cost of the course is an important consideration while choosing a college. Generally, the tuition fees of a PG college/institute is known to vary from thousands to lakhs per year. There are medical colleges that even charge up to Rs 50 Lakhs/year for some courses.

Even the tuition fees of government colleges differ from state to state. Additionally, in some states tuition fees even vary from college to college.

Besides tuition fees there is additional cost of accommodation and other living expenses. Therefore, it’s wise to evaluate the overall cost of the program, including tuition fees, accommodation, and other living expenses while making a decision.

Bond

Another critical factor that should guide your decision of college/institute is the presence of a bond. The medical PG bond is applicable for all NEET PG aspirants seeking admission to different MD or MS courses across the country. The terms of these bonds vary according to the quota of seats, type of institution and the rules outlined by the state government.

Institutions with a bond can hinder your future growth, limiting opportunities for further qualifications like DM and MCH. So, opt for colleges with no bonds, such as those in Delhi, Central universities, and several other reputable institutes.

Salary/ Stipend

The stipend offered during residency depends on the state, colleges and the course that you’ve chosen. For instance, Karnataka offers a stipend of ₹45,000 to first year students, ₹50,000 for second year students and ₹55,000 for third year students.

Considering the financial aspect of your residency is also essential while making a decision. A better salary will pave the way for a more stable financial future. So, don’t hesitate to explore colleges with higher stipends, as they can significantly impact your financial well-being during your residency.

Accreditation and Recognition

The very first thing to check is whether the college or institute is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI). Verifying the accreditation will ensure that the institute will meet the necessary standards for quality education.

In addition to that, you must also check the ranking of the college. Every year NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) under the Ministry of Education releases its ranking of best medical colleges for different courses in the country. These rankings are based on various parameters such as teaching and learning resources, research and professional practice, graduation outcome, perception etc. Checking the NIRF ranking of the institute is a good idea to determine its reputation.

You can check our list of top medical PG colleges (Government & Private) based on NIRF rankings.

Specialisations Offered

Needless to say, you will need to consider how many specialisations the college offers. Colleges that offer a wide range of specialisations are likely to be much better equipped when it comes to infrastructure and faculty to support your chosen branch.

Clinical Exposure

Quality medical learning is directly correlated with the amount of clinical exposure you receive. Therefore, clinical exposure becomes another important parameter for shortlisting a college/institute. Evaluate average patient inflow and the kind of clinical exposure it provides for your preferred specialisation. A college that has a wide range of medical cases and good patient inflow is likely to offer better hands-on learning experiences, which is critical for quality medical education.

Location

While the location of your chosen college is essential, remember that the training and exposure you receive are equally vital. The top 10-15 colleges located in metro cities often have excellent facilities and a strong academic reputation. However, beyond these, other government medical colleges around you can also offer similar exposure and training opportunities.

If you are faced with the dilemma whether to relocate to a big city or stay near their hometown check out the table below -

Remember, choosing the right college for your medical PG is a significant decision that will impact your future career. Take your time to research and visit the institutes, if possible, to get first-hand experience. Seek guidance from experienced professionals, mentors, and seniors to make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Don't rely solely on hearsay or online forums for your decision-making. Take the time to visit the colleges you are considering, interact with the faculty and residents, and experience the environment firsthand. An informed decision will lead to a fulfilling and successful residency experience.

To sum up, weigh all the factors carefully and choose a branch and college that fosters your growth as a medical professional while providing the necessary support and resources to excel in your chosen field. Remember, the right environment can be pivotal in shaping your success and overall satisfaction during your postgraduate studies and beyond.

Also Read: NEET PG Previous Year Question Papers of Last 6 Years