Do you want to become a brain world expert? Do you feel at ease in the operating room? Are you someone who can remain calm in the face of adversity? A neurosurgeon’s job requires dealing with a high level of complication and precision. This blog will walk you through 3 simple steps on how to become a neurosurgeon, as well as educational requirements and salary potential in various countries.
Who is a Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeons are experts not only in the brain, but also in cranial surgery, spine surgery, and nerve surgery. Despite being called surgeons, they provide treatments that may or may not involve surgery. As they deal with the most critical organs of the body advanced robotic technology is used to assist in meticulous surgery for precision.
Learn more: How to become a Surgeon
How to become a Neurosurgeon (3-step guide)
Step 1: Stream to select to become a neurosurgeon
To become a Doctor you need to choose the science stream with biology, physics, and chemistry, and then after completing your 10+2 you would be required to give an entrance exam for medical colleges such as NEET.
Step 2: Educational Requirements
To become a neurosurgeon after 12th in India
- You can earn a seat for medical college after clearing the NEET examination to pursue an MBBS degree, It involves 4 years of coursework and 1 year of internship.
- While in an internship you can prepare for NEET PG to secure a seat for MS in Neurosurgery which is a 2-year degree.
- Post completing your MS degree in Neurosurgery you need to go for the super speciality called (Master of Chirurgiae) M.Ch in Neurosurgeon which is a 3-year program mandatory to become a Neurosurgery
Top Colleges in India
College | Location |
AIIMS | Delhi |
Christian Medical College | Vellore |
JIPMER College | Pondicherry |
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences | Bangalore |
Kasturba Medical College | Manipal |
Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute | Bangalore |
S.C.B Medical College | Odisha |
University College of Medical Science | Delhi |
St Johns Medical College | Bangalore |
Armed Forces Medical College | Pune |
To become a neurosurgeon Abroad
- Enrol for MBBS degree a 4-year long curriculum
- Post completion of a year-long internship, you would be required to pursue Neurosurgical Residency Program which takes 6 to 8 years.
- Get licensed or board certified to practice as a credible doctor in the state.
Top Colleges abroad
College | Location |
Yale University | US |
University of Kentucky | US |
University of Oxford | England |
University of Cambridge | England |
The University of Melbourne | Australia |
University of Zurich | Switzerland |
Monash University | Australis |
Edge Hill University | England |
University College London | London |
University of Illinois | US |
Also read: How to become a Veterinary Doctor- A complete educational guide
Step 3: Job Preparation to become a neurosurgeon
- Internship
After finishing your degree, you can shadow a neurosurgeon to get a better idea of what it’s like to be a neurosurgeon before deciding on it as your speciality. Fellowships are another option for gaining hands-on experience and improving your skills and efficiency.
- Freelance
You can work with NGOs, and health care centres and provide your services for free to the needy this way you will help those in need while also gaining experience and exposure that will help you advance your career.
- Portfolio Creation
Internships and freelance work will undoubtedly make your application stand out. You can also include a cover letter with your application explaining why you wanted to be a doctor and how you have benefited society since becoming one.
7 Skills needed to become a Neurosurgeon
- Manual Dexterity
- Eye for detail
- Critical thinking
- Stay Clam under intense pressure
- Perseverance
- Stress management
- Stamina
Salary of a Neurosurgeon
Salary in India
An average salary of a Neurosurgeon in India is around ₹36 lakhs per annum.
Consider taking a JuniorMBA in Entrepreneurship or Future CEO program to help you if you want to start your own practice.
Salary Abroad
Country | Salary |
US | $5,59,273 |
UK | £336924 |
Canada | $500753 |
Australia | $616566 |
Japan | ¥45,395,510 |
Luxembourg | €446,311 |
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Top Recruiters in India
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute
- Max Super Specialty Hospital
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital
- BLK Super Specialty Hospital
- Aster CMI
- Apollo Hospitals
- Artemis Hospital
- Manipal Hospital
- Breach Candy Hospital
Top Recruiters Abroad
- John Hopkins Hospital
- Mayo Clinic
- Cleveland Clinic
- NYU Langone Hospital
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- National Hospital For Neurology and Neurosurgery
- Royal Melbourne Hospital
- Cedars Sinai Medical Centre
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Samsung Medical Center
It takes a lot of determination and long hours of work to become a neurosurgeon, but it is one of the highest-paid medical professions. If you want to pursue this career, the road map above will help you. Best wishes for your journey, and keep in mind that “Self-belief and hard work will always earn you success” – Virat Kohli
FAQs about how to become a Neurosurgeon
How many years does it take to become a neurosurgeon?
To become a neurosurgeon takes 10-12 years in India after completing 12th.
Where are neurosurgeons paid the most?
The neurosurgeon is paid the most in the US, Norway, and Switzerland.
Can I become a neurosurgeon in 5 years?
Yes, After completing the 5-year MBBS program you can become a neurosurgeon by completing MS and M.Ch degrees in 5 years.
Who is the youngest neurosurgeon?
Alexander Khalessi is the youngest neurosurgeon in the world.
Is it possible to be a doctor at 16?
It is possible, Balamurali Krishna become the world’s youngest doctor at 17 years of age and his name was also added to the Guinness Book of World Records.
What age is the youngest doctor?
17 years is the age of the youngest doctor.
Are surgeons happy?
Surgeons are one of the most highly paid doctors and thus we can consider them to be satisfied and happy professionals.
Are surgeons rich?
Yes, as the highest earners in the world of doctors, they are among the wealthiest doctors.
What personality type are surgeons?
Surgeons are ambiverts who are critical thinkers and detail-oriented.
How many hours do surgeons work?
Work hours vary depending on the type of practice, but they are typically between 7-8 hours per day.
Can surgeons have a life?
Yes, you can, it’s all about time management and prioritizing activities that bring you joy.
How many hours of sleep do surgeons get?
Surgeons get 4-6 hours of sleep due to their work times and emergency calls.
How many hours does a neurosurgeon work?
A neurosurgeon may work for 50-90 hours a week normally.