Overview
- First-round NEET-PG 2025 counselling data show 42% of the first 1,500 chose MD general medicine, 30% picked radiodiagnosis, and only 6.6% opted for MS general surgery.
- Senior clinicians link the drift from operative fields to prolonged training to surgical autonomy, frequent superspecialisation needs, and high burnout risk.
- Non-surgical MD routes allow earlier independent practice and income stability, whereas surgical pathways typically delay professional settlement.
- Experts caution that if the pattern continues, India could face shortages across key surgical disciplines in the coming years.
- Top-ranked candidates displayed a strong tilt toward Delhi institutions, with six of the top 10 selecting Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.