What a psychiatrist does
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and often work alongside psychologists, counsellors and social workers.
The path
- Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
- NEET-UG for MBBS admission, conducted by NTA: exams.nta.ac.in/NEET.
- MBBS plus internship.
- Postgraduate entrance (currently NEET-PG, conducted by NBEMS).
- MD Psychiatry or DNB Psychiatry.
- Registration with the medical council; medical education is regulated by the National Medical Commission.
Links checked 2026-10-28; exam names and processes change, so confirm current rules.
Where psychiatrists work
- Government and private hospitals.
- Mental health institutes such as NIMHANS.
- Private practice.
- Child and adolescent, addiction or geriatric sub-specialities.
- Teaching and research.
Who it suits
- Strong interest in both medicine and the mind.
- Patience, empathy and emotional resilience.
- Comfort with long training and difficult conversations.
Psychiatry or psychology?
If you are drawn to mental health but not to medicine, clinical psychology and counselling are strong alternatives that do not need MBBS.