Oncologist
Cancer specialist — medical, radiation or surgical oncology.
Overview
An Oncologist or a cancer specialist is a doctor who treats cancer. The field of oncology has three major areas based on treatments — medical, radiation, and surgical oncology.
Where they work
- Multi-speciality government and private hospitals
Work environment
The work timings are typically 6 or 7 days a week for 9 or 10 hours per day. Shift system is applicable. Entrepreneurship: you can set up private practice in your own clinic.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to help others
- You pay attention to details while working
- You like to analyse problems or situations
- You have interest in understanding how the human body functions
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (M.B.B.S.)
- 3After completing a Bachelor's degree, pursue an M.D. in Radiotherapy/Radiology/Oncology and other similar discipline.
Alternative route 2
- 1After completing a Bachelor's degree, pursue an M.Ch. in Surgical Oncology followed by a D.M. in Oncology.
- 2For admissions into the M.B.B.S., you must clear entrance exams such as NEET conducted by NTA, NEET PG conducted by NBE, NEET MDS conducted by NBE, AIAPGET conducted by NTA and so on.
Forms, exams and applications
NEET (conducted by NTA) for M.B.B.S.; NEET PG and NEET MDS (conducted by NBE) and AIAPGET (conducted by NTA) for postgraduate study. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Oncology. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
- King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra
- Institute of Medical Sciences Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi
- Grant Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- St Johns Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka
- Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka
- MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- KPC Medical College and Hospital, Jadavpur, West Bengal
- Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, New Delhi
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Trainee Oncologist
- 2Junior Oncologist
- 3Senior Oncologist
Expected income
₹10,000 – ₹4,17,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Surgeon
Doctor who treats conditions by operating — as a general surgeon or in a surgical speciality.
Radiologist
Medical doctor who identifies and treats conditions using imaging — and interprets the pictures.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. B.S. Ajaikumar — Set up a cancer care hospital in India named HCG which now has more than 21 centers all across India, as well as one in Kenya. He completed his degree in medicine from St. John's, after which he departed for the United States and pursued further education in oncology at the MD Anderson Cancer Centre. He completed his residency fellowship there.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 383 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Physician_%2F_Doctor%2C_Oncologist/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The printed private-institute list repeats "St Johns Medical College, Bengaluru" twice (entries 2 and 6); it is listed once here.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.