New Delhi: The NEET PG 2025 Round-1 counselling results have revealed a strong shift in branch preference among top-ranked candidates. MD General Medicine has become the most in-demand course this year, with an overwhelming majority of toppers opting for it over traditionally popular branches like Radiology and General Surgery.
According to the counselling trend analysis, 9 of the top 10 AIR holders chose MD General Medicine in premium medical colleges. Even among the top 100 candidates, nearly half (around 46) selected General Medicine, making it the most dominant choice of NEET PG 2025.
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Why MD General Medicine Is the Top Choice in 2025
1. High Trust and Better Career Stability
Medical educators note that General Medicine continues to be viewed as the most stable and impactful branch. It provides broad clinical exposure and serves as the foundation for multiple medical specialities. Students believe it offers the best mix of intellectual satisfaction, career flexibility, and long-term stability.
Join NEET PG News 2025 2. Easier Pathway to DM Super-Speciality
Candidates opting for General Medicine highlight that it opens pathways to DM courses such as Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Critical Care and more. This future-growth potential makes General Medicine an attractive and secure option for ambitious postgraduate aspirants.
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3. Reduced Interest in Surgical Branches
This year’s data shows a gradual decline in choices for surgical specialities like General Surgery and Orthopaedics. Students cite longer training periods, higher work pressure, and limited early exposure as major reasons behind the dip in popularity.
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| NEET PG Counselling Guide 2025 | |
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| DNB Counselling Book 2025 | 📥 Download |
4. Radiology Slips to Second Position
While MD Radiodiagnosis continues to be a premium branch, it witnessed a slight decline compared to previous years. General Medicine has now clearly overtaken it as the No.1 choice among toppers.
Key Trends: NEET PG 2025 Branch Preference
- MD General Medicine dominates Round-1 admissions.
- Top 10 ranks: 9 candidates choose General Medicine.
- Top 100 ranks: approx. 46 candidates opt for this branch.
- Radiology retains demand, but with a slight dip.
- Surgical branches see reduced enthusiasm among high scorers.
This shift indicates a broader transformation in postgraduate medical preferences, shaped by work-life balance, long-term prospects, and the demand for general physicians across India.
Impact on India’s Future Medical Workforce
Experts predict that the trend may influence the medical workforce over the next decade:
- Increased competition for DM super-speciality admissions.
- Potential shortage of surgeons if surgical branches continue to see lower preference.
- Rising focus on internal medicine and hospital-based specialties.
- More postgraduate doctors opting for OPD-based or general practice roles.
The preference for General Medicine reflects changing career priorities among young doctors emphasizing patient interaction, flexibility, and growth opportunities.
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What This Means for NEET PG Aspirants
If you are preparing for NEET PG in the coming years, this changing pattern is important:
- General Medicine offers wide exposure, stable career pathways, and multiple super-speciality opportunities.
- If you aim for Radiology or Surgery, early preparation and a high rank are crucial due to limited seats.
- Students should balance trends with personal interest and career goals during counselling.
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