How to Become Medical Officer: Eligibility, Skills & Salary

To become medical officer in India, one needs to pass the national level medical exam (NEET) and pursue either MBBS, BAMS, or BHMS in their graduation. An appropriate number of years of experience and an MBBS degree are prerequisites for candidates who want to become Medical Officers. 

A medical officer is responsible for the hospital administration and clinical activities. They act as middlemen between the hospital staff and the authorities. Some of the top colleges offering MBBS degrees include AIIMS, BHU, CMC Vellore, and many more. The fee for the MBBS course is around 5 LPA. Keep reading to know how to become medical officer in detail. 

Highlights of a Medical Officer

Students who want to become medical officer can check out the highlights of a medical officer, including educational requirements, median salary package, and career opportunities

Also Read: How to Become a Doctor?

Who is a Medical Officer?

Before we know how to become medical officer, let us first know who is a medical officer. Medical officers are senior physicians who manage patient care. They monitor routine activities, serve as clinical advisors, and look out for possible problems. 

In addition to supervising clinical trials and taking part in medical research, they also provide an efficient treatment plan and investigate any disparities in patient care. They also provide advice on matters of health and disease prevention. 

Also Read: Top Medical Colleges in India Accepting NEET

Steps to Become Medical Officer

Below is a step-by-step process of how to become medical officer.

• Pass the 10+2 in Science Stream: Students need to complete the class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as the compulsory subjects. They must appear for NEET to get admission to the best medical colleges in India.
• Pursue UG Program: Candidates must enroll in prestigious medical colleges after passing the entrance exams. MBBS, BHMS, and BAMS are some of the undergraduate programs that candidates can choose to study in the medical field.
• Get Medical License and Certificate: It will be necessary for candidates to acquire a medical license from the state medical council to become medical officer. To qualify, the applicant must pass an exam and complete a year of training in a medical facility approved by the Indian Medical Council.
• Acquire Experience: The majority of medical centres and hospitals require two years of experience. The acquisition of critical clinical skills through this experience will aid in the efficient performance of the job.
• Clear CSME: Lastly, students need to pass the Union Public Service Commission's Combined Medical Services Examination (CSME) to become medical officers.

Also Read: Minimum Marks Required in NEET for MBBS

Types of Medical Officers

Once students know the process of how to become medical officer they must also know that there are different types of medical officers. They are categorised based on their experience and job roles. The different types of medical officers are mentioned below.

• Duty Medical Officer: The duty medical officer looks after the medical wards, assist hospital staff and patients round-the-clock. Additionally, they offer support services to satisfy the needs of both patients and other medical staff. They are also responsible for treating patients in the medical and casualty wards.
• Chief Medical Officer: The CMO provides clinical guidance to medical team members. They oversee the physicians to ensure that the general public in a specific area receives safe, high-quality medical care.
• Camp Doctor: In rural areas, the idea of medical camps is used to provide free medical examinations and drugs to individuals. Licensed medical practitioners known as "Camp Doctors" use drugs and prescriptions to maintain and improve patient health. 
• Army or Navy Doctors: One of the better options available to a medical graduate is to become a doctor in the Army or Navy. There is a high professionalism in this field, as well as a balanced lifestyle.
• Researcher: Medical officers can participate in research at esteemed institutions like the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research as researchers. They play important roles in the creation of medications that improve people's lives. They have to choose who will participate in the trial, set schedules, document every case, and follow strict guidelines to meet safety and legal requirements.

Also Read: Different Types of Doctors

Skills Required to be a Medical Officer

Candidates who wish to become medical officer must have some critical skills to excel in the medical industry. The skills needed for a medical officer are elucidated below.

• Awareness of the recent advancements in medicine
• Proficiency in medical records
• Managerial abilities
• Knowledge about human anatomy
• Team player
• Outstanding interpersonal skills
• Leadership skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Empathy
• Clinical competencies

Also Read: Top Private Medical Colleges in India 2025

Entrance Exam for Medical Officer

In order to become medical officer, students need to appear for a medical exam followed by an undergraduate course in the medical field. Some of the important entrance exams for medical officer are tabulated below.

Also Read: Medical Entrance Exams after 12th

Courses to Become a Medical Officer

Refer to the table below to know the list of courses students can pursue to become medical officer. 

Also Read: MBBS vs BDS vs BAMS vs BHMS

Salary of Medical Officer

The salary of a medical officer varies based on various parameters like experience level, position within the company, and place of employment (clinics, hospitals, medical schools, and the Indian Army and Navy). Displayed below is the medical officer salary packages on the basis of their experience.

Also Read: Top 10 Cheapest Medical Colleges In India 2025