If you’re wondering how to become a cardiologist after 12th, you’re in the right place. Becoming a heart specialist is one of the most respected and rewarding career paths in medicine. But many students feel confused about the process. What to study? How many years will it take? Is NEET mandatory? Don’t worry—we’ll answer it all.
To understand how to become a cardiologist after 12th, you must first choose the Science stream with Biology. After that, clear the NEET exam to get into an MBBS program. Then you’ll need to complete MD in General Medicine, and finally DM in Cardiology. It sounds long, but every step is worth it if you’re passionate about saving lives.
This guide explains everything about how to become a cardiologist after 12th, including courses, eligibility, exams, time required, career scope, and salary. Whether you want to work in India or abroad, this is the complete roadmap for your journey.
So, if you’re serious about learning how to become a cardiologist after 12th, start here. Let’s break it all down, step by step, in simple words that make your future easy to plan.
What Does a Cardiologist Do?
A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure. This profession focuses on keeping one of the body’s most vital organs—the heart—in top shape. Cardiologists use a mix of diagnostic tools like ECG, echocardiograms, stress tests, and often collaborate with cardiac surgeons for major procedures. Unlike cardiac surgeons, cardiologists usually do not perform surgeries themselves but are responsible for the patient’s care before and after operations.
The role of a cardiologist is not just clinical; they often guide patients through lifestyle changes, prescribe medications, and conduct routine heart health monitoring. They are problem-solvers at the core, offering treatment plans tailored to individual patients. The emotional and mental satisfaction from saving lives daily makes it one of the most prestigious careers in the medical field.
NEET Previous Year Question Papers PDF
Why Choose Cardiology After 12th?
Wondering why so many students aim to become cardiologists after their 12th? Here’s why:
High Demand: With rising heart diseases in India, the demand for heart specialists is skyrocketing.
Reputation & Respect: Cardiologists are among the most respected professionals in the healthcare system.
Lucrative Salary: One of the top-paying medical fields, even freshers earn well.
Dynamic Work Life: Every day brings a new challenge, especially when dealing with life-saving treatments.
Opportunities to Work Globally: With a cardiology specialization, Indian doctors can practice internationally after clearing licensing exams.
If your heart beats faster at the thought of becoming a heart specialist, then this might just be your calling!
Eligibility Criteria for Becoming a Cardiologist
Academic Requirements After 12th Science
The journey to becoming a cardiologist starts with choosing the right subjects in 12th grade. You must opt for Science stream with Biology, along with Physics and Chemistry—collectively known as the PCB group. This is non-negotiable because only with these subjects can you appear for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), the gateway to medical education in India.
Here’s a quick breakdown
Stream: Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Minimum Marks: 50% in 12th (45% for reserved categories)
Age Limit: Must be 17 years old by 31st December of the admission year
Also, if you plan to apply abroad (like in the USA or Canada), you’ll still need a solid foundation in biology and chemistry, along with qualifying exams like MCAT or similar country-specific tests.
Best Medical Courses After 12th in 2025
Entrance Exams Like NEET – Is It Mandatory?
Yes, NEET is compulsory if you want to take the standard path—MBBS and then specialization in cardiology. NEET is the only medical entrance exam recognized across India for both government and private medical colleges. Without qualifying NEET, you cannot enroll in MBBS, which is the foundational degree for becoming a cardiologist.
However, there are some paramedical courses in cardiology like BSc Cardiology or Diploma in Cardiac Care that may not require NEET, but remember—these do not make you a cardiologist, they only train you to be a cardiac technician or assistant.
To become a cardiologist surgeon – NEET is 100% mandatory
To become a BSc cardiac care professional – NEET may not be needed
Still thinking about skipping NEET? The honest truth: No NEET = No MBBS = No Cardiologist.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become a Cardiologist After 12th
Complete 12th with PCB, clear NEET-UG, earn MBBS degree, clear NEET-PG, pursue MD in Internal Medicine, then DM in Cardiology. Gain experience through residency and training to become a cardiologist.
Step 1: Choose the Right Stream in 12th
Start by selecting the Science stream (PCB) in your 11th and 12th classes. Focus especially on Biology, as this subject lays the foundation for your future medical studies. Along with this, work on your time management, problem-solving skills, and prepare mentally for NEET, which you’ll take after 12th.
Enroll in a good coaching institute for NEET prep.
Practice mock tests and neet previous year’s papers.
Build a habit of disciplined study – this will help later during your MBBS and beyond.
Step 2: Appear for NEET and Get Into MBBS
Once you clear your 12th with PCB subjects, it’s time to appear for NEET. Your NEET score determines your admission into an MBBS college. Based on your rank, you can get a seat in government or private medical colleges.
NEET Quick Facts:
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Total Marks: 720
Qualifying Score: Varies each year, ~138 for general, lower for reserved
Attempt Limit: No restriction now
Once selected, you’ll begin your MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)—a 5.5-year course including 1-year internship.
Step 3: Complete Your MBBS Degree
The MBBS course is where you’ll learn the basics of human anatomy, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and much more. It’s a rigorous program that demands patience, long hours, and sheer passion. During this time, students also go through clinical rotations in hospitals—this includes cardiology departments too.
You’ll get to observe real-life patient interactions, diagnosis techniques, and emergency procedures. This is where most students fall in love with a specialization, and for aspiring cardiologists, this means choosing General Medicine as your MD.
Step 4: Pursue Post-Graduation (MD in General Medicine)
After MBBS, you must crack PG medical entrance exams (like NEET-PG) to pursue an MD in General Medicine. This 3-year program dives deeper into internal diseases, cardiovascular problems, and prepares you for the super-specialization. Only after MD can you move on to the final stage of your journey—becoming a true specialist in cardiology.
Step 5: Super-Specialization (DM in Cardiology)
This is the final step in your journey. After completing your MD, you apply for DM in Cardiology (Doctorate of Medicine). This is again a 3-year course that transforms you into a full-fledged cardiologist.
Here you’ll:
Master heart-related diseases
Conduct advanced diagnostics
Learn about angioplasties, stents, pacemakers, and cardiac devices
Gain real-time experience in catheter labs and ICUs
Alternate Paths : Can You Become a Cardiologist Without MBBS or NEET?
Becoming a cardiologist without MBBS or NEET is not possible in India. MBBS and NEET are mandatory to pursue postgraduate medical education and specialization in cardiology.
BSc Cardiology and Other Paramedical Routes
A lot of students search for ways to become a cardiologist without MBBS or NEET. Let’s be real—NEET is tough, and not everyone clears it on the first attempt. So, are there any alternate options?
Yes, but with a major distinction. Courses like BSc in Cardiac Technology, Diploma in Cardiology, or BSc Cardiovascular Technology do exist and can be pursued without NEET. These programs train you in assisting cardiologists during procedures like ECG, Echo, and catheterization. After completing these, you can work as a cardiac technician, cardiology assistant, or ECG technologist.
Here’s a breakdown of popular courses without NEET:
BSc in Cardiac Care Technology (3 years)
Diploma in Cardiology Technician (1-2 years)
BSc in Cardiovascular Technology (3 years)
However, completing these won’t make you a cardiologist, because they are paramedical degrees, not medical doctor qualifications. If you’re passionate about working in cardiology but don’t want to take the MBBS route, this is a good option, but know the limitations.
Cardiologist vs Cardiac Technician
Let’s bust a common myth here: A BSc Cardiology graduate is not a cardiologist.
A Cardiologist is a licensed medical doctor with MBBS + MD + DM.
A Cardiac Technician is a trained support staff member who assists in diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac procedures.
Their roles, responsibilities, and salaries are drastically different. If you’re aiming for the top, there’s no shortcut—MBBS is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a quicker path to working in hospitals with stable income, these courses are still highly valuable and respected.
How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Cardiologist After 12th?
Becoming a cardiologist after 12th takes around 13-15 years. First, complete 5.5 years of MBBS, followed by 3 years of MD in Internal Medicine, and then 3 years of DM in Cardiology. Additional time may be required for entrance exam preparation and gaining clinical experience during residency.
Timeline from 12th Grade to Becoming a Specialist
If you’re planning to become a cardiologist, brace yourself—it’s a long and committed journey. Here’s a realistic timeline of how many years it takes to become a cardiologist after 12th in India:
MBBS: 5.5 years (including 1-year internship)
MD (General Medicine): 3 years
DM (Cardiology): 3 years
Total: 11.5 to 12 years minimum
This is assuming you clear every entrance exam in one go, without any drop years. For many, it can take 13-15 years if there are delays or repeat attempts for NEET or PG entrances.
Comparison with Other Medical Fields
Let’s compare the duration with other top medical specializations:
| Medical Field | Total Duration After 12th |
|---|---|
| General Physician | 8.5 years |
| Neurologist | 12 years |
| Cardiologist | 12 years |
| Dermatologist | 8.5 years |
| Gynecologist | 9 years |
As you can see, cardiology is one of the longest and most specialized journeys, but the payoff—both financially and professionally—is well worth the time.
Career Path After Becoming a Cardiologist
After becoming a cardiologist, you can work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice, pursue research or teaching, join corporate healthcare, or further specialize in fields like interventional or pediatric cardiology.
Types of Cardiologists
Once you become a qualified cardiologist, you can choose to further specialize in specific areas of heart medicine:
Interventional Cardiologist: Performs procedures like angioplasty and stent placement.
Non-Invasive Cardiologist: Focuses on diagnosis through tests like ECG, Echo, etc.
Electrophysiologist: Deals with heart rhythm disorders.
Pediatric Cardiologist: Specializes in treating heart conditions in children.
Heart Failure Specialist: Manages advanced heart failure cases and transplants.
Note : Each of these comes with unique responsibilities and requires different levels of training
Job Roles and Work Environments As a cardiologist
As a cardiologist, your career options are vast:
Hospitals (Private and Government)
Cardiac Care Centers
Multi-specialty Clinics
Private Practice
Teaching and Research Institutions
You may work in ICUs, emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, or even start your own heart care clinic. The job is demanding—often involving emergency calls and odd hours—but extremely rewarding.
Monthly salaries of Cardiologists
Freshers: ₹80,000 to ₹1.5 lakh/month
Mid-level: ₹2 to ₹3.5 lakh/month
Senior Cardiologists: ₹5 lakh+/month
Top Cardiology Courses After 12th
Top cardiology-related courses after 12th include MBBS followed by MD and DM in Cardiology. Diploma in Cardiology and BSc in Cardiac Technology are also popular for allied health careers.
Cardiologist Courses With and Without MBBS
After completing your 12th, the courses you choose set the tone for your future career. If your goal is to become a certified cardiologist, you’ll need to follow the traditional MBBS route. However, there are also cardiology-related courses available for those who want to work in this field without becoming a full-fledged doctor.
Courses with MBBS (For Becoming a Cardiologist)
MBBS – 5.5 years
MD in General Medicine – 3 years
DM in Cardiology – 3 years
Courses without MBBS (For Allied Cardiology Careers)
BSc in Cardiac Care Technology
Diploma in Cardiovascular Technician
BSc in Cardiovascular Technology
Certificate in ECG and Telemetry Technician
While these non-MBBS programs don’t make you a doctor, they open doors to career opportunities in hospitals and cardiac centers, working alongside cardiologists in support roles.
If your ambition is to diagnose and treat heart diseases as a specialist doctor, MBBS is non-negotiable.
Best Cardiology Institutes in India
The institute you graduate from significantly impacts your career, especially in medicine. Here’s a list of some top colleges in India offering cardiology courses, including MBBS and super-specialization in DM Cardiology:
Top Institutes for MBBS
Top institutes for MBBS in India include AIIMS Delhi, JIPMER Puducherry, AFMC Pune, CMC Vellore, and Maulana Azad Medical College. These colleges offer quality education and clinical training.
AIIMS Delhi
Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi
CMC Vellore
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
Top Institutes for MD & DM Cardiology:
AIIMS Delhi (DM Cardiology)
PGIMER, Chandigarh
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi
Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai
Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Bangalore
These institutions not only offer world-class education but also provide cutting-edge facilities and hands-on clinical experience. Admission to these elite colleges is extremely competitive and requires top NEET/NEET-PG ranks.
How to Become a Cardiologist in India vs Other Countries
In India, become a cardiologist through MBBS, MD, and DM. In countries like the USA, complete pre-med, MCAT, MD, residency, and fellowship in cardiology. Pathways differ in duration and structure.
Cardiologist in India – Process, Exams, and Colleges
Becoming a cardiologist in India follows this standard structure:
12th Science (PCB)
NEET UG → MBBS
NEET PG → MD in General Medicine
DM in Cardiology
All degrees and institutions must be approved by NMC (National Medical Commission). Most reputed colleges like AIIMS, PGIMER, and state medical colleges offer cardiology specializations.
The cost of education in government colleges is minimal, but private medical institutions can charge anywhere between ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore over the full course.
Cardiologist in USA, Canada – What’s Different?
In contrast, becoming a cardiologist in countries like the USA or Canada involves a different process:
Cardiologist in USA
Complete High School + Pre-med (Bachelor’s Degree)
Clear MCAT and enter Medical School (4 years)
Complete Residency in Internal Medicine (3 years)
Pursue Fellowship in Cardiology (3 years)
Total Duration: 10–14 years
Licensing Exams: USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Exam)
Cardiologist in Canada
Bachelor’s degree in Sciences
Medical School (4 years)
Residency in Internal Medicine
Fellowship in Cardiology
In both countries, practicing medicine requires citizenship or work authorization, and foreign-trained doctors must pass licensing exams and meet residency requirements, which can be competitive. If you’re planning to study or work abroad, consider starting preparations early for exams like MCAT, USMLE, or PLAB (UK).
Scope and Salary of Cardiologists in India
Cardiologists in India have high demand in hospitals, clinics, and private practice. Salaries range from ₹10–30 lakhs annually, increasing with experience, specialization, and location. The career offers strong growth prospects.
Cardiologist Salary in India : Entry to Senior Level
Cardiology is not only a noble profession but also one of the highest-paying medical careers in India. Salary packages vary depending on experience, location, type of institution, and patient load. Here’s a basic overview of the earnings potential.
| Experience Level | Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Fresh Graduate | ₹80,000 – ₹1.5 lakh |
| 3–5 Years Experience | ₹2 – ₹3.5 lakh |
| 10+ Years Experience | ₹5 – ₹8 lakh |
| Top Private Hospitals | ₹10+ lakh (per month) |
| Own Private Practice | ₹12 lakh+ (variable) |
Besides salary, cardiologists earn through consultation fees, procedures like angioplasties, and emergency call charges. The scope of earnings is massive—especially in metros and private multi-specialty hospitals.
Demand and Growth of Cardiology Profession
The demand for cardiologists in India is growing fast due to:
Rising cases of heart disease, especially in younger populations
Urban lifestyle disorders: Obesity, diabetes, high stress
Increasing awareness about preventive heart care
More hospitals opening dedicated cardiology departments
According to recent healthcare reports, India needs 80,000+ cardiologists, but has only a fraction of that number. So, if you’re pursuing this path—you’re headed toward job security and a recession-proof profession.
| Related Links | ||
| NEET Chapter-wise Weightage 2026 | NEET Counselling 2025 | Gap Certificate for NEET 2025 |
| NEET Topper List 2025 | NEET Exam | NEET Previous Year Question Papers PDF |
Other Courses After 10th/12th
”FAQs”
1. How to become a cardiologist after 12th step by step?
To become a cardiologist after 12th, follow these steps:
Choose the Science stream with Biology in 12th.
Clear the NEET exam.
Enroll in an MBBS program (5.5 years).
Complete MD in General Medicine (3 years).
Finish DM in Cardiology (3 years).
It’s a long road but ultimately rewarding with a highly respected and high-paying career.
2. Is it possible to become a cardiologist after 12th without NEET or MBBS?
No, you cannot become a cardiologist without NEET and MBBS. However, you can pursue cardiology-related paramedical courses like:
BSc in Cardiac Care Technology
Diploma in Cardiology Technician
These lead to careers such as cardiac technicians but do not qualify you as a doctor.
3. How many years does it take to become a cardiologist after 12th in India?
It takes approximately 12 years:
MBBS: 5.5 years
MD: 3 years
DM (Cardiology): 3 years
Plus 0.5–1 year for exam prep and possible gap years.
4. What is the salary of a cardiologist in India?
The average starting salary of a cardiologist in India is between ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh per month. With experience and specialization:
Mid-career: ₹2–3.5 lakh/month
Senior: ₹5 lakh+/month
Private Practice: ₹10 lakh+/month (varies by patient load and city)
5. What are the best cardiology colleges in India?
Top institutions for studying cardiology include:
AIIMS Delhi
PGIMER Chandigarh
CMC Vellore
Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai
Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Bangalore
6. How to become a cardiologist surgeon after 12th?
Follow MBBS → MS in Cardiothoracic Surgery → MCh in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. This is the path for becoming a cardiac (heart) surgeon, not a cardiologist.
7. How to become a cardiologist after 12th with NEET?
Clear NEET-UG, get admission in MBBS, complete it, then pursue MD (Internal Medicine) and DM (Cardiology) through NEET-PG and NEET-SS.
8. How to become a cardiologist after 12th in USA?
Do 4-year pre-med (Bachelor’s)
Clear MCAT
Complete 4-year MD
Do 3-year internal medicine residency
Do 3-year cardiology fellowship
9. How to become a cardiologist after 12th in Canada?
Complete undergraduate (pre-med)
Take MCAT
Complete MD (4 years)
Do Internal Medicine residency (3 years)
Cardiology fellowship (3 years)
10. How many years does it take to become a cardiologist after 12th?
Typically 13–15 years in India: 5.5 years (MBBS) + 3 years (MD) + 3 years (DM) + time for exam prep and internship.
11. How to become BSc cardiologist after 12th?
You can pursue BSc in Cardiac Technology after 12th (PCB), but this leads to a career as a cardiac technologist—not a cardiologist (doctor).
