Which Entrance Exam is More Difficult to Crack: MD/MS or Super Specialty?

The complexity of clearing an MD/MS entrance exam or a super specialty exam can vary based on several factors, including the number of candidates, available seats, and overall competition. This article provides a detailed breakdown to help aspiring candidates make informed decisions.

MD/MS Entrance Exams

Competition: MD/MS entrance exams, such as NEET PG in India, attract a large number of candidates, often in the range of 100,000 or more.

Seats: The number of seats available for MD/MS programs is comparatively higher. However, this higher number of seats still results in competitive selection.

Selection Percentage: The selection percentage can fluctuate widely but often falls between 10-20 percent, or even lower in highly sought-after specialties.

Super Specialty Entrance Exams

Competition: Super specialty exams, like NEET SS in India, have fewer candidates compared to MD/MS exams. Only those who have completed their MD/MS degrees are eligible to apply.

Seats: The number of seats for super specialty programs is significantly lower, increasing the competition among a smaller pool of candidates.

Selection Percentage: The selection percentage is typically lower than for MD/MS, often around 5-10 percent, depending on the specialty and the number of applicants.

Conclusion

In summary, while both exams are highly competitive, super specialty exams tend to have a higher level of competition relative to the number of available seats, making them generally more difficult to crack in terms of percentage selection. The difficulty can still vary based on the specific exam and the specialties involved.

Why Super Specialty Degrees Matter?

Super specialty has become increasingly prevalent due to the growing awareness and education of the populous. Even with a medical degree, one might not be chosen over a specialized physician for consultations. Therefore, having a super specialty degree is crucial for medical professionals.

With more medical students opting for super specialty courses, the competition has intensified. Each year, over 3600 general surgery PG students and others from various broad specialties vie for around 2000 DNB seats through NEET SS and other autonomous exams. Half of these candidates are directly deemed ineligible due to qualifying cutoff marks at the 50th percentile.

Last year, over 5200 students took the NEET SS entrance exam with two optional specialties. There were 1835 MCh and DNB seats, and only around 2600 candidates qualified, with an alternative option. Many specialties did not even have enough qualifying candidates to be considered.

This high competition in NEET SS and the qualifying criteria make admission into your desired specialty and institution even more challenging. It is recommended that you prepare well and consider getting coaching from a reliable institute, such as PrepLadder, to gain a competitive edge.

Final Thoughts

The decision between an MD/MS and a super specialty depends on your personal career goals and the specific field you aspire to specialize in. The competition for both can be fierce, but with the right preparation and resources, you can increase your chances of success.