What is Nephrology?: Course Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager
Nephrology courses focus on studying disease related to kidney and its treatment. Nephrology courses also include the study of kidney dialysis and the transplants.
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Nephrology Course Duration
Here’s a breakdown of Nephrology course durations at various academic levels:
|
Course Type |
Duration |
|---|---|
|
PG Level (DM in Nephrology) |
3 years (after MD/DNB in General Medicine or Pediatrics) |
|
PG Level (DNB in Nephrology) |
3 years |
|
PG Diploma/Fellowship in Nephrology |
1–2 years (for MBBS/MD holders) |
|
Certificate Courses in Nephrology |
3 months to 1 year (varies by institute) |
Nephrology Course Details
Candidates can check the table below to see the Nephrology course details:
|
Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Nephrology Course Level |
Advanced Masters, Post Doctorate and PG |
|
Nephrology Course Duration |
2-3 years |
|
Nephrology Course Fees |
INR 1,500 and INR 58.27 Lakh |
|
Nephrology Course Admission Process |
Entrance-Based |
|
Nephrology Course Entrance Exams |
NEET SS |
|
Popular Nephrology Colleges |
AIIMS Delhi CMC Vellore KMC Manipal MMC |
|
Nephrology Jobs |
Nephrologist Consultant Nephrologist Transplant Nephrologist Researcher in Nephrology |
|
Nephrology Salary |
INR 22 LPA and INR 48 LPA |
|
Nephrology Top Recruiters |
Apollo Hospitals AIIMS Fortis Memorial Research Institute Wockhardt Hospital |
Useful Links for Nephrology Courses:
Nephrology courses for Registered Nurses (RN) are designed to enhance their knowledge and clinical skills in kidney care, dialysis procedures, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) management.
These courses often include modules on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, transplant care, and patient education.
These are offered as short-term certificate which provide RNs with the skills helpful to work in dialysis centers, nephrology units or even transplant wards.
Nephrology courses for nurses, specially RNs, are there to provide a basic understanding about renal anatomy, kidney disease progression, dialysis techniques and even patient monitoring.
These courses are ideal for candidates who want to be a general nurse or even those who want to specialise in Nephrology. These are available in many short-term courses and focus on practical skills with ethical care and the latest guidelines in renal nursing.
Nephrology courses are made for those nurses who want to secialise in Nephrology field and later support kidney patients in the clinical and community settings.
The curriculum of such courses include basic renal pathophysiology, fluid management, vascular access care and even patient counselling.
These are usually offered in short-term courses and the curriculum helps nurses in becoming skilled so that they have a wide scope in their career.
- Nephrology Eligibility & Admission 2025
- Nephrology Course Entrance Exams
- Nephrology Courses: Syllabus
- Types of Nephrology Courses
- Best Colleges for Nephrology Courses
- Popular Private Nephrology Colleges in India
- Nephrology Career Scope: Jobs, Salary and Top Recruiters
- Nephrology Courses: FAQs
- Popular Nephrology PG Courses
Nephrology Eligibility & Admission 2025
Below are the eligibility criteria for each of the Nephrology courses:
|
Nephrology Courses |
Eligibility |
|---|---|
| DM in Nephrology (or any other super specialty) |
|
| PDCC in Nephrology |
|
| Advanced Master’s in Nephrology |
MBBS or any UG relevant medical degree |
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Nephrology Course Admission 2025
Admission to Nephrology courses is different in all colleges.
- Make sure that you fulfil the eligibility criteria of the colleges.
- Fill out the application form and pay the fee.
- Appear for the entrance exams if any.
- Wait for the results.
- Sit for the counselling rounds.
No, Nephrology courses are not offered online as this course is full of hands-on clinical training. More than the theory, there is more of practicals related to this courses so therefore these courses are not offered online.
While some online courses may provide theoretical knowledge on nephrology topics, they do not offer recognised certification or clinical expertise.
To become a nephrologist, one must undergo structured medical education, including MBBS, MD, and DM in Nephrology.
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No, there are no Nephrology courses that offered at a Diploma level in India.
No doubt, there are some short-term certificate courses available but they are not for the ones who aspire to become nephrologists.
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No, unfortunately, one cannot become a Nephrologist without doing MBBS. It is the most basic and foundational degree considered for Nephrology specialisation.
Since Nephrology is a super-specialisation that is done after MBBS, it becomes important that candidates have MBBS degree.
Helpful Links for Nephrology Courses:
Nephrology Course Entrance Exams
Admission to the Nephrology courses is solely based on NEET SS. Candidates can check the details of the NEET SS exam in the table below:
|
Entrance Exams |
Exam Date |
Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
|
NEET SS |
29 Mar ' 25 - 30 Mar ' 25 (Conducted) |
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9 Nov ' 25 | NEET 2025 Counselling Online Stray Vacancy Round ... |
5 Nov ' 25 - 9 Nov ' 25 | NEET 2025 Counselling Online Stray Vacancy Round ... |
9 Nov ' 25 - 15 Nov ' 25 | NEET PG 2025 counselling round-1 reporting |
19 Nov ' 25 - 24 Nov ' 25 | NEET PG 2025 round-2 counselling choice filling |
Mar '26 - Apr '26 | AIIMS BSc Paramedical Registration (Basic) TENTATIVE |
30 May ' 26 | AIIMS BSc Paramedical 2026 Exam date |
9 Nov ' 25 | INI CET 2025 November exam date |
1 Nov ' 25 | INI CET 2025 November admit card |
Yes, NEET is needed if you wish to pursue Nephrology.
At first, NEET UG is needed for admission to MBBS and then NEET PG is required for MD in General Medicine or Paediatrics.
After completing MD, candidates must clear NEET-SS (Super Specialty) to secure admission into a DM/DNB Nephrology program. Since nephrology is a highly specialised medical branch, these entrance exams ensure the selection of qualified candidates.
Relevant Links for Nephrology Courses:
While filling the NEET SS application form, candidates had to upload the following documents or files:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Thumb impression
The photograph to be uploaded is categorised in two ways, uploading an existing passport-size photograph and taking a realtime photograph through webcamera and uploading it. The format and dimension for each of these documents have been instructed by NBE. Candidates must ensure that they upload the documents in the given format only, otherwise their NEET SS applications are not accepted.
According to the existing pattern, NEET SS will comprise one paper of 150 multiple-choice questions, from broad speciality and super speciality course. There will be three sections carrying 50 questions each and a time duration of 50 minutes will be there. The total duration will be 150 minutes or 2.5 hours. The question paper will be of 600 marks. Total 150 Questions for 600 marks will be asked in the NEET SS question paper. Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Marking Scheme: Aspirants will get +4 marks on each correct response and -1 on each negative response. NBE released the information brochure which has a detailed exam pattern for NEET SS exam.
The NEET SS application process is completely online. The first step is to register, followed by filling up the application form. The step by step process to register and application for NEET SS is given below:
- Visit the official website of NEET SS or NBE
- Click on the Registration tab
- Enter the mandatory details
- Select password
- Enter the OTP
- Once the username and password is generated, candidates have to login to complete the application process
- Enter the mandatory details regarding personal details, academic details, uploading photographs and payment of the application fee.
Nephrology Courses: Syllabus
Below is a general outline of the syllabus for DM/DNB Nephrology and can also vary a little across institutions.
Nephrology Courses - Advanced Masters
Below is a general semester-wise syllabus structure for Advanced masters level of Nephrology courses:
| Advanced Master Nephrology Course Syllabus - Sem 1 | |
|---|---|
| Renal Anatomy & Physiology | Kidney Function Tests |
| Fluid-Electrolyte Balance | - |
| Advanced Master Nephrology Course Syllabus - Sem 2 | |
| Clinical Nephrology (CKD, AKI, Glomerulonephritis) | Nephrology |
| Pharmacology | - |
| Advanced Master Nephrology Course Syllabus - Sem 3 | |
| Hemodialysis & Peritoneal Dialysis | Vascular Access |
| Dialysis Complications | - |
| Advanced Master Nephrology Course Syllabus - Sem 4 | |
| Renal Transplantation | Post-transplant Management |
| Research Project/Thesis | - |
Nephrology Courses - Post Doctorate
Below is a general semester-wise syllabus structure for Post Doctorate level of Nephrology courses:
| Post Doctorate Nephrology Course Syllabus - Sem 1 | |
|---|---|
| Renal Pathophysiology | Kidney Biopsy Interpretation |
| Radiological Investigations | - |
| Post Doctorate Nephrology Course Syllabus - Sem 2 | |
| Glomerular Diseases | Tubulointerstitial Disorders |
| Electrolyte Imbalances | - |
| Post Doctorate Nephrology Course Syllabus - Sem 3 | |
| AKI & CKD Management | Comorbidity Handling (Diabetes, HTN) |
| Guideline-based Care | - |
| Post Doctorate Nephrology Course Syllabus - Sem 4 | |
| Dialysis Unit Management | Critical Care Nephrology |
| Teaching / Research Duties | - |
| Post Doctorate Nephrology Course Syllabus - Sem 5 | |
| Kidney Transplantation | Immunosuppression Protocols |
| Rejection Management | - |
| Post Doctorate Nephrology Course Syllabus - Sem 6 | |
| Dissertation/Thesis | Clinical Presentations |
| Exit Exams & Viva | - |
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Yes, it is possible that Nephrology can be a stressful speciality especially because it is a study related to kidney diseases. And the nature of kidney diseases are usually vey compliated, which also often require long-term management and emergency care.
It is very common for Nephrologists to deal with critically ill patients everyday, including all those who are on dialysis or awaiting kidney transplants.
This field is full of handling complex cases and making life-saving decisions, as all the doctors do.
Yes, Nephrology is a very promising and a very rewarding medical branch. It also offers high demand, financial stability to the candidates and opportunities in healthcare field.
Also, due to the rise in kidney diseases worldwide, nephrologists play a very crucial role in healthcare.
The field is very stimulating, it requires expertise in internal medicine, dialysis and even transplant care.
No doubt it is challenging, nephrology provides immense job satisfaction by helping patients manage chronic kidney conditions effectively.
Types of Nephrology Courses
Candidates can check the types of Nephrology courses that are offered in India below:
Nephrology Courses - Advanced Masters
Candiates can check the list of colleges offering Advanced Masters in Nephrology courses below:
| Nephrology Advanced Master Courses | Nephrology Advanced Master Colleges | Nephrology Advanced Master Course Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| DM | AIIMS Delhi | 3,330 |
| CMC Vellore | 1,500 | |
| KMC Manipal | 49.65 Lakh |
Note: The fees is taken from other sources and can be different.
Best Colleges for Nephrology Courses
Candidates can check the list of best government and private colleges for Nephrology courses below:
Best Government Colleges for Nephrology Courses
You can check the list of best government colleges for Nephrology courses below:
|
Nephrology Colleges |
Nephrology Course Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
|
3,330 |
|
|
1.2 Lakh |
|
|
36,000 |
|
|
45,000 - 2.1 Lakh |
|
|
39,750 |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
23.4 Lakh |
|
|
1.21 Lakh |
|
|
2.94 Lakh |
Disclaimer: This info. is taken from the official website and may differ.
Best Private Colleges for Nephrology Courses
You can check the list of best private colleges for Nephrology courses below:
|
Nephrology Colleges |
Nephrology Course Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
|
1,500 |
|
|
6.77 Lakh - 49.65 Lakh |
|
|
24 Lakh |
|
|
19.6 Lakh |
|
|
21.86 Lakh |
|
|
63.42 Lakh |
|
|
15.6 Lakh |
|
|
47.14 Lakh |
|
|
16 Lakh |
Disclaimer: This info. is taken from the official website and may differ.
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It is very important that candidates choose the best colleges for themselves to pursue Nephrology courses. They can consider the following factors while selecting the colleges:
Accreditation & Recognition
Ranking & Reputation
Clinical Exposure
Entrance Exam Requirements
Placement & Research Opportunities
The colleges that offer the highest placement for Nephrology courses are:
Nephrology Colleges | Nephrology Course Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
16 LPA | |
15.6 LPA | |
Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Science Placements | 13.4 LPA |
13.21 LPA | |
13 LPA | |
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Placements | 12 LPA |
11.5 LPA | |
10.8 LPA | |
10.2 LPA |
Note: The information has been taken from the official websites and may vary.
Popular Private Nephrology Colleges in India
Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now
Nephrology Career Scope: Jobs, Salary and Top Recruiters
Candidates who have pursued Nephrology degree get to work in the hospitals as Nephrologists who treat patients with diseases related to kidneys. Because of the rise in kidney-related diseases nowadays, the demand of Nephrologists has increased over time. Since it is a specialised field of medicine, candidates get jobs with handsome salary at government as well as private hospitals and even research institutions.
Nephrology Jobs in India
Candidates can check the table below to see the list of top Nephrology jobs in India:
|
Nephrology Jobs |
Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
|
Nephrologist |
22.7 LPA |
|
Consultant Nephrologist |
22 LPA |
|
Transplant Nephrologist |
35 LPA |
|
Researcher in Nephrology |
22.7 LPA |
|
Medical Professor/Lecturer |
22 LPA |
Note: This salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.
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Nephrology Top Recruiters
Candidates can check the table below to see the list of top Nephrology recruiters in India:
|
Nephrology Top Recruiters |
|
|---|---|
|
Apollo Hospitals |
AIIMS |
|
Fortis Memorial Research Institute |
Wockhardt Hospital |
|
Max Hospital |
Medanta |
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The scope for nephrologists is vast, as kidney diseases are increasing globally majorly because of rising cases of diabetes as well as the hypertension.
Nephrologists can work in the hospitals, kidney transplant centres and even dialysis units or they can either pursue research or even academics.
With all the advancements in dialysis and transplant procedures, the demand for nephrologists is at an all time high. India, the USA, and the UK, all these offer significant career opportunities in both clinical practice and research in nephrology.
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The Nephrology salary that can go highest can range from INR 30 LPA to INR 50 LPA, but it also depends on experience, expertise and even location.
Also, the senior nephrologists that are working in top private hospitals or running successful private practices can earn even more.
Candidates can get higher salary based on the factors such as international training, specialisation in advanced procedures and even affiliations with reputed institutions.
Below are the steps to become a Nephrologist after 12th:
- Complete 12th with PCB
- Clear NEET-UG
- Complete MBBS (5.5 years)
- Qualify NEET-PG
- Pursue MD (3 years)
- Appear for NEET-SS.
- Complete DM/DNB in Nephrology (3 years)
The table below shows the key differences between Nephrologist and a Consultant Nephrologist:
Feature | Nephrologist | Consultant Nephrologist |
|---|---|---|
Qualification | ||
Role | Diagnoses and treats kidney diseases | Leads a team and provides expert consultations |
Experience Level | Early to mid-career specialist | Senior specialist with vast experience |
Responsibilities | Manages dialysis, kidney failure, and electrolyte imbalances | Oversees complex cases, research, and training |
The table explains how these are different:
Aspect | Urologist | Nephrologist |
|---|---|---|
Focus Area | Urinary tract and male reproductive system | Kidney diseases and non-surgical treatment |
Procedures Performed | Kidney stone removal, prostate surgery, kidney transplants | Dialysis, kidney failure management, electrolyte balance |
Training Path | ||
Career Scope | Surgical field, hospitals, and clinics | The medical field, dialysis centres, and hospitals |
Best for? | Patients needing surgery for kidney/urinary disorders | Patients needing medical treatment for kidney issues |
Nephrology Courses: FAQs
Candidates can check below for FAQs of Nephrology Courses.
Yes, a nephrologist is a medical doctor who has done Nephrology specialization and is also responsible for diagnosing and even treating kidney-related diseases. If a candidates wishes to become a Nephrologist, they should complete MBBS, MD in General Medicine or even Paediatrics, and then they can go for DM or DNB in Nephrology.
Following are the colleges that offer the certificate courses in Nephrology:
Nephrology Colleges | Nephrology Course Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
6.77 Lakh | |
58,270 - 73,280 | |
45,000 |
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