Acupuncturist
Uses fine needles at strategic points on the body to restore balance and promote healing.
Overview
Acupuncture is a holistic treatment based on traditional and ancient Chinese medicine and practices. Acupuncturists use needles to stimulate points on the body that are connected to energy channels, or meridians. It involves inserting very thin, sterile needles through the skin at strategic points on the body. This is believed to restore balance and promote healing.
Where they work
- Hospitals
- Private physician offices
- Clinics
- Medical institutions
Work environment
The work timings are typically 6 or 7 days a week for 9 or 10 hours per day. Shift system is applicable. Entrepreneurship: you can also start up a private clinic.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are a good listener
- You are able to communicate and work with others
- You like to help others
- You like to analyse problems/situations
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree in Acupuncture or an M.B.B.S.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree (M.B.B.S.) followed by an M.D. in Acupuncture.
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a PG Diploma in Acupuncture.
- 2For admissions, you must clear entrance exams such as NEET conducted by NTA, NEET PG conducted by NBE, NEET MDS conducted by NBE, AIAPGET conducted by NTA and so on.
Forms, exams and applications
NEET (conducted by NTA), NEET PG and NEET MDS (conducted by NBE), AIAPGET (conducted by NTA) and similar. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Anaesthesiology.
Government institutes
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
- King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi
- Grant Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- St Johns Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka
- Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka
- MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- KPC Medical College and Hospital, Jadavpur, West Bengal
- Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, New Delhi
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Intern
- 2Anaesthesiologist Assistant
- 3Anaesthesia Technician
- 4Anaesthesiologist
- 5Senior Anaesthesiologist
- 6Chief Medical Officer
Related careers to explore
Naturopathic Doctor
Treats patients through naturopathy — natural therapies that support the body's ability to heal.
Physiotherapist
Treats injury and restores movement and function using massage, exercise and other techniques.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. Jatin Chaudhary — A renowned medical expert who has used his deep understanding of human anatomy and combined knowledge of physiotherapy, acupuncture, acupressure, and naturopathy to heal hundreds of patients from their ailments. Before obtaining an M.D. in acupuncture, he completed his undergraduate studies in physiotherapy, naturopathy, and yoga. His expertise in these areas has proven to be instrumental in helping patients achieve better health and quality of life.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 305 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/Job/acupuncturist/india
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The printed card's "Where will you study" panel for this career lists the Department of Anaesthesiology and its institute list (the same list used on the neighbouring Anaesthesiologist card) — an apparent layout carry-over in the source. Verify acupuncture-specific institutes on official sources before relying on this list.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.