Cardiologist
Medical expert in the care of the heart and blood vessels, including heart rhythm and heart failure.
Overview
A Cardiologist is a medical expert in the care of heart and blood vessels. They can also specialize in specific areas, such as abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure or heart problems etc.
Where they work
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Medical Colleges
- Government Research Institutes
Work environment
It is a desk job. You will need to handle a team of nurses and other medical staff. Local travel is not a part of this job role. Part-time work and contractual jobs are available. Hospitals and clinics usually work for 6 to 7 days. You are likely to work 9 to 10 hours 6 days a week. This may vary from clinic to clinic. Shift system may be available. Entrepreneurship: you can set up your own private practice.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to help others
- You pay attention to details while working
- You like to analyse problems or situations
- You enjoy Science
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 (M.B.B.S.)
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.D.) in the same field.
- 2For admission into MBBS, 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) for M.B.B.S.; NEET PG and NEET MDS (conducted by NBE) and AIAPGET (conducted by NTA) for postgraduate study. 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 Cardiology. This list of institutes is indicative only.
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)
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
- 2Junior Cardiologist
- 3Senior Cardiologist
- 4Head of Cardiology Department
Expected income
₹15,000 – ₹5,00,000 per month
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Surgeon
Doctor who treats conditions by operating — as a general surgeon or in a surgical speciality.
General Physician
Qualified doctor who examines patients, diagnoses illness, prescribes medicine and refers to specialists.
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. Nandana Jasti — A renowned Internal Medicine Specialist in Hyderabad who currently practices at Medicover Hospitals at Hitec City, Hyderabad. She pursued an MBBS degree from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal and MD-Internal Medicine from State University of New York, New York. For the past 16 years, she has worked as a General Physician and gained proficient skills and knowledge in the segments.
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 319 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Physician_%2F_Doctor%2C_Cardiologist/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The printed card's "Example from the field" profiles an Internal Medicine Specialist rather than a practising cardiologist; the source's own wording is kept here unchanged.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.