Ear Nose Throat Doctor
Otolaryngologist trained in both medicine and surgery of the ear, nose, throat, head and neck.
Overview
Otolaryngology is the study of ears, nose, and throat. It is also called otolaryngology-head and neck surgery because specialists are trained in both medicine and surgery. An otolaryngologist is often called an ear, nose, and throat doctor, or an ENT for short.
Where they work
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Medical Colleges
- 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 enjoy Science
- You like to help others
- You pay attention to details while working
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (M.B.B.S.)
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by Master of Surgery (MS) in ENT or Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in ENT.
- 2For admissions, you can appear for entrance exams such as NEET (National Eligibility Entrance exam) for MBBS, NEET-PG (Post Graduate Medical Entrance after M.B.B.S.), INI CET (National Importance Combined Entrance Test) for admission into M.D. (Doctorate of Medicine) Program.
Forms, exams and applications
NEET for M.B.B.S.; NEET-PG and INI CET for postgraduate medical 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
The course is offered by the Department of Otolaryngology. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna
- King George's Medical University, Lucknow
- Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur
- Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla
- Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi
- Pt Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak
- Armed Forces Medical College, Pune
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka
- Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, Punjab
- Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, Maharashtra
- Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar
- Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun
- Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Solan
- Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh
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
- 2Resident Ear, Nose and Throat
- 3Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist
- 4Senior Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist
- 5Head of ENT Department
Expected income
₹20,000 – ₹1,20,000 per month
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
General Physician
Qualified doctor who examines patients, diagnoses illness, prescribes medicine and refers to specialists.
Surgeon
Doctor who treats conditions by operating — as a general surgeon or in a surgical speciality.
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. Ashok Sonambekar — A senior ENT specialist who is currently the director and founder of Dr. Sonambekar Multispeciality Hospital in Sangamner, Maharashtra. He has more than 35 years of experience in treating basic to advanced ear, nose & throat conditions. Sonambekar has done MBBS, and MS in ENT and a Diploma in Otorhinolaryngology.
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 339 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3IxWQPs
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.