Attending Consultant Neurology

To qualify as an Attending Consultant Neurologist, candidates must complete MBBS, followed by MD or DNB in General Medicine (or Pediatrics for pediatric neurology pathway), and then obtain a DM Neurology or DNB Neurology degree from an NMC-recognized institution. Valid registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council is mandatory. Hospitals often prefer candidates who have completed Senior Residency or Fellowship training in areas such as stroke neurology, epilepsy, movement disorders, neurocritical care, or neurophysiology.

Most hospitals require 3–8 years of post-DM/DNB experience to appoint a neurologist as an Attending Consultant. This experience typically includes working as a Senior Resident, Junior Consultant, or Associate Consultant, with proven expertise in independent patient management, emergency neurology, ICU exposure, and advanced diagnostic interpretation. Academic institutions may also expect experience in teaching, examinations, and research publications, while corporate hospitals emphasize clinical efficiency and patient volume handling.

An Attending Consultant Neurologist independently manages outpatient clinics, inpatient wards, ICUs, and emergency neurology cases. Responsibilities include diagnosing neurological disorders, planning and monitoring treatment protocols, interpreting investigations such as MRI, CT, EEG, EMG, and nerve conduction studies, and supervising invasive and non-invasive neurological procedures. They mentor residents and junior consultants, participate in multidisciplinary meetings, ensure compliance with clinical guidelines, and contribute to quality improvement initiatives. In teaching hospitals, they are involved in lectures, thesis guidance, and academic evaluations.

The average salary of an Attending Consultant Neurologist in India ranges from ₹18 lakh to ₹40 lakh per annum, depending on experience, hospital type, city, and subspecialty expertise. In large corporate hospitals or metro cities, salaries may exceed ₹45 lakh per annum, especially with incentive-based or revenue-sharing models. Government and academic hospitals offer structured pay scales with academic benefits, while additional income can be earned through private consultations, visiting consultant roles, or tele-neurology services.

Candidates can apply through hospital career portals, government medical college recruitment notifications, healthcare recruitment agencies, and professional networks. Active participation in neurology conferences, CMEs, and medical associations often helps in accessing senior consultant roles. Applicants should submit a detailed CV highlighting clinical experience, subspecialty skills, research work, publications, and valid medical registrations. Selection usually involves interviews, case discussions, and credential verification.

The qualification pathway includes MBBS → MD/DNB (General Medicine or Pediatrics) → DM/DNB Neurology. Registration with the NMC or State Medical Council is compulsory. Many institutions prefer additional fellowship training in subspecialties such as stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders, neurocritical care, or neurophysiology. Continuous medical education and adherence to updated neurological guidelines are essential for maintaining competency at the consultant level.

Attending Consultant Neurologists are responsible for end-to-end neurological care, from initial diagnosis to long-term disease management. They handle outpatient consultations, inpatient care, and emergency neurological conditions such as stroke, status epilepticus, and neuromuscular crises. Responsibilities include interpreting advanced diagnostic tests, supervising junior staff, ensuring ethical and evidence-based practice, and coordinating multidisciplinary treatment plans. Academic contributions, clinical audits, and participation in research are also integral aspects of the role.

Salaries range from ₹18 lakh to ₹40 lakh per year, with higher earnings in metro cities and corporate hospitals. Factors influencing salary include years of experience, subspecialty expertise, hospital reputation, patient load, and involvement in advanced neurological services. Neurologists with expertise in stroke intervention, epilepsy monitoring, or neurocritical care often command higher compensation.

Applications are submitted through hospital websites, recruitment agencies, government notifications, or professional referrals. Required documents usually include a detailed CV, degree certificates, medical registration, experience letters, and research publications. The selection process may involve panel interviews, clinical case discussions, and verification of credentials. Candidates with teaching and research experience may be preferred in academic institutions.

Attending Consultant Neurologists can work in government hospitals, corporate hospitals, super-specialty neurology centers, medical colleges, research institutions, and neurorehabilitation centers. Career progression may lead to roles such as Senior Consultant, Head of Neurology Department, Medical Director, or Professor of Neurology. Opportunities also exist in private practice, tele-neurology, clinical research, and international healthcare settings.