MBBS for Indian Students
Lakhs of Indian students dream of pursuing MBBS and becoming doctors. Every year, the NEET exam sees a massive turnout of aspirants competing for limited seats in government medical colleges. However, the intense competition and scarcity of seats make admission highly challenging. Even after clearing the cut-off, many students are left with private medical colleges as their only option, but the fees are exorbitant, ranging from INR 50 Lakhs to INR 1 Cr. This financial burden pushes Indian students to consider MBBS programs abroad as a more affordable alternative.
Several countries like Georgia, Bulgaria, Italy, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus have emerged as preferred destinations for Indian students seeking quality medical education at a lower cost. These nations offer globally recognized MBBS programs that are both affordable and of international standards. Every year, thousands of Indian aspirants choose to study MBBS abroad due to these advantages. Here’s what an aspiring medical student must know before applying.
Study MBBS Abroad: Things to Known Before Applying
Key Factors for Indian Students Choosing MBBS Abroad
Thousands of Indian students dream of studying MBBS abroad, but selecting the right university and country is a challenging process. It requires careful consideration of various factors such as university ranking, faculty, course structure, recognition, internship opportunities, language requirements, and local conditions. Below are some essential points every Indian medical aspirant should consider before applying to MBBS programs abroad.
1. Research is the First Step
- Students must thoroughly research the country and its top medical universities.
- The university must be accredited by the national government and its MBBS degree should be recognized by NMC (National Medical Commission) India.
2. Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
- Must have completed 10+2 (12th board exam) from a recognized board in India (CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards).
- Must have studied Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and English in 10+2.
- Should have secured a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 12th grade.
3. NEET Requirement
- NEET is compulsory for Indian students who want to study MBBS abroad and return to India to practice medicine.
4. Screening Test for Practicing in India
- Indian students who complete MBBS abroad must pass a screening test conducted by NMC to get a license to practice in India.
- The current screening test is called FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination), but it will soon be replaced by NEXT (National Exit Test).
5. Adjusting to Life Abroad
- Moving to a new country means adapting to a different culture, language, and lifestyle, which may take time.
- Homesickness is a common challenge for many Indian students.
6. Availability of Indian Food
- Pure vegetarian Indian food is not easily available in many countries.
- Some universities provide Indian meals on campus, but options may be limited and expensive.
- Many universities offer kitchen facilities in hostels so students can cook their own food.
7. Health Insurance is Mandatory
- Indian students must have valid health insurance while studying MBBS abroad.
8. English Language Proficiency
- Most universities do not require IELTS or TOEFL for Indian students.
- However, some universities may ask for English proficiency scores.
9. Language for Instruction & Communication
- English is the primary medium of instruction for MBBS in most universities.
- Some universities require students to learn the local language to communicate with patients during internships.
MBBS Abroad VS MBBS India
This section contains detailed information on the differences between MBBS in India and MBBS abroad.
| Comparison Metrics | MBBS In ABROAD | MBBS In India |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance Examination | NEET – UG | NEET – UG |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must have completed 12th from CBSE/ICSE or state board. | Must have completed 12th from CBSE/ICSE or state board. |
| Biology, physics, and chemistry should be mandatory subjects. | The mandatory subjects in 12th should be Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. | |
| The minimum % in the 12th PCM should be 50%. | Must have scored at least 50% in PCB and 50% in English. | |
| The age of the candidate should not be less than 17 years. | The age of the candidate should not be less than 17 years. The maximum age of the candidate should be 25 years. | |
| Duration | 56 months + 1 year of internship | 5.5 years (4.5 years of academics + 1-year internship). |
| Fee Structure | INR 15 to 60 lacks per year. | Government Colleges: INR 11,000 to 7.5 lack (complete course) Private Colleges: INR 20 lacks – INR 80 lacks (complete course). |
| Global Exposure | Yes, Indian MBBS students do have opportunities for global exposure. However, it is important to note that such opportunities may require additional funding and eligibility criteria that students must fulfill. | Studying MBBS abroad provides an opportunity to experience a new culture and interact with people from diverse backgrounds. This can broaden one’s perspective and enhance personal growth. |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | The student-teacher ratio is favorable. | Overcrowding in the classroom. |
| FMGE/ NEXT Exam | Students must additionally qualify for the NEXT/FMGE test following graduation beginning in 2025. | Students must pass the FMGE/NEXT test after graduating in order to practice in India. |
MBBS Courses Offered
Kyrgyzstan
MBBS in Kyrgyzstan offers cost-effective medical education with growing international recognition and practical training.
Georgia
MBBS in Georgia combines European-standard education with english medium and modern facilities.
Russia
MBBS in Russia provides high-quality education with advanced infrastructure at affordable tuition fees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of studying MBBS abroad varies based on the country and university. Tuition fees can differ between institutions within the same country. On average, MBBS abroad costs between INR 2 lakhs to 12 lakhs per year in the countries mentioned above.
Today, most MBBS destination countries have adopted English as the medium of instruction. This is primarily to enhance the learning outcome of international students by reducing language barrier. It encourages more international students to participate in different programs across borders. Having said that, some universities may require students to learn the local language for clinical internship program.
NMC has made it mandatory for Indian students who wish to study MBBS abroad to qualify NEET.
For a couple of decades, Russia & Georgia have been the most favoured destination to study MBBS abroad
Most countries stated abroad offer a 6-year MBBS program (5+1) with the final year for internship.
Here is a list of some of the most cost-effective countries to study MBBS abroad for Indian Students: Kazakhstan, Georgia, Bulgaria, Italy, Uzbekistan, Russia
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Success Stories in MBBS & BAMS Admissions Abroad!”
“Studying MBBS at Mari State University transformed my journey with top education, faculty, and clinical exposure.”
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European University, Georgia!"