Parents and students who want to become doctors think about the MBBS course, and as we know, to become a doctor in India is not an easy task. You need to prepare well, and a lot of money is going to be invested in the process of the MBBS degree.
Some people think it is less costly to pursue an MBBS degree in foreign countries rather than in India. Is it true or not? If I choose a foreign country, which one is better and which college is better? this article is dedicated to all of these questions. let’s read.
2. Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | MBBS in India | MBBS Abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Age Limit | Minimum 17 years | Minimum 17 years |
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) | 10+2 with PCB |
| Minimum Marks Required | General: 50%, OBC/SC/ST: 40% | 50%–60% (varies by country) |
| NEET Requirement | Mandatory | Mandatory for Indian students |
| Other Requirements | None | Language test (in some countries) |
3. Entrance Exam Requirement
| Exam Requirement | MBBS in India | MBBS Abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance Exam | NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) | NEET + University-Specific Exams (in some countries) |
| Difficulty Level | Very High Competition | Moderate (varies by country) |
| Number of Attempts | No limit as per the latest rules | No limit |
Many foreign universities accept students without additional entrance exams. However, an NEET qualification is required for Indian students to practice in India later.
4. Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | MBBS in India (Govt.) | MBBS in India (Private) | MBBS Abroad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | Rs 50,000 – Rs 2 Lakhs | Rs 10 Lakhs – Rs 25 Lakhs | Rs 3 Lakhs – Rs 8 Lakhs |
| Hostel & Living Costs | Rs 1–2 Lakhs per year | Rs 1.5–3 Lakhs per year | Rs 2–5 Lakhs per year |
| Total Cost | Rs 5 Lakhs – Rs 15 Lakhs | Rs 50 Lakhs – Rs 1.5 Crore | Rs 20 Lakhs – Rs 50 Lakhs |
| Scholarships | Available (Limited) | Rare | Available in some countries |
MBBS abroad is much more affordable than private medical colleges in India, making it a good option for students who do not get a government seat.
5. Admission Process
MBBS in India
- Students must appear for the NEET exam.
- After NEET results, students need to register on the MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) or respective state portals.
- Counselling is conducted based on NEET rank, and students are allotted seats.
- After document verification and fee payment, admission is confirmed.
MBBS Abroad
- NEET qualification is required for Indian students.
- Some universities conduct their entrance exams (e.g., BMAT, MCAT, etc.), while others offer direct admission.
- Students apply to foreign universities through agents or directly.
- Once admission is confirmed, an invitation letter is issued.
- Students apply for a student visa.
- After visa approval, they travel abroad and complete admission formalities.
6. Best Colleges for MBBS
Top MBBS Colleges in India
| College Name | Location |
|---|---|
| AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) | New Delhi |
| CMC (Christian Medical College) | Vellore |
| Maulana Azad Medical College | New Delhi |
| JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research) | Puducherry |
| KMC (Kasturba Medical College) | Manipal |
| BHU (Banaras Hindu University) | Varanasi |
| Grant Medical College | Mumbai |
Best Countries & Universities for MBBS Abroad
| Country | University |
|---|---|
| Russia | Moscow State Medical University, Kazan Federal University |
| China | Peking University, Shanghai Medical College |
| Ukraine | Kharkiv National Medical University, Lviv National Medical University |
| Philippines | University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines |
| Germany | Heidelberg University, LMU Munich |
| USA | Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins University |
| UK | Oxford University, Cambridge University |
7. Duration of MBBS
| Country | Duration (Including Internship) |
|---|---|
| India | 5.5 years |
| Russia | 6 years |
| China | 6 years |
| Ukraine | 6 years |
| Germany | 6–7 years |
| USA | 8 years (includes pre-med) |
| UK | 5–6 years |
8. Pros & Cons
MBBS in India
Pros:
- High-quality education in government colleges.
- No need to pass FMGE for practicing in India.
- Internships and job opportunities are easily available.
Cons:
- High competition for government seats.
- Private colleges are very expensive.
- Limited seats for aspiring doctors.
MBBS Abroad
Pros:
- Affordable compared to private colleges in India.
- Easier admission process with less competition.
- International exposure and better infrastructure in some universities.
Cons:
- Language barriers in non-English-speaking countries.
- FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) is required to practice in India.
- Cultural adjustments and different teaching methods.
Final Analysis
MBBS in India is the best option for students if they get admission to the government colleges. Otherwise it will be costly to do the MBBS degree in private medical colleges. You can then choose the foreign universities for the MBBS course. But you need to be aware of each fact before deciding on the country and colleges.
Quick Answers
Q1: Is MBBS abroad better than MBBS in India?
MBBS abroad is a good choice for students who cannot secure a government seat in India. However, returning students must pass the FMGE exam to practice in India.
Q2: Is an MBBS abroad valid in India?
Yes, but students must clear the FMGE/NExT exam to get a license to practice.
Q3: Which country is the best for MBBS abroad?
Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Germany are affordable options. The USA and the UK provide world-class education, but is expensive.
Q4: What is the minimum NEET score required for MBBS abroad?
NEET qualification is mandatory, but cut-offs vary by university and country.
Q5: Is FMGE difficult for foreign graduates?
Yes, the FMGE passing rate is around 15-20%. Students need proper preparation.
Q6: Can students get scholarships for MBBS abroad?
Yes, many universities and governments offer merit-based scholarships.
Q7: What is the cost difference between MBBS in India and MBBS abroad?
Government medical colleges in India are the cheapest. Private colleges in India can cost Rs 50 Lakhs–Rs 1.5 Crore, while MBBS abroad costs Rs 20–Rs 50 Lakhs on average.
Q8: Is MBBS in China, Russia, or Ukraine safe?
Yes, but students should check whether the university is recognized by MCI/NMC before admission.
