Difference Between Studying MBBS in India and Abroad

28 Jan, 2025, Tutelage Team, Mbbs Abroad

Difference Between Studying MBBS in India and Abroad

Get Free Counselling

Enquire Now

Difference Between Studying MBBS in India and Abroad

MBBS is the popular course choice for lakhs of students every year not only in India but across the world. Medical aspirants of India have to face a great competition to get admitted to Indian Medical colleges. The limited seats, hassle of counselling, high tuition costs in Indian private and deemed universities initiate students to choose MBBS abroad.

Every country’s MBBS course and universities have its own merits and demerits. A lot of queries glide in the minds of MBBS aspirants and their parents relating to MBBS abroad admissions. Over the years with thousands of MBBS abroad graduates successful in getting Indian medical licenses abridged these queries a lot. Still, confusion prevails relating to the benefits of Indian and Abroad MBBS education. This article provides answers to all your queries relating to the difference between Indian MBBS and Abroad MBBS.

See Also: Complete Guide of MBBS in India

 

1. MBBS in India Vs MBBS Abroad: Significant Facts

Criteria MBBS in India MBBS Abroad
Entrance Exam NEET-UG is mandatory for admission. NEET-UG is mandatory for Indian students who wish to practice in India after studying abroad.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Completion of 10+2 education from a recognized State Board, ISC, CBSE, or equivalent.
  • Mandatory subjects: Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.
  • English must be a compulsory subject.
  • Minimum 50% aggregate in PCB for General category (40% for reserved categories).
  • Minimum age of 17 years.
  • Completion of 10+2 education from a recognized State Board, ISC, CBSE, or equivalent.
  • Mandatory subjects: Biology, Physics, and Chemistry (some countries accept Mathematics in place of Physics).
  • English must be a compulsory subject.
  • Minimum 50% aggregate in PCB (60% to 75% for select countries).
  • Minimum age of 17 years.
Course Duration 4.5 years of academic education + 1 year of mandatory internship. Typically 5 years of academic education + 1 to 2 years of internship (varies by country).
Fee Structure (Approximate)
  • Government Colleges: INR 1,355 to INR 4,00,000 per year.
  • Private Colleges (Government Quota): INR 10,000 to INR 7,00,000 per year.
  • Self-financed Quota: INR 4,00,000 to INR 17,96,000 per year.
  • NRI Quota: Around USD 25,000 per year.
  • Deemed Universities: INR 17,00,000 to INR 25,00,000 per year.
  • NRI Quota in Deemed Universities: INR 30,00,000 to INR 35,00,000 per year.
  • Russia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan: INR 3,50,000 to 6,00,000 per year.
  • Philippines, Bangladesh: INR 5,00,000 to 12,00,000 per year.
  • USA, UK, Australia: INR 25,00,000 to 70,00,000 per year.
Medical License Examination FMGE/NExT (National Exit Test) required for practice. Licensure exams vary by country. Indian students must clear FMGE/NExT to practice in India.
Validity of Medical License Valid primarily in India; additional exams required for recognition abroad. Medical licenses from certain countries are valid globally, sometimes without additional licensing exams:
  • USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand: Valid in 185+ countries, including India.
  • European Union & UK (Cyprus Medical License): Valid across Europe.
  • Egypt: Valid in Saudi Arabia and select UAE countries.

Why Choose India for Your MBBS Degree?

India is a premier destination for medical education, offering a blend of affordability, quality, and global recognition. With a robust healthcare system and diverse clinical exposure, pursuing MBBS in India is an excellent choice for Indian students. Let’s explore the key reasons why studying MBBS in India can shape your medical career.

1. World-Class Medical Institutions: India hosts several of the top medical colleges, including AIIMS, JIPMER, and AFMC. These, in fact, rank highly every year among the medical colleges in the world. These colleges offer:
State-of-the-art infrastructure
Qualified faculty
Latest technological means and practices in medicine

2. Affordable Education:  MBBS education in India is very cheap compared to countries like the United States or the United Kingdom. Furthermore, state colleges permit several subsidies on fees as well, hence making it accessible to students from all walks of life.

3. Internationally Acclaimed Curriculum: Indian MBBS courses are aligned according to the National Medical Commission or MCI in India, therefore graduates would be prepared for international accreditation standards. Indian MBBS degrees can be taken into foreign countries; a student will have the capacity to pursue their further studies in foreign countries.

4. Variations in Clinical Exposure: India has a large and diverse population, and hence, medical students are exposed to a wide range of cases, from common ailments to rare diseases. This practical exposure helps students develop critical diagnostic and treatment skills.

5. Government and Private College Options: Indian students can choose from a mix of government, private, and deemed universities. Government medical colleges are highly competitive and affordable, while private institutions offer advanced facilities for those who prefer them.

6. Cultural and Linguistic Comfort: MBBS in India ensures no linguistic discomfort, as most courses are conducted in English. Being close to their family and living in a familiar cultural setting, Indian students will find the adjustment process easy.

1. Entrance Examination for MBBS Admission in India

MBBS courses admission process is highly competitive in India, and students can get admission through NEET counselling process every year. NEET—National Eligibility cum Entrance Test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) is mandatory to get admitted in India. The selection process depends on the NEET score, reservation category, and availability of state and central quota.

Eligibility Criteria to Study MBBS in India

To get eligibility to join MBBS colleges in India, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Educational Qualification: Candidates must study 10+2 or equivalent years of education from any recognized board of India or outside India. Candidates must have Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Biotechnology and English as compulsory subjects in their 12th standard or higher secondary or equivalent course. Qualifying marks varies with the reservation category of the candidate:

  • General Category: Must score at least 50% aggregate in PCB 
  • General PH/PWD candidates: 45% aggregate in PCB
  • SC/ST/OBC candidates: 40% aggregate in PCB

Age: Candidates must be at least 17 years of age as of December 31 of the year of admission or above. There is no upper age limit given to get admission to Indian Medical colleges.

Citizenship: Candidates must be Indian citizens, or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Non Resident Indians (NRI) to be eligible for admission to MBBS courses in India.

NEET Score: Candidates must qualify for the NEET examination conducted by NTA in the same year of admission as per their reservation category cut-off scores. NTA releases the NEET ranks and candidates can get admission to their desired colleges and universities across India through NEET counseling.

Step-by-step MBBS Admission Process in India

The step-by-step admission procedure for MBBS courses in Indian Medical Colleges as follows:

Step-1st: NEET Exam

NEET Exam qualification is the first step to get admission to Indian Medical colleges. Every year NTA conducts the examination to get admission to public, private and deemed universities in India.

Step-2nd: Application process

NTA releases NEET applications for all Indian medical aspirants to apply online, by filling out application forms, paying the application fee and submitting the required documents. 

Step-3rd: Appearing for the Entrance Exam

A week before the examination all eligible candidates will get the admit cards to appear for the NEET entrance exam including date, time and centre details.

Step-5th: Merit List

After the results are announced by NTA a merit list of the candidates with the ranks allotted to them as per the scores of NEET and reservation categories will be released in the official website of NEET. All qualified candidates are allowed to participate in NEET counselling of that year for admission to medical colleges of India.

Step-6th: NEET Counselling

During NEET counseling, candidates are allotted seats based on their choice filling, rank and other criteria. Candidates allotted seats are given time to pay the admission and tuition fees to the colleges allotted to complete the admission process.

Step-7th: Admission and Fees

Candidates must report to the allotted seat prior to the deadlines given and pay the required admission fees to secure their seat. The fees vary depending on the college they have chosen and the quota of the seat allocated. 

MBBS in Abroad for Indian Students

MBBS from Abroad medical colleges are popular over decades for Indian medical aspirants. Countries that are offering MBBS courses for international students like Russia, Vietnam, Moldova, Egypt, Iran, Cyprus, are few among them. Students choose to study MBBS abroad for a variety of reasons including:

  • Affordable Fees: Tuition fees are quite affordable in most of the universities abroad compared to Indian private and deemed universities fees. A tuition fee of 1,27,000 to 12,00,000 available for in top universities abroad is most economical for Indian medical aspirants.
  • Global Exposure: Studying MBBS in Universities abroad can give the students global exposure to broaden their knowledge and perspectives, different medical practices and techniques that could support them to become exceptional medical practitioners.
  • Modern facilities and Equipment: Many universities abroad are equipped with modern technology, innovative teaching aids, state-of-the art facilities, research-oriented training, best clinical practices, and training in modern medical technology is an added advantage to the students.
  • High quality education: Some universities abroad are prominent for their high-quality medical education, with proficient faculty and advanced teaching methods. 
  • NMC and WHO approved: Most of the international universities abroad are universally recognized by global medical agencies including WHO and NMC. Medical graduates of other countries are eligible to practice across the globe subject to the medical license guidelines of the country.
  • International experience: Studying abroad can provide students with valuable international experience, which can be an asset worldwide. Students can learn about diverse cultures, new friends, and develop a more global perspective.
  • Best Career opportunities: Studying MBBS abroad can open up career opportunities in other countries, as MBBS degrees are globally recognized. Additionally, international experience and exposure can make students much more competitive in the global job market.

 

Entrance Examination requirement to study MBBS Abroad

NEET qualification has been made mandatory for any Indian student studying MBBS Abroad from 2019 by the National Medical Commission. NEET qualification is valid for 3 years to get admission in medical universities abroad. Students who have not qualified for the NEET entrance exam but have graduated from other countries are not eligible to appear for Medical licensure examination of India.

 

Eligibility Criteria to study MBBS Abroad

Students should meet the following eligibility criteria to get admitted to study MBBS Abroad:

  • 10+12th qualification from State board or ISC / CBSC / equivalent
  • Biology, Physics and Chemistry should be mandatory subjects 
  • (Few countries accept Mathematics in place of Physics)
  • English Medium or English as compulsory subject
  • 50% in PCB in 12th standard, and it can 60% to 75% depending on the country
  • 17 years and above age

Process of Admission to study MBBS Abroad

Admission process is different depending on the country and college of choice. Students should check the eligibility and admission process carefully to get an easy and hassle free admission process. Here is the step by step process of admission process to study MBBS Abroad:

  • Application form
  • Submission of documents 
  • Receive Offer letter
  • Registration and tuition fee payment
  • Medical and other visa documentation
  • Visa process
  • Travel to the university
  • Complete the enrolment process

MBBS Course Tuition Fees Abroad

Affordable tuition fees is an important factor of consideration for MBBS abroad. Tuition fees varies country and college-wise. Here is some of the countries average tuition fees structure in few prevalent countries of the world are:

Country Average Tuition Fees per Year (INR) Average Tuition Fees per Year (USD)
Iran INR 1,25,000 to 4,80,000 USD 1,505 to 5,777
Vietnam INR 3,75,000 to 5,20,000 USD 4,520 to 6,253
Russia INR 2,25,000 to 5,00,000 USD 2,707 to 6,024
Cyprus INR 6,60,000 to 12,00,000 USD 7,951 to 14,457
Georgia INR 3,60,000 to 6,00,000 USD 4,337 to 7,228
Moldova INR 4,40,000 to 5,50,000 USD 5,297 to 6,627
Egypt INR 5,20,000 USD 6,253
Mauritius INR 8,00,000 to 9,00,000 USD 9,638 to 10,843

Conclusion:

it is one of the major decisions one has to make if he or she wants to become an MBBS holder. Both the options have their own prospects and difficulties. Studying MBBS in India gives scope to attend the best institutions, affordable study in some government colleges, and better clinical exposure. However, severe competition and high expenditure in private universities make it as a burden. On the other hand, studying MBBS abroad provides students with global exposure, affordable tuition fees, and the opportunity to experience diverse medical practices. However, the decision depends on individual preferences, financial constraints, and long-term career goals. Both Indian and international MBBS programs provide valuable pathways to becoming a successful medical professional.


FAQ

Yes, studying MBBS abroad can be more affordable in countries like the Philippines, Russia, and Ukraine, especially compared to private medical colleges in India. However, expenses may vary depending on the country and university you choose.

Yes, degrees from foreign universities are valid in India if the university is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and listed in the National Medical Commission (NMC) Gazette. Graduates must also clear the FMGE/NExT exam to practice in India.

Many foreign universities provide excellent education with modern facilities and international exposure. However, it depends on the university and country you choose, so research is essential.

In most popular countries for MBBS, the medium of instruction is English. However, in some places, local languages may also be used during clinical practice.

Graduates can return to India after clearing the FMGE/NExT, pursue postgraduate studies, or even work in the host country or other global destinations depending on local licensing exams and eligibility.



Tutelage Team
Tutelage Team
Content Curator | Updated on - Jan 28, 2025

Author Email: info@studytutelage.com Contact Number: +91 9818560331


Read Full Bio
Need any help
Chat with us
whatsapp image
whatsapp image
Talk to Our Expert Counsellors
Hi! Click one of our Counsellors below to chat on WhatsApp