Choosing Between India or Abroad: Where Do You Want to Study for Your MBBS

Deciding on a long-term career is often one of the most important choices a person makes in their lifetime. For students wishing to step into the world of medicine, the job of a doctor on their own is not only rewarding but also vastly impactful. But did you know there are many different paths that one can pursue to become a doctor? For instance, you might decide to study in India or overseas. Grab your preferred beverage, and let’s delve deeper.

What does MBBS stand for?

During the commencement of the pursuit of their medical career, students are required to complete an extensive undergraduate degree referred to as MBBS, the acronym of which is, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. As part of the course, you will study biology, anatomy, and surgery, among other subjects, for at least six years and undergo a period of hospital training. After one completes the degree, they have the option to further go and specialize in a chosen field or choose to begin immediately practicing medicine as a general physician.

Now that we understand what MBBS entails, let’s shift gears and discuss your available options for pursuing MBBS overseas and in India.

Pursuing MBBS In India

Some of the oldest prestigious medical institutions are found in India. Unfortunately, the MBBS programs here are quite competitive. To get a better understanding, let’s break it down:

Admission Procedures

To study MBBS in India, one must pass a national level entrance exam known as NEET National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. This exam checks students on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Only the highest scorers receive seats in the best medical colleges.

• NEET Exam: The competition is intense, especially with more than 1.5 million students attempting the exam every year.

• Limited Seats: India has approximately 1 lakh (100,000) MBBS seats available, but the competition is much higher, making it difficult to secure a seat.

Study Expenditure

• Government Colleges: In the case of getting into a government medical college,e the fees are quite economical. The annual fees can be from ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh per annum.

• Private Colleges: However, aiming for a seat in a private medical college is extremely expensive, with fees ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh per annum.

Advantages of Studying in India

• Economical Government Colleges: The cost of education in public medical colleges is low when compared to private institutions. They also provide quality education.

• Comforting Setting: Staying in India allows you to remain with family and friends while savoring local cuisines and conversing in a native language.

• Cultural Understanding: Learning about diseases that are prevalent in India, like dengue or tuberculosis, enables you to competently handle local health problems.

Difficulties of Studying in India

• High Competition for Getting a Seat: Of all the entrance examinations, NEET is perhaps the hardest and has a very high number of candidates. As a good student, A seat is far from guaranteed.

• Some Colleges Have Low Infrastructure Standards: Although several Indian medical colleges are well equipped, some institutions may lag with obsolete technology, crowded lecture halls, or poorly equipped facilities.

Pursuing MBBS from Abroad

An increasing number of Indian students have opted to pursue their MBBS abroad in recent years. There is easy and affordable medical education available in countries like Russia, Ukraine, China, and the Philippines, as well as a simpler admission procedure compared to India. Let’s get into it in further detail.

Top Choice Countries for MBBS

• Russia, Ukraine, and China: The Low cost is the primary feature of MBBS courses in these countries. Their average yearly fees, approximately ₹3 lakh to ₹6 lakh per year, make them a financially viable choice for many students.

• USA, UK, Australia; The best medical colleges are in these countries. They are, however, the most expensive, with annual expenditure on MBBS ranging from 30 lakh to ₹1 crore.

Admission Procedures

• No Need for High NEET Scores: Countries like Russia, China, and Ukraine do not expect exceptionally high NEET scores for admission. In some cases, even passing the NEET is sufficient to secure a seat.

• More Seats Available: Several foreign universities have a comparatively higher seat intake than Indian medical colleges; therefore, admissions are easier to obtain.

Fees for MBBS Abroad

• For Russia and China: The cost of education is lower than that of India. When calculated over 6 years, the total expenditure (including tuition and living expenses) may be in the region of ₹20 lakh to ₹25 lakh.

• Other Costs: Remember to include travel expenses, your cost of living, and potentially even the cost of learning a foreign language. Russian, Mandarin, and Ukrainian are some languages that might be useful.

Advantages of Studying Abroad

• Enhanced Facilities and Infrastructure: Most foreign universities provide excellent facilities, including modern laboratories, advanced equipment, and even robotic surgery simulators, which are absent in Indian colleges.

• Cultural Enrichment: Studying abroad enables you to interact with students from various countries, learn about new cultures, taste new foods, and sightsee in foreign nations.

• International Recognition of Degree: An MBBS degree obtained from any recognized foreign university provides the graduate with an opportunity to practice medicine in numerous countries.

Difficulties of Studying Abroad

• Missing Family: Staying away from home can be a bit challenging as you would have to forego family events, festivals, and other comforting familiar aspects.

• Language Issues: Some foreign universities may deliver instruction in their mother tongue, which could be Chinese, Russian, or Ukrainian. While many schools do provide English programs, understanding the local accents can pose a problem.

• FiberMedical graduate examination: While practicing medicine in India is easier for Indian citizens as they do not have any exams to give other than the NEET and passing the need is relatively easier, for an individual who does his/ her MBBS from outside India, they will have to give FMGE, which is an examination that needs to be passto to start practicing in India. This examination is known to be quite difficult.

India vs. Abroad: A Quick Comparison

What Path Should You Opt For?

 Pick India If…

• You would work hard in clearing NEET to get a seat in a government medical college.

• You wish to stay close to your family and enjoy the comforts of home.

• After completing your MBBS, you wish to practice in India.

 Pick Abroad If…

• The competition was too tough, and you were not able to get a seat in India.

• You are looking forward to the exposure to different cultures and wish to study abroad.

• Your goal is to find employment overseas after pursuing your MBBS, and your career aspirations are global.

Fun Facts About Medicine and MBBS

• The Most Ancient Medical School Sushruta school in India is one of the oldest medical schools in the world along with Sushruta India. Surgery was taught with fake fruits, leaves, and wooden tools! With the help of leaves, fake fruits, and wooden tools!

• Robotic Surgeons: Some foreign medical schools have technological advancements like robot patients that assist students in practicing surgery. It is like working with a video game, only better!

Pursuing an MBBS is a massive effort, whether you decide to remain in India or travel abroad. Always know that each path has its cons and pros, and the ideal decision will depend on your objectives, financial resources, and readiness to face new obstacles. However, regardless of where you study, always remember that the most important aspect of being a doctor is being able to be at the service of people while being compassionate and having a true desire to always learn and provide the best care possible.

Best wishes as you embark upon your journey in medicine! Regardless of where you study, with enough dedication and enthusiasm, you are bound to change the world one patient at a time.

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