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MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery): A Complete Guide

Did you know that over 20 lakh candidates fight for India’s limited MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) seats every year?  

Thousands of individuals start this demanding yet fulfilling journey because they wish to be doctors. This complete guide walks you through each crucial aspect of the medical profession, from understanding the challenging MBBS curriculum and clearing entrance exams to available scholarships, top universities, internships, and overseas opportunities. 

This summary is intended to help potential medical professionals make soundly informed decisions regarding their future, irrespective of whether they are considering studying in India or abroad, or keen on career opportunities after MBBS.

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MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery): A Complete Guide

If you are in urgent need of MBBS Admission guidance click on the banner given below to talk to our experts.

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery): A Complete Guide

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What is MBBS?

Indian medical aspirants must earn their Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degrees to qualify for practice. The 5.5-year curriculum provides students with practical training and complete medical expertise in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, surgery, and additional subjects through its academics and a required one-year internship. 

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test UG (NEET UG) is the main entrance exam aspirants must take in India. To gain access to a wide range of specializations and professions within healthcare, an MBBS degree is mandatory.

MBBS Course Duration and Structure

The MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) curriculum at Indian institutions runs for 5.5 years and requires students to complete a one-year internship. Pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects are covered in three stages of the academic phase, which progressively incorporates hands-on instruction. The final year centers on hospital rotations as the main educative focus. 

The National Medical Commission (NMC) functions as the supervisory body to maintain the quality of medical education. The carefully designed medical training system provides essential theoretical knowledge and clinical competencies that prepare healthcare aspirants to perform their future medical duties.

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Admission

For MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), the admission requirements in India include the following:

  • Completing 10+2-level Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English subjects. Scoring a minimum of 50 percent marks (40 percent for reserved groups) is required. 
  • Applicants must be 17 before December 31 of the admission year. 
  • Most importantly, aspirants need to succeed in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) for admission, which tests students’ knowledge in physics, biology, and chemistry. 

MBBS Entrance Exams in India and Abroad

The National Testing Agency (NTA) operates the NEET-UG examination to serve as the exclusive admission requirement for Indian MBBS programs. All government, privatized, and deemed medical colleges need to enact this requirement. The admissions process for MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) programs overseas differs. Some examples of entrance examinations that are specific to certain nations and universities include:

  • MCAT (for the United States and Canada), 
  • UCAT (for the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand), 
  • ISAT (for some Australian universities), or 
  • IMAT (for Italy). 

Prospective students must research their target nation and university thoroughly because the registration qualifications and paperwork requirements differ between institutions.

Top Medical Colleges for MBBS in India

If you want to know about the list of all the MBBS colleges in India click on the hyperlinked text given in this sentence.

Here is a table showcasing some of the top medical colleges for MBBS(Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in India. It incorporates data from the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 rankings, which is a widely recognized ranking framework in India.

Rank (NIRF 2024)College NameCityStateType
1All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)New DelhiDelhiGovernment
2Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)ChandigarhChandigarhGovernment
3Christian Medical College (CMC)VelloreTamil NaduPrivate
4National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS)BengaluruKarnatakaGovernment
5Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER)PuducherryPuducherryGovernment
6Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS)LucknowUttar PradeshGovernment
7Banaras Hindu University (BHU)VaranasiUttar PradeshGovernment
8Amrita Vishwa VidyapeethamCoimbatoreTamil NaduPrivate
9Kasturba Medical College (KMC), ManipalManipalKarnatakaPrivate
10Madras Medical College & Government General HospitalChennaiTamil NaduGovernment

MBBS Admission Process: Step-by-Step Guide

If you want detailed information on the MBBS Admission in India click on the hyperlinked phrase.

The Indian Medical Council uses NEET-UG results as the foundation for the nationwide system that grants MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) admissions. Here is a detailed guide:

Here is a general step by step process for MBBS Admission in India

1. NEET-UG Registration

Candidates should apply through the NTA website to participate in the NEET-UG test.

2. Result & Scorecard

Following the examination, NTA discloses both the All India Rank and the NEET UG scorecard to the candidates.

3. Counseling Registration

All qualified applicants need to enroll in the counseling process. The All India Quota (AIQ) counseling service of MCC manages the selection process for every seat in central and deemed universities, along with 15% of government seats. State officials manage 85% of admissions through State Quota Counseling.

4. Choice Filling & Locking

Candidates can select their preferred colleges and courses when participating in the counseling stage.

5. Seat Allotment

This happens through the combination of NEET UG rank positions with specified preference lists and special admissions guidelines.

6. Document Verification & Reporting

Candidates need to validate their admission by submitting their documents before reporting to the assigned college.

7. Final Admission

Students must start college after completing tuition payments and their associated expenses.

Following these steps can ease the entire application and admission process.

MBBS Syllabus and Subjects Covered

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has established 4.5 years of coursework in addition to 1-year internships for the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) curriculum. There are three phases to it:

  • Pre-Clinical (First Year): Focus on foundational subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry.
  • Para-Clinical (Second Year): This covers Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, and Community Medicine.
  • Clinical (Third & Final Years): Involves Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Pediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, and more, with hands-on hospital training.

The Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) paradigm equips medical students to handle clinical settings through its core emphasis on ethics, practical skills, and communication excellence.

MBBS Fees in Government and Private Medical Colleges

Here is a table providing a general overview of MBBS fees in Government and Private MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) Colleges in India.

College TypeAverage Annual FeesAverage Total Course Fees
Government Medical CollegesINR 10,000 – 1 LakhINR 50,000 – 5 Lakh
Private Medical CollegesINR 3 Lakh – 25 LakhINR 15 Lakh – 1.25 Crore

Here is the approximate fee/year of private MBBS colleges of various states

StateMinimum Fee/year in Lakhs (INR)Maximum Fee/year in Lakhs (INR)
Karnataka1222
Uttar Pradesh1325
Tamil Nadu1425
Maharashtra1025
Telangana1318
Andhra Pradesh1325
Gujarat1018
Rajasthan1825
West Bengal1520
Kerala725
Bihar1216
Madhya Pradesh1015
Haryana1418
Punjab1015
Puducherry1625
Chhattisgarh813

Please keep in mind that these are only average figures. The actual costs can differ greatly depending on the particular college, its location, its facilities, and whether it is a recognized institution.

Scholarships and Education Loans for MBBS Students

To lessen the financial load, MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) students in India can apply for various scholarships and education loans. Private trusts, institutions, and the federal and state governments all provide scholarships. Some options include: 

  • INSPIRE, 
  • AICTE Pragati, and
  • NEC Merit Scholarship.

Additional funding is available to students from reserved categories and economically disadvantaged sections. Under programs like Vidya Lakshmi, major banks provide education loans that cover tuition, housing, and other associated costs. 

Internship and Clinical Training in MBBS

The Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI), also known as the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) internship, is one year of compulsory practical training following the completion of coursework. During the internship, clinical competence, patient care, diagnostic skills, and professional ethics are acquired. 

During this period, students work under supervision in various hospital departments such as Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Community Medicine, Emergency, and others. Rotations are typically for one to two months in each department, thereby providing extensive exposure. Interns are also given a stipend, which varies according to the state and institution. 

This practical learning tends to fill the gap between theoretical education and practical medical practice, thereby ensuring the conversion of students into effective junior doctors.

Career Options After MBBS: Jobs and Higher Studies

Upon graduating with an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), numerous professional options become open. Some options include:

  • Practicing as general physicians in clinics, hospitals, or private practice. 
  • Government career opportunities in the defense and public health sectors. 
  • Take the NEET PG exam, which offers access to postgraduate medical degrees (MD/MS) in several specializations. 

Additionally, careers can be customized per personal preferences and competencies by choosing from paths like research, teaching, hospital administration, and even experimenting with medical journalism or healthcare management.

MBBS vs Other Medical Degrees (BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BPT, etc.)

The MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degree is mandatory to become an allopathic doctor, as it enables MBBS graduates to conduct surgeries, diagnose diseases, and treat patients. Contrastingly, BDS focuses on dental sciences, BAMS on Ayurveda, BHMS on Homeopathy, and BPT on Physiotherapy. 

Although all of these are healthcare professions, MBBS offers the widest clinical exposure and is mandatory for the majority of specializations in modern medicine. Each course is regulated by its respective regulatory bodies, career streams, and professional requirements.

Studying MBBS Abroad: Best Countries and Requirements

Seeking an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) abroad can be a fulfilling option for the majority of medical aspirants.

Most nations offer quality medical education at varying prices and with varying requirements. Some factors to remember include:

  • Key Locations: The most popular options are China, Russia, the Philippines, and other European countries with lower fees, like Georgia and Ukraine. The United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada offer recognized worldwide degrees; however, these courses are expensive and usually have special requirements, e.g., MCAT or UCAT.
  • General Requirements: Applicants should complete their 10+2 with good grades in biology, chemistry, and physics. Also, there can be entrance tests or interviews for certain universities. English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) in some cases can be required. Ensure that the selected university is NMC-approved.
  • Fees: The cost involved in seeking an MBBS abroad has tremendous diversity; in some nations, the amount may lie anywhere between INR 15 Lakhs and 40 Lakhs, while in other countries it can shoot up to INR 50 Lakhs and 1 Crore. For gaining a comprehensive knowledge of the monetary ramifications, proper research is required on the country and college chosen.

Medical Licensing Exams: FMGE, USMLE, PLAB, AMC

To practice medicine abroad, applicants need to pass medical licensing exams. For foreign MBBS degrees of Indian students to practice in India, FMGE is required. International medical graduates can acquire licenses in their home countries by taking the USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and AMC exams (Australia). 

These exams assess clinical skills, medical knowledge, and readiness for practice or residency. Preparation is challenging, and it requires intensive study and documentation.

Challenges and Advantages of Pursuing MBBS

A career that evokes respect, strong societal influence, and a great range of clinical and research experiences are some of the numerous advantages that come with pursuing an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery). However, there are some disadvantages as well, including rigorous academic stress, prolonged years of study, and rigorous competition for admission. 

Nevertheless, for individuals with a genuine interest in healing, pursuing an MBBS is a fulfilling career regardless of all these drawbacks.

Conclusion: Is MBBS the Right Career Choice for You?

It is not just a degree; MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) is a calling if you possess a strong inclination to transform the lives of others, are eager to work, and are dedicated to healing and science. MBBS is the ideal choice for individuals seeking purpose, prestige, and a lifetime in medicine as it provides diverse professional avenues, global opportunities, and the means to transform lives.

If you are in urgent need of MBBS Admission guidance click on the banner given below to talk to our experts.

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery): A Complete Guide

or you can just fill out the form given below and our experts will contact you-

Fill out the form and click on “APPLY NOW” and we’ll reach out to you

Quick Enquiry Form

FAQs

1. Is Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery same?

Both Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery together constitute MBBS which is a 5.5 year bachelor’s degree that is the primary step towards becoming a doctor.

2. Which is better MBBS or MD?

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) is the bachelor’s degree in medicine whereas MD is a masters degree namely (Doctor of Medicine) that one can only take after completing MBBS. There is no competition between the two as one is a bachelor’s degree while another is master’s degree.

3. Can I do MBBS without NEET?

Unfortunately no, you can not do MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) without NEET.

4. Can MBBS do Surgery?

No, MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) graduates are not allowed to do surgery on patients.

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