MBBS in abroad : Advantages and Disadvantages

EduVarta News Network

The study of medicine and health sciences is increasingly becoming a favoured choice for Indian students, but the limited opportunities available in India due to high competition and limited MBBS seats force medical aspirants to explore options abroad to pursue medical courses like MBBS ( Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery).

The number of seats offered by the Medical Council of India ( MCI ) is only a fraction of the total number of candidates that register for NEET every year. In the year 2022, a total of 542 government and private colleges had only 79,855 seats. On the other hand, for the same year, a total of over 18 lakh students registered for the NEET. 

Bangladesh,  America, or Caribbean countries are among the preferred destinations to study MBBS for Indian students. The top medical universities in the countries mentioned above are known for their high-quality medical education, modern teaching methods, excellent infrastructural facilities, well-furnished hostel accommodations, medical curriculum, and a globally valid medical degree. The fee structure of MBBS in abroad for Indian students is approximately   Rs 3 to Rs 6 lakhs per year, including hostel and mess charges. Since the fees and other expenses for medical education at universities abroad are lower to Indian medical institutions, Indian medical aspirants give preference to these medical schools abroad.

Eligibility for Pursuing MBBS Abroad for Indian Students

1. Academic: The candidate must have passed 10+2 from a recognized board with an aggregate of 50% in PCB subjects. For reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC), the aggregate score is 40%.

2.  Age: The age of the candidate must be 17 years or more as on 31st December in the admission year.

3. NEET: The candidate must have qualified for the NEET UG exam and have a valid NEET scorecard.

4. Eligibility Certificate: The candidate would also be required to produce an Eligibility Certificate issued by the Medical Council of India at the time of admission to Foreign Medical Universities. 

While Speaking to Edu Varta, the founder of Dipper Institute and pre-entrance examination expert, Mr. Harish Butle said that, to get admission in government medical colleges, students need to score at least 560 marks in NEET, while in private schools, a minimum of 510 marks are required, and in deemed universities, 475 marks are required. “Those students who do not fulfill these criteria and who can afford to go abroad to pursue their dreams, such students opt for the medical schools abroad,” he said.

He, however,  pointed out that there is a catch for those who go and study MBBS abroad, as when they come back, they have to appear for an entrance examination, conducted by MCI, to allow themselves to practice here, and only 10 to 15 percent of medical students from the medical schools abroad are able to get through the test,” said Butle.

He advised that rather than going abroad to pursue medicine and spending time and money, the students should explore other available options in the medical field here in the country.