MBBS in India vs MBBS Abroad

Overview

To become a doctor in India one should have either a High Merit or Surplus Money. Globally, several students travel to different destinations to pursue their dreams and career. This migration usually occurs from the eastern part to the western part of the world due to better infrastructure of Universities, global exposure, and availability of specific specializations and career opportunities. If we discuss Medicine as a specialty, the reasons for migration from India to other countries are very distinct from English speaking countries and Europe.

In India getting an MBBS Seat in any of the Govt colleges is the most challenging task in the world. It is primarily due to the lack of Infrastructure and availability of faculties in Medical Colleges. The government has implemented many reforms in the Medical education sector such as relaxing the norms of opening new medical colleges and academic criteria to become a faculty in a Medical college to increase the MBBS seat availability, getting a MBBS seat is distant dreams for many.

As per government reports published on various platforms over a while, more than 40% of non-clinical and 65% of faculties in clinical subjects are not available in Medical colleges, which were opened recently in the last 5 years, leading to severe impacts on learning of the medical students. Hopes for getting an MBBS seat become leaner every passing year for the medical aspirants. In 2022 approx. 18,000 Indian students got enrolled in Medical Universities globally, which is more than 1/3rd of Pvt Med College Students.

MBBS Abroad - Important Links

Difficult to get a Govt. Seat in India

India is facing continuous challenges in Medical education infrastructure for decades including the disconnect between education and health service delivery, the high cost of education, underutilization of existing resources, and the multiplicity of entrance examinations for medical seats, among others. Globally, there has been a constant drive for improving the doctor population ratio to ensure better access to healthcare services.

In 2022, more than 18.7 Lacs students appeared for India’s most prestigious Medical Entrance Exam NEET-UG to secure their MBBS Seat in 650 Govt and Private Medical colleges collectively Approx. 185 Medical colleges with 23000 Seats added in the last 5 years both in Govt and Private sectors. Despite these efforts, the chances of getting an MBBS Seat in India dropped from 6.68% to 5.29% in the last 5 years. This is because of the growing number of NEET UG aspirants and the slow-paced evolution of the medical education infrastructure, which can meet the growing demand for MBBS seats.

As of the year 2022, India has 13.01 lakh registered allopathic doctors. It is expected 10.4 Lacs which is 80% of registered doctors are active in public healthcare. Currently, India has a 1:1346 doctor-to-population ratio which is far below than Global norm of 1:1000. Scarcity of Healthcare professionals in India leads to the elevated demand for doctors.
You can refer to the below table to take a look at the MBBS Medical College's trend-

High tuition Fees in Private Medical Colleges in India

If we look at Indian Private Medical Colleges, they offer three types of seats Govt Seat, Management Seat, and NRI Seat. Paying hefty amounts of 60 Lacs to 1.5 Cr made the dream of becoming a doctor almost next to impossible for a student belonging to a middle-class family. This dream even looks worth less for many people, those who can afford this as Private Medical College has a low inflow of Patients, entirely lacks quality infrastructure and shortage of faculties.

Moreover, the compulsion of clearing the NEXT Exam to get the License in India made the pathway even more complex for Private Medical college students. Nonetheless, students get the opportunity to study at a Public University Abroad holding more than 100 years of experience at an affordable price, hence, MBBS Abroad is worth choosing over Private Medical College in India.

Advantages of MBBS Abroad

There are numerous benefits to the MBBS Abroad over study at Private Medical College in India. You can refer to the below table to understand the values we fetch in MBBS Abroad on various critical parameters, that are crucial before deciding the right path

Education Pattern of MBBS Abroad

Every country is has a varied education system to deliver medical education to its students. As most Asia countries were colonies of the Western world in the last 150-200 Years. These countries adopted modern medicine (Allopathic Medicine) education from the western world. Each country developed its Medical education based on its community needs and its long-term vision for the healthcare system post-independence. Broadly there are three systems adopted by different countries, namely-

• Asian Education System
• European Education System
• American Education System

Asian Education System

Asian countries follow the Education system comprised of a Bachelor's program with a duration of 4-1/2 or 5 years followed by an internship of 1 year, which makes a complete program of 5-1/2 to 6 Years.These countries permit the students to practice independently after Bachelor’s Degree due to the low doctor-to-population ratio. Doctors in Asian countries are referred to as General Physicians which are MBBS Degree holders. The Academic Assessment is made on yearly basis in most countries. Basic eligibility to get into Bachelor’s Program is 10+2 / Senior Secondary with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. To know more about Medical PG in India (NEXT)

European Education System

Balkan Countries/East European and EU countries award, an MD degree which is a Bachelor Program. The duration of the MD Program is 6 Years and internship/Clinical rotation is an integral part of regular study and continued over 6 years of studies. As most European countries have established Health Care Systems, each one follows the ECTS system, a European norm to make the system uniform across the EU countries. This system not only ensures minimum standards of education across European Universities but also presents opportunities to take the transfer without any academic loss.

Any Graduate cannot practice unassisted; they need to go for a Master's Program to obtain the License to practice. However, this program is usually offered in their Native Language, while a few Universities deliver programs in French, being a widely spoken language in Europe. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) System is followed throughout the semester system to make Academic assessments of the students. Basic eligibility to get into Bachelor’s Program is 10+2 / Senior Secondary with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Many Countries also ask for Mathematics as a subject, and in Europe Physics is considered. To know more about PG in UK (PLAB) and Medical PG in Germany

American Education System

US, Canada, South American countries, Philippines follow the American System where the student is required to do a Bachelor of Science (BS) Program first then followed by a 4 Years of MD Course. The Doctor of Medicine (MD) course consists of 2 years of Basic Medical Science (BMS) and 80 weeks/2 years of Clinical rotation. You must be a specialist to practice in the US, a MD has to clear the USMLE Exam to get into the Residency Program (Master Program equivalent to MD/MS in India) to become a specialist. The semester system is utilized to make the academic assessment. Know more about Medical PG in USA (USMLE)

Duration, Degree awarded in MBBS Abroad

Refer to the table below for the duration of the MBBS/MD course and the Degree awarded after successful completion of the course. Note that: An MD degree is a bachelor's degree which is equivalent to MBBS only. *Reference has been taken from the World Directory of Medical School (WDOMS) site, respective University websites, etc.

Eligibility for MBBS Abroad

Most Universities abroad follow certain benchmarks to admit international students for the MBBS/ MD course. All Universities abroad delivers Medicine program in their native language for local students, Bilingual, and completely in English for International Students. Mostly International students get admitted to the English taught Program but many times agents admit Indian students into Bilingual Program which is not approved by NMC. It is important to note that you must not only meet the criteria set by the respective University for admission but also you need to meet the NMC Criteria, at the same time to obtain the License to practice in India. Find the table given below to learn about Country wise admission criteria-

Academic eligibility and age criteria for MBBS Abroad are the same as in India, the only difference is the validity of the NEET Score which is 3 years in the case of MBBS Abroad and for India, only the current year's NEET score is valid for counselling.

Cost of MBBS Abroad

The cost of the MBBS Abroad program varies from 20 Lacs to 1 Cr based on the country and University selection, hence, it is essential to check your budget for the complete program MBBS before finalizing any country or University Abroad. In addition, there may be variations in cost primarily because of the destination. The cost of the complete program is divided into three major categories –

• Tuition Fee for MBBS Abroad
• Hostel & Private Accommodation
• Cost of Living Abroad

Tuition Fee for MBBS Abroad

The Tuition Fee for MBBS Abroad is uniform for all the students admitted to a particular program irrespective of their nationality. The tuition fee for all the coming years before commencing the session remains constant. Usually, the MBBS tuition fee is the lowest for classes conducted in their native Language, Moderate for Bilingual, and highest for completely English taught.

Hostel & Private Accommodation

Most of the time, University offers hostel accommodation to international students. These hostels have different categories of rooms like unshared rooms (independent), interior facilities, varied infrastructure, attached washrooms, living space, or shared rooms (2-4 students), etc. The hostel charges differ depending on the category of rooms. The hostels are allocated based on the availability of rooms when the student reaches the University. Each room comprises basic infrastructure including a bed-mattress, table, wardrobe, central heating system, and so on.

If any individual desires to have a private apartment, they can opt for it too, at an actual cost ground. The cleaning of hostel rooms is the student’s responsibility. However, it is recommended to pick the University hostel considering the language barrier and not having enough knowledge of city routes and local laws. Usually, the hostel’s charges range from 500 USD to 2500 USD annually depending upon the country. Every hostel has a common kitchen on every floor where the students can cook the food. A common facility such as an Induction cooktop, Fridge, and Microwave oven is provided by the University in the kitchen area. Above all, the utensils and other utilities must be fetched by the students.

Cost of Living Abroad

The cost of living consists of all your expenses including food. Nonetheless, personal expense completely depends upon a student’s needs and lifestyle. During their academic, the students can join Indian Mess if it is available or they can cook themselves in the Hostel or Apartment. The average living cost of a student excluding food is around 80-100 USD a month. In the EU countries, this is on the higher side. And, during the initial months, the expenses will be high as one needs to buy clothing, shoes, and other necessary items to settle down in a new environment.

Several Universities abroad offer Indian Mess; this mess is headed by private contractors that offer three meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. These messes are usually available in Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, etc. The monthly cost of mess will range from 100-150 USD depending upon the duration of services.

Medical License in India after MBBS Abroad

During MBBS study, a student realizes the importance of being a specialist. They also understand the competitiveness to secure MD/MS Seat in Govt College. If we look at the success ratio to get PG in Govt Medical College which is 11% Broadly we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get PG Seat whereas the chances of getting Clinical specialty is 1 out of 20 applicants. It is obvious that the PG journey is going to be very difficult or else students should have enough money to get a paid seat in Pvt Medical College which may be in Crores!

Do you feel early preparation and the right mentorship will pave your dream of becoming a specialist? NMC already notified the introduction of the NEXT Exam in India from 2023. This exam will replace all Medical PG exams in India. The exam will be conducted in two parts NEXT-1 and NEXT-2.

The Objective of the NEXT-1 is to assess the Student’s Knowledge of Pre, Para, and Clinical Subjects on the National Level. Only post-qualifying of NEXT-1 any Medical student will be eligible for an Internship. Post completion of internship Students needs to go thru NEXT-2 which will assess their Clinical skills, Patient Management, and Keeping of Medical history. Those who will Clear NEXT-2 awarded a license to practice and Rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice. You may refer to Page for detailed information on the NExT Exam

Know More

Medical PG in USA (USMLE) after MBBS Abroad

Most of the Students studying Abroad also plan for doing Medical PG from USA. This is because getting PG Seats in India is very tough.

With the introduction of NEXT, maximum students in India are getting attracted to USMLE prep from 1st year of MBBS since it simulates the new NMC Competency-based curriculum remarkably. US Healthcare system is considered as one of the best health care systems in the world because of numerous reasons like high rewards, excellent infrastructure, merit based assessment, open opportunities for Super specialties. Most of the countries try to replicate US health care assessment system for their Medical Graduates. USMLE exam is divided in 3 Parts. One can appear in USMLE Step 1 after 2nd Year, USMLE Step 2 CK during internship and Step-3 during residency (Medical PG). Unfortunately there is no prometric center in Goergia, But, all neighboring countries are having these centers.

MOKSH Coaching focuses on a patient-centered learning approach which helps students score high on both USMLE & NEXT. MOKSH is the leading name in USMLE Coaching. Currently, 1000+ Students from Indian and Abroad medical colleges are preparing for USMLE steps via the MOKSH Platform.

Know More

Medical PG in UK ( PLAB) after MBBS Abroad

Due to the close proximity of Abroad to UK, many of the students plan to do their Medical PG from UK. Till 2024, the Professional & Linguistic Assessments Board Test (PLAB test) is the instrument to assess the skills and knowledge of an International Medical Graduate. It also judges whether they are fit to be trained to practice medicine in the UK.

In short, an IMG's performance in PLAB determines her eligibility to practice in the UK. The PLAB test has two stages. PLAB 1 is an exam that has 180 MCQs that tests your recall. On the other hand, PLAB 2 is a practical OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) that tests your clinical skills.

The GMC ascertains your linguistic skills by assessing your score in specific tests. It may be the IELTS (Band Score 7.0 or higher) or OET (Grade B in reading, writing, listening & speaking).

After you pass PLAB 1 & 2, you apply for the GP registration. There is one constraint. You have a window of 2 years after clearing PLAB 2 during which you may apply no later.

By 2024, the UK Medical Licensing Assessment will replace the PLAB. Consequently, the GMC UK is going to change certain things in PLAB and create the UKMLA exam.

Know More

Medical PG in Germany after MBBS Abroad

PG in Germany after MBBS in Abroad is another great option, though it requires you to learn the German language. Of the 6 levels starting from A1 to C2, you need to clear A1 and A2 that would qualify you to apply for visa.
Once the Language formalities are done, you get into the phase where you do Observer-ship from a German hospital approved by the German Medical Council. This is followed by Residency.
This may sound simple here but the process is quite complicated. To know more about PG in Germany,

Know More

Your Chance to get an MBBS Seat in India

The most difficult time for any of the students is to wait after NEET till the counseling process to know whether he/she is getting a college of his/her choice or not? Sometimes this dilemma continues for a couple of months due to multiple rounds of counseling. It has become more difficult due to parallel counseling of All India Quota and various States due to COVID-19. The counseling process is very complex where 650+ Govt. and Private colleges offer 98000+ Seats and fee variation is also huge that ranges from less than 1 Lac to 2.5 Cr for the course.