MBBS degree In Russia Vs MBBS degree In India
If we compare the medical education systems in Russia and India, we find that they are utterly distinct from one another. Possible distinctions between the Indian and Russian MBBS Program are highlighted, find the table below-
| Parameter |
India |
Russia |
| College Type |
Both Public & Private |
Only Public |
| Tuition Fee for course |
Public-1-3 Lacs Pvt 60 Lacs to 1.5 Cr |
15-25 Lacs |
| Duration |
4.5 + 1 Year |
6 Years |
| Infrastructure |
Avg to Below Avg |
Good |
| Degree Awarded |
MBBS |
MD Physician |
| PG Options in UK & USA |
Only 60%+ are approved ECFMG, GMC UK |
100% are approved |
| World Rank |
Only AIIMS, Delhi |
Many in Top 1000 |
| Teaching Experience |
Mostly 5-20 Years |
50-100 Years |
| Study Pattern |
Asian-Pre, Para & Clinical |
European ECTS |
| Internship |
1 Year |
1 Yr+ included in 6 Yr course |
| Subjects in MBBS |
19 Subjects |
Almost 55+ Subject |
| ECFMG (USA) Accreditation |
Only 473 out of 661 College |
All are approved |
Indian Students studying MBBS degree in Russia
If we ask how many Indian students are pursuing MBBS education in Russia at the moment? The answer would be, that there are almost 23 Thousand Indian students in Russia for MBBS program enrolled in various medical Universities, indeed this is quite a huge number of Medical aspirants in any of the countries. Almost 70-80% of Indian medical students in Russia are studying only 8-10 Medical colleges.
Why study MBBS in Russia
There are multiple advantages to studying at Russian Medical Universities for Indian students. A few are mentioned below-
- Affordability: Russia is the most affordable option among all the study-abroad destinations for Medical students.
- Quality of Education: Russia offers better quality education for a similar budget to that of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, etc.
- NMC guidelines: The MBBS Education in Russia fulfils all the New NMC guidelines laid for the Licensing Exam in India (NExT)
- Medicine Syllabus: The curriculum of the Medicine degree program in Russia covers all 19 subjects, which is similar to that offered in the Medical Colleges in India.
- Internship: The total period of the MBBS course dedicated to clinical exposure amounts to more than 1 year, which is as per the NMC requirements.
- Global Exposure: Medical universities accept students from all around the world and allow real global exposure.
- Safety: Above all, Russians place a high value on tradition and family ties, so there is no racism or religious discrimination.
Problems Faced when Studying MBBS in Russia
Although there are multiple advantages to studying MBBS Education in Russia, at the same time certain challenges persist. To start, a few such problems, faced by Indian students during their MBBS study in Russia are below-
- Language Barrier: English is not a common first language in Russia, and hence basic conversation in day-to-day life can be a major concern.
- Bilingual Program: Most Russian Universities run bilingual MBBS programs or entirely in Russian Language, hence the University selection must be done very carefully.
- USMLE & NExT Preparation: Agents misled the Indian student by claiming, that Russian universities offer NEXT, USMLE, or PLAB coaching to students, which is an utter lie. It is important to note that Universities in Russia are not responsible to provide NExT classes to Indian students. The University in Russia follows the curriculum designed by their medical regularity authority. You have to make preparations for the Licensing Exam on your own.
- Low FMGE Passing Ratio: The FMGE passing ratio of Russian Universities is not very promising, which is approx 18%. Primarily, this ratio occurred due to the unbothered conduct of students towards Licensing Exam FMGE or NEXT. Those who neglect the need to prepare for FMGE or NEXT after returning to India often meet challenges. Accordingly, it is advised to take USMLE or NEXT preparation from 1st Year.
Russia MBBS Fees 2023
Cost of MBBS in Russia is incredibly affordable in terms of fee and living cost, Generally, students look for affordable Medical colleges in Russia. MBBS in Russia fees in rupees for most Medical Colleges are in the range of 15-25 Lacs. Medical colleges fees in Russia mentioned in below table-
Russia MBBS fees for Indian students are in the range of 2.5 Lacs Ruble to 5 Lacs Ruble for a year.Lowest MBBS fee in Russia is for Orel State and Kabardino Medical colleges. If you are looking for your MBBS in Russia under 15 lakhs, these can be your best options.
Indian Food in Russian Medical Universities
A very common query arises when a student plans to MBBS education in Russia, will I get Indian food in Russia, or is Indian mess available at the Medical Schools in Russia? So here is the answer-
- Indian Mess: Indian food facility is available in several universities, in general owned by a private contractor, and it depends upon the number of Indian students in the particular University.
- Mess Charges: The monthly charges for 2 meals a day is approx. 100-150 USD. Prices may still vary from university to university.
- Self-Cooking Option: Every hostel has a shared kitchen where students may prepare their meals. Typically, the University provides this service for free.
- Indian Restaurants: The Indian community is abundant in Russia, and though they may be slightly expensive you will find them in most cities.
Hostel or Accommodation in Russian universities
Every single University provides on-campus accommodation for its students.
- Common Hostel- Almost every University has a common hostel for girls and boys.
- Room Sharing- Medical Universities provide a choice of housing rooms in a hostel, which is often available in double, triple, and quad-sharing options.
- Room Charges- The room charges depend upon the sharing and the condition of the room. Renovated rooms are always a bit pricey. The probability of getting a single shared room is extremely rare in the hostels.
- Internet access- Every room has Internet access, students might need to pay for Wi-Fi connections in their rooms.
- Drinking Water- In general, students must purchase drinking water, which is often sold in 20-liter packaging. Water coolers are not available in Russia like they are in India.
- Kitchen Facility- The kitchens are built on every floor and are well supplied with facilities like Induction cook tops, refrigerators, microwave ovens, etc. Also, the student can utilize it without paying any charge.
- Laundry Rooms- Washing machines are placed in common laundry rooms and can be availed at no additional cost.
- Hostel Amenities- Likewise, most of the hostels have a Reading room, Gymnasium, and Indoor Games room.
- Security- Mostly, the hostels are under CCTV surveillance, and there is always a warden or caretaker in the hostel 24x7 basis.
Cost of MBBS Education in Russia 2023
Normally, the total cost of MBBS in Russia or any of the universities consists of tuition fees, hostel, food, and other personal expenses. lowest MBBS fees in Russia is for Orel State Medical University & Kabardino-Balkarian Refer to the table below for the average cost of study in russia or any of the Russian universities. Note: There are certain expenses that incur during the first year only like-
- Health check-up
- Local police verification & biometric update in Russian Security System
- Translations, Attestation & Notarization of documents in the University
| Expense |
Amount |
| Tuition fee |
15-25 Lacs |
| Hostel Charges |
2-3 Lacs |
| Food Expenses |
4-5 Lacs |
| Travel charge to India (6 Year) |
2-2.5 Lacs |
| Personal Expenses |
3-4 Lacs |
| Other Misc. Expense in 1st Year |
1-2 Lacs |
The most considerable part of your expenditure will shift towards the university tuition Fee. Despite that, you should not choose a university just because its tuition fee is low, as you may end up compromising the quality of the education.
MBBS in Russia eligibility for Indian students
For MBBS Admission in Russia follows the same criteria, approved by the NMC for an Indian medical aspirant to pursue MBBS in foreign nations. Few universities rely upon an additional condition, over and above the NMC criteria to find the best student to study at their University.Below is the eligibility for MBBS in Russia
- NEET Qualified: Students must be NEET Qualified in any of the previous 3 years
- Academic Grade: Most universities ask for more than 50% in 10+2 grades. (Or even higher grades in few cases).
- Age: Candidate should be a minimum of 17 years
- Entrance Exam: Some universities may conduct Online Exams to assess the candidate.
Process of MBBS Admission in Russia
This is important to understand that the complete process takes around three months (3) from the application till arrival at the University. Nonetheless, students applying at the last moment may not find seats available or may even struggle to complete the process. In this case, students might reach late at the university which may result in a loss in their academics.
| Stages |
Timeline |
| Application to University |
Mar-July |
| Issuance of Admission Letter from University |
3-4 weeks |
| Issuance of invitation letter from the Ministry of Education |
4-6 weeks |
| Visa Stamping |
3 weeks |
| Travel to the University |
2/3 Week Sept |
| Commencement of the Classes |
1st Oct 2023 |
Documents Required for MBBS Admission in Russia
- 10th & 12th transcript’s Attested copy required (Notary Public, Education Ministry, India)
- NEET Score Card
- Passport Copy
- Police Verification Certificate (For VISA Purpose)
- Bank Statement (For VISA Purpose)
- Medical Fitness certificate (For VISA Purpose)
Licensing Exam in Russia after MBBS for Indian students
NMC Regulation for FMGE 2021
The National Medical Council's 2021 regulation for the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) or MCI Screening Test, has implemented specific guidelines for students pursuing MBBS or medical studies abroad. These guidelines establish eligibility criteria for appearing in the NExT Exam in India. Key aspects of the NMC 2021 regulation include:
- MBBS course duration should be at least 5-1/2 years, including internship.
- Minimum 12 months of clinical rotation, clerkship, or internship
- The medium of instruction for MBBS must be English for the entire course.
- The entire study should be on one campus only.
- After successful completion of the MBBS course, the student will be allowed to register with a competent body to grant the license in the respective country.
- The student is required to attend clinical rotations in mandatory specialties such as community medicine, general medicine, obstetrics, gynaecology, psychiatry, paediatrics, general surgery, anaesthesia, orthopaedics, Otorhinolaryngology, ophthalmology, dermatology, emergency medicine, and casualty services during the MBBS programme.
NMC Regulation for FMGE 2021.pdf
Medical Licensing Exam Process in Russia
It is important to understand the Medical Education system in Russia for Indian students to make sure they are eligible to appear in Licensing Exam or NExT Exam in India. Medical Education in Russia follows a combination of the European system and the old Soviet system. You have to clear two stages in Russia before applying for Indian Licensing Exam.
- State Exam or Goss Exam or MD Degree Exam
- Accreditation Exam or Licensing Exam
State or Goss Exam in Russia
There is no separate internship system being followed in Russia, unlike India. State or Goss exam is conducted in the final year of the medicine course. The universities in Russia award the MD degree to the student who completes his or her 6 years of medical school after clearing this exam.We can say the Goss Exam in Russia is equivalent to the NEXT Exam in India to an Indian Medical Graduate.
State or Goss Exam in Russia follows a three-step system.
1. Written test: This is a multiple-choice question (MCQ)-based exam, and all the questions are to be compulsorily attempted.
2. Practical Test: This is a patient diagnosis exam, where the patient's history along with certain lab reports will be provided to the student. It is expected of the student to diagnose the disease and recommend treatment to the patient based on the given information.
3. Oral Exam: Students will be evaluated by faculty members based on their verbal proficiency. Typically, oral exams focus on clinical subjects to assess the student's knowledge.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Goss Exam may be conducted in English or Russian, depending upon the University, despite, the medium of instruction for the course. The Goss Exam is organized at the university level; neither the Russian Federal Government nor its Ministry of Education is in charge of conducting it.
Accreditation Exam or Medical License Exam in Russia.
The Accreditation Exam or Medical License Exam in Russia is entirely different from Goss or Degree or State Exam in Russia. This exam is conducted in 3 phases namely-
1. Online Exam: This exam is conducted fully online, consisting of 40 questions. There is a pool of 800 Sample Questions for this exam, and most of the time the questions are asked from this pool only. The criteria for passing the Medical Licensing exam is 50%. This exam is conducted once a year in June. As of date, the medium of the Licensing Exam is Russian. For students to get familiar with Russian terminologies, universities are mandated to offer classes in medical terminology.
2. Clinical Skills in Hospital: This exam is very similar to the Goss Practical Exam; the only difference is that this is taken by a doctor in a hospital. Patient history, symptoms, pathological, and other relevant diagnosis reports were provided to the student. They need to identify the disease and suggest a treatment plan.
3. Clinical Skills Online: This is again similar to the practical exam; the difference is that this is again an online exam where 12 questions are to be answered.
The entire exam is supervised and conducted under supervision. The result of the exam is declared within 1 week after the exam. Thereafter, the student is awarded Medical License to practice in Russia. Once you clear the Licensing Exam in Russia, you will get a certificate and Registration ID from the Federal Agency. This certificate needs to be submitted to NMC as proof of Registration to practice as a physician in Russia along with other Academic certificates of your Medicine course.
Syllabus of MBBS in Russia
| Year |
Subject |
Total Teaching Hours |
| Lecture |
Practical |
| 1st |
History |
20 |
36 |
| Physics, Mathematics |
14 |
42 |
| Biology |
14 |
42 |
| Basics of patient care |
4 |
52 |
| Human Anatomy |
48 |
184 |
| Histology, Embryology, Cytology |
24 |
88 |
| Latin Language |
56 |
- |
| Foreign language |
56 |
- |
| Public safety |
12 |
44 |
| Physiology |
52 |
120 |
| Biological Chemistry |
48 |
124 |
| 2nd |
Philosophy |
20 |
36 |
| Psychology and pedagogy |
12 |
44 |
| Economics and Law |
16 |
40 |
| Microbiology |
44 |
128 |
| Topographic anatomy and operative surgery |
24 |
88 |
| Nursing |
4 |
52 |
| Pathological anatomy |
52 |
120 |
| Pathophysiology |
40 |
132 |
| Propedeutics of internal diseases |
24 |
148 |
| General surgery |
24 |
88 |
| 3rd |
Pharmacology |
52 |
120 |
| Radiodiagnostics |
8 |
48 |
| IT and e-health |
8 |
48 |
| Internal medicine |
30 |
142 |
| Fundamental surgery |
24 |
88 |
| Hygiene |
24 |
88 |
| Public Health |
24 |
88 |
| 4th |
Otorhinolaryngology |
8 |
48 |
| Ophthalmology |
8 |
48 |
| Anesthesiology, Reanimation |
8 |
48 |
| Neurology, Neurosurgery |
24 |
88 |
| Medical genetics |
8 |
28 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology |
60 |
224 |
| Dermavenerology |
8 |
48 |
| Urology |
8 |
48 |
| Medical rehabilitation |
8 |
48 |
| Surgery |
36 |
136 |
| Hospital medicine |
50 |
182 |
| 5th |
Psychiatry, Medical Psychology |
18 |
94 |
| Pediatrics |
36 |
136 |
| Infectious diseases |
30 |
142 |
| Traumatology, Orthopedics |
24 |
88 |
| Endocrinology |
8 |
48 |
| Phthisiology |
8 |
48 |
| 6th |
Oral surgery |
4 |
32 |
| Medical emergencies |
6 |
50 |
| Epidemiology |
8 |
48 |
| Clinical Pharmacology |
24 |
88 |
| Outpatient service |
30 |
142 |
| Oncology, Radiotherapy |
8 |
48 |
| Forensic medicine |
8 |
48 |
| |
Total Hours |
980 |
4300 |
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