Everything You Need to Know About MBBS

So, You’ve Decided to Pursue an MBBS Degree — Congratulations!

It’s a significant step towards a rewarding career in medicine. Between preparing for NEET, deciding whether to study in India or explore MBBS options abroad, and navigating endless advice from well-meaning acquaintances, the journey can understandably feel overwhelming. But you’re not alone.

In India, becoming a doctor is more than just a career goal — it’s a deeply respected ambition. Each year, over 20 lakh students appear for the NEET UG exam, competing for approximately 1 lakh MBBS seats across the country. That’s a selection ratio of around 1 in 20. So, what happens to the remaining students who are equally passionate about medicine? This is where international opportunities come into play — opening a world of possibilities. And at MetaApply IE, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

This blog is your comprehensive guide to Study MBBS for Indian Students — from eligibility criteria and the admission process to the latest syllabus and top colleges abroad. Whether you’re deep into NEET preparation or exploring alternative pathways, this resource is designed to support your next steps with clarity and confidence. Let’s begin.

What Is MBBS?

Before you start stressing about cut-offs, coaching classes, or that NEET rank predictor tool you’ve been refreshing 12 times a day — let’s start at square one and understand what MBBS actually is.

What Does MBBS Stand For?

MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery — two degrees in one.

It is a professional undergraduate degree in medicine and surgery, designed to train you to Become a Doctor. It is widely considered one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, academic paths in India.

What Is the Duration of the MBBS Course?

In India, the MBBS course typically lasts 5.5 years, comprising 4.5 years of academic instruction followed by a 1-year internship.

Abroad, this duration can vary slightly depending on the country. For instance:

• Russia, Ukraine, and the Philippines: ~6 years (internship included)
• Some European countries: 5.5 to 6 years, depending on programme structure

Pro Tip: Always check whether the university abroad includes the internship as part of the curriculum, or if you’ll need to complete it separately — especially if you intend to return to India.

Who Can Apply? MBBS Eligibility Criteria

If you’re aspiring to become a doctor, here’s the minimum eligibility you’ll need:

• Completion of 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English
• A minimum of 50% aggregate in PCB subjects (40% for reserved categories)
• Must qualify NEET — even if planning to study abroad (as per NMC guidelines)

Let’s Talk About NEET

Whether your dream is to study at AIIMS Delhi or next to a vineyard in Italy, your first major hurdle is clearing NEET 2025. The competition is intense, and the cut-offs are high — here’s what the numbers say:

• In 2024, over 23 lakh students registered for NEET UG
• Around 56.3% qualified (approx. 13 lakh students)
• Yet, only 1.08 lakh MBBS seats are available in India:

1. 55,000 government seats
2. 53,000 private/deemed university seats

Here’s the catch:

• Government seats are highly competitive
• Private seats often cost between ₹50 lakhs to ₹1 crore — excluding donation fees

So, what about the lakhs of students who either don’t secure a seat or can’t afford a private college?

Didn’t Get a Seat in India? Here’s Plan B (That Might Be Better)

Let’s say you’ve qualified NEET. You’ve spent years preparing — juggling classes, mock tests, and countless late-night study sessions. But in the end, you don’t get a seat, or the financial burden is too high.

What now?

You’re not out of options — in fact, you might just be at the start of something better. Studying MBBS Abroad is no longer a backup; it’s a smart, strategic, and financially viable decision for thousands of Indian students.

No Donation Fees:Abroad, you pay tuition and living costs — and that’s it. No capitation or donation fees.

Global Exposure :You study with international peers, learn in globally modern health systems, and gain cross-cultural experience that shapes you into a well-rounded, globally competent doctor.

World-Class Infrastructure :Modern labs, simulation centres, smart classrooms, and real clinical exposure are standard in many foreign medical universities — rivaling the best institutions in India.

English-Medium Instruction: Most top universities in countries like Hungary, Russia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and the Philippines offer MBBS programmes in English. While local language training is part of clinical practice, the main instruction is in English.

Better Student-Teacher Ratios Unlike crowded lecture halls in some Indian colleges, many universities abroad offer smaller class sizes, fostering better interaction and mentorship.

Eligibility to Practise in India:Indian students must select NMC-approved foreign universities to be eligible for the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Exam). Most popular destinations like Russia, Kazakhstan, and Georgia have multiple NMC-listed institutions.

Bonus: Many of these universities are also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, which expands your post-graduation opportunities in the UK, USA, and Canada.

And yes — your Instagram feed will thank you, but more importantly, the experience will shape your personal and professional development in incredible ways.

MBBS Admission 2025: Timeline

If you plan to appear for NEET in 2025, it’s important to start early:

• Jan–Mar 2025: Research and shortlist universities
• Apr–May 2025: Apply for NEET
• June 2025: Sit for the NEET exam
• Jul–Sept 2025: Results and Indian seat allotments
• Aug–Dec 2025: Apply for MBBS abroad if needed

What’s the Scope After MBBS?

Whether you study in India or abroad, an MBBS is just the beginning. Here are some common pathways:

• Postgraduate specialisation (MD/MS in India or abroad)
• Practise in India (after clearing FMGE/NExT)
• Practise in your country of study (if eligible)
• Pursue research or work with global health organisations

In short: your MBBS degree can take you places — in every sense of the word.

MBBS in 2025: India vs. Abroad

Note: These are average estimates and may vary by university. Always verify details through official sources before applying. Many of these destinations also host top-ranked MBBS institutions — some of which have exclusive partnerships with MetaApply IE. Just saying!

If India’s medical education system feels like Game of Thrones — too few thrones and far too many contenders — then studying MBBS abroad is like being handed an entirely new playlist. And at MetaApply IE, we’re here to help you find the one that suits your goals and your vibe.

How MetaApply IE Supports You on Your MBBS Journey

Let’s be honest — the path to becoming a doctor in India is anything but easy. But that doesn’t mean your dream has to be put on hold. MBBS abroad is no longer just a fallback option; it’s a smart, strategic, and achievable route for students seeking high-quality education without battling extreme cut-offs or paying exorbitant donation fees.

And this is exactly where MetaApply IE steps in — not just as study abroad consultants, but as co-pilots on your journey to medicine. From helping you shortlist the right countries and universities based on your aspirations, to assisting with applications, visas, financial planning, accommodation, and even post-arrival support — we’ve got your back at every stage. So you can focus on becoming a doctor, while we handle the rest.

So, Why Wait?

Why spend another year preparing for yet another NEET attempt, when you can take the leap and pursue MBBS abroad now? Make a smarter choice. And when you’re ready to take that first confident step towards your MBBS dream — you know where to find us.