MBBS in India vs MBBS in Abroad 2025 : Which is Good for You?
MBBS in India vs MBBS in Abroad MBBS in India or abroad is one of the most common questions that comes to the mind of every medical aspirant and their parents who are planning to study abroad, and every year, more than 25,000 Indian students go abroad for their medical education. This year, more than 23 lakh students appeared for the NEET UG 2025 exam, but the total number of MBBS seats available nationwide is 1.08 lakhs, which also includes the seats of government medical colleges. Admission to the government medical college in India is extremely competitive, with a selection rate of less than 5%.
Some students also opt for Private medical colleges in India, but their fees cost around ₹50 lakhs to ₹1 crore, which is out of budget for many families. Students can opt for a medical degree in Russia, Georgia, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan as these are among the top affordable places to study MBBS abroad with total fees of ₹20 lakh to ₹40 lakh. But before making a decision, there are a lot of things like language, lifestyle, culture, and the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) license to be able to practice in India that should be considered.
In this blog, we will cover the difference between eligibility, admission criteria, the cost of MBBS, and top medical colleges in India and abroad. So keep reading!
Eligibility and Admission Criteria for MBBS in India vs Abroad
To study in India, you need a high score in NEET, but international universities may admit you with just the basic requirements and pass NEET. Check out below MBBS India vs abroad comparison below to understand the basic requirements and criteria required to pursue the MBBS degree.
Criteria | MBBS in India | MBBS Abroad |
Entrance Exam | Qualifying for the NEET-UG is mandatory to gain admission to MBBS government and private medical colleges in India. | The National Medical Commission (NMC) has made it mandatory for Indian students to appear for the NEET-UG exam to study MBBS abroad. |
Eligibility criteria | Minimum age of 17 years. | Minimum age of 17 years. |
Education qualification | Candidates should have passed the 12th class or should have done Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects from a recognised board. | The student must have scored an aggregate percentage of at least 50% or above in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and must have studied English as a mandatory subject during the 10+2 years. |
Passport and visa process | It's not required in Indian colleges and universities. | Indian students should have valid passports needed for admission and the visa procedure. |
Medical certificate | It's not required to get a seat in an Indian MBBS college. | A medical certificate confirming that the applicant is in good health is mandatory. |
Course duration | 5.5 years | 5 to 6 years |
Cost of MBBS in India vs Abroad
When considering MBBS fees in India and abroad, students should evaluate tuition costs along with the currency value of each country. India offers comparatively lower fees, while countries like the USA, UK, and Canada require higher investments. Below is a table with annual tuition fees in ₹ and local currency.
Location | Estimated Annual Tuition Fee (₹) | Approx. Fee in Local Currency |
India | ₹5 – ₹20 lakhs/year | ₹5,00,000 – ₹20,00,000 ₹/year |
Russia | ₹2.5 – ₹5 lakhs/year | ₽250,000 – ₽500,000 RUB/year |
Ukraine | ₹2.5 – ₹4 lakhs/year | ₴100,000 – ₴160,000 UAH/year |
China | ₹3 – ₹6 lakhs/year | ¥26,000 – ¥52,000 CNY/year |
Philippines | ₹2.5 – ₹6 lakhs/year | ₱170,000 – ₱410,000 PHP/year |
Kazakhstan | ₹2 – ₹4 lakhs/year | ₸1,100,000 – ₸2,200,000 KZT/year |
UK | ₹25 – ₹50 lakhs/year | £25,000 – £50,000 GBP/year |
USA | ₹40 – ₹80 lakhs/year | $50,000 – $100,000 USD/year |
Canada | ₹20 – ₹60 lakhs/year | CA$30,000 – CA$90,000 CAD/year |
Top Medical Colleges in India and Abroad
Deciding on the right college is very important for a successful future in medicine. Some of the best and most famous medical colleges in India and around the world are listed below because of their best performance in academic research and rankings.
Top Medical Colleges in India (as per ranks) | Top Medical Colleges or Institutes Abroad |
Harvard Medical School | |
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research | University of Oxford |
Imperial College London | |
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore | Johns Hopkins University |
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research | University of Cambridge |
Conclusion
If someone wants an MBBS degree, this choice is very important. There are positives and negatives with both options. The study of MBBS in India includes admissions to leading institutions, cost-effective government colleges, and hands-on clinical practice. Still, the tough competition and high fees in private universities make it challenging for many students. Another option is to pursue MBBS abroad, as it helps students get global knowledge, lower educational costs, and understand medical practices in many countries.
It is up to the individual to consider their needs, the cost, and how the chosen field will affect their professional career. Both options for MBBS programs provide the skills and experience needed to achieve success in the medical field.
FAQs
Que. Is MBBS abroad cheaper than in India?
Ans: Yes, MBBS abroad (Russia, China, Philippines, etc.) often costs ₹15–50 lakh in total, much less than ₹60 lakh–₹1.5 crore in Indian private colleges. Government colleges in India are the most affordable but have very limited seats.
Que. What is the eligibility for MBBS abroad vs India?
Ans: Both require 10+2 with PCB and NEET qualification. Abroad, most universities don’t have tough cutoffs or entrance exams beyond NEET, while India’s top colleges have fierce competition and much higher cutoffs for government seats.
Que. Do I need to clear NEET for MBBS abroad?
Ans: Yes, for Indian students, NEET qualification is mandatory for MBBS admission abroad as per MCI/NMC. It is also required for eligibility to apply for a medical practitioner license in India after completing the degree abroad.
Que. What is the duration of MBBS in India vs abroad?
Ans: In India, MBBS is 5.5 years (including internship). Abroad, it often takes 5–6 years, sometimes more due to different medical education systems and requirements for language or foundation years, depending on the destination country.
Que. Is MBBS abroad valid in India?
Ans: Yes, but foreign graduates must clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE)/NExT to practice in India, while Indian graduates do not need an extra licensing exam if remaining in India. Recognition depends on the medical school’s NMC/WHO approval.
Que. How is the quality and practical exposure abroad vs India?
Ans: Top Indian and foreign universities both offer great labs and hospital rotations. Clinical exposure abroad may begin earlier, but language or patient interaction can sometimes be a barrier. Choose NMC-recognized and reputed universities for best experience.
Que. What is the medium of instruction abroad and can it be a problem?
Ans: Most popular destinations (Russia, Georgia, China, Philippines, Kazakhstan, etc.) offer MBBS in English, but some clinical interactions may require the local language, which could be a challenge for some students.
Que. What are the career prospects after MBBS from abroad vs India?
Ans: Abroad, MBBS graduates can work globally or return to India (after clearing FMGE/NExT), while Indian graduates can directly pursue post-graduation or jobs locally. International graduates often have wider global opportunities but face licensing hurdles at home.
Que. Are hostel and living costs lower in India or abroad?
Ans: Living costs abroad (except UK/USA) are often similar or even less than Indian private cities. Russia, China, and Georgia have affordable hostels and food, often ₹10,000–₹20,000 per month while Indian private colleges may be higher.
Que. Which is better for PG (specialization), MBBS from India or abroad?
Ans: If you want to pursue postgraduate studies (MD/MS) in India, an Indian MBBS is smoother as no licensing exam is needed. However, MBBS abroad offers global postgraduate opportunities and research if you plan to settle or work outside India.