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MBBS in India vs MBBS in Abroad 2025 : Which is Good for You?

Ashna Khurana • 6 Mins read • 19 May 25

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, 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 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

Becoming a doctor is not just based on one’s personal aspirations but also the question of whether is MBBS abroad better than in India, highlighting the cost of studying an MBBS abroad. A thorough understanding of these financial dynamics, like tuition fees, living expenses, and the return on investment, is significant for making an informed decision about the most suitable path for medical education.

Particulars	Fees Structure
Government medical colleges in India	₹ 10,000 to ₹ 50,000 per year.
Private MBBS colleges in India	₹ 3 to ₹ 25 LPA
Medical colleges abroad	₹ 3 to ₹ 6 LPA including hostel and mess charges.

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
All India Institute Of Medical Sciences, Delhi	Harvard Medical School
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research	University of Oxford
Christian Medical College	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

1. How long is the MBBS course in foreign countries?

The foreign MBBS course duration lies between 5 to 6 years, including the internship year.

2. What is the lowest qualification for MBBS in India?

Students must have passed the 12th class with a minimum of 50% marks in PCB and must be above 17 years of age to be qualified for MBBS in India.

3. Is the NEET exam compulsory for MBBS in India?

Yes, qualifying for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) is compulsory to get admission in a medical college be it in India or abroad.

4. What is the duration of the MBBS course in India?

The MBBS course duration in India is 5.5 years, including a one-year mandatory rotating internship period.

5. How do I decide between MBBS in India and abroad?

One needs to first consider their academic record, NEET score (if applicable), financial resources, preferred learning environment, desire for international exposure, and long-term career goals. Then, Research on the medical universities.

6. What are some top medical colleges in India?

Some top medical colleges in India include AIIMS, CMC Vellore, PGIMER Chandigarh, and others.

7. What is the lower age limit to apply for the NEET exam?

A person should be at least 17 years of age.

8. Is there any restriction on the upper age limit to be eligible for NEET?

There is no limit on age to be eligible for the NEET be it in India or abroad.

9. What is the average fee to study government MBBS in an Indian college?

To pursue an MBBS degree in a government Indian college, the cost is around ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 50,000 per year.

10. Do foreign medical degrees hold value in India?

Yes, students with foreign MBBS degrees from WHO-listed universities can practice in India, as long as they pass the FMGE or the upcoming NEXT exam.