GENERAL

MCI Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad 2025

RD
Rajat Diwakar • 8 Mins read • 14 May 25
MCI Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad MCI Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad

MCI defines the Medical Council of India. It is a statutory authority to manage and build higher levels of medical qualifications and medical education in India. The MCI Screening Test is as popular as the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination. Meeting these requirements is essential not only for securing admission but also for future licensing and registration in India. Here's a clear breakdown of what you need to know about MCI eligibility criteria for MBBS abroad.


MCI Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad: Key Highlights

Applicants are required to match specific qualifying criteria before taking admission for MBBS abroad. Only eligible qualified applicants are eligible for the MBBS program. The following eligibility criteria for the MBBS program are identified here.

Criteria

Details

Age Limit

At least 17-year-old students.

Educational Qualification

Students should pass 10+2 with Physics, Biology, Chemistry

Minimum Marks in 10+2

A minimum of 50% marks are required in the 10+2 system for the General category, 40% for SC, ST, and OBC, and 45% for PWD.

Nationality

No Particular nationality restrictions

Attendance

75% in every semester

Departments

Forensic Medicine, Physiology, Medicine, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Human Anatomy, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, and Pathology.


MCI Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad: NEET Requirements

Students must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

Educational Qualification: Applicants need to pass the 10+2 level with Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.

Age Criteria: The age of the student must be at least 17 years on or before 31st December of the admission year. There is no upper age limit.

Marking Criteria: 50% scores are needed for general caste students, and 40% scores are needed for reserved categories like OBC, SC, and ST students.


List Of MCI-Approved Medical Colleges

Some MCI-approved medical colleges abroad, primarily in Ukraine, Armenia, and Russia, where Indian students can pursue their MBBS degrees.

Country Name

College Name

Russia

Orenburg State Medical University

Perm State Medical University

Mari State University

America

Lincoln American University

Victoria University of Barbados

Armenia

Yerevan State Medical University

Medical University after Saint Tereza

Yerevan Haybusak University

Ukraine

Bogomolets National Medical University

Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University

Kyiv Medical University of UAFM

Canada

University of Toronto

Sweden

Karolinska Institute


NEET Exam Details

The following table represents the NEET examination details

Particulars

Details

Mode of Exam

Offline or paper-based mode

Total Questions

200 questions, and among these, 180 are to be attempted.

Duration

6 years

Maximum Marks

720 marks (180 questions * 4 marks)

Marking Scheme

For each correct answer, students get +4, and for each incorrect answer, students get -1.

Subjects Covered

50 questions from Physics

50 questions from Chemistry

90 questions from Biology


Read More: NEET Eligibility Criteria 2025


NEET Exam Pattern

NEET contains 180 multiple-choice questions in a single paper. This test paper is divided into three sections, which are Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Parts

No. of questions

Scores

Physics

45

180

Chemistry

45

180

Biology (Botany and Zoology)

90 (45 + 45)

360

Total

180

720


NEET Exam Duration

NEET is a paper-and-pencil-based exam. The time duration of this college is three hours or 180 minutes. There will be a total of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), all of which will be mandatory to attempt. The syllabus of the exam includes Physics, Chemistry, and Biology papers.


MCI Screening Test

Below is brief information about the MCI screening test explained here.

Particular

Details

Purpose

It is a licensure test for international medical graduates who have passed the MBBS program outside to practice medicine in India.

Conducting Body

 

MCI is conducted by the National Board of Examinations.

Frequency

This test is held twice a year.

Question Format

300 MCQs are distinguished into two sections, each with 150 marks.

Medium

Only the English language is allowed here.

Replaced by NEXT

FMGE is being aligned with NEET-PG and replaced by the National Exit Test from 2023

Negative Marking

No


How to Prepare for MCI?

To prepare for the MCI screening test, first review the official FMGE syllabus and gather standard MBBS textbooks. Practice multiple-choice questions daily to improve speed and accuracy. Join a trusted coaching program or online test series for structured guidance. Set a study schedule covering theory and revision. Take regular mock tests, analyze mistakes, and focus on weak topics.


MBBS Abroad for Indian Students Fees

The approximate fees for MBBS abroad in different nations are mentioned in this part.

Countries

Fees

Russia

₹15 - 50 lakhs

Kyrgyzstan

₹18 - 31 lakhs

America

₹30 - 60 lakhs

China

₹2.5 - 8.2 lakhs

Bangladesh

₹25 - 35 lakhs


NMC guidelines for MBBS Abroad

MNC published an official announcement with rules and regulations, namely the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiates (FMGL) Regulations 2024.

  • The NMC mandates that the MBBS course abroad must have a duration of no less than 54 months, and according to the internship rules, with a mandatory internship session of a minimum of 12 months within the same medical university or college.
  • Foreign medical graduates are required to study particular subjects like gynecology, obstetrics, anaesthesia, paediatrics, psychiatry, community medicine, and general medicine and surgery. As well as, they should also pursue dermatology, otorhinolaryngology, laboratory services, orthopaedics, and other concerned sub-specialities.
  • According to NMC's new guidelines for MBBS internship, students must confirm that all clinical training, practical training, and theoretical training they receive aligns with the needs of the Indian MBBS program.
  • The Foreign Medical Graduate Exam or FMGE might be replaced by the National Exit Test or NExT in August 2025.


Course Duration and Internship Requirements

As per the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines, students pursuing MBBS abroad must ensure the total course duration is at least 54 months (4.5 years) of theoretical and practical medical education. This should be followed by a mandatory 12-month internship in the same country where the degree is awarded.


Common Mistakes to Avoid in MCI Eligibility Compliance

  1. Not Checking University Recognition:
    Many students overlook verifying whether their chosen medical university abroad is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Always refer to the official NMC list before applying.
  2. Skipping NEET Exam:
    The NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students planning to study MBBS abroad. Without it, you're not eligible to appear for the FMGE screening test in India.
  3. Ignoring Course Duration and Structure:
    The MBBS course abroad must include a minimum of 54 months of study and a 12-month internship. Enrolling in programs that don’t meet these requirements can lead to disqualification.
  4. Misunderstanding Medium of Instruction:
    Ensure the program is taught entirely in English. Mixed or bilingual mediums are not accepted by NMC.
  5. Missing Age and Academic Requirements:
    Failing to meet the minimum age (17 years) or academic criteria (minimum 50% in PCB for the general category) can lead to rejection.


Conclusion

If an applicant is an Indian citizen considering pursuing MBBS abroad and planning to practice in India. Students need to make sure the medical university student selected is MCI or NMC-approved, and the student conducts the foreign medical graduate exam or screening test. MCI Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad are mentioned in this blog. 


FAQs about MCI eligibility criteria for MBBS

  1. What is the MCI (Medical Council of India), and its role in MBBS?
    MCI stands for the Medical Council of India. It used to set standards for MBBS education, approve medical colleges, and register doctors in India.
  2. What are the MCI eligibility criteria for MBBS in India?
    You need 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and a valid NEET score to meet MCI eligibility.
  3. What is the MBBS abroad eligibility criteria?
    For MBBS abroad eligibility criteria, you must pass 10+2 with science subjects, have a NEET score, and meet the age limit set by the country.
  4. What is the MBBS abroad age limit?
    Most countries ask you to be at least 17 at admission and usually under 25 years old.
  5. Is NEET required for MBBS in Russia in 2025?
    Yes, Indian students needed NEET to study MBBS in Russia in 2025 and to get an MCI registration number later.
  6. What are the NMC's new guidelines for MBBS abroad 2025?
    The NMC’s new guidelines (2025) update MBBS abroad eligibility, keep NEET mandatory, and list approved colleges and countries.
  7. Which are the MCI-approved foreign medical colleges?
    MCI-approved foreign medical colleges can be found in the official list on the NMC website. It covers schools in Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and more.
  8. Where can I see the MCI-approved medical colleges abroad list?
    The full MCI-approved medical colleges abroad list is on the National Medical Commission’s site under “Foreign Medical Institutions.”
  9. Which are the MCI-recognised medical colleges abroad?
    MCI-recognised medical colleges abroad are those on the approved list. Always check the latest list before applying.
  10. Which are the MCI-approved countries for MBBS?
    MCI-approved countries for MBBS include Russia, Ukraine, China, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Georgia, and others as per the official list.
  11. Which are the MCI-approved colleges in Georgia?
    MCI-approved colleges in Georgia include Tbilisi State Medical University and Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University.
  12. What are the MCI rules for MBBS and for foreign medical graduates?
    MCI rules for MBBS cover the course duration, exams, and internships. Foreign medical graduates must clear the screening test and meet internship rules.
  13. What is the MCI registration number, and how to get the MCI registration?
    After MBBS, you apply online with your degree, marksheets, NEET score, and pass the screening test. You then receive your unique MCI registration number.
  14. What is the MCI exam and its syllabus?
    The MCI exam (FMGE) tests basic sciences and clinical subjects from the MBBS curriculum. You must pass it to practice in India after studying abroad.
  15. What is the screening test after MBBS in Russia?
    Indian students who study MBBS in Russia must clear the MCI screening test (FMGE) to get their registration number and work in India.
  16. Which countries do not require the MCI screening test?
    A few countries have mutual agreements that waive the screening test. Check the latest NMC list, as this can change.
  17. What are the disadvantages of studying MBBS abroad?
    Disadvantages of studying MBBS abroad include homesickness, language barriers, higher living costs, and extra steps for MCI recognition.
  18. Where is the MCI office in Delhi?
    The old MCI office in Delhi was near ITO. For any queries, refer to the official NMC contact details online.
  19. What is MCA MCI?
    MCA MCI refers to the Medical Council Authority under MCI, which handled approvals before the NMC took over.
  20. What was MCI India, and what is its current status?
    MCI India was the Medical Council of India. It has now been replaced by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to oversee medical education and registration.