Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying MBBS in India vs MBBS Abroad

Team Learntech
| June 4, 2024 at 3:34:31 AM UTC

Pursuing an MBBS degree is the dream of almost every middle-class kid in India. However, the process of getting through an MBBS entrance test and into a desired college requires a lot of prior research and preparation. So what exactly is an MBBS degree? Is it better to study MBBS in India or abroad? Let's find out the answers to such burning questions. 

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) is an undergraduate program that students can pursue after their higher secondary education. Students are required to pursue an MBBS programme if they wish to become physicians. Often, students have to face cut-throat competition to clear medical entrance examinations to get into a reputed medical institution. 

With all this pressure of getting into a suitable medical college, there is a growing need for extra opportunities to pursue Medicine. These opportunities can help students pursue an MBBS degree in India or abroad easily. So, let us analyse the advantages and disadvantages of studying MBBS in India and abroad. 


The Advantages of Studying MBBS in India 


1. Lower Cost of Living

The cost of living in India is comparatively less than in other countries. If one is lucky enough to clear NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), he/she can pursue a degree in India from a reputed government college that is relatively more affordable than a degree from a private institution. 


2. Globally Recognised Institutions

Medical institutions in India are recognised throughout the world. A student who has studied in an Indian Institution can practise medicine in any country.


3. Merit

According to a survey by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India, over one lakh seats are offered through NEET UG in the country every year. These MBBS seats are allocated based on merit. 


The Disadvantages of Studying MBBS in India


1. Insufficient Availability of Seats

Considering the number of aspirants in the country, the availability of seats across reputed medical institutions is low. So, the demand for medical seats in India is higher than the supply.


2. High Fee Structure in Private Institutions

The fee structure in private institutions could range from 12,00,000 to Rs. 45,00,000. So, the tuition fee in private colleges is a lot more than that in government institutions. 


The Advantages of Studying MBBS Abroad 

1. Sufficient Medical Seats

International universities cater to the rising demand for medical seats. So, naturally, Indian students can pursue their dreams of taking up a medical degree outside the country easily because of the sheer availability of seats. 


2. Foreign Scholarships

At times, an MBBS degree abroad can cost students less than pursuing the same course in India. Foreign institutions provide scholarships and financial grants to deserving candidates to attract a diverse crowd. These initiatives provide aspiring candidates from different backgrounds a chance to get quality education at a low cost.


3. Global Exposure

Studying in a foreign country widens the scope for interaction among different cultural and ethnic groups. This lets students experience new languages and cultures, thus opening them up to new experiences and opportunities. This global exposure later helps students in their work life as well.


4. Practical Knowledge and Experience

International universities offer the most advanced state-of-the-art facilities. They also encourage students to engage in practical application of their academic learning. Students often get the opportunity to work and learn at the same time. 


The Disadvantages of Studying MBBS Abroad


1. Language Barrier

Students who don’t have basic knowledge about the language of the country they are studying in can suffer from the feeling of being a misfit. Communicating with the locals can become tedious, especially in countries where English isn’t an oft-spoken language, such as Russia or China. 


2. Extreme Climatic Conditions

Countries such as Canada and Russia often face extremely low temperatures and cold waves that might become an issue for students who are not used to such extreme climatic conditions. International students are thus often advised to carry clothes suitable for the cold climate.  


3. FMGE Examination

Students who pursue their MBBS abroad must clear the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination), conducted by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to practise in India. However, the rule doesn't apply to graduates from Indian universities. This can be a major hurdle for those opting to study MBBS abroad.


4. English Proficiency Test

Students must take an English language proficiency test to be eligible to apply to foreign universities. Countries such as the USA, the UK, Australia, and Canada have made it mandatory for foreign students to pass the language proficiency test to be eligible to apply to their top-ranking medical institutes.


Here is a Quick Overview of MBBS in India vs. MBBS Abroad:


Comparison Criteria

MBBS in India

MBBS Abroad






Entrance Examination

  • NEET - UG (For those with an Indian educational qualification certificate)


  • FMGE (For those with a foreign educational qualification certificate)

  • NEET - UG is considered by only certain foreign countries (i.e. Russia, UK, etc). However, various countries conduct their own national level   examinations. (I.e. US - MCAT, Aus/NZ - UMAT)













Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates should have secured a minimum aggregate of 50 % in the 12th std. board examination.

  • Candidates should be at least 17 years old at the time of admission

  • They should have cleared NEET UG.

  • They should have studied Biology, Physics, and Chemistry as mandatory subjects, along with English.

  • Candidates should have secured at least 50% in the 12th std. board examination.

  • Candidates should be more than 17 years old.

  • They should have cleared the respective countries’ aptitude test/entrance exam.

  • They must have studied Biology, Physics, and Chemistry as mandatory subjects.


Duration

5 - 5.5 years 

6 years



Fee Structure

GOVT:

Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 55,000 annually

PVT:

 Rs. 12,00,000 to Rs. 45,00,000 


Rs. 15,00,000 to Rs. 60,00,000 for the total course


Conclusion:


It is clear that pursuing an MBBS degree in India has its pros and cons. Studying for an MBBS abroad too has its respective advantages and disadvantages. Every student has different needs and wants, and the education sector extends beyond their home country’s borders. It provides aspiring candidates with a vast pool of foreign medical institutions to choose from. It makes it easier for students to pick an institution that fits their requirements and budget. 

However, it is a wise decision to conduct prior research before selecting a country and an institution for higher studies, because as the proverb goes, “It is better to be safe than sorry.”



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