Prof. Dr. Mohan Raj Sharma
Dean of the Institute of Medicine and a senior neurosurgeon of Tribhuvan University, leading the institute across its medical, nursing and allied campuses and its teaching hospitals.
Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University
Nepal's first and most prestigious medical institution, founded in 1972, offering an English-medium MBBS at the Maharajgunj Medical Campus with the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.
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Nepal
Country
Kathmandu
City
Est. 1972 · Nepal's premier
Heritage & Standing
English
Medium of instruction
Introduction
Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University
- Study program:MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
- Language:English
- Duration:5.5 Years (4.5 academic + 1-year internship)
- University type:Public (Tribhuvan University)
- Fees:SAARC (incl. India): ~₹63 lakh total (US$75,000, published rate)
- Entrance examination:MECEE-BL (Medical Education Commission); NEET also required for Indians
- Application deadline:Annual intake through the MECEE-BL cycle
- MBBS seats:Small, competitive cohort (scholarship / Nepali-paying / foreign-paying)
A building of the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University
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Recognition & Prestige
Rankings & Recognition
The Institute of Medicine is Nepal's first and most prestigious medical institution, part of Tribhuvan University, recognised by the Nepal Medical Council and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. As a specialist institute it is not separately ranked in the QS or THE world tables; its standing rests on its national pre-eminence and international recognition.
Nepal's First
First and premier medical institution in Nepal (est. 1972)
WDOMS
Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
NMC-eligible
Indian licensing route via FMGE/NExT
~700-bed
Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital
The medical degree is recognised internationally. The Institute of Medicine is a public institute of Tribhuvan University, recognised by the Nepal Medical Council (NMC Nepal) and operating under Nepal's Medical Education Commission, and it is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). Graduates are eligible to pursue ECFMG certification for the USMLE, and Indian graduates can qualify for practice in India through the NMC screening/exit examination (FMGE, transitioning to NExT), having qualified NEET. Nepal is not an EU member, so there is no automatic EU-wide recognition.
Accreditations and Recognition
NMC/MCI (India)
Eligible for Indian licensing via the NMC screening examination (FMGE/NExT) for graduates who qualify NEET and meet the FMG Licentiate Regulations 2021
WDOMS
Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools; graduates eligible to apply for ECFMG certification
Nepal Medical Council / MEC
Recognised by the Nepal Medical Council and operating under Nepal's Medical Education Commission (which runs the MECEE-BL entrance exam)
Complete Information About the Institute of Medicine
Get complete information about the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, including tuition, living costs, MECEE-BL admission, recognition and the FMGE route for Indian students.
Success stories
Student Success Stories
Hear directly from students who are studying medicine in Europe with futureMBBS.
Academic Excellence
Why Study MBBS at the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University
The Institute of Medicine offers a genuine, English-medium MBBS at Nepal's premier medical institution, with a national teaching hospital, close cultural ties to India and one of the shortest journeys home of any MBBS-abroad destination.
Nepal's Premier Medical Institution
A Genuine, Direct-Entry MBBS
Meets India's NMC Rules on Its Face
A National Teaching Hospital
Close to Home, No Language Barrier
Familiar Food and Culture
Recognised for the FMGE, USMLE and Beyond
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Know exactly what options exist for your MBBS-abroad success.
How to Apply
Admission Process for MBBS
Admission to the MBBS is through Nepal's single common entrance examination, the MECEE-BL, run by the Medical Education Commission, followed by centralised seat matching. Indian students should hold a valid NEET qualification for future licensing in India, and can either sit the MECEE-BL in Nepal or qualify on their NEET result, depending on the category.
Admission Timeline
- 1After Class 12Meet Eligibility
Applicants must have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology and at least a 50% aggregate, and be at least 17 years old, in line with Nepal and NMC rules.
- 2Before applyingQualify NEET (Indian students)
Indian applicants should hold a valid NEET-UG qualification, required by India's NMC for licensing after a foreign medical degree, and useful for the MECEE-BL foreign-candidate route.
- 3EntranceSit the MECEE-BL
Applicants register with the Medical Education Commission and sit the MECEE-BL common entrance exam (200 MCQs, must reach at least the 50th percentile); Indian students may sit it in Nepal, or qualify on a 50th-percentile NEET result under the foreign-candidate category.
- 4After resultsSeat Matching (Counselling)
Qualified candidates take part in the Medical Education Commission's open counselling / matching to choose a college and seat category (scholarship, Nepali-paying or foreign-paying).
- 5On selectionAdmission & Documents
Selected students confirm their seat at IOM, pay the fees and submit their documents (Class 12 records, passport, NEET scorecard) for enrolment.
- 6IntakeClasses Begin
Students begin the MBBS at the Maharajgunj Medical Campus in Kathmandu.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
Applicants must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry and Biology and at least a 50% aggregate. For Indian students, the NMC requires a minimum aggregate of 50% in Physics, Chemistry and Biology (40% for reserved categories) plus English, and a valid NEET qualification, for licensing in India.
Subjects:
PhysicsChemistryBiologyEnglish
Age Requirement
Candidates should be at least 17 years old by 31 December of the admission year, in line with NMC rules for studying medicine abroad.
- Minimum 17 yearsRequired age at the time of admission (NMC rule)
Requirements
Selection is through the MECEE-BL common entrance exam and centralised matching. Indian students also need a valid NEET result for future Indian licensing. Applications and matching are handled by the Medical Education Commission.
MECEE-BL Entrance Exam
The Medical Education Common Entrance Examination (Bachelor Level) is the single national MBBS entrance exam in Nepal — 200 MCQs, with at least the 50th percentile required, followed by open counselling to match a college and seat.
NEET (Indian Students)
Indian students need a valid NEET qualification for future Indian licensing, and a 50th-percentile NEET result can qualify them for the MECEE-BL foreign-candidate category; the programme is taught in English.
Entrance Examination (MECEE-BL)
Admission to the MBBS requires the MECEE-BL common entrance exam run by Nepal's Medical Education Commission, followed by centralised seat matching.
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Class 12 | Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English, with at least 50% aggregate |
| MECEE-BL | 200 MCQs; at least the 50th percentile; run by the Medical Education Commission |
| Seat matching | Open counselling to choose college and seat category (scholarship / Nepali-paying / foreign-paying) |
| NEET (Indian students) | Valid NEET-UG qualification for future licensing in India |
Required Documents
To apply, students need to submit essential academic and identification documents:
- MECEE-BL registration with the Medical Education Commission (exam fee payable)
- Class 12 mark sheets and certificates (with Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- NEET scorecard (Indian students) and a valid passport
- Migration/transfer and character certificates, and medical fitness documents
- + More
Admission Guidance & Document Checklist
Get the complete document checklist or admission guidance from our experts.
Program Structure
MBBS Curriculum & Internship Structure
The Institute of Medicine teaches an integrated, community-oriented MBBS over 4.5 years plus a 1-year rotatory internship, moving from the basic sciences to full clinical training in the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, taught in English and awarded by Tribhuvan University.
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
Total Duration:
5.5 Years (4.5 years academic + 1-year rotatory internship)
Degree:
MBBS, awarded by Tribhuvan University
Curriculum Phases at the Institute of Medicine
Years 1–2
Basic & Para-Clinical Sciences
The first years cover the basic and para-clinical sciences through an integrated, community-oriented and problem-based approach, with early clinical and community exposure:
AnatomyPhysiologyBiochemistryMicrobiologyPathologyPharmacologyCommunity MedicineCommunication and Clinical SkillsYears 3–4
Clinical Sciences
The middle years move into the clinical disciplines with hospital-based teaching across the specialties:
Internal MedicineSurgeryPaediatricsObstetrics and GynaecologyForensic MedicinePsychiatryDermatologyOphthalmologyENTOrthopaedicsYear 5 (to 4.5 yrs)
Advanced Clinical & Final Exams
The senior clinical period completes the specialties — including anaesthesiology, radiology and emergency and family practice — with community and clinical postings, ending in the final professional examinations:
Advanced Internal MedicineAdvanced SurgeryAnaesthesiologyRadiologyEmergency MedicineFamily PracticeCommunity and Clinical ExperienceEthics and ResearchInternship (1 year)
Rotatory Internship
After the academic course, graduates complete a compulsory 1-year rotatory internship in Nepal across the major departments before full registration:
Internal MedicineSurgeryOrthopaedicsObstetrics and GynaecologyPaediatricsEmergency/Family PracticeOphthalmologyENTAnaesthesiology
Clinical Rotations
Clinical training is based at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Maharajgunj, with specialist centres for cardiothoracic surgery (Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center) and ophthalmology (BP Koirala Lions Center for Ophthalmic Studies). An indicative pattern:
| Phase | Focus |
|---|---|
| Years 1–2 | Basic and para-clinical sciences with early clinical and community exposure |
| Years 3–4.5 | Clinical rotations across Internal Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the specialties |
| Internship (1 year) | Rotatory internship in Nepal across the major departments before registration |
Get the full curriculum
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Legacy
Prominent Figures of the Institute of Medicine
The Institute of Medicine has trained and been served by many of Nepal's leading doctors and health leaders, and is led today by senior clinicians of Tribhuvan University.
Prof. Dr. Bhagawan Koirala
One of Nepal's most eminent doctors — a pioneering cardiothoracic surgeon who led the country's first open-heart surgery at TUTH in 1997, a former Executive Director of TUTH and Chairman of the Nepal Medical Council. Associated with IOM/TUTH; completed his MBBS abroad.
Prof. Dr. Govinda K.C.
A renowned orthopaedic surgeon at the Institute of Medicine and TUTH, widely respected in Nepal for his advocacy for medical-education reform. He began his training at IOM before earning his MBBS abroad.
A National Alma Mater
Since 1978 the Institute of Medicine has trained a large share of Nepal's doctors, specialists and public-health leaders, and its graduates practise across Nepal and around the world.
Faculty
The Institute of Medicine is led by its Dean, Professor Dr. Mohan Raj Sharma, with the Maharajgunj Medical Campus headed by its Campus Chief. Teaching is delivered by experienced physicians, surgeons and scientists of Tribhuvan University across the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and specialist centres, combining a strong clinical tradition with community-oriented education to prepare students for the FMGE, NExT, USMLE and practice.
Academic Expertise
Nepal's first medical institution (1972)
Part of Tribhuvan University
National teaching hospital (TUTH)
Specialist cardiothoracic and ophthalmic centres
Student Support & Mentorship
English-taught MBBS
Community-oriented, problem-based curriculum
Clinical supervision at TUTH
International elective community
About University
History Information
Founded in 1972
MBBS from 1978
A National Medical Network
Nepal's Premier Medical Institution Today
Get all information about the Institute of Medicine in our free brochure
Read on to find out how you can study MBBS at the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University.
Role in medicine
Role in medical education
Nepal's First Medical School
A National Teaching and Referral Hospital
An International Medical Community
Get all information about the Institute of Medicine in our free brochure
Read on to find out how you can study MBBS at the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University.
Cost of living
MBBS Living Cost in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is an affordable city for students, with costs close to Indian levels (the Nepali rupee is roughly 1.6 to the Indian rupee). Here is the approximate monthly breakdown for an Indian student.
Monthly Living Cost
| Cost Component | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (hostel / shared flat) | ₹10,000 – ₹22,000 |
| Food | ₹9,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Transportation | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 |
| Other Expenses (Utilities, Internet, Leisure) | ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 |
Get Free MBBS Guide
Average monthly living cost
₹25,000 – ₹45,000
Housing
Accommodation
The Institute of Medicine provides hostel accommodation at the Maharajgunj Medical Campus, and students also rent private flats in the surrounding areas of Kathmandu.
University Hostel
IOM / the Maharajgunj Medical Campus provides student hostel accommodation on or near the campus, giving students secure, affordable housing close to the lecture halls and the teaching hospital.
Hostel & Mess Fees
The official hostel fee is around NPR 84,000–138,000 per year with a monthly mess of about NPR 7,500 (roughly ₹52,000–₹86,000/year plus ₹4,700/month), among the most economical student housing of any MBBS-abroad destination.
Furnished Rooms
Hostel rooms are furnished, usually shared, with common facilities, internet and dining, and place students within the campus and hospital community.
A Supported First Year
First-year international students are encouraged to take a hostel place on arrival, which keeps them close to classmates and the teaching hospital and eases settling into Kathmandu.
How to Apply
Hostel places are requested through IOM after admission; because demand is high, students should apply for a room as soon as they confirm their seat.
Private Flats
Many students rent private rooms or share flats in the Maharajgunj and surrounding areas of Kathmandu, budgeting for a deposit and monthly utilities on top of rent.
A Compact Capital
Kathmandu is a compact city, so students can live near the campus and hospital, and get around by local buses, taxis and ride-hailing apps.
A Mild Climate
The Kathmandu valley has a mild, temperate climate — cool winters and warm, not extreme, summers with a summer monsoon — comfortable for students from most of India.
Need accommodation details?
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Food & Dining
100% Veg Options and Indian Food, Always Available
As a Hindu-majority country with deep ties to India, Nepal makes vegetarian and Indian food genuinely easy to find in Kathmandu, in restaurants, grocery stores and student kitchens.
Kathmandu has abundant affordable eateries, and Nepali cuisine (dal bhat, momos, roti-sabzi) is close to Indian food, with vegetarian options everywhere, so Indian students eat familiar meals from day one.
Location
How to Reach the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University
Address
Institute of Medicine (Maharajgunj Medical Campus), Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
Nearest Airport
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu — with frequent direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Mumbai and other Indian cities (about 1.5–2.5 hours); Nepal also has an open land border with India
Local Transport
Kathmandu is served by local buses, taxis and ride-hailing apps (Pathao, inDrive), and the Maharajgunj campus and teaching hospital are in the north of the city
Your Roadmap to Success
Career Pathways After MBBS at the Institute of Medicine
Graduates who wish to return home appear for the Indian screening examination, currently the FMGE and transitioning to the NExT, complete the required internship and register with the NMC or a State Medical Council. A valid NEET qualification at admission is required under the NMC's 2021 FMG regulations, and Nepal's 5.5-year MBBS meets the structural rules.
Understand the Medical Licensing Pathway
A clear overview of the exams and requirements after graduation.
Practising in India
FMGE & NExT Details
To practise medicine in India after graduating from the Institute of Medicine, Indian students follow the licensing pathway set by the National Medical Commission (NMC). IOM teaches an English-medium MBBS with the internship completed in Nepal, meeting the NMC's structural rules, and students should qualify NEET-UG before joining.
Step 1
National Exit Test (NExT)
Graduates must clear the qualifying examination that licenses foreign medical graduates to practise in India. At present this is the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), which the NMC plans to replace with the National Exit Test (NExT).
Step 2
Clinical Internship (CRRI)
After qualifying, students complete the required one-year Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship (CRRI) in India, which builds hands-on experience in Indian clinical settings under the NMC's framework.
Step 3
Medical Registration
The final step is registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the relevant State Medical Council. Once registered, the graduate holds a full licence to practise medicine in India.
Student Life Style
Student life at the Institute of Medicine
Life at the Institute of Medicine combines a demanding, English-taught MBBS with life in Kathmandu, a friendly, culturally familiar capital in the shadow of the Himalaya, close to home for Indian students.
Prayer flags and the Everest region of the Nepal Himalaya
Academics
The peak of Mount Everest in the Nepal Himalaya
Campus and City
A Nepali mountain town in the hills below the Himalaya
Challenges and Growth
Social Life
Overall Experience
Scholarship & Financial
Scholarship & Financial Aid
Honest note first: IOM's free/scholarship MBBS seats are extremely competitive and largely reserved for Nepali students, so most Indian students should plan as fully self-funded on a foreign-paying seat.
A share of IOM's MBBS seats are government scholarship (free) seats, exempt from tuition and deposits, allocated through the MECEE-BL merit ranking; these are highly competitive and mainly for Nepali students, with a small number under bilateral arrangements.
- Government (free) MBBS seats
- Allocated by MECEE-BL merit
- Mainly for Nepali students; very competitive
Ratings
Reviews & Ratings
Hear from students and alumni about their experience at the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University.
4.6
134 reviews
Academics4.7
Infrastructure4.4
Hostel4.2
Campus Life4.5
Value for Money4.5
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Quick Comparison:
Institute of Medicine (Nepal) vs CMC Vellore
| University | Institute of Medicine, TUKathmandu, Nepal | CMC VelloreTamil Nadu, India |
|---|---|---|
| University Type | Public (Tribhuvan University) | Private (minority) |
| Medium | English | English |
| Course Duration | 5.5 years (4.5 + 1-year internship) | 5.5 years (MBBS) |
| Tuition (total) | ~₹63 lakh (US$75,000, SAARC, published) | ~₹17–22 lakh (5.5 years) |
| Admission | MECEE-BL entrance (+ NEET for Indians) | NEET-UG |
| Recognition | Nepal Medical Council; WDOMS; NMC-eligible via FMGE/NExT | NMC-recognised |
| Standing | Nepal's premier (no QS/THE world rank) | Top Indian medical college |
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions students and parents ask most often about MBBS at the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University.