MBBS in Abroad vs MBBS in India – Which is Better?

Becoming a doctor is a big dream for many students in India. The road to studying medicine, especially for MBBS, is tough. Many students aim for it every year, but there aren't enough seats. The problem is getting worse, with more students than ever trying for medical seats.

In 2020, about 771,500 students passed NEET, but there were only 82,956 medical seats in India. In 2021, 16.1 lakhs tried for NEET, but there were just 83,075 seats. This shortage pushes many students to give up on being a doctor and look for other options. Some, however, stick to their dream and choose to study MBBS abroad. Why? Well, it's not just about money. There are other good reasons why MBBS abroad is becoming a smart choice for Indian medical students.

Let's explore why studying MBBS in abroad is gaining popularity among those determined to make a difference in healthcare and is it better to study mbbs in India or abroad?

It is difficult to get a government seat in India

India faces persistent challenges in medical education, including issues like high costs, resource underutilization, and complex entrance exams. Globally, there's a push to improve the doctor-population ratio for better healthcare access.

In 2022, over 18.7 lakh students took NEET-UG for a spot in about 650 medical colleges. Despite adding 185 colleges with 23,000 seats in the last 5 years, the chances of securing an MBBS seat dropped from 6.68% to 5.29%. This is due to the increasing number of NEET UG aspirants and the slow evolution of medical education infrastructure to meet the growing demand for seats.

MBBS in India

The MBBS program in India spans 5.5 years, comprising 4.5 years of academic study and a mandatory 1-year internship. To be eligible, candidates need to have completed their 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Additionally, they must pass medical tests for university admission.

The subsidized cost system creates fierce competition for MBBS seats in government medical colleges, with an annual program cost of around INR 10,000. Admission to government medical schools is highly competitive, especially for top NEET scorers. While top private MBBS colleges offer quality education, they come with a substantial fee.

MBBS in India admission criteria

This section offers comprehensive details on the admission criteria for MBBS in India, covering aspects such as Indian MBBS entrance examinations, qualifications, eligibility, and more.

• Entrance exam: NEET, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), replaced all MBBS entrance tests in India in December 2019. Students must pass medical tests for university admission.

• Qualifications: In India, gaining admission to medical colleges relies on entrance exam performance. However, students must initially satisfy the minimum qualifying requirements to be eligible to apply for the MBBS program in any of the colleges. Candidates need to have completed their 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

MBBS admission procedure in India

In India, the MBBS admissions process lacks a fixed structure. Admission is determined by the entrance exam and its results. The initial stage involves taking the medical entrance exam, and a merit list is published upon successfully passing it. Based on their exam performance, students are invited to the subsequent counseling procedure.

MBBS abroad

Several destinations, such as Croatia, Latvia, Czech Republic, and Lithuania, among others, are popular choices for Indian students seeking MBBS programs. Foreign universities provide significant flexibility in student admissions, with pursuing an MBBS in Europe emerging as a particularly promising option among various alternatives.

The perks of studying MBBS in Europe

Here are a few reasons why Indian students prefer studying MBBS in abroad, particularly in Europe:

Increased availability of medical seats:

There are medical seats in India, but the demand from students far exceeds the available seats. Fortunately, studying MBBS abroad makes securing a medical seat less challenging. Students can apply to various MBBS universities and will be accepted as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and entry requirements.

Career opportunities:

Completing MBBS abroad opens up diverse career paths for international students, offering roles like MBBS Doctor and Medical Teacher with higher salaries than in India. Graduates can explore diverse paths such as Postgraduate, Specialization, Residency Programs, Research, Hospital Administration, Healthcare Management, Public Health, Global Health, Medical Writing, Medical Consultancy, and Medical Tourism. Top medical universities abroad provide a global experience, opening multiple avenues for career development.

Expert guidance:

Studying MBBS abroad provides the chance to learn from top professionals, offering real-world insights and tailored knowledge for the current industry.

Educational approach:

Another assurance that makes studying MBBS abroad worthwhile is the teaching method. In addition to theory, MBBS institutes abroad emphasize hands-on training, preparing students with the essential skills for effective performance.

Modern facilities:

This easily addresses the frequently asked question among students like you- whether pursuing an MBBS abroad is worthwhile. A prevalent factor motivating many MBBS students to choose overseas studies is the availability of modern facilities. The labs are equipped with the latest technologies, enhancing students' ability to study and practice their MBBS training effectively.

Cost-effective tuition:

Pursuing an MBBS in Europe is more cost-effective than in other Western countries. The tuition fees vary depending on the chosen university. In addition to the current MBBS universities, there are numerous affordable MBBS colleges and universities available.

Quality medical education:

Another compelling reason to affirm the worth of pursuing an MBBS in Europe is the high standard of medical education offered. Medical institutes abroad are renowned for their quality of education, particularly in the field of medicine, with academic qualifications widely recognized.

English-taught programs:

Many European medical universities provide MBBS programs in English, eliminating language barriers for international students. This makes pursuing their medical dreams easier for students from different backgrounds.

Internationally recognized degree:

The most important factors in determining an excellent and best medical college are affiliation, recognition, and other affiliating qualities. MBBS Colleges in Europe are affiliated with these authorities.

1. WHO (World Health Organization)

2. NMC (National Medical Commission)

3. ECMO (European Council of Medical Orders)

4. USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination)

5. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)

6. BMC (British Medical Council)

7. ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates)

8. Ministry of Education, Latvia

9. WFME (World Federation for Medical Education)

10. FAIMER (The Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research).

Top MBBS universities in Europe

Every student aspires to secure a spot in a top-notch college. Here are some of the finest MBBS universities in Europe for Indian students:

1. Charles University Prague

2. Masaryk University Brno

3. University of Ostrava (University of Ostrava)

4. Comenius University in Bratislava

5. Semmelweis University, Budapest

6. Medical University of Pécs

7. Stradiņš University Riga

8. University of Nicosia

9. Victor Babes University in Timisoara

10. University of Kaunas – Lithuanian University of Health Sciences

11. University of Zagreb

Eligibility criteria for MBBS

Aspiring medical students need to ensure that they meet the specific eligibility criteria to pursue MBBS in Europe:

1. Educational qualifications: Applicants must have completed their secondary education, i.e., Class 12th, with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as principal subjects.

2. Qualifying entrance: Students seeking admission must pass the National Eligibility Entrance Exam (NEET).

3. Language proficiency: Because many programs are taught in English, students must be fluent in the language.

Entrance examination and fees: 

Candidates may need to qualify for entrance tests to gain admission to any reputable European universities. These exams assess applicants' understanding of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. While specifics differ per university, rigorous preparation in these courses is required.

In terms of fees, pursuing an MBBS in Europe is more cost-effective than in other Western countries.

Book a free consultation:

It is advisable to consult a professional before deciding to enroll in an MBBS program abroad. Book a free consultation with our experts, who may provide you with significant perspectives and recommendations customized to personal situations. To ensure prospective medical students are well-informed before starting their educational journey, futureMBBS provides guidance on eligibility, exam preparation, visa procedures, and financial planning.