0 minutes

MBBS from Abroad vs India: Which is Better in 2025? (Cost, Benefits & Drawbacks)

Introduction

Pursuing MBBS is a dream for millions of Indian students. With limited government seats and soaring private college fees, many students consider studying MBBS abroad. But is it a better option than studying in India?

In this article, we compare MBBS in India vs MBBS abroad across cost, quality, competition, recognition, and future scope.

MBBS in India: Overview

Eligibility:

• NEET-UG qualified

• 50% in PCB (General), 40% for reserved categories

• Minimum age: 17 years

Duration: 5.5 years (4.5 years study + 1-year internship)

Types of Colleges:

• Government Medical Colleges

• Private/Deemed Universities

Benefits of MBBS in India

✅ High Clinical Exposure

Government hospitals treat large patient volumes, giving excellent practical exposure.

✅ Affordable Fees (Govt Colleges)

Government medical colleges cost as low as ₹30,000 to ₹1 lakh annually.

✅ Recognized by NMC

All Indian MBBS degrees are approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

✅ No FMGE or NExT (until 2025)

Indian MBBS grads don’t need to clear any licensing exam currently. NExT will be implemented in 2025.

🔗 Visit NMC official website

Drawbacks of MBBS in India

❌ Extreme Competition

Over 20 lakh students appear for NEET every year for ~1 lakh MBBS seats.

❌ Private College Fees Are Very High

Private MBBS colleges charge between ₹50 lakh and ₹1.25 crore.

❌ Infrastructure Issues in Some Colleges

Not all private colleges offer modern labs or experienced faculty.

MBBS Abroad: Overview

Top Countries:

• Russia

• Georgia

• Kazakhstan

• Philippines

• Kyrgyzstan

• Bangladesh

• Nepal

Eligibility:

• NEET qualified

• 50% in PCB (General)

• Age 17+

Duration: 5–6 years depending on the country

Benefits of MBBS Abroad

✅ Low Tuition Fees

Total MBBS cost in countries like Russia or Kazakhstan is ₹20–40 lakh.

✅ Easier Admission Process

No entrance exams besides NEET. Less competition than India.

✅ Globally Recognized Degrees

Many universities are listed with:

• WHO

• WDOMS

• NMC

  🔗 Check WDOMS listing

✅ Modern Labs and Infrastructure

Many foreign universities offer advanced teaching tools and smaller batch sizes.

Drawbacks of MBBS Abroad

❌ FMGE/NExT Requirement

Foreign graduates must pass FMGE (or NExT from 2025) to practice in India. FMGE pass rate is below 20%.

🔗 FMGE Details – NBE Official Site

❌ Language Barrier

In countries like Russia or China, clinical practice may happen in the local language.

❌ Quality Varies

Low-cost or unrecognized universities can lack proper training or recognition.

❌ Cultural and Food Adjustment

Students may take time to adjust to new climate, food, or language.

Cost Comparison Table

Top Countries for MBBS Abroad (2025)

FMGE vs NExT: What’s New in 2025?

Starting 2025, all Indian and foreign MBBS graduates must appear for NExT (National Exit Test).

It will act as:

• Final year exam

• Medical license test

• PG entrance exam

So now, even Indian MBBS students must clear NExT, leveling the field.

Which Option is Better for You?

Choose

MBBS in India

if:

• You get a government seat via NEET

• You want strong clinical exposure

• You want to avoid FMGE/NExT (before 2025)

Choose

MBBS Abroad

if:

• You miss the NEET cut-off

• You can’t afford ₹1 crore in India

• You are ready to take FMGE/NExT

• You want international experience

Student Testimonial

“I missed the NEET cut-off by 20 marks and chose MBBS in Georgia. The teaching is good, the campus is safe, and I’m preparing seriously for FMGE. It’s a second chance I’m glad I took.”

— Ritika, 3rd Year MBBS, Georgia

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is NEET required for MBBS abroad?

✅ Yes. NEET is mandatory for Indian students since 2018.

Q2: Can I practice in India after MBBS abroad?

✅ Yes, after passing FMGE or NExT.

Q3: Which is the cheapest country for MBBS?

✅ Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan offer MBBS programs for ₹20–30 lakh total.

Q4: Is an MBBS from abroad valid in India?

✅ Yes, if the university is NMC-approved and the student clears FMGE/NExT.

Final Thoughts

Both MBBS in India and MBBS abroad have unique advantages and challenges. Your decision should depend on:

• NEET score

• Budget

• Language preferences

• Long-term goals

If you’re confident about your ability to pass FMGE or NExT and want affordable education, MBBS abroad is a good option. If you can get into a government college in India, that remains the best route.

🎯 No matter where you study, dedication, discipline, and preparation are what make a great doctor.

Useful Resources

• 🔗 NMC – Approved Colleges List

• 🔗 FMGE Info – NBE

• 🔗 WDOMS – Check University Recognition