MBBS India vs MBBS abroad, which is better?
Pursuing MBBS should only be done in an educational institution that offers valuable education and caters to your other needs (affordable fees, etc.). While India is home to the best MBBS institutes, there is a reason why students exhibit an international study preference for MBBS.
According to India Today there are around 1.18 lakh MBBS seats available in 780 medical colleges across India for 2025. However, only about half of these seats are in government colleges, making the competition extremely intense and pushing many students to explore international options.
On the other hand, studying MBBS abroad offers multiple perks such as well-equipped medical facilities, affordable fees, no separate entrance exams etc. Thus keeping both countries in mind, numerous students still find it challenging to choose between studying MBBS in India vs MBBS in abroad.
If you too are one of them, this blog will provide a detailed, side-by-side comparison of MBBS in India vs MBBS abroad based on eligibility, entrance exams, costs, admission process, and top colleges.
- 1. Eligibility Criteria For MBBS In India Vs Abroad
- 2. Entrance Exam Required For MBBS India Vs Abroad
- 3. Cost Of Studying MBBS In India Vs MBBS In Abroad
- 4. Admission Process For MBBS Abroad Vs India
- 5. List of Top MBBS Colleges For MBBS India Vs Abroad
- 6. So, Is It Better to Study MBBS in India or Abroad?
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Eligibility Criteria For MBBS In India Vs Abroad
MBBS abroad vs India, what are the eligbility criteria to apply for MBBS study in each. The eligibility criteria for MBBS abroad differ based on the country chosen. However, there are a few standard processes that are followed by all. For MBBS in India, most MBBS universities here have the same criteria.
|
Criteria |
MBBS Abroad |
MBBS India |
|---|---|---|
|
Age |
Must be at least 17 years old. [Some countries allow students up to 30 years] |
Must be at least 17 years old. No upper age limit as per recent NEET guidelines. |
|
Citizenship |
Open to international students |
Must be an Indian citizen or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) |
|
Academic Qualification |
Must have completed high school (12th grade) with at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB). Some countries may require 75 - 80%. |
Must have passed Class 12 with a minimum of 50% - 60% aggregate in PCB and English |
|
Entrance Exams |
NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students, even for studying MBBS abroad (as per NMC 2018). Additional exams may be required depending on the country (e.g., MCAT, BMAT). [Added for clarity] |
NEET is mandatory for all MBBS aspirants in India |
|
English Language Test |
May require ELP tests like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE depending on the country and university |
Not required |
|
Other Requirements |
Some universities may require Letters of Recommendation (LORs), Statement of Purpose (SOP), a CV, or relevant work/volunteer experience |
Not typically required |
Suggested: How to Study MBBS Abroad Without NEET?
Note: Please visit MBBS University's official website to view th exact eligbility criteria before applying.
Entrance Exam Required For MBBS India Vs Abroad
The entrance exam differs based on the MBBS in India vs abroad choice. Your acceptance into the top MBBS universities will be determined based on these entrance exam scores.
So what entrance exams are required based on MBBS India vs abroad?
|
Category |
MBBS Abroad |
MBBS India |
|---|---|---|
|
Primary Exam |
NEET is mandatory for Indian students applying abroad (as per the NMC). Some countries also accept additional exams such as: |
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is compulsory for admission to any medical college in India |
|
- MCAT, required for universities in Canada and the USA |
||
|
- BMAT or UCAT (UKCAT), required for top medical universities in the UK |
||
|
- IMAT, for Italy |
||
|
- No additional entrance exam. In countries like Russia, Ukraine, China, Georgia, admission is based on 12th-grade marks and NEET qualification |
||
|
Language Test |
IELTS/TOEFL/PTE may be required to prove English proficiency, especially in English-speaking countries like the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada |
Not required |
Note: Even if a country or university abroad doesn’t require NEET for admission, Indian students must still clear NEET to have their foreign MBBS degree recognized in India.
Suggested: Entrance Exams required in Canada
Cost of Studying MBBS In India Vs MBBS In Abroad
Cost is often a deciding factor when choosing between MBBS in India vs abroad. The cost of studying MBBS is calculated based on your MBBS university and location choice. Here is an overview of the same.
Cost of Studing MBBS Abroad
|
Location |
Estimated Annual Tuition Fee (MBBS Abroad) |
|---|---|
|
Russia |
₹2.5 - ₹5 lakhs/year |
|
Ukraine |
₹2.5 - ₹4 lakhs/year |
|
China |
₹3 - ₹6 lakhs/year |
|
Philippines |
₹2.5 - ₹6 lakhs/year |
|
Kazakhstan |
₹2 - ₹4 lakhs/year |
|
UK |
₹25 - ₹50 lakhs/year |
|
USA |
₹40 - ₹80 lakhs/year |
|
Canada |
₹20 - ₹60 lakhs/year |
|
Germany |
Free tuition in public universities; nominal semester fees (~₹20,000/year). |
|
France |
Around ₹40,000 - ₹1 lakh/year (public universities) |
Cost of Studing MBBS in India
|
Category |
MBBS in India |
|---|---|
|
Government Colleges |
₹15,000 - ₹1 lakh/year (Some institutes like AIIMS charge as low as ₹1,628/year) |
|
Private Colleges |
₹6 - ₹25 lakhs/year |
|
Deemed Universities |
₹15 - ₹30 lakhs total (sometimes higher depending on the institute) |
|
Management Quota |
₹50 lakhs - ₹1 crore+ (For students unable to secure merit-based seats in private colleges) |
Note: Fees in some of the government medical colleges in India are as low as 240 INR (Maulana Azad Medical College) under all India quota.
Suggested: SOP for Denmark Universities
Admission Process For MBBS Abroad Vs India
When it comes to the admission process which country is simpler, MBBS abroad vs India? The admission process is very straightforward and is determined based on the scores required for admission.
Here is an overview of the same:
|
MBBS Abroad |
MBBS India |
|
|
List of Top MBBS Colleges in India Vs Abroad
The next factor which answers your question about, is it better to study MBBS in India or abroad is with the list of top MBBS colleges. These colleges are ranked based on education's value and recognition over the years in this field.
Here is an overview of the popular MBBS colleges in MBBS India vs abroad:
|
MBBS Abroad |
MBBS India |
|
Suggested: Is MBBS abroad a good option?
So, Is It Better to Study MBBS in India or Abroad?
Now that we’ve reached the end, what do you think, is it better to study MBBS in India or abroad?
It’s time to address the core question: The answer depends on your goals, financial situation, and career plans.
Choose MBBS in India if:
- You can secure a government seat through NEET (extremely affordable and highly reputed)
- You wish to practice in India and prefer a straightforward licensing pathway
- You want to study closer to home, with familiar culture and language
- You are prepared for high competition and entrance coaching pressure
Choose MBBS Abroad if:
- You are unable to get a government seat and find private MBBS in India too expensive
- You’re open to studying in countries with lower tuition fees and quality infrastructure (e.g. Russia, Georgia, Philippines)
- You aim to practice abroad or are ready to clear FMGE/NExT for Indian licensing
- You want broader international exposure and possibly faster admission timelines
Now that you have this blog handy, the decision has become convenient for you.
Still confused? Speak to our expert counselors at Yocket to explore personalized MBBS options in India and abroad. We’ll guide you through the process from NEET to visas step by step.
