Which one is better MBBS in India or abroad?

Both the countries have their own pros and cons. While India offers the best MBBS institutes, MBBS abroad offers affordable fees and has no issues with MBBS seats. This choice will be determined based on students' interests and needs.

Which is cheaper, MBBS abroad vs India?

In comparison, MBBS abroad fees are relatively cheaper when compared to the MBBS fees in India.

Is NEET necessary to do MBBS in India vs abroad?

Yes, no matter your choice, MBBS India vs abroad, NEET is mandatory to apply to any of these MBBS colleges.

Is it better to do MBBS in India or USA?

The USA is well known for its educational system, widely recognised qualifications, great student life, etc which is why most Indian students prefer to study MBBS in USA rather than India.

Does abroad MBBS hold value in India?

Yes, if students receive MBBS certifications from abroad, they are recognised better and hold much better value when compared to an MBBS certification received in India.

MBBS in India vs Abroad: Which One is Better in 2025?

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.

Table of Content

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

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.

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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.

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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
Clear the entrance exam, Choose which MBBS university you wish to apply for Choose any specialisation if offered to Submit all required documents such as proof of application fee payment, SOP, CV, ELP scores, etc. Attend any interview if scheduled Apply for a scholarship Once your seat is confirmed, book the same by paying a deposit, Apply for a visa/residence permit, etc.	Apply for the entrance exam Send the scores along with your MBBS university application If confirmed, selection letters will be shared Undergo a medical examination If fit, pay the fees immediately

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
Aarhus University ETH Zurich EPFL Karolinska Institutet Uppsala University University of Oxford University of Cambridge University of Toronto Sorbonne University Université Paris-Saclay	Christian Medica College, Vellore All India Insitute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi King George’s Medical University, Lucknow Kasturba Medica College, Manipal Madras Medical College, Chennai St.John’s Medical College, Bangalore Medical College, Kolkata Insitute of Medical Science BHU, Varanasi Armed Forces Medical College, Pune Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi

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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.