MBBS Abroad Curriculum vs Indian MBBS Curriculum

MBBS Syllabus in India and Abroad

With respect to the majority of countries, the MBBS syllabus is similar in abroad and in India for Indian students. The difference arises in terms of structure, duration, electives, lectures, and many others. Let us understand the MBBS syllabus in both India and abroad for Indian medical students.

According to the NMC guidelines to study MBBS abroad for Indian students, the MBBS curriculum abroad must be aligned with the Indian medical standards. It must include 19 compulsory subjects with pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical topics. Hence, the syllabus is the same for students. However, the main difference between MBBS curriculum in India compared to abroad is the division of the course into electives and core subjects.

Mandatory MBBS Subjects in India and Abroad

MBBS Curriculum in India Vs Abroad: Overview

Check the table below to get an overview of the contrast of medical education in abroad and in India.

Related Reads: Is NEET Compulsory for Studying MBBS Abroad?

MBBS Structure and Duration Abroad and in India

The structure and duration of MBBS in India and in foreign countries tend to vary as per the educational system and the healthcare industry requirements.

Duration and Structure of MBBS in India

Duration and Structure of MBBS Abroad

Difference of Teaching Methodologies in Abroad MBBS and Indian MBBS

Compared to the Indian medical curriculum, medical universities abroad might focus more on practical medical training than on the core MBBS curriculum. We can contrast the Indian medical curriculum and the curriculum abroad as one traditional and the other integrated. The main reason for the varied teaching methods is that Indian medical courses focus on lecture-based, fixed-syllabus learning.

On the other hand, MBBS courses abroad tend to offer problem-based, interactive learning through flexible courses. This is one of the main reasons why Indian students fail to clear the FMGE exam due to a poor academic grasp of applying medical concepts clinically in the Indian healthcare system.

Indian Teaching Method for MBBS Courses

• The Indian MBBS curriculum is mainly based on lecture-based theoretical learning. This includes 4.5 years of studying theoretical concepts and then turning to clinical training and learning.

• The MBBS courses taught in India in both government and private medical colleges use a traditional approach of teaching. Limited technology is used to demonstrate medical concepts.

• The same MBBS curriculum, syllabus, pattern, and lectures are followed in all the medical colleges in India.

• Practical learning is minimal, with emphasis on the conceptual knowledge.

MBBS Abroad Teaching Method

• The abroad MBBS curriculum mainly emphasises practical learning over academic knowledge. It focuses on case-based discussions and real-life healthcare-related problems and how to tackle them.

• The main focus of the course structure is research-based, where many of the medical universities tie up research projects.

• One of the best aspects of doing MBBS from abroad is the integration of technology with abstract learning. The classrooms include virtual simulations and high-tech laboratories, advanced medical equipment, and more.

• Studying MBBS abroad often involves in-depth group discussions about healthcare-related case-based queries. A global perspective on such topics benefits students by enhancing their practical learning.

Clinical Exposure Abroad Vs in India in MBBS Curriculum

Indian students must understand whether their medical degree includes the clinical exposure that is mandatory as per the NMC. This is because without the 1-year of official mandatory clinical training, the MBBS degree is not valid in India. In such cases, after they qualify for the FMGE exam, they need to do 1 year internship at an Indian hospital to register with NMC. Let us now check the clinical training opportunities in Indian MBBS and Abroad MBBS:

Clinical Exposure in India

• The clinical training for Indian students studying at Indian government and private medical colleges starts at the start of the 3rd year.

• The clinical training period often starts in government hospitals and their tie-up, to offer students a range of patient types and diagnostic cases.

• A compulsory 1-year internship after 4.5 years of learning enhances the candidate’s capabilities, including different specialisations.

Clinical Exposure Abroad

• Compared to Indian clinical training standards, clinical exposure abroad generally begins earlier. Candidates studying MBBS abroad are exposed to diverse patient needs in the first or second year.

• The foreign universities abroad use advanced simulations and technologies that help them to develop the skills and abilities.

• Training in a foreign country helps medical students develop a global mindset for tackling medical problems in a diverse healthcare setting.

Exam Patterns for MBBS Abroad Curriculum vs Indian MBBS Curriculum

The pattern and mode of examinations tend to differ abroad and in India. Let us check the examination and assessment patterns in the MBBS curriculum of India and foreign countries:

MBBS Exam Pattern in India

• The course is mainly exam-oriented for medical students. It focuses on term-wise written theoretical examinations.

• There are limited practical exams for students due to their traditional approach of teaching.

• The crucial entrance exams for MBBS in India include NEET.

MBBS Exam Pattern Abroad

• Medical graduates are exposed to practical learning, inclusive of theoretical conceptual knowledge. They are given medical quizzes, real-life problems, presentations, and more. Continuous practical exams help them to develop their global mindset.

• The MBBS curriculum mainly focuses on the ‘Objective Structured Clinical Exams’. It measures their practical skills.

• The crucial entrance exams for MBBS abroad are country-centric. For example, MCAT is crucial for MBBS in USA and Canada, UKAT for UK, and UCAT ANZ for MBBS in Australia.

• Students planning to practice in India after MBBS graduation from abroad must qualify for FMGE exam to be eligible.

Conclusion: MBBS Abroad vs Indian MBBS Curriculum

The MBBS curriculum abroad and in India has the same core subjects for Indian students, as these subjects are mandated according to NMC guidelines. The major difference between the MBBS degree curriculum abroad and in India arises in terms of teaching methodology, structure, pattern, focus, examination requirements, and more. India’s MBBS curriculum is more rigid and traditional that focusing more on written examinations and theoretical learning. On the contrary, the MBBS curriculum abroad places more emphasis on practical learning by exposing Indian medical students to early clinical exposure in the global and diverse healthcare setting.

Students should note that both MBBS curricula include the same subjects, but everything else varies. Therefore, those planning to study MBBS abroad must adhere to the NMC guidelines if they intend to practise medicine in India after graduation. The decision to choose between the Indian MBBS curriculum and abroad MBBS curriculum majorly depends on the candidates in terms of academic and career aspirations, financial budget, and others.

Best Countries to Study MBBS Abroad