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

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

Edited By Ipshita ghosh | Updated on May 07, 2025 02:22 PM IST

The education system of India is highly reputed, making it a highly competitive environment for MBBS aspirants. The cutoff for government medical colleges is high and seats are limited, while students have to pay high tuition fees for private medical colleges. The MBBS abroad fees in India is as low as 3 LPA and as high as you go. It depends on the personal preferences of students, whether they want to study MBBS in India or abroad. However, it is important to weigh the MBBS India pros and cons before you decide from where you want to pursue your medical studies. In this article, we will discuss the comparison between MBBS in India Vs abroad in 2025.

This Story also Contains
  1. Medical Entrance Exams in India vs Abroad
  2. MBBS in Abroad Vs MBBS in India: Which one to Choose?
  3. Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad VS India
  4. Cost of MBBS in India vs Abroad
  5. Course Duration and MBBS Internship Abroad
  6. Medical Licensing Exams for MBBS Abroad and for India
  7. Medical Education Comparison & Job Opportunities After MBBS
  8. Pros and Cons of Studying MBBS in India vs MBBS Abroad
MBBS in India vs Abroad: Which is Better in 2025?
MBBS in India vs Abroad: Which is Better in 2025?

Medical Entrance Exams in India vs Abroad

One of the most significant MBBS in India eligibility criteria is qualifying the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG). The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted NEET 2025 on 4th May, 2025. As per the reports of the National Medical Council, approximately 23 Lakh NEET UG registrations have been made. The data points out towards the fierce competition for MBBS seats in India. Keeping this in mind, students often get confused about choosing the best country to study medicine abroad.

Even for MBBS aspirants who want to study medicine from abroad, NEET qualification is also required to obtain an eligibility certificate from the NMC (National Medical Commission). Students must follow the NMC guidelines for MBBS abroad.

MBBS Entrance Exam

Countries

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)

  • India

  • China

  • Russia

  • Bangladesh

  • Kazakhstan

  • Nepal

  • Poland

MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

  • USA

  • Canada

UMAT (Undergraduate Medical Admissions Test)

  • Australia

  • New Zealand

UCAT (Universal Clinical Aptitude Test)

UK

CSAT (College Scholastic Ability Test)

South Korea

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MBBS in Abroad Vs MBBS in India: Which one to Choose?

Factor

MBBS India

MBBS Abroad

Eligibility

NEET-UG, admission after meeting high cut-offs

NEET-UG required, easy admission

Seats & Competition

Approx 1 lakh seats, tough competition

Ample seats, low competition

Fees

₹20K – ₹7.5L (Govt.), ₹50L – ₹1.5Cr (Private)

₹15L – ₹50L (total)

Cost of Living

₹1.5L – ₹4L per year

₹2L – ₹5L per year

Quality of Education

Theoretical focus, high patient exposure

Practical & research-oriented, varies by country

Infrastructure

Good in private, limited in government. colleges

Advanced technology & modern facilities

Clinical Exposure

High in government hospitals

Varies, some offer limited patient interaction

Recognition

NMC, WHO, MCI

WHO, NMC, ECFMG (USA), GMC (UK), etc.

Practice in India

Direct after MBBS + internship

FMGE exam required

Practice Abroad

Limited without extra exams

Can practice in the USA, UK, etc. (USMLE, PLAB, etc.)

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad VS India

To be eligible for an MBBS program in India, it is mandatory for the MBBS aspirants to complete their 10+2 with minimum 50% in the science subjects, and pass the NEET-UG entrance exam. Additionally, the student must also be at least 17 years of age when applying for MBBS India.

On the other hand, there are several MBBS abroad eligibility 2025 that students must meet to do MBBS abroad. These include:

  • Academic performance: It is mandatory for the aspirants to pass their 12th grade with a science background with at least 50% in PCB subjects.

  • Medical licensing exams for MBBS abroad: It is mandatory to clear individual entrance exams for different countries.

  • Demonstrate proficiency in English language: It is a must to demonstrate proficiency in English language by submitting test scores like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc as part of MBBS admissions abroad.

  • Age: While there is no upper age limit to apply for MBBS abroad, MBBS aspirants must be at least 17 years old in the year of admission.

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Cost of MBBS in India vs Abroad

Before deciding to study MBBS abroad, make sure you know how much you have to spend in the entire MBBS course. It is a must to plan this beforehand so that you can complete the MBBS course without any hassles.

MBBS cost analysis for Indian students 2025

Type of Institution

Annual Tuition Fees (INR)

Government Colleges

1,355 – 4,00,000

Private Colleges (Govt. Quota)

10,000 – 7,00,000

Private Colleges (Self-financed)

4,00,000 – 17,96,000

Deemed Universities

17,00,000 – 25,00,000

NRI Quota (Deemed Universities)

30,00,000 – 35,00,000

MBBS Abroad Fees Comparison 2025

Country

Annual Tuition Fees (INR)

Russia

2,00,000 – 4,28,000

Kazakhstan

3,78,000 – 5,88,000

Bangladesh

5,88,000 – 8,04,000

China

2,50,000 – 5,00,000

Kyrgyzstan

2,10,000 – 3,36,000

Philippines

3,00,000 – 6,10,000

UK

20,00,000 – 60,00,000

USA

Approx 43,00,000

Course Duration and MBBS Internship Abroad

The duration of MBBS in India is different from the total duration of doing MBBS abroad. For different countries, the total MBBS duration and internship period is as follows:

Country/Region

Duration (Years)

India

5.5 (including 1-year internship)

Russia

6

China

6

Philippines

5.5

Bangladesh

5

UK

5 – 6

USA

4 (post-bachelor's)

Note: Some countries also offer MBBS internships abroad, offering real-time work experience to medical students.

Medical Licensing Exams for MBBS Abroad and for India

If you have studied MBBS abroad and want to practice in India, then you are required to give the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination). It is the main licensing exam in India for MBBS aspirants. On the other hand, for different countries, there are different medical licensing exams after MBBS abroad that you must clear.

Medical licensing exams in different countries

Country

Medical Licensing Exams Name

India

FMGE

USA

USMLE

UK

UKMLA (PLAB)

United Arab Emirates

DHA

Australia

AMC

Abu Dhabi

HAAD

UAE

MOH

Bahrain

BMLE

Canada

MCCQE

New Zealand

NZREX

Spain

MIR

Korea

KMLE

There are some countries, such as Kenya, Zambia, and Malawi where you can practice medicine without giving any medical licensing exam.

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Medical Education Comparison & Job Opportunities After MBBS

Talking of the quality of medical education in India vs abroad, the Indian standard is highly reputed. However, the top medical colleges in the world match or exceed the Indian standard, overtaking in terms of research facilities and job opportunities after doing MBBS. The career scope after MBBS in India include government jobs, pursuing postgraduate education, or practicing privately, while students who do MBBS abroad can do the same jobs abroad or return to India after clearing FMGE and practice here.

Here is a major breakdown of the Post-MBBS opportunities in India and abroad after MBBS and their salaries.

Career Outcome

After MBBS in India (Working in India)

After MBBS Abroad (Working in India)

After MBBS Abroad (Working Abroad)

Govt Doctor (India)

₹80K – ₹1.25L/month

₹80K – ₹1.25L/month (after NExT)

Residency (During PG)

₹65K – ₹90K/month

₹65K – ₹90K/month (if PG done in India)

₹2.8L – ₹7.5L/month

(US/UK/EU PG/Residency)

Post-PG Specialist

₹1L – ₹4L+/month

₹1L – ₹4L+/month (if practicing in India)

₹3.5L – ₹8L+/month

(e.g., US board-certified doctors)

Private Hospital (General Physician)

₹60K – ₹1.5L/month

₹60K – ₹1.5L/month

₹3L – ₹5L/month

(e.g., UAE, Australia, UK)

Self-Practice / Clinic

₹50K – ₹3L+/month

₹50K – ₹3L+/month (after NExT & MCI/NMC reg.)

₹5L – ₹10L+/month (licensed GP/Specialist abroad)

Public Health / NGO / Research

₹1L – ₹2.5L/month

₹1L – ₹2.5L/month

₹2L – ₹5L/month (WHO, CDC, NHS, research orgs)

Higher Studies (MPH, MBA, MSc, etc.)

₹40K – ₹1L/month (stipend/scholarship)

₹40K – ₹1L/month (if studied in India)

₹1L – ₹2L/month (scholarship abroad)

Pros and Cons of Studying MBBS in India vs MBBS Abroad

These are the advantages and disadvantages of studying MBBS in India and MBBS abroad:

Factor

Pros

Cons

MBBS in India

  • Affordable tuition fees in government medical colleges

  • No language barrier

  • No Licensing exam required

  • Convenient transition to healthcare system

  • Expensive private tuition

  • Fierce competition; limited seats

  • Limited global exposure

MBBS Abroad

  • Easier admission

  • Lower costs in some countries like Russia, Georgia, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan

  • Global clinical experience

  • Must pass FMGE

  • Language barrier

  • Difficult transition to healthcare system

  • Other additional costs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is better, MBBS in India or abroad?

There are advantages and disadvantages for both MBBS in India and abroad. Doing MBBS abroad can be affordable and offers global exposure, while doing MBBS in India can provide an easier transition to the healthcare system and better clinical training.

2. Is it better to be a doctor in India or abroad?

It is better to be a doctor abroad because it is much easier to recoup the medical tuition fee with the earning potential abroad. It is also easier to get admission in MBBS abroad because there are no entrance exams like NEET that is a must in India.

3. What are the disadvantages of MBBS abroad?

Tuition fees and living expenses are some of the disadvantages of studying MBBS abroad. Other than these, students also face language barriers when they study abroad. 

4. Which country has the best scope for MBBS?

For Indian students who want to do MBBS abroad, countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, and Australia have the best scope for MBBS.

5. What is the success rate of NEET?

If you wish to get admission in a government medical college in India, then the success rate of NEET is around 4-5% for the seats.

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