MBBS in India: Everything You Need to Know Before Starting Your Medical Journey


Becoming a doctor is a dream for millions of students across the country. It’s a profession filled with respect, responsibility, and the chance to serve people. If you're a student in India looking to pursue MBBS in India, this guide is your complete roadmap.
Choosing to do MBBS in India can be a life-changing decision. The country has some of the world’s top medical colleges, competitive exams, and excellent clinical exposure. Let’s break it down step by step so it’s easy to understand and helps you make the right choice.
What Is MBBS in India?
MBBS in India stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. It is a 5.5-year undergraduate medical course, which includes one year of mandatory internship. This degree allows you to become a licensed medical practitioner.
Students who complete MBBS in India are eligible to work as doctors in hospitals, clinics, or even start their own practice.
Why Choose MBBS in India?
There are several reasons why students prefer MBBS in India over studying abroad:
High standard of education with globally recognized degrees
Exposure to a large and diverse patient base
Affordable fees in government colleges
Well-structured curriculum as per NMC (National Medical Commission) guidelines
Better preparation for PG exams like NEET PG, INI CET, or USMLE
Studying MBBS in India ensures you understand local health challenges and learn how to treat a wide variety of diseases under real conditions.
Types of Medical Colleges Offering MBBS in India
There are mainly two types of colleges that offer MBBS in India:
Government Medical Colleges
Highly affordable
Tough competition (high NEET scores needed)
Subsidized fees
Excellent faculty and infrastructure
Private Medical Colleges/Deemed Universities
Higher tuition fees
Easier cut-offs compared to government colleges
State-of-the-art infrastructure
Suitable for students who don’t get top NEET ranks
Some reputed private colleges also offer scholarships and installment-based fee payments.
Course Structure for MBBS in India
The MBBS in India course is designed to build your foundation in medical sciences and develop your clinical skills.
Duration:
- 4.5 years academic + 1-year internship = 5.5 years
Subjects Covered:
1st Year: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
2nd Year: Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine
3rd Year: Community Medicine, ENT, Ophthalmology
Final Year: Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Orthopedics, etc.
Internship:
You will spend the final year rotating through different departments in hospitals to gain hands-on experience.
NEET – The Only Entrance for MBBS in India
To get admission for MBBS in India, you must qualify the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test). This is a national-level exam conducted every year.
NEET Highlights:
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (class 11 & 12 level)
Mode: Offline (pen and paper)
Total Marks: 720
Minimum qualifying percentile: 50% (40% for reserved categories)
The NEET score is used for admission to all government, private, and deemed medical universities across the country.
Seat Distribution for MBBS in India
India offers around 1 lakh MBBS seats every year through NEET. Here's the breakdown:
All India Quota (AIQ): 15% seats in all government colleges
State Quota: 85% seats reserved for students of the respective state
Private Colleges: Fill seats through state counselling based on NEET
Deemed Universities: Participate in AIQ counselling
Best Medical Colleges for MBBS in India
Here are some of the top colleges where you can pursue MBBS in India:
AIIMS, Delhi
Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi
King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
JIPMER, Puducherry
Grant Medical College, Mumbai
These colleges have high rankings, expert faculty, and excellent placement records.
Life After Completing MBBS in India
After completing your MBBS in India, you have several career options:
Prepare for NEET PG and do MD/MS
Work as a house surgeon in government or private hospitals
Serve in rural healthcare services
Clear USMLE, PLAB, or NEXT to study or practice abroad
Start your own private clinic
Join government health services (through UPSC or State PSC)
Advantages of Studying MBBS in India
✅ Degrees are recognized globally
✅ Good clinical exposure and large patient base
✅ Easier to clear Indian licensing exams (no FMGE)
✅ Better understanding of Indian health issues
✅ No cultural/language barrier
✅ Smooth transition to PG courses in India
Should You Study MBBS in India or Abroad?
While studying abroad has its benefits (low fees, easy admission), many students still prefer MBBS in India because:
You don’t need to clear FMGE (for Indian colleges)
The system is familiar and comfortable
You get better access to PG exams and job opportunities in India
Clinical practice is in sync with Indian healthcare needs
Tips for Students Preparing for MBBS in India
Start NEET preparation early (preferably from class 11)
Focus more on NCERT books
Take mock tests and solve previous years’ NEET papers
Join a good coaching institute or online course
Keep a study schedule and stay consistent
Take care of your health and avoid stress
Final Words
Pursuing MBBS in India is a dream come true for many students. With proper planning, dedication, and hard work, you can secure a seat in a top medical college and build a bright future in medicine.
Whether you’re from a metro city or a small town, your journey toward becoming a doctor starts with the right knowledge—and you’ve just taken the first step.
Need Help?
We at AR Group of Education offer admission support, counseling, and documentation help for MBBS aspirants across India and abroad.
Feel free to contact us at:
523, 5th Floor, Wave Silver Tower, Sec-18 Noida, UP-201301
+91–7076909090
Subscribe to my newsletter
Read articles from vaishali argroupofeducation directly inside your inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter, and don't miss out.
Written by

vaishali argroupofeducation
vaishali argroupofeducation
Welcome to AR Group of Education, a prestigious educational consultancy that has been serving students since its inception in 2005. With our vast experienceand extensive network, we have established ourselves as a trusted giant in the field of education in India. Join hands with AR Group of Education and let us guide you towards a brighter future in the field of medicine. Contact us today for expert MBBS admission counseling services that you can trust.