Where Are Indian Medical Aspirants Heading to? Top Countries and FMGE Realities

With limited government medical seats and skyrocketing costs of private medical colleges in India, thousands of Indian students are looking abroad to pursue their MBBS dreams. From Russia to the Philippines, several countries have emerged as popular destinations—but the journey back home often involves the hurdle of the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE).

This article explores the top countries Indian students choose for medical education, why they choose them, and what the FMGE success rate really looks like.

Why Indian Students Are Choosing to Study MBBS Abroad

India faces a huge demand-supply gap in medical education:

• Over 20 lakh students appeared for NEET-UG 2024

• Less than one lakh government MBBS seats are available

• Private medical colleges charge fees ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹1.5 crore

This imbalance has led many students to explore more affordable international options without compromising on the quality of education.

Top Countries for Indian Medical Aspirants

Here are the most popular destinations where Indian students head to for MBBS degrees:

1. Russia

• Duration: 6 years (including internship)

• Medium: English in most top universities

• Avg. Cost: ₹18–30 lakh

• Recognition: NMC-approved universities available

2. Philippines

• Duration: 5.5 years (including BS + MD)

• Medium: English

• Avg. Cost: ₹25–35 lakh

• US-based curriculum, strong clinical exposure

3. Ukraine (Pre-2022)

• Once popular, now disrupted due to war

• Many students have shifted to other countries

4. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

• Duration: 5–6 years

• Cost-effective: ₹12–20 lakh

• Moderate FMGE pass rates

5. Georgia

• Duration: 6 years

• Avg. Cost: ₹30–40 lakh

• English-medium, recognized universities

6. China

• Duration: 6 years

• Cost: ₹25–35 lakh

• Limited English seats, some restrictions post-pandemic

7. Bangladesh

• Duration: 5 years + 1-year internship

• Cost: ₹25–35 lakh

• High FMGE pass rate due to similar curriculum and disease profile

FMGE: The Real Test for Indian MBBS Graduates Abroad

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), is mandatory for Indian citizens with foreign medical degrees to practice in India.

FMGE Pass Rate (Recent Trends):

Key Challenges:

• Curriculum differences from Indian MBBS

• Language barriers during clinical training

• Lack of adequate FMGE-focused coaching abroad

• Lower quality of education in unrecognized institutions

NMC Guidelines for Medical Study Abroad (2021 Update)

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has updated its guidelines for Indian students pursuing MBBS abroad:

• Minimum course duration: 54 months + 12-month internship

• Mandatory subjects aligned with Indian curriculum

• Internship must be completed in the same country of education

• Compulsory National Exit Test (NExT) from 2025 onwards

Always check whether a foreign university is NMC-approved before applying.

Things to Consider Before Choosing MBBS Abroad

• Check FMGE performance history of the university

• Ensure English-medium instruction and adequate clinical exposure

• Verify NMC approval status

• Consider long-term goals (e.g., PG in India or abroad)

• Evaluate cost vs quality of education

Final Thoughts

Studying MBBS abroad can be a rewarding path—but only if chosen wisely. While countries like Russia, Bangladesh, and the Philippines offer affordable and quality options, students must be prepared for the challenges of FMGE and the evolving NMC regulations.

Success abroad doesn't end with earning a degree—it’s about ensuring eligibility to practice medicine back in India or globally. Diligent research, early preparation, and informed decision-making are key.