In the past few years, an increasing proportion of medical students have decided to pursue their studies internationally. This is a result of India’s high competition for medical education, with over 1.5 million students sitting for the NEET exam annually and competing for just 100,000 MBBS vacancies. 

Obtaining a government seat is quite difficult, and private medical colleges have high fees, sometimes reaching crores. Almost 50% of those seats are allocated under different quotas, which makes the competition even less.

As a result, many students ask, “Is it better to pursue MBBS abroad?” Reasons like cost, availability of seats, and international exposure make studying abroad more attractive, motivating a lot of students to seek a medical career by pursuing an MBBS outside India. 

NxtGen Education is a top abroad consulting agency in India that helps students navigate through the long and complicated process of acquiring a medical education.

Comparison Between Studying MBBS in India vs MBBS Abroad

The choice of where to obtain an MBBS degree is a significant decision for students. Moving forward with a degree in India is not the same as pursuing an MBBS degree abroad in regard to fee structure, duration of study, processes of arrival at admission and lifestyle. 

Here is a basic comparison for your better understanding.

Point of Comparison	MBBS in India	MBBS Abroad
Duration	5.5 years (including internship).	5 to 6 years.
Admission Process	The NEET exam is compulsory.	Some require entrance tests.
Course Curriculum	Set by Indian medical education guidelines.	It can differ based on the country.
Language of Instruction	English.	Mostly English or local language.
Recognition	Recognised by NMC (India).	Recognised by WHO and sometimes NMC.
Internship Duration	1 year.	It may vary from 1 to 2 years.
Internship Location	Hospitals in India.	Hospitals abroad or India.
Alumni Network	Strong in India.	Growing Internationally.
Opportunities for Research	Limited in some colleges.	Better in some foreign universities.

6 Benefits of Studying in India vs Abroad

For students aspiring to be medical professionals, pursuing an MBBS degree is a major decision to make. Although India has a number of well-known medical colleges, a good proportion of students also prefer going abroad for several other reasons. 

In this case, NxtGen Education present a comparative analysis on why pursuing MBBS in India and abroad is advantageous, taking into consideration factors like expenses, infrastructure, and international exposure.

1. Affordable Education

Studying medicine in India will be cost-effective because the cost of studying and living in India, especially in government colleges or universities, can be very cheap; you will pay reasonably low fees and living costs. Studying abroad will have extra costs that could add additional travel, accommodation and living costs, even though the cost of tuition is the same or less. Overall, it is more cost-effective for students.

2. Cultural Exposure

Students who study abroad have the chance to explore various customs and cultures. A student’s viewpoints may shift, and their communication abilities may improve as a result of this exposure, increasing their adaptability for future medical careers.

3. Global Recognition

MBBS degrees from many universities abroad are world-recognised, and MBBS graduates can practice medicine across many countries after clearing specific licensing examinations. 

4. MCI and NMC Recognition

If students obtain their MBBS degree from a foreign university that the Medical Council of India (MCI) or National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved, only then they can practice in India after securing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or National Exit Test (NExT). 

5. Living and Lifestyle Differences

Studying abroad will be a great challenge and experience, in regards to being abroad builds independence and problem solving, which can be assets as a future doctor. And on the other hand, studying in India keeps students connected to their families and culture. 

6. Practical Training and Internship

Indian medical colleges offer significant practical experience through clinical clerkships in hospitals; they are guaranteed to gain direct experience in healthcare cases. 

MBBS Eligibility Criteria: India vs Abroad (2025–2026)

If you’re considering studying MBBS anywhere in India or abroad, you need to understand the qualifications and requirements for eligibility. Although both plans require NEET qualification, the limits on age, scores, and other such differences must be better understood. 

The following is a summary comparison in order to make a selection.

MBBS in India	MBBS Abroad
Must be at least 17 years old by the 31st of December of the year of admission.	The minimum age is usually 17 years at admission.
Must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.	Passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Minimum 40% for reserved category (SC/ST/OBC).	Reserved category criteria also depend on the university or country.
Must qualify NEET UG exam to seek admission.	Qualified NEET is also required for Indian students going abroad.
Admissions are to be done through counselling either state or all-India.	Admissions are also done through a process of the university or the embassy.
Minimum 50% aggregate in PCB for the general category.	Minimum 50% aggregate marks in PCB (varies by country).
Students must register with the Medical Council of India after graduation.	Must clear FMGE/NExT exam after return to India for practice.

Admission Process: MBBS in India vs MBBS Abroad (2025-2026)

India and abroad have different processes for admission. Understanding each step will help you prepare. This guide outlines the step-by-step process simply and clearly for MBBS admission in India and abroad in 2025-2026.

MBBS Admission Process in India (2025-2026)

1. Check Eligibility for the NEET UG Exam: Students must pass the 12th class with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

2. Register for the NEET UG Exam: Fill out the NEET application form on the official website of NTA.

3. Prepare for the NEET UG Exam: Study the NEET Syllabus and diagnose previous papers.

4. Appear for the NEET UG Exam: Take the NEET UG exam in the exam centre of your choice.

5. Check NEET UG Result: Check your NEET score at the NTA NEET official result portal.

6. Take Part in the Counselling Process: Register for counselling rounds such as AIQ, state, or private counselling.

7. Choose a Medical College in Counselling: The medical college of your choice depends on the NEET rank.
8. Document Verification Process: Submit documents for verification as part of counselling.

9. Pay Medical Admission Fees: Acknowledge the process by paying the college admission fees to confirm the MBBS seat.

10. Join the Medical College: Fulfil the remaining formalities required to join the medical college as per the time.

MBBS Admission Process in Abroad (2025-2026)

1. Decide on the Country for MBBS: Select a country based on cost, quality, and language.

2. Check Admission Eligibility: 10+2 (12th) with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) and the required marks in your selected country.

3. Language Proficiency tests: Complete an IELTS or TOEFL or other tests if required.

4. Entrance Exams (if needed): All specific countries will require entrance exams in some form, for instance- UKCAT, UCAT, etc.

5. Apply to the University: University applications are completed directly to the chosen university.

6. Receive Offer Letter: Wait for your offer letter from your selected university.

7. Pay Admission Education Fee: You pay the admission fee to secure your MBBS seat.

8. Apply for a Student Visa: Submit a Visa application with specified documents.

9. Travel to University Country: Once you receive your student visa, you will prepare to book your flight tickets to your university in the reference country.

10. Join the Medical University: Complete all formalities and join the MBBS program.

Cost of Studying MBBS in India vs Abroad

Fees for MBBS studies in India differ greatly between government and private colleges in the academic year 2025–2026. When pursuing an MBBS abroad, there are many different alternatives at differing prices. In India, government colleges are cheap but quite competitive, whereas private colleges and foreign ones offer other sorts of considerations. 

MBBS in India: Cost Overview

1. Government Medical Colleges

• Tuition Fees: ₹6,000 to ₹1,00,000 per year.

• Hostel & Living: ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per year.

• Total 5-Year Cost: Approximately ₹30,000 to ₹5,00,000.

2. Private Medical Colleges

• Tuition Fees: ₹4,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 per year.

• Hostel & Living: ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 per year.

• Total 5-Year Cost: Approximately ₹25,00,000 to ₹1,00,00,000

MBBS in Abroad: Cost Overview

1. Affordable Destinations

• Countries: Georgia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Egypt.

• Tuition Fees: $3,800 to $6,500 per year (~₹3,00,000 to ₹5,50,000).

• Hostel & Living: $800 to $2,000 per year (~₹65,000 to ₹1,60,000).

• Total 5-Year Cost: Approximately ₹20,00,000 to ₹35,00,000.

2. Premium Destinations

• Countries: USA, UK, Australia.

• Tuition Fees: $200,000 to $300,000 (~₹1.6 to ₹2.4 crore).

• Additional Costs: Living expenses, insurance, and other fees.

• Total 5-Year Cost: Approximately ₹1.8 to ₹2.5 crore.

Entrance Exam Required: MBBS in India vs Abroad

For Indian students to enter into MBBS courses for the academic years 2025–2026, NEET UG examinations will have to be cleared, whether studied in India or abroad for a greater MBBS. Many NEET manuals are not only common in Indian medical colleges, but they are also common among foreign institutes of study, particularly for students who wish to pursue medicine in India following their studies.

MBBS in India: Entrance Exam

• NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers the NEET UG exam, which is the only entrance exam in India to train for an MBBS degree.

MBBS Abroad: Entrance Exams

The following entrance exams, depending on the country and university, will also be required for Indian students wishing to study MBBS abroad: 

• NEET UG: This is required for Indian students who want to pursue MBBS abroad and take the first Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) after returning to India.
• MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): Required by all medical schools in the United States and Canada.
• BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test): Accepted by a limited number of Universities in the UK and other countries.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Mainly required for all non-native English speakers to demonstrate their English language proficiency.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Another English language proficiency test used by many universities.
• University-Specific Entrance Examinations: Some countries and institutions, such as China, Russia, and Kazakhstan, may have their own Entrance Exams or admission criteria.

List of Top MBBS Colleges in India vs Abroad

In India, many institutions like AIIMS and CMC provide world-class education with elite and strict entrance exams. Countries like Georgia and Russia also provide quality medical education and have relatively easier admissions. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks. 

Top MBBS Colleges in India

The best medical colleges in India, according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), are:

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi

• Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh

• Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore

• National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru

• Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry

• Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow

• Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (IMS-BHU), Varanasi

• Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore

• Kasturba Medical College, Manipal

• Madras Medical College, Chennai

Top MBBS Universities Abroad

Georgia:

• Tbilisi State Medical University
• Ilia State University
• Georgian National University SEU
• Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University
• Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

Russia:

• Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
• Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)
• First Moscow State Medical University
• Orel State University Medical Institute
• Kazan State Medical University

Kazakhstan:

• Kokshetau State University
• Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
• Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University
• Semey State Medical University
• Astana Medical University

Final Words

Pursuing an MBBS abroad degree offers Indian students top opportunity to acquire a medical education from top abroad universities in lower prices. Some countries like Russia, Georgia, Egypt, and China have the best medical universities. With the support of the NxtGen Education consulting agency, students can get the best career guidance that meets students expectations.