MBBS in Abroad
THE EVOLUTION OF THE MBBS ABROAD IN INDIA
Studying MBBS in abroad is worth it. There are more medical seats. In India, the number of medical students applying for MBBS is much higher when compared. Infrastructure is very good and class strengths are much smaller abroad so children get individual attention, and perform well in their studies. As the students have time to study peacefully that is also an added advantage. The students become independent living away from home. A Doctor will have to be very independent and be ready to learn and become a confident person, making decisions on their own. Studying MBBS in Georgia is the best in fees and training.
Early Trends (Pre-2000s)
1. Limited Awareness & Few Destinations
Before the 2000s, very few Indian students opted for medical education abroad. Those who did primarily chose countries like Russia, Ukraine, China, and the Philippines. The key reasons were:
- Lack of affordable private medical colleges in India
- Limited government seats
- High acceptance rates in foreign universities
2. Preference for Russia & China
During this period, Russia and China were the most popular destinations due to their affordable education and government-backed universities. However, language barriers and curriculum differences posed challenges for Indian students.
2000s to 2010s: Growth and Expansion
1. Increased Outflow of Students
The number of Indian students studying MBBS abroad started rising sharply, driven by:
- Tougher NEET competition and low admission rates in India
- Affordable medical education in Eastern European and Asian countries
- Global recognition of foreign medical degrees.
2. Expansion of Study Destinations
During this period, new destinations emerged, including:
- Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia – These countries offered English-medium courses at lower costs.
- Philippines – Became popular due to its US-based curriculum and high FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) pass rates. However presently, Philippines MBBS is a grey area in India with the question whether the NMC (National Medical Council) of India recognizes it.
- Caribbean Countries – Private medical schools began offering pathways to the US and Canada.
3. Challenges Faced by Indian Students
Despite the increasing popularity, students faced several challenges:
- Language barriers in non-English speaking countries. However Georgia in East Europe has a good English-speaking population locally making this a very attractive proposition to Indian students.
- Differences in medical curriculum
- Low FMGE pass rates for some universities
- Lack of proper guidance from education consultants
2010s to 2020s: Regulations & Market Maturity
1. Rise in Regulatory Scrutiny
As the number of students going abroad increased, the Medical Council of India (MCI) introduced stricter guidelines, including:
- China (due to lockdowns and travel bans)
- Ukraine (due to war-related disruptions)
- Students had to return to India and struggled with online education and transfers to other countries.
2. COVID-19 Impact on MBBS Abroad (2020-2022)
The pandemic disrupted international travel and education, affecting thousands of Indian students in:
- China (due to lockdowns and travel bans)
- Ukraine (due to war-related disruptions)
- Students had to return to India and struggled with online education and transfers to other countries.
3. The Rise of NMC Guidelines & NEXT Exam (2023 Onwards)
The introduction of the National Medical Commission (NMC) replaced MCI, bringing new reforms:
- Mandatory 54-month course duration abroad
- Internship requirements aligned with Indian medical education
- NEXT (National Exit Test) replacing FMGE – A uniform licensure exam for Indian and foreign graduates
Future of MBBS Abroad for Indian Students
1. Emerging Destinations
New destinations such as Uzbekistan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Serbia, Egypt, and Bangladesh are gaining popularity due to affordable tuition, Indian curriculum alignment, and better clinical exposure.
2. Increasing Government Regulations
The Indian government is expected to introduce further regulations to ensure only recognized and high-quality foreign medical universities enroll Indian students.
3. Impact of NEXT Exam
With the NEXT exam becoming mandatory for all medical graduates (Indian and foreign), students will focus on universities that provide better preparation for this exam.
Conclusion:
The MBBS abroad trend has evolved significantly, offering new opportunities while also presenting regulatory challenges. Indian students must carefully research and choose universities with strong accreditation, English-medium instruction, and high FMGE/NEXT pass rates. As global medical education adapts to new challenges, MBBS abroad will continue to be a viable option for Indian students seeking affordable and quality medical education.