Everything you wanted to know about the MBBS in India

There are many ambitious students who dream of pursuing MBBS in India. There are numerous medical colleges in India and a career in medicine brings success both in your profession and for those around you. We will discuss the MBBS journey in India, highlighting the cost of MBBS in India, MBBS fees in India, MBBS doctor salary in India, the total MBBS seats in India, some top best MBBS colleges in India and the time taken to complete the total MBBS duration in India. Both students and parents will find this guide useful when making decisions.

What Is MBBS?

The abbreviation MBBS means Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. This medical degree is given to students who have finished five and a half years of education, including a year of compulsory internship. The MBBS duration in India helps to prepare the future doctors by offering them both theoretical and practical knowledge.

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in India

Before applying for MBBS in India, applicants must satisfy the country’s eligibility requirements.

• It is necessary to have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English.
• It is required to get a minimum aggregate of 50% in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC).
• Need to qualify the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and cross the cutoff score.

MBBS Admission Process

There are also seats reserved for NRI candidates, economically weaker sections, and other categories based on the reservation policies.

Throughout India, the admission to MBBS courses takes place through a single exam known as NEET. When the results are announced, counseling is done in two categories:

1. All India Quota(AIQ): Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is responsible for handling the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats.
2. State Quota: Most seats or 85%, are managed by the relevant state authorities.

There are seats created for NRI candidates, people from the economically weaker section and candidates in other categories as per the set reservation policies.

Total MBBS Seats in India

There are currently at least 108,000+ total MBBS seats in India in 2025 that can be found in government, private and deemed universities. Each year, new colleges are added, resulting in a steady increase in the number. Here is how they are generally structured:

• There are ~55,000 seats in Government Medical Colleges.
• There are approximately ~53,000 seats at private/deemed universities.

The aim of this expansion is to lower the doctor-patient ratio for every doctor and increase the quality of healthcare throughout the nation.

Top Best MBBS Colleges in India

Picking the best college for you is very important. The top best MBBS colleges in India are ranked based on their strong academics, infrastructure, faculty and hands-on clinical training. The top five are mentioned here:

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
• Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore
• JIPMER, Puducherry
• BHU,Varanasi
• Kasturba Medical College (KMC) in Manipal

Getting into these colleges is highly challenging and needs outstanding NEET performance.

MBBS Duration in India

MBBS duration in India is 5.5 years long and consist of:

• In total, there are nine semesters over 4.5 years spent in academic study.
• 1 year of government-mandated medical internship in hospitals.

Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Surgery and other topics are taught to students in this course. You start getting practical and clinical experience right from the start, especially if you study in a highly renowned medical college.

Cost of MBBS in India

The cost of MBBS in India is not the same at every college.

• Costs at Government Colleges are between Rs 20,000 and Rs 1,00,000 every year.
• Fees for private colleges are between Rs 7 lakhs and Rs 25 lakhs a year.
• Deemed Universities: Total fees are almost Rs 30 lakhs per year

Government colleges have low fees, but the competition for admission in these colleges is difficult as there are only a few seats available. If you go to a private college, you can find more seats, but it usually costs more.

MBBS Fees in India

Understanding the MBBS fees in India is crucial for financial planning. Here's a general fee structure:

Life After MBBS – Career and Salary

After completing MBBS in India, doctors can choose several career paths.

• Pursuing postgraduate specialization (MD/MS)
• Work as a General Physician in a Clinic
• Apply at government or private hospitals.
• Conducting research and teaching

The MBBS doctor salary in India varies based on their years of experience, the location where they work and their role.

• For Fresh Graduates: Monthly Salary will be RS 30,000 – Rs 60,000
• Government Doctors are paid between Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,20,000 every month.
• The salary in the private sector ranges from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2,00,000 or more each month.

It is possible for specialists and super-specialists to earn significantly more.

Alternatives and Backup Options

Those who can’t study MBBS in India can choose to study in Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines and Georgia. Even though they are more budget-friendly than private medical colleges in India, students should still ensure that their university is certified by the NMC (National Medical Commission) and study hard for the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination).

Conclusion

The journey to becoming a doctor in India starts with understanding every aspect of the MBBS in India—from eligibility to admission, and from fees to future prospects. With increasing total MBBS seats in India, more students are getting opportunities, but the competition remains stiff.

Whether you're aiming for the top best MBBS colleges in India or planning your finances by understanding the cost of MBBS in India, this guide should serve as your go-to resource. Remember, the MBBS duration in India might be long and challenging, but with dedication and planning, a successful medical career awaits.

FAQS

1. What is the eligibility criteria for MBBS in India?

To pursue MBBS in India, a student must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, securing at least 50% marks in PCB (40% for reserved categories). Qualifying the NEET exam is mandatory for admission to any medical college.

2. What is the average cost of MBBS in India?

The cost of MBBS in India varies by institution type:

• Government colleges: Rs 20,000 to Rs 1 lakh per year
• Private colleges: Rs 7 to Rs 25 lakhs per year
• Deemed universities: Up to rs 30 lakhs per year
   

3. What is the salary of an MBBS doctor in India?

The MBBS doctor salary in India depends on experience, location, and sector:

• Fresh graduates earn Rs 30,000–Rs 60,000/month
• Government doctors earn Rs 60,000–Rs 1.2 lakh/month
• Private doctors or specialists can earn Rs 2 lakh/month or more

Also read:

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Education loan for MBBS in India

Scholarship for MBBS students in India