How to do an MBBS in India: fees, seats, and colleges

India is now a popular destination for students who want to study medicine. The MBBS degree is still considered the most honorable undergraduate medical qualification in the country. Getting accepted into medical school in India means competing, seeking out opportunities and facing obstacles. This article provides information about all aspects of an MBBS in India such as MBBS fees in India,  total MBBS seats in India, top best MBBS colleges in India, MBBS duration in India, and the MBBS doctor salary in India.

Eligibility and Entrance Exams

In order to pursue MBBS in India, students must pass certain eligibility criteria.

• It is necessary to complete 10+2 or any other equivalent board, having Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English as subjects.
• To be qualified, candidates need to get at least 50% marks (40% marks for SC/ST/OBC).
• Applicants must do well on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), as it allows you to get admitted at any government and private medical college in the country based on your score and rank.

Qualifying for NEET is very challenging. In 2025, there were over 23 lakh candidates who registered for NEET which suggests that it is one of the toughest exams in the nation.

MBBS Duration in India

Students study MBBS in India for almost 5.5 years and this period is divided as follows:

• 4.5 years of academic study
• 1 year of mandatory internship
   

There are nine semesters in the academic part, focused on subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology and so on. As an intern, you must complete the necessary rotations in different departments including medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics and community medicine.

Total MBBS Seats in India

At present, India offers approximately 1,10,000 MBBS seats which are distributed in government and private colleges. This is the breakdown of the seats:

• There are around 55,000 seats in government colleges.
• There are almost 55,000 seats available in the private colleges and deemed universities.

The seats have increased because the Indian government has worked to develop better medical services and access to education for all.

Total Government MBBS Seats in India

The total government MBBS seats in India are highly competitive due to their lower fees and modern facilities. Right now, approximately 55,000 seats are available in government medical colleges. There is a lot of competition for these seats, because the cost of MBBS in private medical colleges is quite high .

The seats are allocated according to the NEET-UG scores, with 15% through All India Quota and 85% through the State Quota.

MBBS Fees in India

1. MBBS Fees in Government Colleges

For government colleges in India, the first-year minimum fees for MBBS in government colleges can be as little as Rs 10,000 or as much as Rs 1 lakh, depending on the state. For example:

• For AIIMS Delhi, the cost per year is Rs 1,628.
• Rs 4,445 is the fee for Maulana Azad Medical College each year.
• Rs 23,000 per year is the fee for Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram.

Because of this, government schools are the best choice for those who want to study MBBS in India.

2. MBBS Fees in Private Colleges

The minimum fees for MBBS in India in private college may cost Rs 6 lakh to Rs 25 lakh per year. There are universities that charge exceptionally high fees as well.

Examples:

• At Kasturba Medical College (Manipal), the tuition fees are Rs 17 lakh per year.
• SRM Medical College charges Rs 23 lakh every year.
• DY Patil Medical College in Pune requires Rs 24 lakh per year.

Many students choose to study in a government medical college because the MBBS fees in India for private colleges is very high.

Top Best MBBS Colleges in India

There are many top medical colleges for MBBS in India that provide excellent education and clinical experience. Here are the most excellent MBBS colleges in India:

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi

It is famous for having many research facilities and affordable tuition costs.

Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune

Includes help with education costs and job security in the military or defense field.

Christian Medical College, Vellore

Well-known for excellent healthcare and services provided to people living in rural areas.

Maulana Azad Medical College is located in Delhi.

Part of the University of Delhi; recognized for being academic excellence.

King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow

Renowned government college that offers great opportunities for clinical practice.

JIPMER, Puducherry

An autonomous institute with an unique entrance exam merged with NEET.

B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad

This is one of the earliest and most esteemed government colleges in western India.

You can only gain entry into these colleges by performing well in NEET and having high academic marks.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Several states and central schemes offer scholarships to meritorious and economically backward students pursuing MBBS in India. Institutions like AIIMS and CMC offer need-based scholarships. Various NGOs also support medical aspirants from underprivileged backgrounds.

Career Path and MBBS Doctor Salary in India

Once they finish MBBS in India, students can pick from various options.

• Gain experience by practicing as a general physician.
• Look into pursuing post-graduation study programs (MD/MS).
• Start preparing for important licensing exams such as USMLE or PLAB.
• Become a member of public health organizations or NGOs.

How much is the MBBS Doctors salary in India?

The amount earned by a MBBS doctor salary in India depends on how much experience they have, where they work and their specialty.

• At government hospitals, you can expect to get around Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,20,000 every month.
• A private hospital may pay between Rs 30,000 and Rs 1,50,000 a month.
• In rural areas, you can make Rs 50,000 to Rs 80,000 per month, with special incentives.
• In the clinic/during self-practice, a doctor’s income is influenced by various factors such as location and the number of patients they see on a daily basis.

Specialization in medicine (MD/MS) can bring a higher income to doctors.

Challenges in Pursuing MBBS in India

Although MBBS in India gives students excellent career opportunities, they might encounter the following difficulties:

• Strong competition between many candidates for a limited number of seats
• Tuition fees in private colleges can be very high.
• The pressure of studying and the vast length of the course
• Not many seats are available in postgraduate courses.

By working hard and strategizing well, you can handle these challenges.

Conclusion

Pursuing an MBBS in India is a journey filled with hard work, resilience, and a passion for healing. With increasing total MBBS seats in India, the opportunity to study medicine has become more accessible, but competition remains stiff. Students aiming for a career in medicine must carefully evaluate their options, be well-informed about the MBBS fees in India, and work diligently to crack NEET.

Whether choosing a government institution for its affordability or a private college for its facilities, the end goal remains the same: to become a skilled and compassionate doctor. Understanding the MBBS duration in India, the MBBS doctor salary in India, and the role of scholarships can significantly aid in planning this journey.

For those who dream of wearing a white coat and making a difference, the path of MBBS in India is both rewarding and transformative.

FAQS:

1: What is the total number of MBBS seats in India in 2025?

As of 2025, there are approximately 1,10,000 MBBS seats in India, including both government and private medical colleges. Out of these, around 55,000 are government MBBS seats. The number may increase slightly each year as new colleges open and seat capacity expands.

2: What is the minimum fee for MBBS in a government college in India?

The minimum fees for MBBS in India in a government college can be as low as Rs 6,000 to Rs 30,000 per year, depending on the state and institution. For example, AIIMS charges around Rs 6,000 annually, making it one of the most affordable options.

3: What is the average salary of an MBBS doctor in India after graduation?

An MBBS doctor salary in India typically starts at Rs 30,000 to Rs 80,000 per month for fresh graduates. Those working in government hospitals or rural postings may earn up to Rs 1,20,000 with incentives. With experience and specialization, earnings can increase significantly.