In 2025, around 23 lakh students appeared for NEET, competing for around 1,18,000 MBBS seats across India. 23 lakhs students against 1,18,000 seats, making the exam highly competitive. Due to its hyper competitiveness many students consider studying MBBS abroad. With government college NEET Cutoffs above 650 and private college fees reaching up to ₹2 crore, the appeal of affordable, globally recognized degrees abroad is stronger than ever. In this blog we will discuss the reason for this shift, core benefits and requirements, as well as a detailed cost and access comparison.
Table of Contents
Why Indian Students Are Choosing MBBS Abroad
With only 8–10% of NEET aspirants securing a government MBBS seat, the competition is fierce. Beside this, education costs of private institution remain out of reach for most middle-class families. MBBS abroad offers an alternative with English-medium instruction, modern infrastructure, and international exposure. Countries such as Russia, Georgia, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan have experienced significant increases in Indian applicants in recent years. Among these candidates approximately 40% of outbound MBBS candidates are women.
Requirements & Admission Process
The admission process for MBBS abroad in 2025 is quite simple. Candidates willing to start their medical carrer abroad must meet the basic eligibility before taking admission:
- NEET qualification is mandatory (minimum 144 marks for General category).
- Candidates must class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English,
- The age of the candidates should be over 17.
- The degree should be from a World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)-listed university for Indian recognition.
After graduation, students who wish to practice in India need to pass the FMGE or NEXT licensing exam.
MBBS Abroad vs India: Fee and Competition Comparison
For Indian students, pursuing MBBS abroad can cut costs by more than half compared to private colleges in India while providing a modern, globally relevant education. Even when factoring in living expenses and licensing exams, the investment is significantly lower and the pathway more accessible for thousands of bright aspirants every year.
| Country/Region | Annual Fee (Abroad) | Total 6-Year Fee (Abroad) | Living Cost/Month | Indian Students Annually | NEET Requirement | FMGE Pass % (2024) |
| India Govt. | ₹20,000–₹1 lakh | ₹5–12 lakh | – | ~55,000 | 650+ (cutoff) | – |
| India Private | ₹10–25 lakh | ₹60 lakh–₹2 crore | – | ~45,000 | 300–600 | – |
| Russia | ₹2–5 lakh | ₹14–30 lakh | ₹15–22k | 8,000–12,000 | 144 (qualify only) | 18–22% |
| Georgia | ₹2.5–4.5 lakh | ₹15–25 lakh | ₹18–22k | 1,000+ | 144 | 15–20% |
| Kazakhstan | ₹2–3.5 lakh | ₹12–20 lakh | ₹13–18k | 3,000+ | 144 | 16–19% |
| Kyrgyzstan | ₹1.7–2.5 lakh | ₹10–16 lakh | ₹10–15k | 2,000–3,000 | 144 | 14–18% |
| Bangladesh | ₹4–6 lakh | ₹22–32 lakh | ₹10–15k | 5,000 | 144 | 35–40% |
| China | ₹3–6 lakh | ₹18–35 lakh | ₹14–18k | 5,000+ | 144 | 15–18% |
| Nepal | ₹4–6 lakh | ₹25–35 lakh | ₹12–18k | 6,000 | 144 | 30–35% |
| Middle East | ₹3–5 lakh | ₹20–30 lakh | ₹18–28k | 800–2,000 | 144 | 12–17% |
| Europe/Poland | ₹5–8 lakh | ₹30–45 lakh | ₹25–32k | <1,000 | 144 | 12–18% |
Recognition, Career Scope & Practice in India
MBBS degrees from abroad are recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), ECFMG (US), WHO, and GMC (UK), as long as the university is appropriately accredited. However, graduates must clear FMGE/NEXT for Indian practice after finishing their degree.
Bangladesh and Nepal have the highest FMGE success rates, while Russia and nearby nations lead in cost-efficiency and international diversity. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate opportunities or licensing in the US, UK, and other countries.
Final Thought- Is MBBS Abroad in 2025 Worth It?
For most Indian students, especially those from non-metro backgrounds, MBBS abroad provides a realistic, and affordable route to becoming a doctor. The pathway is pragmatic: direct admission with NEET qualification, globally recognized degrees, diverse peer groups, and lower financial burden, so long as families research university approvals and licensing rules thoroughly.
