MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) is India’s most popular undergraduate medical degree for students aspiring to become doctors. The programme is regulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and is offered by government, private, deemed, and AIIMS medical colleges across the country. Admission to MBBS is based solely on NEET UG, making it one of the most competitive entrance examinations in India.
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ToggleThe MBBS programme has a total duration of 5.5 years, consisting of 4.5 years of academic study followed by a 1-year Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI). During the course, students study basic medical sciences, para-clinical subjects, and clinical medicine while receiving practical training in hospitals. The curriculum emphasizes competency-based medical education, clinical skills, ethics, communication, and patient care.
After completing MBBS and the mandatory internship, graduates can register as medical practitioners, work in hospitals, pursue postgraduate courses such as MD, MS, or DNB, prepare for international licensing examinations like USMLE or PLAB, or enter research, public health, and healthcare administration. MBBS remains one of the most respected and rewarding professional courses in India due to its strong career prospects and societal impact.
Candidates can see a general outline of the MBBS course details below –
Particulars | MBBS Course Details |
|---|---|
MBBS Full Form | Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery |
MBBS Course Level | UG |
MBBS Course Type | Full-Time |
MBBS Course Duration | 5 years + 6 months internship |
MBBS Course Admission 2025 | Entrance-Based |
| MBBS Course Eligibility Criteria | – Class 12 in Science (PCB/Biotechnology – 17 years of age – Pass NEET |
Entrance Test for MBBS | |
MBBS Fees | Government: INR 10,000 – INR 50,000 per year Private: INR 3 Lakh – INR 25 Lakh per year  |
Top Colleges for the MBBS Course | Government – AIIMS Delhi, JIPMER, KGMU, AIIMS Rishikesh, etc. Private – CMC, KMC, SRIHER, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Poonamallee, etc. |
| Job Profiles after the MBBS Course | MBBS Doctors, Medical Surgeons, Medical Officers, Paediatricians, General Physicians, etc. |
| Average MBBS Salary | INR 2.5 LPA – INR 15 LPAÂ |
| Top Recruiters | Medanta Hospitals, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, Wockhardt Ltd, etc. |
Top Specialisations After MBBS | Medicine, General Surgery, Cardiology, Paediatrics, etc. |
As stated before, MBBS is a full-time degree course which is divided into nine semesters across 5.5 years and three phases. Also, you must know that the MBBS syllabus differs as per the universities the candidates are applying to.Â
The table below shows the semester-wise subjects taught in an MBBS course. The syllabus given below is a general outline of an MBBS course and may vary.
| MBBS Course – Semester 1 | |
|---|---|
| Anatomy | Physiology |
| Biochemistry | Pharmacology |
| MBBS Course – Semester 2 | |
| Pathology | Microbiology |
| Forensic Medicine | Community Medicine |
| MBBS Course – Semester 3 | |
| Anatomy | Physiology |
| Pharmacology | Pathology |
| MBBS Course – Semester 4 | |
| Microbiology | Biochemistry |
| Forensic Medicine | Community Medicine |
| MBBS Course – Semester 5 | |
| Medicine | Surgery |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology | Paediatrics |
| MBBS Course – Semester 6 | |
| Medicine | Surgery |
| Orthopedics | Ophthalmology |
| MBBS Course – Semester 7 | |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology | Paediatrics |
| Psychiatry | Dermatology |
| MBBS Course – Semester 8 | |
| Surgery | Â Orthopedics |
| Ophthalmology | ENT |
| MBBS Course – Semester 9 | |
| Medicine | Surgery |
| Paediatrics | Preventive and Social Medicine |
Candidates should know that eligibility can be different according to the courses. This is why they should check it. Failure to fulfill the eligibility can lead to cancellation of candidature for MBBS courses.
Candidates can see the general outline of the eligibility for MBBS degree below:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology & English |
| Minimum Marks | 50% (General), 40% (SC/ST/OBC), 45% (PwD) as per NEET rules |
| Entrance Exam | NEET UG (Mandatory) |
| Minimum Age | 17 Years as on 31st December of admission year |
| Nationality | Indian, NRI, OCI, PIO & Foreign Nationals (as per eligibility norms) |
Candidates can see a general outline of the admission process for MBBS courses below –Â
| Step | Admission Process |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Complete 10+2 with PCB and English. |
| Step 2 | Register and appear for NEET UG 2026. |
| Step 3 | Qualify NEET with the required cutoff percentile. |
| Step 4 | Register for MCC or State Counselling. |
| Step 5 | Fill preferred medical colleges and lock choices. |
| Step 6 | Receive seat allotment based on rank and category. |
| Step 7 | Complete document verification and fee payment. |
| Step 8 | Report to the allotted medical college and begin classes. |
Note:Â Admission process can be different according to colleges.
| College Type | Approximate Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| Government Medical Colleges | ₹10,000 – ₹2 Lakhs |
| Private Medical Colleges | ₹8 Lakhs – ₹30 Lakhs |
| Deemed Universities | ₹15 Lakhs – ₹35 Lakhs |
| AIIMS | ₹2,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Course | Duration |
|---|---|
| MD (Doctor of Medicine) | 3 Years |
| MS (Master of Surgery) | 3 Years |
| DNB | 3 Years |
| DM | 3 Years |
| M.Ch. | 3 Years |
| MPH | 2 Years |
The candidates in MBBS course can get different scholarships also. These are listed below –
MBBS Colleges | MBBS Scholarships |
|---|---|
AIIMS Delhi |
|
King George’s Medical University (KGMU) |
|
Madras Medical College |
|
St. John’s Medical College |
|
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal |
|
| Job Profile | Average Salary (India) |
|---|---|
| Medical Officer | ₹8–12 LPA |
| General Physician | ₹10–18 LPA |
| Resident Doctor | ₹8–15 LPA |
| Clinical Research Associate | ₹6–10 LPA |
| Hospital Administrator | ₹8–15 LPA |
| Public Health Specialist | ₹7–14 LPA |
NEET UG is the only exam that is accepted for MBBS courses. It is one of the most important exams in India and the toughest too. That is why it becomes important to stay updated with important dates of the exam for MBBS courses.
The NEET UG details can be seen in the table below –
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration | 08 Feb ’26 – 08 Mar ’26 |
| Intimation Slip | Apr ’26Â |
| Admit Card | May ’26 |
| Exam Date | 03 May ’26 |
| Result Date | Jun ’26Â |
| Counselling Round 1 | Aug ’26 |
| Counselling Round 2 | Aug ’26 |
| Counselling Round 1 | Sep ’26 |
| Counselling Online Stray Vacancy | Sep ’26 |
Curriculum for MBBS degree is divided into three phases – Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical and Clinical. MBBS courses are focused on theoretical as well as practical subjects with core and elective subjects which help candidates understand basic and deep concepts. Candidates should know that syllabus and curriculum for MBBS courses can be different according to colleges.Â
Candidates can see a general outline of MBBS course curriculum below –Â
Phase | Subjects |
|---|---|
Pre-Clinical (First Year) |
|
Para-Clinical (Second Year) |
|
Clinical (Third & Fourth Year) |
|
Specialisations are focused areas of education where one develops deeper knowledge of that topic/subject.
After a candidate has completed their MBBS degree education (which is a foundational level), they have many options to choose from in their PG level. In PG course level, candidates can choose from the following specialisations according to their liking –Â
| MD Specialisations After MBBS Course |
|---|
| MD in General Medicine |
| MD in Pediatrics |
| MD in Dermatology |
| MD in Radiodiagnosis |
| MD in Anaesthesiology |
| MS Specialisations After MBBS Course |
| MS in General Surgery |
| MS in Orthopaedics |
| MS in Obstetrics & Gynaecology |
| MS in ENT (Otorhinolaryngology) |
| MS in Ophthalmology |
Here are some of the top alternatives that candidates can go for rather than doing MBBS courses –Â
| Courses | Duration |
|---|---|
| BDS | 5 years |
| BAMS | 5.5 years |
| BHMS | 5.5 years |
| BVSc | 5 years |
Q1. What is the full form of MBBS?
MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.
Q2. What is the duration of the MBBS course?
The MBBS course duration is 5.5 years, including:
Q3. What is the eligibility for MBBS admission?
To pursue MBBS, students must:
Q4. Is NEET mandatory for MBBS?
Yes, NEET is mandatory in India and for studying MBBS abroad (for Indian students).
Q5. What subjects are taught in MBBS?
Key subjects include:
Q6. What is the average fee for MBBS in India?
Q7. What is the admission process for MBBS?
Q8. What are the career options after MBBS?
After MBBS, students can:
Q9. Can I do MBBS without NEET?
No, NEET qualification is compulsory for MBBS admission for Indian students.
Q10. Is internship compulsory in MBBS?
Yes, a 1-year rotating internship is mandatory to complete the degree.