MBBS in India: A Comprehensive Guide For Indian Medical Aspirants

Medical education in India is a topic of great interest for the debaters; all thanks to the ever-increasing fierce competition in the medical sector of the country. Every year, lakhs of Indian students appear for the medical entrance examinations to secure a seat in the top medical colleges in India. However, to sheer dismay, only a small percentage of medical aspirants qualify for such exams. 

With the NEET UG exam just over a few days back and its result soon to be announced, the students from the science stream have accelerated their search for various medical colleges in India. Although their NEET score will significantly impact their admissions, they already want to know about the different medical institutions, their admission process, fee structures, eligibility criteria, and more. Every second counts when it comes to applying for admission to the best medical colleges in the country as thousands of NEET-qualified students will be sending out applications. So, speeding up the admission process is the key to acquiring admission to your dream colleges for medical education in India.

MBBS Course in India

A career in the field of medicine is the most sought-after profession for Indian students. A majority of the medical aspirants aspire to pursue MBBS in India from the top medical colleges and institutes to have a bright medical career ahead. 

What is MBBS?

MBBS, Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery, is a five-and-a-half-year undergraduate degree program in medicine offered to medical aspirants with a required NEET score. 

Who can apply?

Students with physics, chemistry, biology, and English a subject can apply for the MBBS program. The MBBS degree is mainly meant for students who want to be a physician.

What is the duration?

The entire duration of MBBS in India is 5.5 years including one year of rotatory internship.

What are the eligibility criteria for MBBS in India?

Candidates who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in medicine and a bachelor’s degree in surgery must fulfill the following conditions to get MBBS admission in India:
The minimum age requirement to appear for the NEET exam is 17 years. 

1. Scored at least 50% marks in 12th standards.
2. Candidates must pass the NEET exam.
3. Passed 12th standard with physics, chemistry and biology.
4. The maximum age to apply for the MBBS course in India is 25 years.

MBBS Specializations 

Indian medical colleges aim to provide state-of-the-art, growth-oriented education through their MBBS degree programs. With a rise in the requirement of medical professionals in the industry, the scope of growth is immense for the medical aspirants willing to pursue MBBS courses in India. Students can choose their preferred specialization in MBBS courses based on their interests and career goals. 

1. Ophthalmology: The MBBS course deals with the treatment of eye disorders and diseases.
2. General medicine: The study deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and cure of adult diseases.
3. General surgery: The MBBS degree course treats disorders of the esophagus, small bowel, stomach, liver, colon, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts, and sometimes the thyroid gland. 
4. Orthopedics: The study focuses on the treatment of diseases related to the skeletal system. 
5. Pediatrics: The MBBS course deals with the treatment of newborn babies and children. 
6. Obstetrics & Gynecology: The medical degree course helps in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders in the female reproductive systems of humans. 
7. ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat): The five-year degree course involves the treatment of disorders of the ear, nose, and throat.
8. Anaesthesiology: This MBBS specialization involves providing relief to the patients from the pain and includes complete care of the patient before, during, and after surgery. 
9. Psychiatry: The study of diagnoses and treating mental disorders.
10. Dermatology: This specialization in the MBBS course deals with the diagnosis and treatment of human skin problems. 

MBBS Seats in India Across 31 States & Union Territories

According to the data from the Medical Council of India and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the number of MBBS seats in the government medical colleges through NEET 2022 will be approx. 91,827. Below is the list of MBBS seats in government colleges across Indian cities and union territories based on the NEET 2022 exam. 

MBBS Seats in Private Medical Colleges in India

The number of MBBS seats in private medical colleges and institutes is determined by their authorities only. Have a look at the number of colleges and the seats available for MBBS courses.

Medical Entrance Exams in India

Getting into a good and top medical college in India to pursue MBBs requires a good NEET score. Previously, three medical entrance examinations in India decided the fate of aspiring medical students:

1. NEET (National Eligibility Entrance Test)
2. AIIMS (All India  Institute of Medical Science) entrance exam
3. JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of PG Medical Education & Research)

However, in 2022, the NEET exam became the standard medical entrance exam in India, and AIIMS and JIPMER came under the ambit of NEET from session 2021. Now, medical aspirants in India are required to only sit for the NEET exam to get into top medical colleges and institutions in India, including JIPMER and AIIMS. 

NEET (National Eligibility Entrance Test) – A Conclusive Analysis of 2021

Indian students aspiring to be reputed and successful medical professionals in India or abroad are required to clear the NEET exam with good scores. A high NEET score means getting MBBS admission to top medical colleges in India.

The detailed analysis of the previous years NEET exam will give medical aspirants a fair idea about the NEET 2022 trend and what they can expect from the NEET 2022 result.

NEET Exam Pattern

Note: Every subject will have 50 questions divided into section A (35 questions) and section B (15 questions). Attempt only 10 questions from section B.

MBBS Seats & Colleges under NEET 2021

NEET 2021 Cut-Off Of Top 10 Medical Colleges in India

NEET 2021 Cut-Off Marks of Qualified Candidates

Total MBBS Seats Available in AIIMS Across India

Earlier, medical aspirants were required to sit for an MBBS entrance examination to get admission to AIIMS. But from session 2021, students can only sit for the NEET UG exam and apply to AIIMS based on their NEET scores. 

Here are the total seat distributions and reservations in all the AIIMS in the country:

The above seats include the seats for the PwBD candidates in all the categories. 

Total Seat Distribution in JIPMER, Pondicherry and Karaikal

Previously, the Jawaharlal Institute of PG Medical Education & Research (JIPMER) conducted its medical entrance examination in the country. But from session 2021, the MBBS admissions to this medical institution will be done through the NEET UG exam. 

Below are the details of the seats and reservations in JIPMER at Puducherry and Karaikal:

Armed Forces Medical College, Pune

    
To secure a seat in Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, medical aspirants have to appear for the NEET UG exam followed by ToELR (Test of English Language, Comprehension, Logic, and Reasoning) and personal interview.

What is the selection process?

1. NEET qualifying candidates will go through a screening process.
2. Verification of documents.
3. ToELR test
4. Psychological Assessment Tes (PAT)
5. Personal interview by the board of officers.
6. Medical exam and medical board.

Seats Available and Cut Off

The total number of seats in AFMC is 150, which includes 115 boys, 30 girls, and 5 sponsored students.
The estimated number of students appearing for the selection process includes 1350 boys and 350 girls.

The Final Takeaway

Indian students always have a preference to secure a seat in the medical colleges in India and keep MBBS abroad as the last option in case they fail to acquire a seat. The detailed analysis will give a clear understanding to the MBBS aspirants about the seats available and what options are there for them in India.