Key Reasons for the Rise in MBBS Abroad Preferences:

Limited Seats in India – India has a severe shortage of MBBS seats compared to the number of NEET-qualified students. While over 20 lakh students appear for NEET annually, only around 1 lakh MBBS seats are available.

High Costs of Private Medical Colleges in India – Many private medical colleges in India charge exorbitant fees (₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore), whereas MBBS programs abroad (Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, etc.) are more affordable (₹20-40 lakh).

Relaxed Admission Requirements Abroad – Foreign medical universities have simpler admission processes, with lower cutoffs and no donation fees, making them attractive to students who struggle to secure government medical seats in India.

Quality Education & Global Exposure – Many universities abroad offer modern infrastructure, global curriculum, and international exposure, preparing students for competitive medical careers.

Increase in Government Regulations – Since 2018, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has mandated NEET qualification for MBBS abroad aspirants, making overseas medical education a structured and recognized path.

Rise in Awareness & Success Stories – More Indian students who pursued MBBS abroad are successfully clearing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or National Exit Test (NEXT), proving that foreign medical education can be a viable route.

Recent Surge in 2022-2024

The Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 disrupted medical studies for thousands of Indian students, highlighting how many were already pursuing MBBS in these regions.

The 2023-24 NEET cutthroat competition has pushed more students to explore options in Russia, China, Georgia, and the Philippines.

The NMC’s new FMGE rules have made it mandatory for students to choose only WHO-recognized and NMC-approved universities, further shaping student preferences.

Since 2015, there has been a continuous rise in students opting for MBBS abroad due to affordability, easier admission processes, and global exposure. With increasing competition in India, this trend is expected to grow further in the coming years.

Top Preferred Destinations & Universities for MBBS Abroad (2024)

With increasing competition in NEET and the high cost of private medical colleges in India, many students are opting for MBBS programs abroad. Below are the most preferred countries and their top universities for Indian students.

Let us discuss few preferred destinations of MBBS students

🌍 Top Destinations for MBBS Abroad

1️. Russia

• Affordable tuition fees (₹20-35 lakh total cost)
• WHO & NMC-recognized universities
• High FMGE pass rate compared to other countries
• English-medium programs available

Top Universities in Russia:

• Moscow State Medical University
• Kazan Federal University
• Petersburg State Medical University
• People’s Friendship University
• Crimea Federal University

2️. China

• Advanced medical infrastructure & technology
• Low tuition fees (₹15-30 lakh total cost)
• International recognition & WHO-approved
• Government-funded universities with high global rankings

Top Universities in China:

• Peking University Health Science Center
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
• Zhejiang University School of Medicine
• Nanjing Medical University
• Wuhan University School of Medicine

3️. Philippines

• USA-based medical curriculum
• English is the official language
• High FMGE/NEXT success rate for Indian students
• Affordable tuition fees (₹25-35 lakh total cost)

 Top Universities in Philippines:

• Davao Medical School Foundation
• Cebu Institute of Medicine
• University of Santo Tomas
• University of the Philippines College of Medicine
• AMA School of Medicine

4️ Georgia

• European-style education at affordable costs
• WHO, NMC, and ECFMG recognized
• Simple admission process, no entrance exams
• Growing popularity among Indian students

🔹 Top Universities in Georgia:

• Tbilisi State Medical University
• European University
• Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University
• New Vision University
• David Tvildiani Medical University

5️. Kazakhstan

• Very affordable (₹15-25 lakh total cost)
• Good FMGE passing percentage
• Similar climatic & cultural conditions as India

🔹 Top Universities in Kazakhstan:

• Astana Medical University
• Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
• Kazakh National Medical University
• Karaganda State Medical University
• South Kazakhstan Medical Academy

6️. Uzbekistan

• Budget-friendly education (₹15-20 lakh total cost)
• Fast-growing medical education hub
• Simple admission process

🔹 Top Universities in Uzbekistan:

• Tashkent Medical Academy
• Samarkand State Medical Institute
• Bukhara State Medical Institute

Supreme Court’s Recent Verdict

In a recent hearing, the Supreme Court addressed the concerns of students who wish to study MBBS abroad but have faced hurdles due to NEET eligibility restrictions. The ruling has provided clarity on whether students who did not qualify NEET can still pursue medical education overseas and the conditions under which they may be permitted to do so.

Key Takeaways from the Verdict:

NEET Qualifying Requirement: The Supreme Court reaffirmed that NEET remains a mandatory requirement for Indian students to obtain an Eligibility Certificate for studying MBBS abroad.

Relaxations and Exceptions: The court addressed special cases where students may be given a second opportunity to qualify NEET or seek conditional approvals for foreign medical studies.

Impact on Current & Future Students: Students planning to study MBBS abroad must be aware of the legal standing and requirements before applying to foreign universities.

Implications of the Ruling

This decision impacts multiple stakeholders, including students, medical institutions abroad, and licensing authorities in India.

For Students: Those who failed to clear NEET in previous attempts need to plan accordingly, either by retaking the exam or seeking clarifications on alternative pathways.

For Foreign Universities: Institutions accepting Indian students must ensure compliance with Indian regulations to avoid complications during licensing procedures.

For Licensing in India: Graduates who studied abroad without meeting the NEET eligibility criteria may face challenges when appearing for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to practice in India.

What Should Students Do Next?

Check NEET Status: Ensure you have a valid NEET qualification before applying to foreign universities.

Stay Updated: Keep track of further legal updates and notifications from the National Medical Commission (NMC).

Consult Experts: Seek professional advice from education consultants or legal experts for guidance on MBBS admissions abroad.

Final Thoughts

The Supreme Court’s decision reinforces the importance of NEET as a standard criterion for medical education aspirants. Students planning to study MBBS abroad must stay informed and comply with legal and academic requirements to secure their future medical careers.