Last Updated on December 10, 2025 by Simran
The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) remains the most prestigious and competitive undergraduate medical degree in India, producing doctors who serve as the backbone of the nation’s healthcare system.
Recognized globally by WHO and the National Medical Commission (NMC), the 5.5-year program (4.5 years academics + 1-year compulsory rotating internship) equips students with comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy, pathology, clinical medicine, and surgical skills. With India having over 612 medical colleges offering approximately 1,08,000 MBBS seats in 2026 and more than 21 lakh aspirants appearing for NEET UG annually, securing admission is one of the toughest challenges for science students.
This definitive guide, based on official NMC, NTA, and NIRF 2025 data, covers every aspect of MBBS for the 2026 cycle – from eligibility to post-graduation opportunities – to help you make an informed decision.
MBBS Course Highlights
The MBBS program follows the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum introduced by the NMC in 2019 and fully implemented by 2026. It emphasizes early clinical exposure, skill-based training, and ethical practice, replacing the older rote-learning model. The course is divided into three phases – Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical – followed by a rigorous internship where students work as junior doctors under supervision, earning stipends of INR 20,000–35,000 per month.
| Aspect | Details |
| Duration | 5.5 years (4.5 years academics + 1-year compulsory rotating internship) |
| Total Seats (2026 Expected) | 1,08,000–1,10,000 across 612+ colleges |
| Regulatory Body | National Medical Commission (NMC) |
| Entrance Exam | NEET UG only (single national exam) |
| Average Fees | Government: INR 10,000–50,000/year | Private/Deemed: INR 10–28 lakhs/year |
| Avg Starting Salary | INR 6–12 LPA (government); INR 8–18 LPA (private hospitals) |
| Internship Stipend | INR 20,000–35,000 per month (state variation) |
| Global Recognition | WHO-listed; valid for USMLE, PLAB, AMC, MCC exams |
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS
Eligibility for MBBS in India is strictly governed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) Regulations 2023 to ensure only competent candidates enter the profession. The criteria are uniform across all 612 medical colleges, with no relaxation except for reserved categories and PwD.
| Criteria | General/OBC/EWS | SC/ST/OBC | PwD (All Categories) | NRI/Foreign |
| Minimum Age | 17 years by Dec 31, 2026 | Same | Same | Same |
| Upper Age Limit | No limit | No limit | No limit | No limit |
| 12th Board Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology + English | Same | Same | Same or equivalent |
| Minimum PCB % | 50% | 40% | 45% | No minimum (NEET score based) |
| NEET Qualifying Percentile | 50th percentile | 40th percentile | 45th percentile | 50th percentile (or institute criteria) |
| Attempts Allowed | No limit | No limit | No limit | No limit |
Detailed Breakdown
1. Academic Qualification & Compulsory Subjects
Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent (CBSE, ISC, State Boards, NIOS, open schooling) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. Biology and Biotechnology are interchangeable — if a candidate studied Biotechnology instead of Biology, they remain eligible. Additional subjects (e.g., Computer Science, Physical Education) are excluded from PCB percentage calculation. Practical marks are mandatory and included in aggregate. NMC allows only regular mode schooling; distance education not accepted.
2. Minimum Marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology)
The aggregate is calculated only from PCB theory + practical marks (not total percentage). For example, if a candidate scores 95/100 in Physics, 92/100 in Chemistry, 96/100 in Biology = 283/300 = 94.33% in PCB → eligible for General. Additional subjects like English or Maths are ignored for this calculation. NMC clarification 2024: Only best of Physics/Chemistry/Biology marks considered if multiple attempts.
3. Age Limit Rules
Minimum age: 17 years completed by December 31, 2026 (born on or before Dec 31, 2009). No upper age limit since Supreme Court judgment in 2018. Candidates aged 25+ (common among repeaters) are fully eligible. For NRI/Foreign nationals, same rules apply.
4. NEET UG Qualification Requirement
NEET is the sole entrance exam; no college can admit without valid NEET score (even private/deemed/NRI seats). Qualifying marks based on percentile, not absolute score. Expected 2026 cutoffs (based on 2025 trends):
- General/EWS: 50th percentile → ~720-164 marks
- OBC/SC/ST: 40th percentile → ~136-107 marks
- PwD: 45th percentile → ~136-121 marks
5. Special Provisions & Relaxations
- PwD Candidates: 5% seats reserved (horizontal); 40-70% benchmark disability with certificate from designated centers.
- J&K/Ladakh Migrants: Special quota in government colleges.
- NRI/OCI/PIO/Foreign: 15% seats in private/deemed; no PCB % required, only NEET qualification.
6. Documents Required for Eligibility Verification
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets & passing certificates
- NEET scorecard & admit card
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) from competent authority
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar card / ID proof
- Passport-size photographs
MBBS Specializations
MBBS itself is a general medical degree without formal specializations at the undergraduate level. However, the curriculum is structured in phases that provide deep exposure to all major branches, preparing students for postgraduate specialization (MD/MS/DNB) via NEET PG.
The clinical phase (Years 3–4.5) includes mandatory rotations in 19 departments, allowing students to identify interests early. While no official “specialization” exists in MBBS, colleges like AIIMS Delhi and CMC Vellore offer elective postings in super-specialties like cardiology, neurosurgery, or oncology during internship, giving a head start.
1. MD General Medicine
The most sought-after branch dealing with adult diseases — diabetes, hypertension, infections, cardiology, neurology, etc.
- Seats: ~12,000
- NEET PG Rank (General): 1–5,000
- Stipend: INR 80k–1.2L/month
- Post-PG Salary: INR 15–35 LPA (hospital), INR 1–3 Cr/year (private practice)
- Super-Specialty: Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Neurology
- Work Hours: High (emergencies common)
- Top Colleges: AIIMS Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, CMC Vellore
2. MS General Surgery
Core surgical branch covering abdomen, trauma, oncology, and minimally invasive procedures.
- Seats: ~8,000
- Rank: 2,000–10,000
- Salary: INR 18–40 LPA
- Super-Specialty: Surgical Gastroenterology, Plastic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Work Hours: Very high (OT + emergencies)
3. MD Radiodiagnosis (Radiology)
Highest-paying clinical branch — CT, MRI, interventional radiology.
- Seats: ~1,200
- Rank: 100–2,000
- Salary: INR 25–80 LPA (highest among all)
- Lifestyle: Excellent (9-5, no emergencies)
- Top Colleges: AIIMS Delhi, PGI, SGPGI Lucknow
4. MD Dermatology
Skin, hair, cosmetic, and venereal diseases — most competitive for lifestyle.
- Seats: ~600
- Rank: 500–3,000
- Salary: INR 30–1 Cr+ (cosmetic practice)
- Lifestyle: Best (OPD-based, high earnings)
5. MS Orthopedics
Bones, joints, trauma, spine, sports medicine.
- Seats: ~3,500
- Rank: 2,000–8,000
- Salary: INR 25–70 LPA
- Work: High (OT heavy)
6. MD Pediatrics
Child health from newborn to 18 years — neonatology, PICU.
- Seats: ~4,000
- Rank: 3,000–10,000
- Salary: INR 15–40 LPA
- Super-Specialty: Neonatology, Pediatric Cardiology
7. MS Obstetrics & Gynecology (OBGYN)
Women’s health, pregnancy, infertility, gynec oncology.
- Seats: ~3,500
- Rank: 5,000–15,000
- Salary: INR 18–50 LPA
- Work: High (deliveries, emergencies)
8. MD Psychiatry
Fastest-growing branch due to mental health awareness.
- Seats: ~1,000
- Rank: 8,000–20,000
- Salary: INR 15–40 LPA
- Lifestyle: Improving (OPD + therapy)
| Specialization | Seats | Rank Range (General) | Avg Salary (LPA) | Lifestyle Rating (1-10) | Growth 2026-30 |
| MD Radiodiagnosis | 1,200 | 100-2,000 | 25-80 | 9/10 | High |
| MD Dermatology | 600 | 500-3,000 | 30-100+ | 10/10 | Very High |
| MS Orthopedics | 3,500 | 2,000-8,000 | 25-70 | 6/10 | High |
| MD General Medicine | 12,000 | 1-5,000 | 15-35 | 5/10 | Moderate |
| MD Pediatrics | 4,000 | 3,000-10,000 | 15-40 | 6/10 | High |
Para-Clinical & Non-Clinical Specializations
Para-clinical and non-clinical specializations provide essential medical knowledge, diagnostics, and healthcare management skills without direct patient treatment responsibilities.
MD Pathology
Diagnosis via lab tests, histopathology, blood banking.
- Seats: ~2,500
- Rank: 15,000–40,000
- Salary: INR 12–30 LPA
- Lifestyle: Excellent (lab-based)
MD Microbiology
Infectious diseases, vaccines, hospital infection control.
- Salary: INR 10–25 LPA
- Future: High (post-COVID demand)
MD Community Medicine / PSM
Public health, epidemiology, policy.
- Salary: INR 10–20 LPA (govt/NGO)
- Best for UPSC/ WHO careers
MD Forensic Medicine
Medico-legal cases, autopsies.
- Salary: INR 10–18 LPA
- Lifestyle: Good (court duties)
Super-Specializations (DM/MCh after MD/MS)
3-year programs after MD/MS; highest earning potential.
- Cardiology (after Medicine): INR 40L–2 Cr+
- Neurology: INR 35L–1.5 Cr
- Neurosurgery (after Surgery): INR 50L–3 Cr
- Cardiac Surgery, Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology, Nephrology
Entrance Exams for MBBS
NEET UG is the sole entrance examination for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and veterinary courses in India, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Introduced in 2016 and fully implemented from 2020, it replaced multiple state and institute-level exams (including AIIMS & JIPMER own tests). For 2026,
| Aspect | Details |
| Exam Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Frequency | Once a year (single day, single shift) |
| Mode | Offline – Pen & Paper (OMR sheet) |
| Duration | 200 minutes (3 hours 20 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 200 (180 to be attempted) |
| Total Marks | 720 |
| Sections | Physics (50Q), Chemistry (50Q), Biology (100Q – Botany 50 + Zoology 50) |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, –1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted |
| Languages | 13 (English + 12 regional) |
| Expected Date 2026 | May 3, 2026 (first Sunday of May) |
| Registration Period | February – March 2026 |
| Registration Fee | INR 1,700 (General), INR 1,600 (OBC/EWS), INR 1,000 (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Result Declaration | By June 14, 2026 |
NEET UG 2026 Exam Pattern in Detail
The NEET UG pattern for 2026 follows the revised 2023-2025 structure with Section A (compulsory) and Section B (optional) in each subject. Candidates must attempt 180 out of 200 questions.
| Subject | Section A (Compulsory) | Section B (Optional – Attempt 10/15) | Total Questions to Attempt | Marks |
| Physics | 35 questions | 15 questions (attempt 10) | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 35 questions | 15 questions (attempt 10) | 45 | 180 |
| Biology (Botany + Zoology) | 50 questions (25 each) | 50 questions (25 each – attempt 40) | 90 | 360 |
| Total | 120 questions | 80 questions (attempt 60) | 180 | 720 |
Key Rules: • No sectional time limit (unlike JEE) – 200 minutes for all. • Negative marking: –1 for every wrong answer. • Tie-breaker: Biology > Chemistry > Physics marks, then fewer incorrect answers, then age (older preferred).
Qualifying Marks & Cutoff Trends
| Category | Percentile | 2025 Marks Range | 2026 Expected Marks Range |
| General/EWS | 50th | 720-164 | 720-170 |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40th | 163-127 | 165-130 |
| PwD (General) | 45th | 163-146 | 165-150 |
MBBS Syllabus
The MBBS syllabus in India follows the NMC’s Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum introduced in 2019, fully implemented by 2026 across all colleges. It is divided into three phases with integrated teaching, early clinical exposure from Year 1, and skill-based assessments (OSCE/OSPE).
| Phase | Duration | Subjects | Key Focus | Credits |
| Pre-Clinical (Phase I) | 1 year | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry | Human body structure, functions, molecular basis | 40 |
| Para-Clinical (Phase II) | 1 year | Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine (part) | Disease mechanisms, drugs, infections, medico-legal | 30 |
| Clinical (Phase III Part 1 & 2) | 2.5 years | Medicine, Surgery, OBGYN, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Radiology, Anesthesiology, Community Medicine | Patient care, diagnosis, treatment, surgery | 80 |
| Internship | 1 year | Rotational posting in 12 departments + electives | Real-world practice under supervision | N/A |
Phase-Wise MBBS Syllabus Breakdown
The Phase-Wise MBBS Syllabus Breakdown offers a clear overview of subjects, skills, and training covered across each stage of the medical program.
Pre-Clinical Phase (Phase I – 1st Year)
Duration: 12 months | Credits: ~40
Focus: Foundational sciences with early clinical exposure (10% time in wards).
| Subject | Key Topics | Hours (Theory + Practical) |
| Anatomy | Gross anatomy, Histology, Embryology, Neuroanatomy, Radiology basics | 650+ |
| Physiology | Cell physiology, Blood, Nerve-Muscle, CVS, Respiratory, Renal, GI, Endocrine, Reproduction | 480+ |
| Biochemistry | Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, Enzymes, Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Nutrition | 240+ |
| Early Clinical Exposure | History taking, basic examination, communication skills | 120 |
| AETCOM Module 1 | Doctor-patient relationship, ethics | 30 |
Para-Clinical Phase (Phase II – 2nd Year)
Duration: 12 months | Credits: ~30
Focus: Bridge between basic sciences and clinical medicine.
| Subject | Key Topics |
| Pathology | General & Systemic Pathology, Hematology, Clinical Pathology |
| Pharmacology | General Pharmacology, Systemic, Chemotherapy, Toxicology |
| Microbiology | Bacteriology, Virology, Parasitology, Mycology, Immunology |
| Forensic Medicine | Medico-legal autopsies, injuries, sexual offences, toxicology |
| Community Medicine (Part) | Epidemiology, Biostatistics, National Health Programs |
Clinical Phase (Phase III Part 1 & 2 – 3rd to 4.5 Years)
Duration: 30 months | Credits: ~80
Focus: Patient care with ward postings and OPD duties.
| Subject | Key Departments | Duration |
| General Medicine | Cardiology, Neurology, Nephrology, Endocrinology | 8 months |
| General Surgery | GI, Trauma, Oncology, Anesthesia | 8 months |
| Obstetrics & Gynecology | Antenatal, Labor, Family Planning | 4 months |
| Pediatrics | Neonatology, Growth & Development | 3 months |
| Orthopedics | Trauma, Joint replacement | 2 months |
| Ophthalmology | Cataract, Glaucoma, Retina | 1 month |
| ENT | Ear, Nose, Throat surgeries | 1 month |
| Psychiatry | Mood disorders, Substance abuse | 15 days |
| Dermatology | Skin infections, Cosmetic | 15 days |
| Community Medicine | Field visits, RCH, Epidemiology | 3 months |
Compulsory Rotational Internship (Year 5.5)
Duration: 12 months | Stipend: INR 20,000–35,000/month
| Department | Duration |
| Community Medicine | 3 months |
| Medicine (incl. Psychiatry) | 2 months |
| Surgery (incl. Ortho) | 2 months |
| OBGYN | 2 months |
| Pediatrics | 1 month |
| Ophthalmology | 15 days |
| ENT | 15 days |
| Casualty | 15 days |
| Electives | 3 months |
Admission Process for MBBS
The MBBS admission process in India 2026 is 100% centralized through NEET UG scores, followed by online counseling conducted by Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for 15% All India Quota, 100% seats in AIIMS/JIPMER/IPMER, and state authorities for 85% state quota. The process is fully online, transparent, and merit-based.
Step-by-Step MBBS Admission Process 2026
- NEET UG Registration (Feb-Mar 2026) Register on neet.nta.nic.in with Aadhaar. Upload photo, signature, Class 10 certificate. Fee: INR 1,700 (General), INR 1,000 (Reserved). Correction window: 10 days.
- NEET UG Exam (May 3, 2026) Appear at allotted centre. 200 questions (180 to attempt), 720 marks, 200 minutes. Result with All India Rank by June 14, 2026.
- NEET Result & Rank List (June 2026) Scorecard released; qualifying marks: 50th percentile General (~720-164), 40th reserved (~136-107). Tie-breaker: Biology > Chemistry > Physics > fewer wrong answers.
- MCC & State Counselling Registration (July 2026) Register separately on mcc.nic.in (AIQ) and state portals. Pay security deposit (INR 10k-2 lakhs, refundable). Upload NEET scorecard, documents via DigiLocker.
- Choice Filling & Locking (July-Aug 2026) Fill 1,000+ preferences (college + branch). Lock choices; auto-lock if not done. Seat matrix released before each round.
- Seat Allotment Rounds (Aug-Sep 2026) Round 1 → Round 2 → Round 3 → Round 4 → Mop-up → Stray Vacancy. Results on portal; accept/float/upgrade options.
- Reporting to College (within 7 days) Physical verification of originals, pay balance fees, join college. Failure = seat forfeiture + blacklist for next round.
Quota-Wise Seat Distribution
| Quota | Percentage | Seats (Approx.) | Counselling Body |
| All India Quota (AIQ) | 15% | 16,500 | MCC |
| State Quota | 85% | 93,500 | State authorities |
| NRI/Management (Private) | 15% (private only) | 8,000 | College-level |
| Central Universities (AIIMS, JIPMER) | 100% | 2,000+ | MCC |
Top MBBS Colleges with Cut Off 2026
India has 612 medical colleges (2025 data), with 108 new colleges added since 2014. Top colleges per NIRF 2025 Medical Ranking. Cutoffs are 2025 closing ranks (General, All India Quota); 2026 expected 5-10% higher. Fees are annual government quota (private/deemed higher).
| College Name | Total Seats | Cut Off (AIR General 2025) | Tuition Fees (INR /Year Govt Quota) | Avg Salary Post Internship (LPA) |
| AIIMS New Delhi | 132 | 57 | 1,628 | 12-18 |
| PGIMER Chandigarh | 103 | 277 | 2600 | 10-15 |
| CMC Vellore | 100 | 148 | 56000 | 8-12 |
| JIPMER Puducherry | 243 | 227 | 1200 | 10-14 |
| NIMHANS Bangalore | 20 | 259 | 10000 | 12-16 |
Best Government MBBS Colleges
Government colleges offer heavily subsidized education (INR 10k-1 lakh/year) with world-class faculty and infrastructure. 55,000+ seats under state/AIQ quotas. Top 5 per NIRF 2025.
| College Name | Total Seats | Cut Off (AIR General) | Tuition Fees (INR Lakhs/Year) | Avg Salary (LPA) |
| AIIMS New Delhi | 132 | 57 | 1628 | 12-18 |
| JIPMER Puducherry | 243 | 227 | 1200 | 10-14 |
| Maulana Azad Medical College Delhi | 250 | 91 | 400 | 9-13 |
| Vardhman Mahavir Medical College Delhi | 170 | 163 | 3600 | 8-12 |
| Grant Medical College Mumbai | 250 | 135 | 10000 | 8-12 |
Best Private MBBS Colleges
Private and deemed universities offer modern facilities, English-medium teaching, and better hostel infrastructure, with fees INR 10-28 lakhs/year. 53,000+ seats, including 15% NRI quota.
| College Name | Total Seats | Cut Off (AIR General) | Tuition Fees (INR Lakhs/Year) | Avg Salary (LPA) |
| CMC Vellore | 100 | 148 | 0.56 | 8-12 |
| Kasturba Medical College Manipal | 250 | 3,583 | 17.8 | 9-14 |
| Amrita School of Medicine Kochi | 150 | 9,594 | 19.8 | 10-15 |
| St. John’s Medical College Bangalore | 150 | 8,094 | 7.4 | 8-12 |
| JSS Medical College Mysore | 200 | 35,849 | 18.5 | 7-11 |
MBBS Vs Other Courses
MBBS offers the broadest medical scope and highest earning potential among undergraduate health sciences courses, though it is the most demanding in duration and competition. Compared to BDS (dentistry-focused), BAMS (Ayurveda), or B.Sc Nursing, MBBS graduates enjoy greater prestige, diverse specialization options, and global mobility. B.Pharm focuses on pharmaceuticals rather than patient care.
| Parameter | MBBS | BDS | BAMS | B.Sc Nursing | B.Pharm |
| Duration | 5.5 years | 5 years | 5.5 years | 4 years | 4 years |
| Entrance Exam | NEET UG | NEET UG | NEET UG | Separate exams | Separate exams |
| Avg Fees (Total) | INR 50k–1.5 Cr | INR 2–80L | INR 1–50L | INR 2–10L | INR 1–8L |
| Avg Starting Salary | INR 6–12 LPA | INR 4–10 LPA | INR 3–8 LPA | INR 3–6 LPA | INR 3–7 LPA |
| PG Options | MD/MS (50,000+ seats) | MDS (27,000 seats) | MD Ayurveda | M.Sc Nursing | M.Pharm |
| Global Scope | Highest (USMLE, PLAB) | High | Moderate | High (nursing shortage) | Moderate |
MBBS Vs Other Courses: Detailed Comparison
MBBS vs Other Courses provides a comprehensive comparison of eligibility, syllabus, career scope, and opportunities to help students choose the right medical or allied path.
1. MBBS vs BDS (Dentistry)
- Duration: MBBS 5.5 yrs vs BDS 5 yrs
- NEET Cutoff: MBBS AIR <20,000 vs BDS AIR <50,000 (General)
- Fees: MBBS Govt ₹50k–5L total vs BDS Govt ₹2–10L total
- Salary: MBBS ₹8–18 LPA vs BDS ₹4–12 LPA (private practice higher for both)
- Lifestyle: BDS significantly better (clinic-based, no night emergencies)
- Scope: MBBS broader (all body systems) vs BDS limited to oral health
- Best for: MBBS → full medicine | BDS → dentistry, cosmetics, own clinic
2. MBBS vs BAMS (Ayurveda)
- Duration: Both 5.5 years
- Cutoff: MBBS AIR <50,000 vs BAMS AIR 1,00,000+
- Fees: Similar in government (₹1–5L total)
- Salary: MBBS ₹8–18 LPA vs BAMS ₹4–10 LPA (wellness centers growing)
- Scope: MBBS allopathic medicine vs BAMS traditional Indian system
- Future: BAMS rising with AYUSH mission, wellness tourism
3. MBBS vs B.Sc Nursing
- Duration: MBBS 5.5 yrs vs Nursing 4 yrs
- Entrance: Both NEET (some states separate nursing exam)
- Fees: Nursing much lower (₹2–10L total)
- Salary: MBBS higher, but Nursing excellent abroad (USD 70k+ in USA/UK)
- Scope: MBBS independent practice vs Nursing hospital-based
- Best for: Global mobility → Nursing | Prestige → MBBS
4. MBBS vs B.Pharm
- Duration: MBBS 5.5 yrs vs B.Pharm 4 yrs
- Fees: Similar in government
- Salary: MBBS higher long-term
- Scope: MBBS patient care vs B.Pharm drug development/marketing
- Lifestyle: B.Pharm 9-5 corporate jobs
Which Course Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing the right course in 2026 depends on your interests, career goals, industry trends, and the future scope of each academic path.
- Choose MBBS → If you want maximum prestige, earning potential (up to ₹2 Cr+ after super-specialty), and ability to treat all diseases.
- Choose BDS → If you prefer dentistry, cosmetic procedures, and excellent work-life balance with own clinic.
- Choose BAMS/BHMS → If passionate about traditional medicine, wellness, and lower competition.
- Choose B.Sc Nursing → If you want fastest global mobility (USA/UK/Canada/Australia) and shorter duration.
- Choose B.Pharm → If interested in pharmaceuticals, research, or corporate jobs with 9-5 lifestyle.
Placement & Opportunities After MBBS
MBBS graduates in India enjoy 100% internship placement with stipends of INR 20,000–35,000/month, followed by diverse career paths. 70% opt for postgraduate specialization (MD/MS) via NEET PG, securing senior residency positions (INR 80,000–1.2 lakhs/month). The remaining 30% enter general practice, government service (via UPSC CMS, salary INR 70,000+), or private hospitals (Apollo, Fortis: INR 8–18 LPA starting). Refer to the table below to get placement opportunities after MBBS:
| Career Path | Starting Salary (LPA) | Mid-Career (10 yrs) | Top Recruiters/Options |
| Government Doctor (State/Central) | 8–12 | 20–40 | UPSC CMS, ESIC, Railways, AIIMS residency |
| Private Hospital Doctor | 8–18 | 25–60 | Apollo, Fortis, Max, Medanta |
| Postgraduate (MD/MS) | 10–20 (JR/SR) | 30–1 Cr+ | AIIMS, PGI, CMC residency |
| Research Scientist | 6–12 | 15–30 | ICMR, CSIR, DBT labs |
| Abroad Practice | USD 100k–300k | USD 400k+ | USA (USMLE), UK (PLAB), Gulf |
FAQs
Q: What is the eligibility for MBBS in India?
A: Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English, securing 50% aggregate in PCB for General/EWS/OBC (40% SC/ST, 45% PwD). Minimum age 17 years by Dec 31, 2026; no upper age limit. NEET UG qualification mandatory with 50th percentile (General). Final-year students and gap-year candidates fully eligible.
Q: Is NEET compulsory for MBBS?
A: Yes, 100%. NEET UG is the only entrance exam for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and veterinary courses in India, including AIIMS and JIPMER. No state-level or institute-specific medical entrance exists since 2020.
Q: What is the total duration of MBBS?
A: 5.5 years – 4.5 years of academics (9 semesters) + 1-year compulsory rotating internship in attached hospital. Internship is mandatory for NMC registration and practice license.
Q: What is the fee structure for MBBS?
A: Government colleges: INR 10,000–50,000/year (AIIMS Delhi total INR 5,856); Private/Deemed: INR 10–28 lakhs/year (CMC Vellore INR 56,000/year, Kasturba Manipal INR 17.8L/year). NRI quota 3-5x higher. Scholarships via NSP for reserved categories.
Q: What is the salary after MBBS?
A: Starting INR 6-12 LPA in government hospitals (plus allowances); INR 8-18 LPA in private chains. Internship stipend INR 20,000-35,000/month. After MD/MS, salary jumps to INR 15-40 LPA; super-specialists earn INR 50L–2 Cr+.
Q: Can I do MBBS without Biology in 12th?
A: No. Biology/Biotechnology is compulsory in 12th along with Physics, Chemistry, and English. Some boards allow Biotechnology instead of Biology, but PCB combination is mandatory for NEET eligibility.
Q: What is the difference between government and private MBBS colleges?
A: Government: Low fees (INR 50k-5L total), tougher cutoffs (AIR <5,000), excellent faculty, high patient load for training. Private: Higher fees (INR 50L-1.5 Cr total), easier cutoffs (AIR <50,000), modern infrastructure, English medium, better hostels.
Q: How many MBBS seats are there in India?
A: Approximately 1,08,000 seats in 612 colleges (2025 data). Government: ~55,000 seats; Private/Deemed: ~53,000 seats. Expected increase to 1,10,000+ by 2026 with new colleges.