MBBS Explained: Full Form, Details, Fee, Specislisations, and more

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Kamaldeep

06 February, 2025

MBBS Explained: Full Form, Details, Fee, Specislisations, and more

MBBS is a 5.5 year duration undergraduate medical degree. The MBBS course is pursued by those who want to become MBBS physicians. Both academic knowledge and hands-on training in various medical specialities are commonly included in the MBBS programme. After enrolling in the MBBS programme, you would acquire fundamental medical information, practical skills, and experience through lectures, tutorials, lab sessions, and hospital clinical rotations.

The MBBS programme establishes the foundation for a fulfilling career in healthcare by placing a strong emphasis on patient care, ethical behaviour, and ongoing education. After MBBS, you are placed as a doctor with an annual average salary of INR 2.5 LPA to INR 15 LPA. Do you have a strong interest in medicine and a dream of making a difference in people’s lives? Starting an MBBS course could be the first step toward achieving this admirable goal. Read the blog further to learn about admissions 2024, eligibility criteria, syllabus and top MBBS colleges.

What is the Full Form of the MBBS?

The full form of MBBS is Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. The short form is coined from the Latin Medicinae Baccalaureus Baccalaureus Chirurgiae. This exam is the first step in your medical exam journey.

Understanding MBBS Course

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, or MBBS, is a five-and-a-half-year undergraduate medical programme. In India, a medical practitioner must possess an MBBS degree in order to diagnose and conduct surgery. The 5.5-year (9 semesters) MBBS course includes a 12-month mandatory internship. To pursue an MBBS programme, students at Indian medical institutes must pass the NEET exam. Those who complete the MBBS programme with NEET UG will be eligible to become MBBS physicians or medical practitioners.

AspectDetails
MBBS Full FormBachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
MBBS Course Duration4.5 years (9 semesters) + 12 months internship (5.5 years total)
MBBS Course LevelUndergraduate (UG)
MBBS AdmissionNEET (entrance-based)
MBBS Minimum EligibilityPCB/M in 12th class and must be over 17 years
MBBS Syllabus19 Subjects
Medical Colleges in India All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College
Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Hospital
MBBS JobsDoctor, surgeon, medical professor, medical-legal advisor, etc.

MBBS Course Fees

MBBS in India is very expensive. Fortunately, government colleges charge significantly less for MBBS degrees than private colleges. Here is a general fee structure of government colleges vs private colleges.

AspectDetails
Fees of Government MBBS CollegesINR 10,000 – INR 50,000 per year
Fees of Private MBBS CollegesINR 10 Lakh – INR 30 Lakh per year

Source: Data taken from different colleges; however, the fee structure may vary.

Read: Top 10 MBBS Colleges in India: 2024 NIRF Ranking

MBBS Course Admission 2025

Admission to MBBS courses is solely based on performance in the MCI-administered NEET UG test, with state-level MBBS counselling. NEET UG stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate. It is a national-level medical entrance exam. Other alternatives, such as AIIMS MBBS and JIPMER MBBS, were formerly available. However, as of 2020, only one exam i.e., NEET, is conducted by the Medical Council of India.

Why Study an MBBS Course?


  • Realisation of a Lifelong Dream: If you’ve always had a passion for medicine and healing, enrolling in an MBBS programme will enable you to fulfil that dream.

  • Having a Meaningful Impact: By offering care, consolation, and healing, medical professionals have the chance to make a positive difference in the lives of people and communities.

  • Financial Benefits: Working in medicine is frequently linked to strong income prospects. Even while medical school might be expensive, the long-term promise of stable finances and a fulfilling career can be alluring.

  • Recognition and Prestige Across the Globe: An MBBS degree is acknowledged and respected throughout the world, providing access to a wide range of job options and chances for professional growth.

  • Lifelong Learning and Growth: The medical industry provides countless chances for professional development, specialisation, and keeping up with the latest developments in healthcare.

MBBS Course: Eligibility Criteria

You must receive satisfactory results on the NEET UG exam in order to be eligible for the MBBS programme. Furthermore, you must have finished your 12th-grade education (17 years of age and above) with physics, chemistry, biology, and biotechnology as required topics in order to be eligible for NEET. According to a recent announcement from the National Medical Commission, students who take mathematics as an elective may now take the NEET exam.

MBBS Course Subjects

There are 3 phases in which the MBBS course subjects have been divided. Refer to the table below.


  • Phase I: Pre-Clinical Subjects

  • Phase II: Para-clinical and clinical subjects

  • Phase III: Continuation of the study of clinical subjects for 7 semesters after passing semester I

For your further reference, we have divided each phase into its subtopics.

PhaseSubjects Covered
Pre-Clinical (1-2 semesters) Anatomy
Biochemistry
Physiology
Para-Clinical (3-5 Semesters) Community Medicine
Microbiology
Forensic Medicine
Pathology
Pharmacology
Clinical (6-9 semester) General Medicine
Surgery
Ophthalmology
Psychiatry
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Dermatology
Orthopedics
Anesthesiology
Obstetrics
Gynaecology
Paediatrics

Specialisations in MBBS Courses: Discover Your Interest

There isn’t a specialisation that you could select during MBBS. Following the completion of the required one-year internship and MBBS degree, you could select a specialisation for your advanced medical degree. The most popular disciplines of specialisation are Master of Surgery (MS), Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Dental Surgery (M.D.S.), and Master in Hospital Administration (M.H.A.).

1. Master of Surgery (MS)

Master of Surgery (MS) is a three-year postgraduate programme. If you want to be a surgeon, MS equips you with the scientific understanding and abilities needed to perform safe surgery. To help you practice on your own, the course provides a thorough and organised training schedule.


  • General Surgery

  • Obstetrics & Gynaecology

  • Traumatology & Surgery

  • Ophthalmology

  • Orthopaedics

2. Doctor of Medicine (MD)

A three-year postgraduate programme in medicine and disease diagnosis is called the Doctor of Medicine in Pathology. The course provides a theoretical understanding of haematology, cytology, histopathology, and morbid anatomy. Additionally, it would impart expertise on handling investigations, interpretations, and diagnostic issues related to clinical pathology, chemical pathology, microbiology, and transfusion medicine. Some of the M.D. specialisations are listed below.


  • Anatomy

  • Community Medicine

  • Aerospace Medicine

  • Biochemistry

  • Biophysics

  • Infectious Diseases

3. Master of Dental Surgery (M.D.S.)

The three-year MDS programme offers a postgraduate degree in dentistry with an emphasis on advanced clinical skills and knowledge in a range of speciality fields. MDS course graduates frequently go on to work as specialised dentists in academic and private practices. Some of the M.D.S. specialisations are listed below.


  • Orthodontics

  • Prosthodontics

  • Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics

  • Oral and maxillofacial surgery

4. Master in Hospital Administration (M.H.A.)

You can progress in your career and assume leadership positions in healthcare financing and delivery companies with a master of healthcare administration (MHA) degree. You would get the chance to organise, oversee, and manage services in a range of situations related to the provision of healthcare. If you are a graduate of the MHA programme, you can also work with payer organisations, medical device companies, consulting firms, and pharmaceutical companies.

Top 6 NIRF Colleges for MBBS Course

Some of the top colleges offering MBBS courses, according to NIRF are listed below. These are listed based on NIRF rankings in medical in 2024. Let’s explore:

MBBS CollegesNIRF RankingMBBS Course Fees*
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi1stINR 6,512
Christian Medical College, Vellore3rdINR 56,330 (1st year)
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry5thINR 30,465
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi7thINR 13,410 (1st year)
Kasturba Medical College, Karnataka9thINR 70,88,500
King George’s Medical University, Uttar Pradesh19thINR 54,600 per year

**Fees structures may vary, depending on the session and additional fee charges.

Top 6 Government Colleges for MBBS Course in 2025

You can check the list of top 6 government colleges offering MBBS courses with their fee structure. Please note that based on sessions, admission, one-time, and other additional fee charges, it may vary.

MBBS CollegesMBBS Course Fees*
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New DelhiINR 6,512
King George’s Medical University, LucknowINR 54,600 per year
JIPMER, PuducherryINR 30,465
Madras Medical College, ChennaiINR 18,073 per year
AIIMS, JodhpurINR 24,100
Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and ResearchINR 40,500

*Fees are subject to change as per college norms.

Top 6 Private Colleges for MBBS Course in 2025

You can check the list of the top 6 private colleges offering MBBS courses with their fee structure.

MBBS CollegesMBBS Course Fees*
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and ResearchINR 30 Lakh (per year)
St. John’s National Academy of Health SciencesINR 35 Lakh (total)
KIMS – Kalinga Institute of Medical SciencesINR 18.5 Lakh (per year)
Maharishi Markandeshwar University, MullanaINR 17 Lakh (per year)
PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and ResearchINR 4.5 Lakh (per year)
Padmashree Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Navi MumbaiINR 27 Lakh (1st year)

* Fees are subject to vary as per college norms.

List of MBBS Course Seats in India

You can check the number of MBBS course seats distributed according to the states in India. This data is based on the seats in 2024 for government colleges. Let’s check out:

State/UTTotal no. of MBBS Seats
Uttar Pradesh4,303
Delhi1,247
Andaman & Nicobar Islands100
Andhra Pradesh2,485
Arunachal Pradesh50
Assam1,150
Bihar1,515
Chandigarh150
Chhattisgarh965
Dadra and Nagar Haveli150
Goa180
Gujarat3,700
Haryana710
Himachal Pradesh770
Jammu and Kashmir1,047
Jharkhand680
Karnataka3,150
Kerala1,555
Madhya Pradesh2,180
Maharashtra4,825
Manipur225
Meghalaya50
Mizoram100
Odisha1,375
Puducherry380
Punjab800
Rajasthan3,055
Sikkim0
Tamil Nadu5,225
Telangana1,840
Tripura125
Uttarakhand700
West Bengal3,225
Total52,365

**The no. of seats may vary, depending on the year and type of data.

Important NEET UG Dates

You can check the list of important dates of the NEET UG exam 2025.

NEET UG EventsNEET UG Dates
NEET UG 2025 RegistrationSoon to be released
NEET UG 2025 Exam DateMay, 2025 (tentative date)
NEET UG 2025 Exam Time2:00 PM to 5:20 PM (tentative)
NEET UG 2025 Result DateSoon to be released
NEET UG 2025 Cut OffNot Available

Source: NTA

NEET UG 2025 Cutoff

You can check the MBBS NEET UG cutoff 2025 in the table given below. Please note that the given cut-offs are an estimation based on sources. However, the official cut-offs are yet to be announced.

CategoryExpected NEET UG 2025 Cutoff Marks
General/EWS720 – 162
OBC, SC, ST161 – 127
General/EWS/PH161 – 144
OBC & PH143 – 127
SC & PH143 – 127
ST & PH139 – 127

Source: NTA

Scholarships For MBBS Course

If you are seeking an MBBS degree, you could apply for several scholarships. These are listed in the section below.

MBBS CollegeMBBS Scholarships
AIIMS Delhi – Post-Matric Scholarship
– Merit cum Means Scholarship Schemes for Minority Communities
– Post-Matric Top-Class/MCM Scholarship Schemes
King George’s Medical University (KGMU) – Grant – In – Aid for Students Presenting Research Papers in a Scientific Event
– Financial Aid for Needy Undergraduate Students (In Campus Part-Time Jobs)
– Scholarship Scheme under Dean Student Welfare
Madras Medical College – Central sector scholarship (MBBS)
– CBSE scholarship (MBBS)
– Free Education Scholarship (MBBS)
St. John’s Medical College – The Cardinal Gracias Scholarship
– The SJMC Alumni Association Scholarships
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal – Merit Scholarship for Post Graduate (PG) Medical / Dental and Super Specialty Programs
– Kalam-Pai, Freeship and Scholars Scholarship for MBBS

MBBS Course: List of Top Books for NEET UG 2025

We have listed some prominent books for NEET UG preparation. Check out the table below.

SubjectBooks & Authors
PhysicsConcepts of Physics (Volumes 1 and 2) H.C. Verma
ChemistryNCERT Chemistry (Class 11 and 12)
BiologyTrueman
Organic ChemistryArihant Publications
Objective PhysicsPramod Agarwal
Physical ChemistryO.P. Tandon

MBBS Career Scope: Job Profiles

Upon finishing the MBBS course you might become qualified physicians in a variety of medical specialties. Once specialisation classes are completed, there are numerous career opportunities. The table below provides descriptions of a few of the jobs:

Job RoleDescription
OncologistSpecialises in diagnosing and treating cancer patients.
Medical AssistantAssists healthcare professionals with administrative and clinical tasks.
Obstetrician and GynaecologistSpecialises in women’s reproductive health, childbirth, and pregnancy care.
OphthalmologistSpecialises in diagnosing and treating eye diseases and disorders.
PaediatricsSpecialises in providing medical care to infants, children, and adolescents.
SurgeonPerforms surgical procedures to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities.
Attending PhysicianProvides primary care to patients and coordinates treatment plans.
CardiologistSpecialises in diagnosing and treating heart and cardiovascular conditions.
Occupational TherapistHelps patients develop or regain daily living and work skills after injury or illness.
OrthodontistSpecialises in diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.
PsychiatristDiagnoses and treats mental disorders, emotional issues, and behavioural problems.

Also Read: 7 Best Medical Courses After 12th for a Bright Future

Takeaway

MBBS is the first step towards your dream profession. Selecting the right college can be stressful, and we have simplified the process for you. In this blog, we have mentioned every small detail about MBBS, from the duration of the course, top colleges, private and government, to fees, and much more. Explore the institutions, eligibility, various specialisations offered, and career opportunities.

If you want to become a doctor, surgeon or Orthodontist, you can pursue your dreams of completing the MBBS programme. Explore the institutions, eligibility, various specialisations offered and career opportunities.

FAQs

Q1. How many years in the MBBS course?

MBBS is an undergraduate degree programme. It lasts for 5.5 years including 4.5 academic course duration and 1-year internship. There are a total of 9 semesters

Q2. What is the meaning of MBBS?

MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.  It is a specialised undergraduate degree in medical and surgical medicine that is awarded by medical schools and universities.

Q3. Can you do MBBS after the 12th?

Candidates must be over 17 years old and have completed Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology (which includes practical exams in these subjects), and Mathematics in their Class 12 Science stream coursework in order to be eligible to enrol in the MBBS programme.

Q4. Can I join MBBS without NEET?

In India, NEET is mandatory to pursue an MBBS. You have to qualify the NEET exam and the score is important to get admission to reputable colleges.

Q5. Is PG compulsory after MBBS?

Graduates of MBBS programmes can pursue a wide range of careers in clinical and non-clinical specialisations, many of which do not need to pass the medical PG entrance exam. One of the sectors that is expanding the fastest in the post-pandemic era is healthcare, and it will need workers with a variety of skill sets in addition to physicians.

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