India is witnessing a rise in the number of NEET aspirants every year, However the number of seats available for MBBS are very limited. In 2025, there are 118,190 MBBS seats across 780 medical colleges in India, while over 22 lakh students appeared for NEET UG 2025. This shows how many students dream of becoming medical professionals and the medical seat crisis, pushing many students to explore MBBS abroad as a viable and smart alternative.
The Medical Seat Crisis in India
The governments of India are increasing medical colleges and increasing seats, however India’s medical education system is still struggling to meet the demand. With a very low selection ratio (approximately 1 in 18), deserving candidates are often left behind due to high cut-offs or unaffordable private college fees, which can go as high as ₹1 crore for the full course. This has led to increasing frustration and anxiety among students and parents alike.
Why MBBS Abroad Is the Rising Trend
Due to the limited seats in India, MBBS Abroad has become the prominent choice for thousands of Indian students. Countries like Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan offer globally recognized medical degrees at budget-friendly fees and with quality education.
Here’s why studying MBBS abroad is becoming popular in 2025:
1. Budget-Friendly Education
Top medical colleges abroad offer MBBS at fees ranging from ₹20 lakhs to ₹40 lakhs, which includes tuition, hostel, and living expenses and it is much lower than what students spend at Indian medical colleges.
2. No Capitation Fee or Donation
Transparent Fee Structure: Foreign medical universities follow a clear and fixed fee structure without hidden charges.
Affordable for Middle-Class Families: Makes medical education accessible to students from all income groups.
Financial Stress Reduced: Parents don’t have to take heavy loans or sell assets to afford their child’s medical dream.
3. Globally Recognized Degrees
Most universities abroad are recognized by NMC (National Medical Commission), WHO, and are listed in WDOMS, ensuring global credibility and eligibility to practice medicine in multiple countries, including India (after clearing FMGE).
FMGE Success Rate of International Graduates
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is mandatory for students who graduate from abroad to practice in India. While the pass rate has traditionally been low (around 10–25%), students from NMC-approved and academically strong universities have consistently shown higher success rates. This underlines the importance of choosing the right college abroad.
How to Choose the Right MBBS College Abroad
Selecting the right university is critical for a successful medical career. Here are a few important checkpoints:
- Make sure the college NMC Approval
- Choose universities with English-medium instruction
- Check FMGE pass rates of the alumni
- Look for strong clinical exposure and hospital tie-ups
- Evaluate living conditions, culture, and climate
- Verify Indian embassy support and student safety
NMC Approved Medical Colleges
Before choosing any university abroad, students must check the NMC’s updated list of approved medical colleges. Only graduates from these institutions are eligible to appear for FMGE and register as doctors in India.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Many top foreign medical universities boast modern infrastructure, simulation labs, well-equipped hospitals, digital classrooms, and extensive libraries, sometimes even superior to Indian government colleges. Hostels are comfortable and cater to Indian students with Indian food options.
Country’s Diplomatic Relationship with India
Countries like Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Georgia, and Uzbekistan maintain strong diplomatic and educational ties with India. These nations ensure visa ease, cultural exchange, and academic cooperation, making them safe and welcoming for Indian students.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the medical seat crisis in India is not going away anytime soon. With limited options and rising competition, studying MBBS abroad presents an affordable, quality-driven, and globally viable path for aspiring doctors. However, students must do thorough research and choose the right university, ideally one with NMC approval, good infrastructure, and a solid FMGE track record.
Read More Blogs: Click Here