29.08.2025;Guwahati,Assam: Every year, lakhs of Indian students aspire to become doctors. The respect attached to the medical profession, the chance to serve society, and the promise of financial stability make MBBS one of the most sought-after courses in India. But the reality is harsh: the number of medical seats in India is far less than the number of aspirants. This mismatch has created a wave of students flying overseas to chase their dreams of becoming doctors.
According to the National Medical Commission (NMC), more than 25,000 Indian students go abroad each year to study MBBS in countries like Russia, Ukraine, China, the Philippines, Georgia, and Kazakhstan. While pursuing medicine abroad seems like a golden opportunity, the real struggle often begins once these graduates return to India.
Why Indian Students Choose MBBS Abroad
1. Shortage of Medical Seats in India
Every year, nearly 18–20 lakh students appear for NEET, the national entrance test for medical courses. Out of these, only about 50,000 MBBS seats are available in government colleges. Private medical colleges offer another 45,000–50,000 seats, but at exorbitant fees. This leaves a majority of students with no choice but to explore opportunities outside India.
2. Skyrocketing Cost of Private Medical Colleges
The cost of an MBBS degree in Indian private colleges ranges from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore, which is far beyond the reach of middle-class families. In comparison, countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan offer the same course in ₹20–30 lakh (including living expenses), making it a more practical option.
3. Affordable and Accessible Admissions
Many foreign universities have simpler admission processes, without the cut-throat competition seen in NEET-based government seat allocations in India. For families desperate to see their child become a doctor, this becomes an attractive path.
4. International Exposure
Students also see overseas education as a chance to gain global exposure, interact with diverse peers, and learn modern techniques in medicine.
The Harsh Reality After Returning to India
While the journey abroad begins with hope, the return to India often turns into an endless struggle.
1. FMGE/NExT: The Toughest Barrier
After completing MBBS abroad, students cannot directly practice in India. They must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), conducted twice a year by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
-
The FMGE pass rate is extremely low — only about 10–20% clear the exam in each attempt.
-
From 2024 onwards, the National Exit Test (NExT) will replace FMGE, creating further uncertainty.
-
Many students spend years preparing for this exam, delaying their careers.
👉 Case Example: In 2022, out of 40,000 students who appeared for FMGE, only about 8,000 cleared. The remaining thousands were left in limbo, despite holding MBBS degrees.
2. Curriculum and Quality Gaps
The curriculum abroad often does not match Indian medical standards.
-
In many universities, the medium of instruction is not English, leading to communication barriers.
-
Practical exposure in hospitals abroad is limited, while Indian hospitals demand strong clinical experience.
-
As a result, when these graduates return, they find it hard to meet the expectations of Indian healthcare.
3. Recognition Issues
Not all foreign universities are approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Some students, lured by cheap fees and false promises, take admission in unrecognized institutions.
-
Their degrees become invalid in India.
-
Families lose lakhs of rupees, and students are forced to either start over or abandon their dreams.
4. Internship Roadblocks
Even after clearing FMGE, students must complete a mandatory internship in India.
-
Government hospitals are overcrowded and do not have enough internship slots.
-
In states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, thousands of foreign-returned graduates are left waiting for months, sometimes years, before they can even start internships.
5. Financial and Emotional Struggles
The cost of studying abroad, though cheaper than Indian private colleges, still involves ₹25–30 lakh of family investment. When students fail FMGE multiple times, the financial pressure on families becomes unbearable.
-
Many graduates are forced to switch careers, take up unrelated jobs, or migrate again.
-
Social stigma also adds to the pain — society often questions their capability compared to “Indian-trained doctors.”
The Bigger Picture: India’s Paradox
Ironically, India faces a huge shortage of doctors.
-
According to WHO, the ideal doctor-patient ratio should be 1:1000, but India has about 1:1400.
-
Rural India suffers the most, with villages having almost no qualified doctors.
Despite this shortage, thousands of foreign-returned MBBS graduates remain unemployed simply because of systemic hurdles.
What Can Be Done?
-
Increase MBBS Seats in India
-
More government medical colleges must be established.
-
Expansion of AIIMS and state medical universities can create opportunities for lakhs of students.
-
-
Stronger Regulation of Abroad Admissions
-
NMC should maintain a transparent list of approved foreign universities.
-
Strict action against fraudulent admission agents is needed.
-
-
Bridging Courses for Returnees
-
Special training modules can help align foreign-trained students with Indian medical practices.
-
Coaching support for FMGE/NExT will boost pass rates.
-
-
Expand Internship Capacity
-
Government and private hospitals should increase internship seats to accommodate returnees.
-
Incentives can be given to those who serve in rural areas after internship.
-
-
Integrating Talent into the System
-
Instead of letting thousands of graduates go jobless, India must find ways to utilize their skills to address the shortage of healthcare professionals.
-
Conclusion
Studying MBBS abroad offers hope to thousands of Indian students who cannot secure a seat in India. But once they return, the journey turns into a battle — clearing FMGE/NExT, finding internships, and overcoming stigma.
India stands at a crossroads: while the nation needs more doctors, its policies and systems prevent many qualified graduates from contributing. A balance between strict quality control and better integration is essential. If reforms are introduced, these young doctors can become a vital force in strengthening India’s healthcare system.
