- MBBS is a 5.5-year degree (4.5 years of study plus a one-year internship) regulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC), which replaced the Medical Council of India in September 2020
- NEET-UG, conducted by the National Testing Agency, is the single entrance exam for all MBBS admissions in India
- AIIMS New Delhi tops the NIRF 2025 medical ranking.
An MBBS degree is an undergraduate professional course for students who want to become doctors. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) is a professional degree in medical science. The course runs for five and a half years, including a one-year rotational internship at teaching hospitals and health centres.
A person becomes a certified medical practitioner after completing an MBBS degree and registering with the National Medical Commission. The syllabus is vast, covering subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathology. Common career specialisations for MBBS graduates include cardiology, general surgery and organ transplantation.
Which Are the Top MBBS Colleges in India?
AIIMS New Delhi tops the NIRF 2025 medical ranking, followed by PGIMER Chandigarh and CMC Vellore. Other leading institutions include JIPMER Puducherry, SGPGIMS Lucknow, BHU Varanasi and NIMHANS Bengaluru. Admission to these government and private medical colleges is based entirely on your NEET-UG score.
- AIIMS, New Delhi (NIRF 2025 Medical Rank 1)
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh (Rank 2)
- Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore (Rank 3)
- Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry (Rank 4)
- Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow (Rank 5)
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi (Rank 6)
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru (Rank 7)
What Are the Career Options After MBBS?
After completing MBBS and registering with the NMC, graduates can practise as certified doctors, pursue a postgraduate MD or MS degree, or join government hospitals and public health services. Many also work in private hospitals, research organisations or the pharmaceutical industry, while some prepare for competitive medical services examinations.
After registering as a doctor, MBBS graduates can enrol in postgraduate MD or MS courses to specialise, or take up employment in central and state government hospitals, defence medical services and other public health organisations.
What Skills Are Required for MBBS?
MBBS demands more than academic knowledge. Students develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, patience, perseverance and a genuine commitment to patient care. The curriculum also builds medical ethics, the ability to work in a dynamic clinical environment, medical writing skills and a lasting desire for knowledge and research.
- Ability to work in a dynamic clinical environment
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Professional commitment and medical ethics
- Medical writing skills
- A desire for knowledge and research
- Caring for the patient
- Patience and perseverance
What Is the Eligibility Criteria for MBBS?
To pursue MBBS in India, candidates must pass Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English, securing at least 50 percent in PCB (40 percent for reserved categories). They must be at least 17 years old by 31 December of the admission year, and there is no upper age limit for NEET-UG.
- Pass Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English as core subjects.
- Secure a minimum of 50 percent aggregate in PCB (40 percent for reserved categories, 45 percent for PwD).
- Be at least 17 years old as on 31 December of the year of admission, with no upper age limit.
- Qualify NEET-UG and meet the registration requirements set by the National Medical Commission.
Which Subjects Are Included in the MBBS Degree?
The MBBS curriculum spans nine semesters across pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical phases. Students study anatomy, physiology and biochemistry in the early years, followed by pathology, pharmacology, microbiology and forensic medicine. The clinical years cover medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, dermatology and community medicine.
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
- Community Medicine
- General Medicine and Surgery
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Paediatrics
- Orthopaedics and Dermatology
What Is the MBBS Entrance Exam?
For admission to any MBBS course in India, students must clear NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), conducted by the National Testing Agency. Since 2020 it has been the single, common entrance exam accepted by all government and private medical colleges, replacing AIPMT and separate institutional tests such as AIIMS and JIPMER.
Who Are the Top Recruiters for MBBS Graduates?
Top recruiters for MBBS graduates include leading multi-speciality hospital chains, healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies. Prominent employers are Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, Medanta, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Max Healthcare. Graduates also find roles in government hospitals, public health programmes and health-insurance firms across India.
- Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited
- Fortis Healthcare Limited
- Medanta - The Medicity
- Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
- Max Healthcare
- Cipla Limited (pharmaceuticals)
What Is the Scope of an MBBS Graduate?
The scope for MBBS graduates is broad and growing. They can work as general physicians, specialise through an MD or MS, or move into public health, medical research, hospital administration or medical teaching. Starting salaries typically range from around 5 to 10 lakh per year, rising significantly with postgraduate specialisation and experience.
- General Physician: average starting salary of about 5 to 6 lakh per year.
- Paediatrician: starting salary from around 6 to 7 lakh per year.
- Surgeon or Specialist (after MD/MS): salaries rise well above 10 lakh per year with experience.