Table of Contents
Quick Summary:
- The MBBS full form (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) degree is a 5.5-year program that is the most basic requirement to be a medical practitioner in India.
- Candidates must pass the NEET UG entrance exam which is mandatory for all undergraduate medical degrees.
- The program requires 5.5 years, which includes a 1-year Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI).
What is MBBS Full Form?
A sought-after but challenging degree, the MBBS full form (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) degree is the foundation of medical education in India. With more than 100,000 MBBS seats available annually across 700 plus medical colleges in India, it is the most basic requirement to be a medical practitioner.
Governed by the National Medical Commission (NMC), MBBS education in India adheres to high standards, ensuring that graduates are sufficiently prepared to address diverse medical challenges and contribute to advancing public health. Since 2014, the Indian government has expanded medical education by increasing the number of medical colleges by 88%.
| MBBS Full Form in Medical | Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery |
| MBBS Course Level | UG |
| MBBS Course Type | Full-Time |
| MBBS Course Duration | 5 years + 6 months internship |
| MBBS Course Admission Process | Entrance-Based |
| MBBS Course Eligibility Criteria | Class 12 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology (which shall include practical tests in these subjects) and Mathematics subjects. At least 17 years of age. Pass NEET |
| Entrance Test for MBBS | NEET |
| MBBS Fees | Government: INR 10,000 – INR 50,000 per year Private: INR 3 Lakh – INR 25 Lakh per year |
| Top Colleges for MBBS Course | Government – AIIMS Delhi, JIPMER, KGMU, AIIMS Rishikesh, etc. Private – CMC, KMC, SRIHER, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Poonamallee, etc. |
What Does MBBS Cover?
The MBBS program covers a variety of subjects, including Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Dermatology, Pediatrics, etc. The program requires 5.5 years, which includes a 6-month Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI).
Upon completing the internship, candidates become eligible to receive the degree and thus, qualify as MBBS doctors. To enroll in an MBBS program, candidates must achieve a rank in the NEET merit list, which is mandatory for all undergraduate medical degrees.
Learn more about the MBBS full form, curriculum, eligibility requirements, admission process, and scope below.
MBBS Curriculum & Course Structure
MBBS aspirants must understand the MBBS curriculum & course structure. The MBBS program can be divided into three phases: Pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical. Explore the MBBS curriculum in detail below:
Curriculum
| Phase | Semesters | Subjects Covered |
| Pre-Clinical | 1-2 | Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology |
| Para-Clinical | 3-5 | Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Community Medicine, Forensic Medicine, Clinical Postings, and Toxicology |
| Clinical | 6-9 | Medicine, Allied subjects (Psychiatry and Dermatology), Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Otorhinolaryngology, Surgery, Anesthesiology, Ophthalmology, and Orthopedics |
Course Structure
Duration
The course duration for MBBS in India is 5.5 years. The MBBS course structure can vary globally depending on the nation you wish to study in. The MBBS program includes 19 subjects that cover various aspects of anatomy, disease, treatment, and diagnosis.
The MBBS program is divided up into 9 semesters, each lasting six months. Every semester, the course has 120 training days.
Internship Program
The 5.5-year duration of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS full form) undergraduate program includes a mandatory 1-year clinical internship in a hospital or healthcare facility. The students are eligible to receive their MBBS degrees after completing the one-year internship period.
MBBS Exams
The following three professional tests are a must:
1. First Professional Exam: End of the second semester
2. Second Professional Exam: End of the fifth semester
3. Final Professional Exam: End of the ninth semester
Additionally, mid-semester, final-semester exams, and end-of-posting assessments are often held. Both the theory and the practical/clinical assessments form the internal assessment with a combined weightage of 50%.
Admission Process & Eligibility Criteria
Thousands of applicants seeking admission to MBBS, B.D.S., AYUSH, and other medical programs take the NEET UG exam every year. Admission to the MBBS program is challenging, considering the level of competition.
Check the eligibility criteria for MBBS admissions below:
1. You must receive at least 50% on your class 12 test from a recognized board to qualify for the MBBS program. For SC/ST/OBC candidates, the minimum requirement is 40% marks.
2. Only candidates who have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in classes 11 and 12 are eligible.
4. The candidate should have received a high rank in the NEET UG exam to be eligible.
5. The candidates must be at least 17 years old. There is no upper age limit.
NEET 2024 Highlights
According to the National Medical Commission of India, there are 706 medical colleges in India, providing a total of 1,09,170 MBBS seats.
Data from the NTA indicates that 56 per cent of test takers have qualified for NEET 2024.
According to the data, 5,47,036 males and 7,69,222 females have qualified for MBBS, along with 10 transgenders. Additionally, there are 13,14,160 Indian Nationals, 694 foreigners, 798 NRIs, and 616 OCI who qualified.
Career Opportunities & Scope
The growing population and increasing healthcare needs in India have led to a high demand for doctors across the country. This makes it one of the professions with the highest rates of employment. Explore the career scope of the MBBS program below:
1. Junior Doctors
After completing their MBBS, students can work as junior doctors in hospitals or nursing homes. Working as a junior physician not only aids MBBS graduates in developing their skills and knowledge but also prepares them for a job as a residential physician employed at a hospital or nursing home.
2. General Practitioner
A general practitioner practices general Medicine with no specialized medical care. The majority of general physicians work in clinics health centers, or hospitals for the OPD.
3. Medical Researcher
Working as a medical researcher is an excellent career choice if you enjoy learning new things and doing in-depth research. Research is critical in an ever-changing and life-saving field such as medicine.
4. Faculty Members
There is no better teacher than someone who has already faced the same life and the same strain to attain the goals of the aspirants. This also gives the students the courage to see their teacher as their mentor and helps them realize early on that there are potential job paths after receiving an MBBS.
5. MD/MS
One of the most common options for MBBS graduates is pursuing an MD/MS degree. These programs provide specialization in various medical fields and are essential for those who wish to advance their medical careers.
6. Medical Advisor
A Medical Advisor plays a crucial role within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. This position typically requires both clinical expertise and strong communication skills.
Why Study MBBS?
1. Passion for Medicine: If you have a strong interest in health sciences and a desire to help others, MBBS provides the foundation to pursue a career in medicine.
2. Diverse Career Options: An MBBS degree opens doors to various specialities, including surgery, paediatrics, psychiatry, and more. You can choose a path that aligns with your interests.
3. High Demand: There is a consistent global demand for healthcare professionals, ensuring job security and numerous employment opportunities.
4. Impact on Lives: As a doctor, you can make a significant difference in patients’ lives by diagnosing and treating illnesses, promoting health, and providing comfort.
5. Lifelong Learning: Medicine is a dynamic field with continuous advancements. Studying MBBS fosters a mindset of lifelong learning through ongoing education and research.
6. Financial Stability: While the path to becoming a doctor can be long and costly, it often leads to a stable and lucrative career.
7. Respect and Trust: Doctors are generally regarded as trusted professionals in society, which can be fulfilling both personally and professionally.
8. Global Opportunities: Medical qualifications are often recognized worldwide, allowing you to work in different countries and cultures.
9. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working in healthcare involves teamwork with other professionals, enhancing your interpersonal skills and broadening your perspective.
10. Personal Growth: The challenges faced during medical training can lead to significant personal development, resilience, and enhanced problem-solving abilities.
MBBS: A Prestigious & Respectable Profession
The Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery program (MBBS Full Form) is a professional degree that will prepare you for a career as a healthcare professional. The program demands a lot of effort and commitment during both the academic and practice phases, paving the way for a reputable career in medicine. This guide includes everything you need to learn about the MBBS full form, eligibility criteria, admission process, curriculum, and scope at your disposal.
Learn more about some other full forms:
| DMLT Full Form | DNB Full Form | Ph.D. Full-Form |
| NEET Full Form | BAMS full form | MD Full Form |
| BDS Full Form | BHMS Full Form | BAMS full form |
MBBS Full Form: FAQs
Is NEET required for further education after MBBS?
After graduating MBBS, candidates need to qualify for NEET-PG for higher education in their preferred specialization. Candidates seeking admission in postgraduate programs after MBBS must score at least 50% to be eligible.
How long is the MBBS program?
The MBBS program is 5.5 years long, which includes a compulsory one-year rotatory internship.
Can MBBS perform surgery?
While surgery is in the MBBS curriculum, graduates are not permitted to perform surgery. Aspirants must obtain an MS degree to be able to perform surgery.
What are the NEET eligibility requirements?
The minimum age to take the NEET UG exam is 17. In their 10+2 test from a recognized board, general category students must score 50%, while SC/ST/OBC students must score 40%. Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in classes 11 and 12 to be eligible.
Is MBBS tough?
The MBBS program undoubtedly requires consistent hard work and dedication, which eventually pays off and lays the foundation for a respectable and successful profession.
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