Yes, you can get a degree equivalent to Indian MBBS if you study abroad under specific conditions set by the National Medical Commission (NMC). But it’s very important to understand that “equivalent” does not mean identical — it means acceptable for practice in India, if you fulfill NMC’s guidelines.
🎓 What Does "Equivalent to Indian MBBS" Mean?
It means that your foreign MBBS degree is considered acceptable for medical practice in India only if you meet all of the following criteria:
NMC Requirements for Equivalency
Requirement | Description |
---|---|
1. NEET Qualification | You must have qualified NEET before taking admission abroad. |
2. NMC-Compliant University | University must meet the 2021 NMC Gazette norms (5.5-year course, full-time, English medium, valid license, etc.). |
3. Degree Recognition Abroad | Your degree must allow you to register and practice in the country where you studied. |
4. Internship Abroad | A 12-month internship must be part of your course (in the same country). |
5. Pass FMGE or NExT | You must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE) or the NExT (from 2025/26 onwards). |
6. 12-Month Indian Internship | After passing FMGE/NExT, you must complete a 1-year internship in India at an NMC-approved hospital. |
🛑 If You Don’t Meet These Conditions:
Your MBBS degree will not be recognized in India.
You cannot register as a medical practitioner in India.
You’ll be ineligible for NEET-PG, government jobs, or private medical practice.
🌍 MBBS Abroad vs Indian MBBS: Key Differences
Aspect | MBBS Abroad | MBBS in India |
---|---|---|
Duration | 5.5 to 6 years | 5.5 years |
Entrance | NEET (for eligibility only) | NEET (for admission) |
Practice in India | Only after FMGE/NExT + internship | Direct practice after registration |
Language | English (in NMC-listed colleges) | English |
Cost | ₹15–40 lakhs total | ₹10–90 lakhs (govt/private colleges) |
🔎 How to Check If a University Is NMC-Compliant?
Look for:
Duration: At least 54 months + 12 months internship
Language: Full-time English
Licensure eligibility in that country
Not listed in NMC’s blacklisted notices
👉 Official NMC Info for Studying Abroad
Would you like help checking if a specific university or country is giving NMC-compliant MBBS degrees?