Indian Private Medical Colleges vs. MBBS Abroad – Cost, Quality & Opportunities Compared!
Do you know what is the biggest nightmare of becoming a doctor in India? The private medical college fees! Medical college fees in private colleges are sky-high but the return on investment is often low.
Many students prefer abroad over private medical colleges in India because of the skyrocketing donation. However, there is always a talk that studying medicine abroad is more expensive than studying in India.
In this blog, let us break down the statement and identify which is the best. Are you ready? Read on!
Private Colleges in India
The entire duration of pursuing an MBBS in India is around 5.5 years in both private and Government medical colleges. However, the difficulty level of the NEET examination hinders many aspirants from getting into Government medical colleges with low tuition fees.
Private medical colleges in India increase the fees for seats up to 1 crore as there is a huge demand for medical fees. The cost of a medical seat in a private medical college can range between 50 lakhs to 1 crore.
Apart from the medical college fees, the cost can also increase the hostel and other expenses like books, supplies, and miscellaneous.
Factors that Increase the Demand for the Medical Seat in India
- Difficulty level of NEET
- Intense competition
- Limited seats in Government medical colleges
- Increased number of medical aspirants in India (from both Government and Private institutions)
Why MBBS Abroad is a Cost-Effective Alternative for the Indian Students?
The darkest reality of choosing a private college to study MBBS is the lower return on investment. The earning potential of a government college medical student and a private college medical student remains the same.
In a nutshell, it takes years for a medical student to recoup their tuition fees with the earning potential in India. This is one of the reasons why many Indian medical aspirants choose to pursue medical careers abroad.
Studying abroad is a better alternative because there is no entrance exam for medical aspirants. Also, compared to medical college seats in India, tuition fees for medical college abroad are cost-effective.
Comparison: Private Med School Fees vs MBBS Abroad
| Factor | Private Medical College | Studying Medicine Abroad |
| Tuition Fees | INR 50 lakhs to 1 crore INR | 20 lakhs to 50 lakhs |
| Living Expenses | 10 to 20 lakhs INR | 5 to 10 lakhs INR |
| Total Cost | INR 60 lakhs to 1.2 crore | INR 25 lakhs to 60 lakhs |
| Degree Recognition | MCI-approved (Domestic focus) | MCI and WHO-approved (Global focus) |
| Return on Investment | Moderate (Indian salary structure) | High (Global and Indian job options) |
| Career Opportunities | Primarily in India | India and abroad |
| Additional Exams | None (for India) | FMGE (to practice in India) |
Which Country to Become a Doctor?
When choosing the best country to study MBBS abroad, most Indians choose Russia, China, Georgia, etc; however, these countries have language barriers and low FMGE pass rates that can hold you back.
The United States is the ultimate destination for NEET aspirants to become doctors abroad. The important factors like earning potential, bypassing NEET, and a better healthcare system are the bonus points for the medical aspirants to start their careers in the US.
If you are planning your MBBS abroad, congrats, you have taken the first step for your rewarding career. Choose the country wisely and gear up your journey!
