NEW DELHI: Every year, lakhs of Indian students dream of becoming doctors and wearing a white coat. But with rising competition for medical seats in India, more students are now going abroad to study MBBS. Countries like Russia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan are becoming popular choices. This growing trend is quickly changing the global medical education scene.
The Numbers Say a Lot
According to data from the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and the Medical Council of India (MCI), over 25,000 Indian students went abroad to study medicine in 2024.
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Why Russia and Georgia Are Becoming Student Favorites
Russia:
- Over 100 years of medical education history
- Subsidized tuition by the Russian government
- Indian food availability and cultural adaptation
- Vast Indian student communities
“Even with a NEET score above 500, it’s difficult to secure a government seat. I didn’t want to spend ₹1 crore on private college fees in India, so I opted for Georgia,” says Sumaiya Rassol, a student currently studying at Grigol Robakidze University, Georgia.
Georgia:
- English-medium MBBS from the first year
- European curriculum with high academic standards
- Safe environment and easier visa process
- Direct admission without entrance exams
Of them, Russia and Georgia alone attracted nearly 8,000 students, a sharp rise from previous years.
The Main Reasons Why Indian Students Choose MBBS Abroad
1. Severe Shortage of MBBS Seats in India
India has over 20 lakh students appearing for the NEET-UG exam annually, competing for just around 1 lakh MBBS seats, including private and government colleges. The data is scary: only 1 in 20 gets a seat in a government medical college.
2. Sky-High Fees in Private Indian Medical Colleges
While government colleges are affordable, private colleges in India charge more than ₹1 crore for the full MBBS program — a price that’s simply not viable for most middle-class families.
In contrast:
- MBBS in Russia: ₹15–25 lakh total cost
- MBBS in Georgia: ₹25–35 lakh total cost
- MBBS in Uzbekistan/Kazakhstan: ₹18–30 lakh
3. No Donation or Capitation Fee
One of the most appealing aspects of studying abroad is that foreign medical universities do not charge any donation or capitation fee, unlike many Indian private institutions.
4. Globally Recognized Medical Degrees
Many universities in Russia and Georgia are recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, WHO, and WFME, making students eligible to appear for FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) and eventually practice in India.
5. Quality Education with Modern Infrastructure
Russian and Georgian universities offer advanced simulation labs, English-medium programs, low student-faculty ratios, and clinical exposure from the early years — aspects still catching up in many Indian institutions.
“We guide students to choose NMC-approved universities and ensure they understand the local challenges,” says Pankaj Singh Dhami, MBBS consultant at R M Group of Education.
The Government’s Action
In response to the rising trend, Indian policymakers are:
- Increasing medical seats via new colleges under the NMC
- Offering scholarships and financial aid for domestic students
- Tightening guidelines for foreign MBBS recognition to maintain quality
As long as medical education in India remains out of reach for many deserving candidates, MBBS abroad will remain a strong alternative. Countries like Russia and Georgia are not just filling this gap — they are reshaping the aspirations of the next generation of Indian doctors.
With the right guidance, transparency, and preparation, studying MBBS abroad could well be the stepping stone Indian students need to serve their nation as skilled medical professionals
