MBBS Course Duration
MBBS Course Duration in India and Abroad – Complete Guide (2025 Update)
What is the MBBS Course Duration?
MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, the primary degree required to become a doctor.
The duration of MBBS is usually 5–6 years, depending on the country and university.
- In India, MBBS is 5.5 years (including 1 year of Internship).
- In Russia, Uzbekistan, Georgia, and other countries, MBBS is 6 years.
- In some countries like the Philippines, the MBBS-equivalent course is about 5.5 years but includes a pre-med program.
The variation comes from internship requirements, language, and curriculum structure.
MBBS Course Duration in India
In India, the MBBS program is regulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC). The total duration is 5.5 years, broken down into 4.5 years academic + 1 year compulsory internship.
Year-wise MBBS Structure in India
Phase Duration Subjects Covered
Pre-clinical 1 year Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
Para-clinical 1.5 years Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine
Clinical 2 years Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Internship 1 year Practical hospital training across all departments
After completing the Internship, students receive their MBBS degree and can register with the NMC as doctors.
MBBS Course Duration Abroad (Country-wise)
Country Course Duration Internship Medium of Instruction Notes
India 5.5 years 1 year English NMC approved
Russia, 6 years, included English + Russian, most popular for Indian students.
Uzbekistan, 6 years, including English, Affordable fees
Philippines, 5.5 years Internship in India, required English, BS + MD pattern
Georgia, 6 years, included English, Better FMGE results
Germany 6–7 years Included German Tuition-free, but needs German language
Kyrgyzstan, 6 years, including English, low-cost MBBS abroad option
For Indian students, Russia, Uzbekistan, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan are popular choices because they offer NMC-approved MBBS programs at an affordable cost.
Why Does MBBS Duration Vary by Country?
- Internship policies: Some countries include an internship within the course, while others require it separately in India.
- Language requirements: In countries like Germany, extra time is spent learning the local language.
- Curriculum structure: Some universities follow a semester system, while others follow an annual system.
- Medical council regulations: NMC and WHO guidelines affect course recognition.
MBBS Course Duration vs Other Medical Degrees
Degree Duration Countries Notes
MBBS 5–6 years India, Russia, etc. Primary medical degree
MD (USA) 7–8 years (after bachelor's) USA Requires a pre-med + 4 years MD
BDS (Dentistry) 5 years India, Abroad, Includes Internship
B.Sc Nursing 4 years in India, Abroad, Shorter and more affordable
Pharmacy (B.Pharm) 4 years India, Abroad, Focus on medicines & drugs
MBBS is one of the longest but most rewarding courses, as it leads directly to a medical career.
MBBS Internship: How Long and Why is it Important?
- In India, 1 year compulsory internship after 4.5 years of study.
- Abroad: Most MBBS universities abroad include an internship within 6 years. However, NMC requires Indian students to complete an additional 12-month internship in India after returning.
An internship is essential because:
- Provides hands-on hospital training.
- Builds confidence in treating patients.
- Required for medical license registration in India.
After MBBS, how many years for PG?
It depends on the pathway. Most MD/MS programs are 3 years after MBBS, but durations vary:
After MBBS, how many years for PG?
It depends on the specialization pathway. While most MD/MS programs are 3 years, some diplomas, super-specialties, and fellowships have different durations.
| Pathway | Examples | Duration | Entry After |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD / MS | Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Orthopedics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Anesthesia | 3 years | MBBS |
| PG Diploma | Child Health, Anesthesia, Radiodiagnosis (limited availability now) | 2 years | MBBS |
| DNB | Broad specialties similar to MD/MS | 3 years | MBBS |
| DM / MCh (Super-specialty) | Cardiology, Neurology, Urology, Neurosurgery, CTVS | 3 years | MD/MS or DNB (relevant) |
| Direct DM / MCh (some institutes) | Neurosurgery, Urology, CTVS, Plastic Surgery | 6 years | MBBS |
| Fellowships | Critical Care, Emergency, IVF, Pain Medicine, etc. | 1–2 years | Usually MD/MS/DNB (sometimes MBBS + experience) |
Conclusion
The MBBS course duration is between 5 and 6 years, depending on the country.
- In India → 5.5 years (including Internship).
- In Russia, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan → 6 years.
- In the Philippines → 5.5 years with pre-med.
- In Germany/USA, → longer due to language or bachelor's requirements.
Students should choose a country based not just on duration, but also on fees, NMC approval, medium of teaching, and career goals.