Embarking on the journey to pursue a medical career is a common aspiration for students worldwide. The decision to pursue an MBBS degree often involves the choice between studying in India and exploring opportunities abroad.
Russia has become a favored destination for Indian students seeking to fulfill their dream of becoming doctors. This blog provides a comprehensive comparison between MBBS in Russia and MBBS in India, outlining the advantages and challenges of each option to assist students in making informed decisions about their future.
Quick Facts about MBBS in Russia vs. MBBS in India: Comparing the medical education systems in Russia and India reveals significant differences. Key distinctions between the Indian and Russian MBBS programs are highlighted in the table below by MOKSH Overseas
Parameter India Russia College Type Both Public & Private Only Public Tuition Fee for the course Public: 1-3 Lacs, Pvt: 60 Lacs to 1.5 Cr 15-25 Lacs Duration 4.5 + 1 Year 6 Years Infrastructure Avg to Below Avg Good Degree Awarded MBBS MD Physician PG Options in the UK & USA Only 60%+ are approved ECFMG, GMC UK 100% are approved World Rank Only AIIMS, Delhi Many in the Top 1000 Teaching Experience Mostly 5-20 Years 50-100 Years Study Pattern Asian-Pre, Para & Clinical European ECTS Internship 1 Year 1 Yr+ included in 6 Yr course Subjects in MBBS 19 Subjects Almost 55+ Subjects ECFMG (USA) Accreditation All Approved in Sept 2023 thru WFME All are approved historically
Strength of Indian Medical Education: India produces over 1 lakh medical graduates annually through 700+ government and private colleges, making it one of the world’s largest healthcare systems. Advantages of the Indian medical education system include:
- Affordable Fee in Govt Medical Colleges:
- Government medical colleges in India offer highly subsidized fees compared to their counterparts in Europe and the USA.
- Patient Diversity:
- India’s tropical climate results in a high prevalence of seasonal and common diseases, providing a diverse patient pool for medical students.
- No Language Barrier:
- Most students interact with patients in their local language, eliminating the need to learn a new language.
- Research Prospects:
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) offers numerous research opportunities in healthcare and medicine.
Challenges in India for a Medical Aspirant: Despite the strengths, medical aspirants in India face challenges:
- Difficult to Get a Govt. Seat:
- The chances of securing a government seat have decreased over the years due to a growing number of aspirants.
- Unaffordable Fees in Private Medical Colleges:
- Private medical colleges have exorbitant fees, making medical education financially challenging for many.
- Lack of Global Exposure:
- The majority of students lack exposure to different cultures and ideas due to the localized nature of admissions.
- Shortage of Skilled Medical Faculties:
- Faculty shortages, especially in new medical colleges, affect the quality of education.
- Lack of Clinical Knowledge in New Medical Colleges:
- Newly established medical colleges often struggle with clinical knowledge due to a lack of experienced faculty and infrastructure.
Why Russia Has Emerged as a Favorite Destination for Indian Students: Russia has been a preferred destination for Indian students for over 30 years, offering several advantages:
- Affordable Tuition Fee and Living Cost:
- Most Russian universities have affordable tuition fees, and the cost of living is comparable to Indian metro cities.
- Opportunity to Study in Public Medical Universities:
- Unlike India, all medical education in Russia is government-owned, ensuring uniform quality.
- Global Recognition and Exposure:
- Russian medical degrees are recognized by international accreditation bodies, providing exposure to diverse cultures.
- Russian Medical College Teaching Experience:
- Russian medical colleges have an average teaching experience of 75 years, offering a well-established education system.
- Availability of Indian Food:
- Private Indian canteens cater to the large Indian student community, offering familiar cuisine.
- Large Community of Indian Students:
- Over 18,000 Indian students study in Russia, fostering a vibrant community that celebrates Indian festivals.
Now get admission to the budget-friendly country at MBBS in Russia, MBBS in Georgia, and MBBS in Egypt.
Challenges in Russia for Indian Students: However, studying in Russia comes with certain challenges:
- Language Barrier for Daily Life:
- Basic daily conversations can be challenging due to English not being a common language in Russia.
- Bilingual Programs:
- Some students may face challenges if enrolled in bilingual programs with a mix of Russian and English instruction.
- USMLE & NEXT Preparation:
- Misinformation about coaching for Indian licensing exams can create challenges for students.
- Low FMGE Passing Ratio:
- The FMGE passing ratio of Russian universities is not very promising, primarily due to students’ negligence toward licensing exam preparation.
Conclusion: Choosing between MBBS in India and MBBS in Russia is a decision influenced by individual circumstances. While India offers familiarity and affordability in government colleges, Russia provides international exposure with English-taught programs at an affordable cost. Students must consider their budget, adaptability to a foreign environment, and career goal
Have a look at most Indian students MBBS recommended universities are: