MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) – Course Details, Eligibility, Duration & Scope

MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
What is MBBS?
MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. It is an undergraduate medical degree awarded by medical schools and universities in countries that follow the UK-based educational system. It is the first step toward becoming a licensed medical doctor.
The MBBS program is a combination of two degrees in one: Bachelor of Medicine (MB) and Bachelor of Surgery (BS). Despite being two degrees, they are awarded together and treated as a single qualification.
Course Duration
The typical duration of an MBBS course is 5 to 6 years, which includes:
4.5 years of academic education covering pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects.
1 year of compulsory rotatory internship, where students gain hands-on experience in hospitals and clinics.
Some countries may have slight variations in duration or structure based on their medical education system.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for an MBBS program, candidates typically must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualification: Completion of 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects.
Minimum Marks: At least 50% aggregate in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology); reserved categories may have relaxation.
Entrance Exam: Most countries require qualifying a national-level medical entrance exam (e.g., NEET in India).
Age Limit: Must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.
Core Subjects Covered
The MBBS curriculum includes both theoretical and practical learning across subjects like:
Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry
Pathology
Pharmacology
Microbiology
Forensic Medicine
Community Medicine
General Medicine
General Surgery
Pediatrics
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Orthopedics
ENT
Ophthalmology
Career Opportunities After MBBS
After completing MBBS, graduates can pursue various paths:
Postgraduate Education: MD/MS (specializations), Diplomate of National Board (DNB), or fellowships.
Clinical Practice: Start working as a general physician or resident doctor.
Government Jobs: Work in public health, rural hospitals, or defense services.
Research and Academics: Join medical research institutions or become lecturers in medical colleges.
Healthcare Management: Work in hospital administration or healthcare consultancy.
Popular Countries for MBBS
Apart from India, MBBS is also offered in countries such as:
Russia
Ukraine
Philippines
China
UK
USA (as MD after pre-med)
Germany
Australia
International students should check for accreditation, recognition by the medical council, and licensing exam eligibility (e.g., FMGE, USMLE, PLAB) before enrolling abroad.
Why Choose MBBS?
A highly respected and noble profession
Strong job stability and global demand for doctors
Diverse career options post-graduation
Opportunity to serve society and save lives
Conclusion
MBBS is a rigorous yet rewarding course that lays the foundation for a career in medicine. Whether your goal is to become a surgeon, physician, or specialist, the MBBS program equips you with the knowledge and skills to begin your journey in the world of healthcare.

