Are you curious how long it takes to become a doctor in India or another country, or what the actual meaning of MBBS is? This guide will help you learn everything there is to know about MBBS, one of the most prominent undergraduate degrees in medicine, whether you’re a student, parent, or someone just considering medical study.
What is MBBS?
MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. It is the primary undergraduate medical degree awarded to students after they complete their medical studies and training. The term is derived from Latin, where:
- MB – Medicinae Baccalaureus (Bachelor of Medicine)
- BS – Baccalaureus Chirurgiae (Bachelor of Surgery)
So, the full form of MBBS in Latin is Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae.
Despite being two degrees (Medicine and Surgery), MBBS is treated as a single degree in India and most countries.
Types of MBBS Specializations (Post MBBS)
MBBS itself is a general medical degree, after completing it, students can specialize in areas like:
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Orthopedics
- Dermatology
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
- Anesthesiology
- Surgery
These specializations are pursued during postgraduate degrees like MD or MS.
MBBS Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for the MBBS Course?
To get admission into the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) program in India, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Academic Qualifications: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Botany/Zoology, and English as core subjects. A minimum of 50% marks is required for general category students, while reserved category students need at least 40%.
- Minimum Age Requirement: The applicant must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission or before 31st December of the admission year.
- Entrance Exam (NEET): All aspiring MBBS students must qualify the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency). NEET is the only entrance exam for MBBS admissions in India.
- Additional Requirements: Candidates must also satisfy the Medical Council of India (MCI) eligibility norms and documentation requirements at the time of admission.
- MBBS Course Fees: MBBS fees in India vary widely. Government medical colleges charge around INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 per year, while private colleges may charge between INR 3 Lakhs to INR 6 Lakhs per year.
MBBS Course Structure: The MBBS curriculum is divided into three phases – Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical. It covers comprehensive knowledge about the human body, diseases, diagnosis, and treatment methods through theoretical and practical training.
What After MBBS? Career Options & Specializations
After completing the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degree, a student is officially recognized as a doctor, typically referred to as a General Physician. However, many graduates choose to advance their medical careers by pursuing postgraduate specializations to become experts in specific fields.
Popular postgraduate pathways include:
- MD (Doctor of Medicine)
- MS (Master of Surgery)
- DM (Doctorate of Medicine) – for super-specializations
Specialization options include:
- Cardiology
- Gynecology & Obstetrics
- Neurology
- General Surgery
- Internal Medicine and many more…
List of Top 10 Medical Schools in India
| Rank | Medical College Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) | New Delhi |
| 2 | Christian Medical College (CMC) | Vellore, Tamil Nadu |
| 3 | Madras Medical College (MMC) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| 4 | St. John’s Medical College | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| 5 | Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – Institute of Medical Sciences | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| 6 | Calcutta Medical College and Hospital | Kolkata, West Bengal |
| 7 | Grant Medical College | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| 8 | Dayanand Medical College | Ludhiana, Punjab |
| 9 | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham – School of Medicine | Kochi, Kerala |
| 10 | Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
Frequently Asked Question Related with MBBS
What is the Meaning of MBBS?
So, what is the meaning of MBBS? MBBS refers to the academic and practical education that allows individuals to become licensed medical practitioners. It covers subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics & Gynecology.
What is an MBBS Doctor?
An MBBS doctor is someone who has successfully completed the MBBS course and is eligible to practice general medicine.
So if you’re wondering “what is MBBS doctor?”, it’s essentially a qualified general physician.
How Many Years is MBBS?
Many students ask, “MBBS is of how many years?”
- In India, the MBBS course duration is 5.5 years.
- 4.5 years of academic education
- 1 year of compulsory internship
What is the MBBS Course?
The MBBS course includes a range of subjects divided into pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical phases. Some of the key subjects are:
- Human Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pathology
- Community Medicine
- General Medicine
- General Surgery
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
Practical training through hospital rotations is a critical part of the curriculum.
MBBS Full Form in Other Languages
MBBS Full Form in Telugu: ఎంబీబీఎస్ పూర్తి రూపం: మెడిసిన్ మరియు సర్జరీలో బ్యాచిలర్
MBBS Full Form in Hindi: एमबीबीएस की फुल फॉर्म: बैचलर ऑफ मेडिसिन और बैचलर ऑफ सर्जरी
MBBS Meaning in English: As mentioned, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.
Is MBBS a Bachelor Degree?
Yes, MBBS is a bachelor’s degree.
What is the Full Form of MBBS Doctor Degree?
When someone says “MBBS doctor degree,” they are referring to the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree that qualifies a person to become a doctor.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re searching for what is MBBS, curious about the full form of medical degrees, or exploring types of MBBS careers, understanding the MBBS full form and its meaning is the first step toward a rewarding medical journey.
From what is MBBS full form, to the duration, language meanings, and career prospects — we’ve covered all the essentials in this guide.
