(Includes Salary, Duration, Eligibility, Career Scope & FAQs)
What is the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)?
The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery commonly abbreviated as MBBS is an undergraduate dual degree that qualifies graduates to become licensed medical doctors. It's one of the most prestigious degrees in the field of healthcare, enabling graduates to practice medicine, perform surgeries, and diagnose a wide variety of illnesses.
Despite being called a "bachelor’s" degree, MBBS is highly intensive, combining theoretical medical science and hands-on clinical training. It lays the foundation for further specialization through MD (Doctor of Medicine) or MS (Master of Surgery) programs.
MBBS Full Form and Meaning in Different Languages
- Full Form: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
- Short Form: MBBS
- In Hindi: चिकित्सा स्नातक और शल्य चिकित्सा स्नातक
- In Marathi: वैद्यक पदवी व शस्त्रक्रिया पदवी
How Many Years is an MBBS Course?
In most countries, including India, the MBBS course duration is 5.5 years, which includes:
- 4.5 years of academic education in medical sciences.
- 1 year of mandatory rotating internship in hospitals or health centers.
MBBS Course Structure
1. PreClinical Phase
- Subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
2. ParaClinical Phase
- Subjects: Pharmacology, Microbiology, Pathology, Forensic Medicine
3. Clinical Phase
- Subjects: Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Orthopedics, etc.
4. Compulsory Internship
- Rotational postings in departments like Emergency, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Community Medicine, etc.
MBBS Eligibility Criteria
To apply for an MBBS program in India and many other countries, you must:
- Complete 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Qualify the NEET exam (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
Internationally, admission requirements may vary, but most require strong academic scores in science and biology along with a qualifying entrance test.
Top Colleges Offering MBBS (India & Abroad)
India
- AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences)
- JIPMER, Pondicherry
- CMC Vellore
- Maulana Azad Medical College
- KMC Manipal
Abroad
- Harvard Medical School (USA)
- University of Oxford (UK)
- University of Melbourne (Australia)
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
MBBS Salary Expectations in India
- General Physician (Entry-level): A fresh MBBS graduate working as a general physician can expect to earn between ₹4 lakhs to ₹8 lakhs per annum (LPA). These roles typically involve working in clinics, private practices, or smaller hospitals.
- Resident Doctor (1–3 years of experience): After gaining some hands-on experience, especially during residency or junior doctor roles, the salary range increases to ₹6 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs per annum. Doctors at this stage often work in multispecialty hospitals or government medical institutions.
- Specialist Doctor (Mid-career): Doctors who pursue post-graduation and specialize (e.g., in cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics) can earn ₹15 lakhs to ₹30+ lakhs per annum, depending on their field, experience, and city of practice. Super-specialized professionals may earn significantly higher.
Global MBBS Salary Expectations (with INR Equivalent)
- United States (USA)
- Salary Range: $150,000 to $300,000 per year
- In INR: Approximately ₹1.25 crore to ₹2.5 crore per year
- U.S.-based doctors typically earn high salaries, especially specialists. However, becoming licensed in the U.S. requires passing exams like USMLE and often further training.
- United Kingdom (UK)
- Salary Range: £30,000 to £100,000 per year
- In INR: Approximately ₹31 lakhs to ₹1.03 crore per year
- Junior doctors in the NHS start at the lower end, but experienced consultants can earn toward the upper end of the scale.
- Canada
- Salary Range: CAD 120,000 to CAD 300,000 per year
- In INR: Approximately ₹74 lakhs to ₹1.85 crore per year
- Like the U.S., foreign-trained doctors need to meet licensing requirements such as passing the MCCQE exams and completing residency.
Note: Currency rates used USD to INR ≈ ₹83, GBP to INR ≈ ₹103, CAD to INR ≈ ₹62 (approx. as of Sept 2025). Actual earnings can vary depending on specialization, experience, and location within each country.
Career Options After MBBS
- General Practitioner (GP)
- Specialist Doctor (Cardiologist, Neurologist, etc.)
- Surgeon (via MS or DNB)
- Hospital Administrator
- Public Health Official
- Medical Researcher
- Lecturer/Professor in Medical Colleges
- Further studies (MD/MS/DM/MCH)
Pros and Cons of an MBBS Career
Pros:
- High career stability and respect
- Numerous specialization options
- Opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives
Cons:
- Long and demanding academic path
- High competition for PG seats
- High emotional and physical stress
FAQ: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Q1. What is the full form of MBBS?
A: MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. It is the degree awarded to doctors upon completion of medical school in many countries, including India.
Q2. What is the salary after MBBS in India?
A: Fresh MBBS graduates can expect a salary ranging from ₹4 to ₹8 lakhs per year. With specialization and experience, this can increase significantly.
Q3. Is MBBS and Bachelor of Surgery the same?
A: MBBS is a combined degree of Bachelor of Medicine AND Bachelor of Surgery, not just surgery. However, after MBBS, one can pursue a Master of Surgery (MS) to specialize.
Q4. What is the duration of the MBBS course?
A: The MBBS program typically lasts 5.5 years, including a 1-year internship.
Q5. What is the meaning of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in Hindi and Marathi?
- Hindi: चिकित्सा स्नातक और शल्य चिकित्सा स्नातक
- Marathi: वैद्यक पदवी आणि शस्त्रक्रिया पदवी
Q6. Can I do MBBS without NEET?
A: In India, NEET is mandatory for admission to any MBBS program. Some international universities may have different entrance criteria.
Q7. What comes after MBBS?
A: After MBBS, you can:
- Start practicing as a General Practitioner
- Prepare for PG Entrance Exams (like NEET-PG)
- Pursue MD/MS, DNB, or other specialized courses
- Explore careers in public health or research
Q8. Is MBBS equivalent to MD in the USA?
A: Yes, MBBS is considered equivalent to the MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree in the USA, but foreign medical graduates must pass exams like USMLE to practice there.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) is both a noble and demanding path. It equips you with the knowledge and responsibility to diagnose, treat, and heal. For those passionate about healthcare and science, this degree opens doors not just in clinical practice but also in research, policy, education, and innovation.
With proper guidance, hard work, and the right mindset, an MBBS degree can be the first step toward a deeply rewarding and impactful career in medicine.
