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MBBS in Russia vs. India: A Complete Comparison

Mbbs in russia v/s india
May 17, 2025
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Alright, you're at a crossroads: study medicine in India or Russia for your MBBS? Both are great options, but they're REALLY different. Let's cut out the textbook speak and get down to brass tacks to discuss the real differences so that you can decide what's best for you.

 

MBBS Face-Off: Russia vs. India - Where Should You Study Medicine?

 

Okay, so you wish to become a doctor, but now you're stuck on where to pursue medical school. India and Russia are both appealing, but both offer totally different experiences. Which one is ideal for you? Let's set out the key differences, the advantages, and the disadvantages so that you can make a well-informed decision.

 

First, Let's Talk About Academics: What Exactly Will You Be Studying?

 

•   India: Focus on Domestic Medicine: The Indian MBBS course is designed to prepare you for dealing with the local health problems found in India. You'll get plenty of hands-on practice in Indian hospitals, dealing with the kind of diseases and conditions you will most often find yourself dealing with in your working life. It's demanding, but you will be prepared for the Indian healthcare system.

 

•   Russia: A Global Perspective: Russian medical schools have a more international-style curriculum. You'll learn a solid foundation in all the basic sciences, but you might learn about diseases and healthcare systems from all over the world, too. More and more schools are now offering English programs, so you don't have to worry about the Russian language barrier (mostly!).

 

Next Up: The Money Question - How Much Will It Cost?

 

•   India: Potentially Costly, But Can Be Affordable: Private Indian medical schools are a FORTUNE – sometimes even more than attending Russia! But if you can possibly get into a government medical school, the expense is wildly reasonable. The catch? Getting into those government schools is astronomically competitive.

 

•   Russia: A Lower Cost Price Tag: Russia is generally lower in cost than private Indian schools and Western colleges. Cost of living is generally lower, and tuition is relatively inexpensive. It's an excellent option for students who have to remain on a limited budget.

 

Getting In: How Is the Admission Process?

 

•   India: The NEET Nightmare: Admission to MBBS courses in India is all about the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). It's very competitive and you need an extremely, VERY good score to get into a good school.

 

•   Russia: Not Quite So Cutthroat: Admission into a Russian medical university is typically less competitive than admission into one of India's best medical colleges. You will still need good grades and, for Indian nationals, you have to pass NEET. But overall stress is typically lower. Some universities also administer own entrance tests or interviews.

 

Language Matters: Will You Be Able to Understand Anyone?

 

•   India: English is Your Friend: Most Indian medical colleges teach in English, so language would not be a great barrier for Indian students.

 

•   Russia: English in Class, Russian in the Hospital: Even if many Russian universities teach MBBS courses in English, you will still need to have some basic knowledge of Russian so that you can communicate with patients during clinical postings. Passing exams is not all, it's all about providing good care.

 

Hands-On Experience: Where Will You Train?

 

•   India: Real-World Indian Medicine: There'll be plenty of hands-on experience in Indian hospitals with the diseases and issues common in India. You'll be taught how to use less, a skill which can be extremely helpful.

 

•   Russia: Another Point of View: Clinical rotations in Russia will expose you to a different healthcare system. You'll see a different kind of medical cases, but it might not be as directly relevant to what you'd be facing if you practice in India.

 

Post-Graduation: Where Can You Work?

 

•   India: A Diverse Range of Opportunities: Once you have your MBBS in India, you can go for additional training, work in hospitals, or high.

 

•   Russia: Options, But Not Always Clear-cut: You can practice in Russia as long as you meet their licensing standards. If you are an Indian student returning home, you *must* pass the FMGE/NMC Screening Test to become licensed. You might also be able to practice elsewhere, depending on their standards. 

 

The Key Differences: Keep These Points in Mind

 

Summarizing, remember these points:

 

•   Money: India is ubiquitous – cheap government seats are hard to come by, and private seats are costly. Russia is generally less expensive.

•   Getting Accepted: India is extremely competitive because of NEET. Russia is less so, but you still have to pass the cut for NEET (if you are Indian).

•   Language: India is English-speaking. Russia has English as the language of instruction, but there will be a bit of Russian necessary to deal with patients.

•   Hospital Training: India is training in the Indian system. Russia exposes you to another approach.

•   Where You'll Work: India places you mostly to work in India. Russia gives you access to Russia, and perhaps other countries if you get the right permits (i.e., the FMGE/NMC to India).  

•   Degree Validity: Indian degrees are valid in India, naturally. Russia is WHO-recognized, and the Indian NMC will accept Russian degrees (again, you'll have to pass that FMGE/NMC test).

 

So, Which One Should You Choose?

 

Think carefully about these questions:

 

Choose MBBS in India if:

 

•   You have a realistic shot at getting into a good government medical college.

•   You thrive under intense pressure and competition.

•   You're 100% sure you want to practice medicine in India.

•   You want to focus your training on the specific medical challenges in India.

 

Choose MBBS in Russia if:

 

•   You need an affordable option.

•   You would prefer a less stressful admission process.

•   You are willing to learn to speak some Russian.

•   You want a more global, international medicine approach.

•   You are willing to acclimatize to a new foreign culture and climate.

•   You're ready to put in the hard work studying for the FMGE/NMC Screening Test (if you're returning to India). 

 

Final Thoughts: Make a Choice That Suits You

 

The "best" choice isn't one-size-fits-all. It depends on your own individual circumstances, your priorities and goals. Do your homework, speak to medical students who are currently in the system, and if possible visit the universities. Good luck with your decision, future doctor!

 

SIMPLE ADMISSION PROCESS

No hefty donations, no entrance exams, no hassle for documentation just your dream MBBS study and you. RUS OVERSEAS does everything for you from scratch. We make sure you don’t have to do rounds of rotation and get fed up with the process of admission. From beginning to end, we are with you.

 

THE PROCESS

Eligibility: 

  • 50% in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC) in Class 12.
  • Minimum 17 years by December 31 of the admission year.
  •   NEET Qualification: Mandatory for Indian students.

 

Invitation letter: 

After RUS OVERSEAS submits your documents in the university. The university issues you an invitation letter. 

 

Visa process: 

Once the invitation letter arrives. The company will start your visa processing and in a few days you will be on the plane to Russia. 

HOW RUS OVERSEAS HELPS YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY

RUS OVERSEAS has the experience of more than a decade. Our team is supportive and cares for the students wholeheartedly. We are available 24/7. Your one stop solution for MBBS abroad is us. We at RUS OVERSEAS will never disappoint any student or parent in their fulfilling journey with us.

 

CONTACT US

Phone: +91 9560533703

Email:  info@rusoverseas.com 


Rus Overseas provides expert assistance in choosing the right program, application processing, visa support, and settling in Russia. Contact us today to begin your abroad journey in Russia!

Sakib Hasan