MBBS Abroad vs. India: Smarter Choice After NEET 2025

The NEET result of 2025 has sent a shockwave throughout the country; now, the toughness of the exam comes as a surprise, with nearly all students being disappointed even after a year of struggle. Due to the tough exam, securing a government medical seat is almost impossible. Thus, getting an Indian medical degree has become as tough as a nut with high competition, fewer seats, and extremely high fees at private institutions.

Therefore, the real question being asked here is, "Is MBBS in India worth it after the result of NEET 2025?"

If you are one of those who have a low NEET score, then this blog is written for you, where we shall analyze your options and find out why MBBS abroad in Russia and other countries is a better option for you.

MBBS in India: A Dream or a Gamble?

As a prospective doctor, the decision to begin your MBBS in India or abroad can be challenging, as this decision can significantly impact your professional development, personal growth, and academic success. With that in mind, let us proceed with the pros and cons of pursuing an MBBS in India.

Pros

• Government colleges provide great education at affordable fees.
• You learn near home with a more familiar culture and language.
• Approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
• Colleges are more affordable only if you obtain a government medical seat.
• You will gain knowledge relevant to your own country; therefore, it will be easier for your medical practice.

Cons

• Vastly high competition: more than 20 lakh students for fewer than 1 lakh seats.
• Longer admission process with uncertainty after counseling sessions.
• A lot of deserving candidates miss out due to a minute difference in marks. 
• And if you are unable to obtain a government medical seat, then the fees of private medical colleges are extremely high, ranging from 70 lakhs to 1 crore for the entire course.
• A few colleges, especially in more populated areas, might have inadequate or old-fashioned infrastructure, which results in overcrowded classes and limited facilities.

MBBS Abroad After NEET: A Rising Trend

Each year, thousands of Indian students are opting for MBBS abroad following NEET, and not just as a fallback anymore. It's an increasing trend since students are waking up to the fact that they can:

• Be admitted simply by clearing NEET, without inflated cut-offs
• Attend top government- and NMC-approved medical colleges
• Receive a degree recognized worldwide (WHO, ECFMG, FAIMER approved)
• Save on donation fees and ₹30–50 lakhs for the entire course compared to Indian private colleges
• Get exposure to contemporary infrastructure and clinical training
• Enjoy international exposure and multicultural learning environments

Countries like Russia are now increasingly becoming top destinations because they provide quality education, safety, and affordability, all under one roof.

MBBS Abroad Vs MBBS in India: A Quick Comparison 

Before any further ado, let us do a quick comparison between MBBS abroad and MBBS in India to better understand MBBS abroad benefits:

Who Should Choose MBBS Abroad?

If you are thinking about whether MBBS abroad is the way to go for you, ask yourself this:

Is your desire to become a doctor more powerful than the obstacles in front of you? If so, then MBBS abroad might just be the best decision for you, especially if you are one of these:

• Low-scoring NEET student with a will to become a doctor
• Aspirants who are tired of expensive medical colleges in India
• Individuals seeking quality and affordable education 
• Repeaters or droppers who do not wish to waste another year

Planning for NEET 2026? Don’t Miss This

If you are someone who is planning to reappear in NEET 2026, don’t worry, you are not the only one. A lot of students attempt it for the second or even a third time. But here is a genius step most people don’t consider: Grab an MBBS seat overseas while you prepare. Here’s why:

• MBBS abroad admissions (particularly in Russia and Central Asia) for the September 2026 session will open shortly after NEET 2026 is held.
• After the results are announced, you can apply early and reserve a seat without worrying about multiple counseling sessions.
• A backup option means you won't lose another year if NEET doesn't work out as scheduled.
• Several repeaters use studying MBBS abroad as an option after NEET, pending counseling, to avoid missing deadlines later in the year at foreign universities.

Is MBBS Abroad Safe & Legal?

For aspirants searching for a medical degree from universities abroad, the thought of jeopardizing their safety comes to mind. Studying abroad, away from your home country, can be scary, especially when the country is quite unknown to you. Therefore, it is necessary to know about the nation before planning to go to it.

Most of the medical universities in Russia are NMC-recognized, which makes them applicable for students wishing to study abroad and then come back to practice medicine in India.

Moreover, these universities keep students' safety as their utmost priority by providing safe hostels and dormitories for students.

But still, always check:

• Is the university on the NMC website?
• Is it WHO, ECFMG, or another internationally approved agency?
• Do students from that university pass the FMGE or NExT exams?

Reputable platforms like The Education Abroad make sure you pick only verified, recognized, and safe ones.

Final Thoughts: MBBS Abroad is the Smarter Option for 2025

Scoring low in NEET is not the end of your dreams. It's just that your path will take a different turn. With increased competition, increased fees in India, and international opportunities presenting themselves, MBBS abroad is not only an alternative, it's an intelligent, future-proof choice.

Need Assistance in Making a Decision?

Avail free counseling, shortlisting, and application assistance from experts at The Education Abroad.

Let us assist you in making your dream of becoming a doctor a reality, regardless of your NEET score.

FAQs

Q1. Can you study abroad with a low NEET score?

Answer: Yes, you surely can. Studying abroad does not require a high NEET score. You can just take admission with a qualifying score.
Q2. Is MBBS abroad better than a private college in India?

Answer: Yes, as an MBBS abroad does not require high fees like those in a private medical college in India, and you also get a chance to study at a globally recognized medical university with better infrastructure and more clinical exposure, while saving 20k USD to 50k USD.

Q3. Will I be eligible to practice in India after an MBBS abroad?

Answer: Yes, you will be eligible to practice medicine in India after completing your MBBS from an NMC-recognized university, but you have to clear the FMGE/NExT exam for that.

Q4. What is the total cost for MBBS abroad?

Answer: The total cost for MBBS abroad, especially in countries like Russia, can range from 15 lakh to 50 lakh, which is more than half of what you have to pay in Indian private colleges.

Q5. Which country is a top pick to study MBBS in 2025?

Answer: As of 2025, Russia is one of the top picks by medical aspirants as their dream destination to pursue MBBS abroad.

Q6. What is the mode of instruction in medical universities abroad?

Answer: Most of the medical universities abroad have English as their medium of instruction.