Becoming a doctor is one of the most sought-after career paths in India. However, with limited government MBBS seats and the high cost of private medical colleges, many Indian students consider studying MBBS abroad.
Countries like Bangladesh and Armenia have become popular destinations for Indian medical aspirants due to:
Affordable tuition fees.
NMC-approved universities.
Globally recognized degrees.
English-medium instruction.
A common question among students is:
“Can I practice in India after doing MBBS in Bangladesh or Armenia?”
The answer is YES, provided students follow the correct procedures outlined by the National Medical Commission (NMC), including clearing licensing exams like FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or the new NEXT.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on practicing in India after MBBS from Bangladesh or Armenia, covering:
NMC recognition and degree validity
Licensing requirements
Steps to register as a doctor in India
Differences between Bangladesh and Armenia
Career options after returning to India
The National Medical Commission (NMC) governs medical education and practice in India. For Indian students returning from abroad:
The MBBS degree must be recognized by the NMC.
Recognition is country- and university-specific.
Only graduates from NMC-approved universities are eligible for licensing exams in India.
Most medical universities are NMC-approved, including:
Dhaka Medical College
Chittagong Medical College
Sir Salimullah Medical College
Rajshahi Medical College
MBBS from these universities is eligible for FMGE/NEXT.
Some Armenian universities are NMC-approved, such as:
Yerevan State Medical University
Mkhitar Heratsi University of Medicine
Indian students must verify current NMC approval before admission.
Tip: Always check the official NMC list of recognized foreign medical institutions before choosing a university.
Conducted by National Board of Examinations (NBE).
Mandatory for Indian students with MBBS degrees from foreign universities (except UK, USA, Canada, Australia, NZ).
Passing Criteria: 50% (150/300).
Frequency: Twice a year (June & December).
Validity: Cleared FMGE grants eligibility to practice in India.
From 2025, FMGE will be replaced by NEXT.
Purpose: Licensure for both Indian MBBS graduates and foreign medical graduates.
Structure: MCQs + practical/clinical evaluation.
Passing NEXT → mandatory to obtain Indian registration
Students completing MBBS in Bangladesh or Armenia will have to clear NEXT to practice in India.
Indian students who completed MBBS abroad must follow these steps:
Check if the university is NMC-approved.
Only approved universities’ degrees are eligible for FMGE/NEXT.
MBBS duration abroad:
Bangladesh: 5 years + 1-year internship
Armenia: 6 years (includes clinical rotations; may require Indian internship depending on NMC norms)
Submit application through NBE portal.
Upload degree, marksheets, passport, and internship certificate.
Pay examination fees (~₹6,000–₹10,000).
Prepare using NEET-aligned study materials.
Focus on Indian medical syllabus (Bangladesh syllabus is similar; Armenia may require additional prep).
After clearing FMGE/NEXT, register with:
State Medical Council (e.g., Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu)
NMC (central registration)
Registration grants legal authority to practice in India.
After registration, students can:
Join hospitals or clinics
Pursue MD/MS/PG medical courses in India
Apply for teaching positions in medical colleges
| Factor | Bangladesh | Armenia |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration | 5 years + 1-year internship | 6 years (some universities may require Indian internship) |
| Medium of Instruction | English | English / Russian |
| Syllabus | Similar to Indian MBBS | European style, may differ from India |
| Tuition Fees | ₹20–30 lakhs for full course | ₹25–40 lakhs |
| Hostel & Living Costs | Affordable; Indian food widely available | Moderate; some adaptation required |
| FMGE/NEXT Success Rate | High (25–30%) | Moderate (12–16%) |
| Language Barrier | Minimal | Some Armenian/Russian language learning for clinical years |
| Indian Student Community | Large & supportive | Smaller but growing |
Affordable Medical Education – Studying abroad is cheaper than private Indian colleges.
Global Exposure – Students gain international knowledge and clinical practices.
Flexibility – Can choose to practice in India or pursue PG abroad.
Experience with Diverse Patient Cases – Hospitals abroad often expose students to different healthcare systems.
High ROI – MBBS abroad with FMGE/NEXT clearance allows Indian practice at lower cost than private MBBS.
FMGE/NEXT Passing Required – Historically low pass rates for some countries (e.g., Armenia 12–16%).
Syllabus Differences – European curriculum may differ from India, requiring additional preparation.
Internship Recognition – NMC may require additional Indian internship for certain universities.
Competition for PG Seats – After FMGE/NEXT, students compete with Indian MBBS graduates for MD/MS seats.
Cultural & Clinical Adaptation – Hospitals in India may operate differently from Bangladesh/Armenia.
Choose an NMC-recognized university.
Prepare for FMGE/NEXT during final MBBS years.
Focus on Indian syllabus topics, particularly pharmacology, medicine, and surgery.
Join peer groups or coaching classes for FMGE/NEXT.
Gain hands-on clinical experience during MBBS abroad.
Keep internship documentation ready for Indian registration.
Clinical Practice
Work in private or government hospitals.
Join clinics or become a family physician.
Postgraduate Studies (MD/MS)
Appear for NEET-PG or apply for international PG programs.
Teaching & Academics
Join medical colleges as lecturers after post-graduation.
Research & Public Health
Participate in medical research projects or join NGOs and government healthcare programs.
Yes, Indian students can practice in India after doing MBBS in Bangladesh or Armenia, provided they:
Study at an NMC-recognized university.
Complete the MBBS course and internship.
Clear FMGE (till 2024) or NEXT (from 2025 onwards).
Register with the State Medical Council or NMC.