Over the past decade, Uzbekistan has become an emerging destination for MBBS aspirants from India. The country is known for its affordable tuition fees, English-medium programs, NMC recognition of universities, and cultural similarities with South Asia. Thousands of Indian students now choose Uzbekistan as their medical study destination, especially when options in India are limited due to the intense competition for government seats.

However, alongside the popularity of MBBS in Uzbekistan, several eligibility myths have spread among Indian students and parents. Many of these misconceptions arise from half-truths circulated by unverified sources or admission agents who oversimplify the process. These myths often lead to confusion about admission rules, eligibility requirements, and—most importantly—the implications for clearing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), which is mandatory for practicing in India after studying MBBS abroad.

This article clears up these myths, explains the actual eligibility rules for MBBS in Uzbekistan, and highlights how these rules connect with FMGE success rates.

Understanding the Basics: MBBS in Uzbekistan

Before diving into the myths, let’s look at why Indian students are choosing Uzbekistan for MBBS:

• Affordable Education: The tuition fee for MBBS in Uzbekistan is significantly lower than in Indian private colleges.

• NMC-Approved Universities: Degrees from recognized universities are valid in India.

• English-Medium Teaching: Most universities offer full courses in English.

• Modern Infrastructure: Many medical universities are equipped with updated laboratories and clinical training facilities.

• Cultural Comfort: Food habits, festivals, and climate are easier for Indian students compared to distant European or American destinations.

• FMGE Eligibility: Graduates from NMC-approved institutions in Uzbekistan are eligible to appear for FMGE/NEXT in India.

Despite these advantages, misinformation about eligibility often misleads students.

Common Eligibility Myths for MBBS in Uzbekistan

Myth 1: NEET is Not Required for MBBS in Uzbekistan

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Indian students do not need NEET to pursue MBBS abroad.

Truth:

• For Indian students, qualifying NEET is mandatory to secure admission in Uzbekistan and later register with the National Medical Commission (NMC).

• Even if a university admits you without NEET, you will not be eligible to practice in India because your degree cannot be recognized.

• NEET qualification ensures your eligibility for FMGE/NEXT after completing MBBS.

FMGE Success Impact: Most FMGE failures occur among students who were misled into thinking NEET was unnecessary and later realized their degree lacked recognition in India.

Myth 2: Low Marks in 12th Grade are Always Accepted

Some students believe they can study MBBS in Uzbekistan even if they scored poorly in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12.

Truth:

• The minimum requirement is 50% in PCB aggregate in Class 12 for General category students.

• For SC/ST/OBC students, 40% in PCB is accepted.

• Without meeting this criterion, admission is invalid, even if some agents claim otherwise.

 FMGE Success Impact: Students admitted despite weak academic foundations often struggle with FMGE because the exam demands strong conceptual clarity in PCB subjects.

Myth 3: Any University in Uzbekistan is NMC-Recognized

Many students assume that all medical universities in Uzbekistan are automatically valid in India.

Truth:

• Only specific universities that meet NMC’s Gazette of 2021 requirements are recognized.

• The university must offer a program of at least 5 years + 1 year internship.

• The course must include hands-on clinical training, not just theoretical teaching.

 FMGE Success Impact: Students from non-recognized or poorly structured universities face high FMGE failure rates because their training lacks depth.

Myth 4: English-Medium is the Same Everywhere

Some students assume that once a university claims to be English-medium, all classes will be in English.

Truth:

• Many Uzbek universities start with English instruction but gradually shift to local languages (Uzbek/Russian) for clinical training.

• While theory may be in English, practical lessons often require understanding local patients and doctors.

 Myth 5: FMGE Success Depends Only on Indian Coaching

A common myth is that clearing FMGE depends solely on coaching classes in India, and the choice of university abroad doesn’t matter.

Truth:

• FMGE success depends on a combination of quality medical education abroad and consistent preparation in India.

• Students from well-structured universities in Uzbekistan, where practical training is strong, tend to perform better in FMGE.

• Coaching supplements learning but cannot replace six years of structured study.

 FMGE Success Impact: Graduates from universities with better clinical exposure usually show higher FMGE success rates.

Myth 6: No Age Limit for MBBS in Uzbekistan

Some believe there is no age restriction for admission.

Truth:

• The minimum age is 17 years by 31st December of the admission year.

• There is no fixed upper age limit for Uzbekistan, but NEET eligibility rules in India (usually up to 25 years for General category and 30 for reserved categories) indirectly influence eligibility.

 FMGE Success Impact: This myth doesn’t directly affect FMGE, but misinterpretation can cause last-minute disqualification.

Myth 7: Internship Abroad Automatically Counts in India

Students often think their 1-year internship in Uzbekistan will be accepted directly in India.

Truth:

• According to NMC rules, the internship abroad is valid only if it matches the Indian curriculum.

• In some cases, students may be asked to do a compulsory 1-year internship in India after FMGE.

 FMGE Success Impact: Students must be prepared to undergo internship again in India, which can delay practice but ensures competence.

FMGE Success Rates of MBBS Graduates from Uzbekistan

The FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) is the licensing test for Indian students who studied MBBS abroad. Its pass rates reveal the effectiveness of medical education in different countries.

• FMGE passing percentage for Uzbekistan graduates has historically been low to moderate (around 10–20%).

• This is not due to a lack of academic quality alone but also because:

  • Many students admitted with poor NEET/PCB scores lack foundational strength.

  • Language barriers reduce the effectiveness of clinical training.

  • Misinformation leads students to unrecognized or lower-quality universities.

  • Inadequate preparation for FMGE during MBBS years adds to failure rates.

Key Point: FMGE success is not solely determined by the country but by a student’s preparation, university quality, and understanding of NMC guidelines.

Actual Eligibility Rules for Indian Students in Uzbekistan

To clarify, here are the real requirements for MBBS in Uzbekistan:

1. 12th Standard (PCB):

   • Minimum 50% aggregate for General category.

   • Minimum 40% aggregate for SC/ST/OBC category.

2. NEET Qualification:

   • Mandatory for admission and NMC recognition.

3. Age Limit:

   • Minimum 17 years by 31st December of the admission year.

4. University Recognition:

   • Must be listed by NMC and meet curriculum duration and internship requirements.

5. Language Adaptability:

   • English-medium teaching is available, but clinical years may require some local language familiarity.

How to Improve FMGE Success After Studying in Uzbekistan

1. Choose the Right University: Verify NMC recognition and clinical training facilities.

2. Strengthen Basics Early: Build a strong foundation in Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pathology from the first year.

3. Focus on Clinical Exposure: Actively participate in patient care during hospital rotations.

4. Parallel FMGE Preparation: Start practicing MCQs and attending coaching programs during MBBS, not after graduation.

5. Language Learning: Acquire basic Russian/Uzbek to engage better with patients during clinical practice.

6. Networking: Connect with seniors who cleared FMGE for practical guidance.

Benefits of MBBS in Uzbekistan Despite FMGE Challenges

• Affordable Tuition Fees: Around INR 15–25 lakhs for the complete course.

• Recognized Degrees: Many universities are NMC and WHO-approved.

• Good Infrastructure: Modern labs and hospitals in cities like Tashkent and Samarkand.

• Proximity to India: Easier travel compared to Western countries.

• Cultural Compatibility: Familiar food and social environment.

Conclusion

The eligibility myths around MBBS in Uzbekistan often mislead Indian students into making poor decisions. The truth is:

• NEET is compulsory.

• 50% PCB marks are essential.

• Only NMC-recognized universities are valid.

• Internships abroad may not always count in India.

• English-medium claims vary.

When it comes to FMGE success rates, the pass percentage for Uzbekistan graduates is not very high, but this is often due to weak foundations, language issues, and reliance on myths. By choosing the right university, preparing systematically, and understanding real eligibility requirements, Indian students can not only study MBBS in Uzbekistan but also clear FMGE and pursue a successful medical career in India.