Pursuing MBBS in Nepal is an excellent choice for students from India and other countries because of its NMC-approved curriculum, English-medium teaching, affordable fee structure, and similar clinical exposure to India. The five-year MBBS course in Nepal is divided into pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical phases, followed by one year of compulsory internship.
While MBBS itself is demanding, many students aspire to prepare for postgraduate (PG) entrance exams such as NEET PG (India), NEXT (future licensing exam for Indian students), USMLE (United States), or PLAB (United Kingdom). Preparing for these exams parallel to MBBS is not only possible but also highly beneficial, as it reduces the burden after graduation.
This article provides a detailed guide on how to prepare for PG exams while pursuing MBBS in Nepal, covering strategies, year-wise approaches, and subject-wise preparation techniques.
Strong Knowledge Retention
Studying for PG exams alongside MBBS ensures better retention.
Subjects remain fresh when revised immediately after learning in class.
Time-Saving Approach
Instead of waiting until internship or graduation, preparation during MBBS saves 1-2 years.
Foundation for Competitive Exams
PG exams test conceptual clarity and clinical application. Preparing during MBBS builds this foundation early.
Less Stress After MBBS
Many students face pressure during internship or after graduation. Parallel preparation reduces stress.
Better Clinical Correlation
Students learn to connect theory with practical hospital exposure, which helps in both MBBS exams and PG entrance.
Phase I (1.5 years): Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
Phase II (1 year): Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine
Phase III (2.5 years): Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Orthopedics, Psychiatry, Dermatology
Internship (1 year): Rotational clinical training
Understanding this structure helps students align their PG preparation year-wise.
Focus on Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry.
Use standard textbooks and clear concepts thoroughly.
Parallel PG prep:
Revise using PG-level MCQs for these subjects.
Make short notes on high-yield topics.
Watch conceptual videos if needed.
Importance: These subjects form the base for pathology, pharmacology, and medicine in later years.
Core subjects: Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine.
These are high-scoring subjects in PG exams.
Parallel PG prep:
Solve MCQs after finishing each topic.
Focus on pathology and pharmacology, as they carry high weightage in NEET PG and NEXT.
Keep a digital or handwritten notebook for drugs, mechanisms, and diseases.
Importance: This year is crucial for mastering the link between basic sciences and clinical practice.
Subjects: Ophthalmology, ENT, Community Medicine.
Workload is lighter compared to 2nd and final year.
Best year to strengthen PG revision.
Parallel PG prep:
Revise 1st and 2nd-year subjects thoroughly.
Join a PG preparation test series to practice regularly.
Work on clinical correlation while attending hospital postings.
Subjects: Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Psychiatry, Orthopedics, Dermatology.
These subjects form the core of PG entrance exams.
Parallel PG prep:
Focus more on clinical subjects while revising basics.
Attempt integrated clinical case-based MCQs.
Develop skills in differential diagnosis and treatment.
Apply theoretical knowledge in real hospital scenarios.
Revise all 19 MBBS subjects systematically.
Dedicate specific hours daily for MCQs and previous year PG exam questions.
Internship is the final preparation stage before appearing for PG exams.
Anatomy – Revise diagrams, nerve supply, embryology.
Physiology – Focus on mechanisms and applied aspects.
Biochemistry – Memorize cycles, enzymes, clinical correlations.
Pathology – Emphasize disease mechanisms and systemic pathology.
Pharmacology – Learn drug classifications, mechanisms, side effects.
Microbiology – Revise organisms, diseases, lab diagnosis.
Community Medicine – Understand epidemiology, biostatistics, health programs.
Medicine – Prioritize cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, and endocrinology.
Surgery – Revise general surgery plus special branches.
Obstetrics & Gynecology – Cover maternal health, infertility, gynecological diseases.
Pediatrics – Growth, development, neonatal disorders, and pediatric emergencies.
ENT & Ophthalmology – Common disorders and surgical interventions.
Dermatology, Psychiatry, Orthopedics – Quick revisions with MCQs.
Daily MCQ Practice
Dedicate at least 30–60 minutes daily.
Solving MCQs helps recall concepts faster.
Note-Making
Prepare short notes during MBBS lectures.
Highlight PG exam-oriented topics.
Use of Online Platforms
Apps like Marrow, PrepLadder, or Lecturio can supplement preparation.
Short video lectures help in difficult subjects.
Revision Strategy
Revise 1st and 2nd-year subjects multiple times.
Use 3-cycle revision before final PG exam.
Time Management
Balance between MBBS academics and PG prep.
Prioritize MBBS university exams, as they form the base.
Test Series Participation
Regular mock tests simulate PG exam environment.
Helps in time management and identifying weak areas.
Group Discussions
Study groups improve understanding.
Explaining to peers boosts confidence.
Heavy MBBS Curriculum – Balancing regular MBBS exams with PG prep is difficult.
Limited Time – Hospital postings reduce study hours.
Mental Pressure – Continuous preparation can cause burnout.
Resource Overload – Too many books and apps may confuse students.
Peer Competition – Fear of falling behind creates stress.
Smart Scheduling – Make realistic timetables.
Selective Reading – Focus on high-yield topics.
Stress Management – Practice mindfulness, exercise, and take breaks.
Mentorship – Seek guidance from seniors or PG mentors.
Consistency – Even 1–2 hours daily PG preparation can make a big difference.
Early start gives a competitive edge.
Better chances of securing a PG seat in top branches like Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, or Radiology.
Stronger clinical confidence during internship.
Balanced preparation for NEXT, NEET PG, or USMLE.
Preparing for PG exams parallel to MBBS studies in Nepal is challenging but highly rewarding. With proper year-wise planning, subject integration, daily practice, and consistent revision, students can excel both in MBBS university exams and PG entrance tests.
Instead of postponing PG preparation until after graduation, starting early during MBBS builds a solid foundation and reduces future pressure. Students who manage their time smartly and follow a disciplined approach not only succeed in MBBS but also achieve top ranks in PG exams.
The key is to stay consistent, revise regularly, and make PG preparation a natural extension of MBBS learning. This way, by the time internship ends, students are well-prepared, confident, and ready to secure their dream specialization.