The dream of becoming a doctor drives thousands of Indian students to seek medical education outside India. Limited government MBBS seats and high private college fees make studying abroad a practical solution. Among the popular destinations, Uzbekistan and Nepal have become top choices due to their affordable fees, cultural familiarity, and NMC-approved universities.
But one major question parents and students ask is:
“Is an MBBS degree from Uzbekistan or Nepal valid in India?”
The short answer is Yes, MBBS degrees from both countries are valid in India, provided the university is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and students clear the FMGE/NExT exam.
This article explores the recognition, requirements, challenges, and career opportunities of MBBS degrees from Uzbekistan and Nepal for Indian students.
In 2021, the National Medical Commission (NMC) issued new regulations regarding foreign medical education. According to NMC:
University Recognition – The medical university must be approved by the respective country’s medical council/government.
Duration – The MBBS course must be at least 5 years (excluding internship).
Internship – Students must complete a 1-year internship in the same country where they studied MBBS.
Language – The medium of instruction should be English.
License – Students must be eligible to practice medicine in that country after completing MBBS.
Once these conditions are met, the MBBS degree becomes valid in India after clearing FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or, from 2025 onwards, the NExT (National Exit Test).
Most top universities in Uzbekistan, such as Samarkand State Medical University, Tashkent Medical Academy, and Bukhara State Medical Institute, are NMC-approved.
Their degrees are recognized by WHO, ECFMG, and other global bodies.
MBBS in Uzbekistan is 5 years + 1 year internship (total 6 years).
Fulfills NMC’s minimum requirement.
Students must complete a mandatory internship in Uzbekistan before applying for a license in India.
Most universities provide MBBS in English medium, with additional training in Uzbek/Russian for clinical practice.
After completing MBBS in Uzbekistan, students must clear the FMGE (until 2024) or NExT (from 2025) to practice in India.
Therefore, an MBBS degree from Uzbekistan is 100% valid in India if the university is NMC-approved and the graduate clears FMGE/NExT.
Almost all major medical colleges in Nepal are recognized by NMC, such as:
Institute of Medicine (IOM), Tribhuvan University
B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS)
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS)
Many are affiliated with Indian medical institutions.
MBBS in Nepal is 5 years + 1-year internship.
Matches Indian MBBS structure closely.
Students complete a 1-year internship in Nepal, recognized by NMC.
In many cases, internships done in Nepal are also accepted directly in India.
Entirely in English, with teaching in Hindi/Nepali during patient interaction.
Easier for Indian students due to linguistic and cultural similarity.
MBBS from Nepal is valid in India, provided students pass FMGE/NExT.
Nepal’s curriculum and teaching style are very similar to India, giving students an edge in exams.
Thus, an MBBS degree from Nepal is also fully valid in India under NMC rules.
FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination): Currently mandatory for foreign MBBS graduates. Pass percentage is generally low (10–25%).
NExT (National Exit Test): From 2025, FMGE will be replaced by NExT.
Part 1 (theory) during final year.
Part 2 (practical) after internship.
Acts as both a licensing exam and PG entrance exam in India.
Both Uzbekistan and Nepal MBBS graduates will have to clear NExT to practice in India.
Affordable Fees – Tuition ranges from $3,000–$4,500 per year.
Shorter Duration – 5 years of study + 1-year internship.
NMC-Approved Universities – Recognized degrees accepted worldwide.
International Exposure – Students from multiple countries study together.
Modern Infrastructure – Digital classrooms, advanced labs, and well-equipped hospitals.
Cultural & Linguistic Similarity – Hindi/English widely spoken, making adaptation easy.
Proximity to India – Easier travel and lower costs compared to far-off destinations.
Similar Curriculum – Nepal’s MBBS curriculum is almost identical to India’s.
High FMGE Passing Rate – Better exam preparation due to familiar syllabus.
Indian Faculty & Mess Facilities – Many colleges have Indian teachers and Indian food available.
Language Barrier – Local patients speak Uzbek/Russian, so students must learn basics.
Harsh Winters – Adapting to cold climate is difficult for Indian students.
FMGE Passing Rate – Still lower compared to Nepal.
Higher Fees Compared to Uzbekistan – Tuition costs $5,000–$7,000 per year.
Limited Seats – Fewer universities mean tough admission competition.
High Demand – Admission is more competitive due to proximity and recognition.
Must clear FMGE/NExT.
Eligible for PG courses (MD/MS) in India.
Can work in government/private hospitals or open private practice.
MBBS from both countries is recognized by WHO, FAIMER, ECFMG.
Eligible to appear for USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and other exams.
Can pursue medical careers in Gulf, Europe, or South-East Asia.
| Factor | Uzbekistan | Nepal |
|---|---|---|
| Validity in India | Yes (NMC-approved + FMGE/NExT) | Yes (NMC-approved + FMGE/NExT) |
| Tuition Fees | $3,000–$4,500/year | $5,000–$7,000/year |
| Course Duration | 5 + 1 year internship | 5 + 1 year internship |
| Language | English (with Uzbek/Russian for clinicals) | English (with Hindi/Nepali for clinicals) |
| Cultural Similarity | Moderate | Very high |
| FMGE Passing Rate | Moderate | Higher than most abroad countries |
| Living Costs | $150–$200/month | $200–$250/month |
| ROI | High (low cost, global recognition) | High (better exam prep, but higher tuition) |
So, is an MBBS degree from Uzbekistan/Nepal valid in India?
Yes — MBBS from both Uzbekistan and Nepal is valid in India if:
The university is NMC-approved.
The student completes the 5+1 year structure.
The student clears FMGE (until 2024) or NExT (from 2025).
1.Uzbekistan is the better option for students seeking affordable MBBS education with international exposure.
2.Nepal is ideal for students who want a curriculum closer to India, cultural similarity, and higher FMGE passing chances, though at a higher cost.
Ultimately, both countries offer recognized and valid MBBS degrees in India, and the choice depends on a student’s budget, adaptability, and long-term career goals.