Russia has consistently been one of the most popular destinations for international students pursuing MBBS abroad. The country’s globally recognized curriculum, affordable fees, English-medium instruction, and clinical exposure from early years attract thousands of students every year.
One of the most important aspects for aspiring doctors to understand is the division of pre-clinical and clinical years in Russia MBBS. The structure is designed in a way that provides a strong foundation in basic sciences during the pre-clinical phase while gradually transitioning into hands-on clinical training during the clinical phase.
This article provides a comprehensive year-wise breakdown of pre-clinical and clinical years in Russia MBBS, along with details on teaching methodology, subject distribution, and benefits for students aiming to clear FMGE/NExT or USMLE in the future.
Duration: 6 years (5 years academics + 1 year internship)
Medium of Instruction: English (some universities follow bilingual teaching in later years)
System: Semester-based (two semesters per academic year)
Curriculum Standards: Follows both Russian Federation guidelines and international frameworks such as Bologna Process
Eligibility for Practice in India: Degree must be from an NMC-approved university
The MBBS program in Russia is broadly divided into two phases:
Pre-Clinical Years (Year 1–3)
Focuses on basic medical sciences
Provides the foundation knowledge required for clinical training
Subjects include Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology, and General Pathology
Clinical Years (Year 4–6)
Focuses on clinical subjects, hospital rotations, and patient interaction
Students gain practical exposure under supervision of experienced doctors
Includes Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Psychiatry, and Emergency Medicine
This clear separation ensures a gradual progression from theory to practice, equipping students with both academic excellence and clinical competence.
The first year introduces students to the basic sciences required to understand the human body.
Anatomy (General & Systemic)
Histology & Embryology
Biochemistry
Medical Biology & Genetics
Physiology (Basics)
Medical Chemistry
Latin & Medical Terminology
Introduction to Professional Training (Basics of Patient Interaction)
Physical Training & Hygiene
Key Features:
Students spend most of their time in laboratories and classrooms.
Anatomy dissection labs are a major component.
Clinical exposure is limited to observational sessions.
In the second year, students build on their foundation with more advanced study.
Physiology (Advanced)
Biochemistry (Metabolic Pathways & Clinical Applications)
General Pathology
Microbiology & Immunology
Pharmacology (Introductory)
Parasitology
Public Health & Hygiene
Psychology & Pedagogy
Key Features:
Pathology and Microbiology introduce students to disease mechanisms.
Practical training increases with laboratory experiments.
Students start to develop analytical and diagnostic thinking.
The third year is the bridge between pre-clinical and clinical education.
Pathology (Systemic)
Pharmacology (Therapeutic Applications)
Microbiology (Clinical Microbiology)
Forensic Medicine
Community Medicine
Radiology (Basics)
Clinical Diagnostics (Introduction to Patient Examination)
Key Features:
Students begin bedside teaching sessions under supervision.
Exposure to diagnostic tools like X-rays, ECG, and basic lab tests.
Marks the start of paraclinical studies preparing for clinical rotations.
Students enter hospital-based training and start interacting with patients.
Internal Medicine (General)
General Surgery (Basics)
Pediatrics (Basics)
Obstetrics & Gynecology (Introduction)
Ophthalmology
ENT (Otorhinolaryngology)
Dermatology & Venereology
Psychiatry (Introductory)
Radiology (Clinical Applications)
Key Features:
Students divide time between classrooms and hospitals.
Each subject includes lectures + clinical rotations.
Hands-on skills like history taking and general examination are practiced.
By the fifth year, students focus on specialized areas of medicine.
Internal Medicine (Advanced)
Surgery (Specialties such as Orthopedics, Cardiothoracic)
Pediatrics (Advanced)
Obstetrics & Gynecology (Advanced)
Neurology & Neurosurgery
Psychiatry (Advanced)
Emergency Medicine
Oncology
Anesthesiology & Intensive Care
Key Features:
Practical exposure increases significantly.
Students assist doctors in minor procedures.
Night shifts and emergency ward rotations are introduced.
The final year is dedicated to intensive clinical training.
Internal Medicine (Rotations)
General Surgery (Rotations)
Pediatrics (Rotations)
Obstetrics & Gynecology (Rotations)
Community Medicine/Public Health
Elective Rotations (Dermatology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Orthopedics, etc.)
Key Features:
Students act as junior doctors under supervision.
They participate in clinical decision-making and emergency care.
Completion of internship is mandatory for the MBBS degree.
Lectures & Seminars: Core theory subjects are taught in classrooms.
Practical Labs: Anatomy dissection, physiology experiments, and microbiology labs in early years.
Bedside Teaching: Patient history, diagnosis, and treatment planning in clinical years.
Simulation Training: Use of mannequins, models, and diagnostic equipment.
MCQ-Based Assessments: Prepare students for licensing exams like FMGE/NExT.
Semester Exams: Conducted twice a year.
Credit System: Many universities follow the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System).
Continuous Assessment: Includes attendance, lab performance, and small tests.
Final State Exam: Conducted at the end of 6th year before graduation.
Strong Foundation: Pre-clinical years ensure deep understanding of basic sciences.
Early Patient Exposure: Students begin hospital visits from the 3rd year.
Balanced Curriculum: Both theory and practicals are integrated seamlessly.
FMGE/NExT Alignment: Subjects are distributed in line with NMC norms.
Global Recognition: Curriculum matches international standards, helpful for USMLE/PLAB aspirants.
The subject distribution in Russia MBBS matches the requirements of FMGE and upcoming NExT exam in India.
Pre-clinical subjects (Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology) are covered in the first two years.
Paraclinical subjects (Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology) in the third year.
Clinical subjects (Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OBGY, ENT, Ophthalmology) in the fourth and fifth years.
Internship ensures practical competency.
This makes Russian MBBS graduates well-prepared for licensing exams globally.
The structure of pre-clinical and clinical years in Russia MBBS is carefully designed to transform students from learners of basic sciences into competent doctors. The first three years focus on building theoretical and laboratory-based knowledge, while the last three years emphasize clinical exposure, patient care, and hospital rotations.
This progression ensures that by the time a student graduates, they are not only academically strong but also practically skilled to handle real-world medical challenges. With its globally recognized credit system, early clinical exposure, and FMGE/NExT alignment, Russia remains a top destination for medical education abroad.