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By S.P. Saju Bhaskar
Indian students are increasingly opting to seek medical degrees overseas in recent years. Several factors, such as the intense competition for limited medical seats, lower tuition costs overseas, and the appeal of diverse global medical experiences, are contributing to this change.
Understanding the causes of this growing trend helps clarify the difficulties faced by Indian medical students and emphasizes the prospects for those who are open to investigating educational options outside of their nation of origin.
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Intense Competition for Limited Medical Seats in India
One of the primary reasons Indian students look abroad for medical education is the extreme competition for limited seats in domestic medical schools. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the mandatory exam for admission to medical colleges in India, and each year millions of students compete for a relatively small number of spots.
According to recent data, nearly 2.3 million students appeared for NEET in 2024, competing for around 100,000 seats in government and private medical colleges across the country. This intense competition, combined with the high cutoff scores required to secure admission, leaves many qualified and passionate students unable to pursue their dream of becoming doctors in India.
As a result, those who do not score in the top tier but are determined to study medicine often turn to foreign universities, where the admission process may be less competitive and more accessible.
Additionally, the limited number of government medical seats further exacerbates the situation. Government medical colleges are preferred by most students because of their lower tuition fees and the quality of education provided.
However, the limited availability of seats means that only a small percentage of applicants can secure admission. This scarcity forces students to either seek admission in expensive private colleges or explore opportunities abroad, making the latter option more financially viable for many families.
Cost-Effective Education Abroad
Affordability is another key factor driving Indian students to study medicine overseas. The cost of medical education in India, especially in private institutions, can be prohibitively high. Tuition fees for private medical colleges often range from INR 50 lakhs to INR 1.75 cr or more for a full course.
In contrast, several foreign universities offer high-quality medical education at a fraction of this cost.
Regions like the Caribbean, Europe, and other Asian countries like the Philippines, have become popular destinations for Indian medical students due to their affordable tuition fees. For instance, the average cost of a six-year medical degree in Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan ranges from INR 20 to 30 lakhs, significantly lower than the fees charged by private medical colleges in India.
Additionally, the cost of living in these countries is often lower than in India, making foreign medical education an attractive option for middle-class families.
Global Exposure and Better Clinical Experience
Studying abroad offers Indian students exposure to diverse cultures, healthcare systems, and clinical practices. Many students appreciate the opportunity to train in modern hospitals with state-of-the-art technology, interact with patients from different backgrounds, and gain insights into medical practices that differ from those in India.
Students have an option to choose their destination of study based upon the future they have planned for themselves, which may include becoming a practicing medical consultant in the USA or Canada also. This global exposure enhances their ability to think critically, adapt to new environments, and handle diverse patient populations—skills that are invaluable in today’s globalized world.
Furthermore, foreign medical programs, particularly in countries like the USA, the UK, and Canada, emphasize hands-on clinical training and often provide students with the opportunity to undertake internships or residency placements in their host country. This practical experience is highly beneficial when students return to India or pursue careers abroad.
Ease of Admission and No Entrance Exams
Unlike Indian medical schools that require students to clear competitive exams like NEET, many foreign universities offer direct admission based on academic performance. For students who may not excel in entrance exams but are academically capable, this represents a major advantage. The reduced pressure and streamlined admission process at foreign universities allow students to focus on their studies and future career rather than spend months, or even years, preparing for entrance exams.
Additionally, some countries have agreements with India to allow students to return and practice medicine after passing the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE), making it easier for them to come back home and serve in the Indian healthcare system.
Growing Recognition of Foreign Medical Degrees
In the past, there was skepticism about foreign medical degrees and the ability of students to practice in India after studying abroad. However, the growing number of Indian students successfully passing the FMGE and securing positions in Indian hospitals has changed this perception.
Medical programs in countries like Guyana within the Caribbean region, recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India and accredited internationally by bodies such as CAAM-HP and ACCM, have made it easier for students to return to India and practice after completing their studies.
Moreover, some countries like the USA and Canada offer pathways for international students to pursue postgraduate medical training and practice, further expanding their career prospects.
Conclusion
The decision to study medicine abroad is influenced by a variety of factors, including limited seats in Indian medical colleges, high costs of private education, and the desire for global exposure. For many Indian students, pursuing a medical degree overseas offers a practical solution to these challenges, providing them with a cost-effective, high-quality education that can help them achieve their goals of becoming doctors. As more students continue to explore these international opportunities, the trend of Indian medical aspirants studying abroad is likely to grow further in the coming years.
(Author is Founder & President at Texila American University, Guyana – South America)
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