MBBS Abroad vs Private MBBS in India: Cost, FMGE Risk & NExT 2028 Reality

Introduction: The ₹50 Lakh Dilemma

If you have a NEET score of 400-500, you are standing at a massive financial crossroad:

Option A: Pay ₹70 Lakhs+ for a Private College in India.

Option B: Pay ₹25 Lakhs for a Government University in Russia or Philippines.

On paper, Option B (Abroad) saves you a fortune.

But the rules of the game have just changed.

With the NExT (National Exit Test) officially deferred to 2028/29, the "Level Playing Field" has been pushed back.

This means for the next few years, the "FMG Stigma" (Foreign Medical Graduate) and the brutal FMGE Exam are still very much alive.

This blog breaks down the MBBS abroad vs private MBBS in India debate with the latest 2026 timeline.

1. The Financial Reality (The Savings are Real)

Let's be honest: Money is the main reason students go abroad.

Component	Private College (India)	Govt Univ (Russia/Kazakhstan)
Tuition Fee (Total)	₹55 Lakhs - ₹1.2 Crore	₹15 - ₹22 Lakhs
Hostel & Food	₹6 - ₹10 Lakhs	₹10 - ₹12 Lakhs
Hidden Costs	Exam fees, Laundry, "Development" fees	Flight tickets, Visa renewal, Agents
Total Package	₹65 Lakhs - ₹1.3 Cr	₹28 - ₹35 Lakhs

The Hard Truth: If your family cannot take a loan of ₹40 Lakhs+, India is closed for you. You must go abroad.

2. The "NExT Deferment" Twist (2028 Update)

Here is where the confusion clears up.

The News: The NMC has deferred the NExT exam to 2028 or 2029.

What this means for YOU (2026 Admission Batch):

1. You WILL face NExT: You will graduate in 2031. By then, NExT will be fully implemented.

2. The "Equalizer" Effect: In 2031, both Indian graduates and Foreign graduates will likely sit for the same licensing exam.

3. The Risk: Indian colleges teach strictly according to the NMC Indian Syllabus. Foreign colleges teach their local syllabus.

4. The Danger: Will a Russian university prepare you for an Indian-standard NExT exam in 2031? Likely not. You will have to self-study for 6 years.

3. The Current Reality: FMGE is Still the Villain

Since NExT is deferred, the old villain (FMGE) is still here

.

Until NExT is implemented (2028/29), foreign graduates must pass the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination).

• Pass Rate: Historically ~15% to 20%.

• Why do students fail?

  • Language Barrier: Learning medicine in Russian/Chinese/Georgian is hard.

  • Clinical Exposure: In many countries, you are an "Observer," not a "Doctor." You don't touch patients.

  • The "Vacation" Mindset: Without parents watching, many students lose focus.

Contrast: Private MBBS students in India are Exempt from FMGE (for now). They get their license directly after internship. This is a massive safety net.

4. MBBS Abroad vs Private MBBS in India: The 2026 Verdict

Feature	Private MBBS (India)	MBBS Abroad (Russia/Phil/China)
Cost	Very High (₹70L+)	Low (₹30L)
Patient Load	High (Hands-on)	Low (Observer mostly)
Licensing Risk	Zero (Until NExT comes)	High (FMGE/NExT)
Course Duration	5.5 Years	6 Years + 1 Year Internship in India
PG Seat Chance	High (Indian Syllabus)	Low (Self-Study required)

5. Who Should Choose What?

Choose Private MBBS in India IF:

• You can afford ₹60L+ (or get a loan).

• You want to start your career immediately in 5.5 years.

• You want the safety of an Indian degree that is recognized instantly without a screening test (until NExT kicks in).

Choose MBBS Abroad IF:

• Your budget is strictly under ₹35 Lakhs.

• You are a Self-Discipline Warrior. You are ready to study for FMGE/NExT online (Marrow/Prepladder) every day for 6 years.

• You are okay with losing 2 extra years (6-year course + 1-year internship abroad + 1-year internship in India).

Conclusion: Is the Savings Worth the Risk?

Saving ₹40 Lakhs is great, but remember: "Cheap" often comes with "Conditions Apply."

If you go abroad, do not treat it as a vacation. Start preparing for NExT/FMGE from Year 1.

Because when you return in 2031, the exam will be waiting for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is NExT exam deferred for 2026 batch?

The NExT exam implementation has been deferred to 2028/2029. However, if you join MBBS in 2026, you will graduate in 2031. By then, NExT will almost certainly be the mandatory licensing exam for everyone.

2. Is MBBS abroad valid in India?

Yes, provided you follow the NMC FMGL Regulations 2021:

• Course duration must be at least 54 months.

• Medium of instruction must be English.

• You must complete a 12-month internship in the same foreign country.

• You must return and pass the FMGE/NExT and do another 1-year internship in India.

3. Which is safer: Private MBBS in India or Government MBBS in Russia?

Private MBBS in India is safer in terms of licensing and career continuity. You get better clinical exposure and don't face the "Screening Test" hurdle immediately. However, it costs 3x more.

4. What is the passing rate of FMGE?

The pass rate remains low, usually between 15% and 20%. This is the biggest risk of going abroad—most students struggle to clear this exam after returning.

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