MBBS stands for “Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.” It is a professional undergraduate degree awarded to students who have completed the necessary coursework and training in the field of medicine and surgery. In many countries, the MBBS degree is a primary medical qualification that enables graduates to practice medicine as a doctor.
What is the Full Form of MBBS?
The full form of MBBS is Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. The term “Bachelor of Medicine” refers to the study of medicine, including topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. “Bachelor of Surgery” refers to the surgical aspects of medicine, including surgical techniques, procedures, and practices.
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Degree in India
In India, the eligibility criteria for pursuing an MBBS degree vary slightly among different states and institutions. However, the basic requirements are generally as follows:
- Age Limit: Candidates must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission or before December 31 of the year of admission. There is usually no upper age limit for the MBBS course.
- Educational Qualifications: Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects. The minimum aggregate marks required in these subjects is typically 50% for general category candidates and 40% for reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC).
- Entrance Examinations: Admission to MBBS programs in India is primarily based on performance in national or state-level entrance examinations. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) is the common entrance exam conducted for MBBS admissions across the country.
MBBS Course Duration
The duration of the MBBS course is typically five and a half years. This duration is divided into four and a half years of academic study and one year of compulsory rotating internship.
Here is a general breakdown of the MBBS course duration:
- Academic Study (Four and a Half Years): The academic study is divided into nine semesters, with each semester lasting for about six months. During this period, students cover various subjects related to medical science, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, forensic medicine, and community medicine. They also receive practical training in laboratories and clinical settings.
- Compulsory Rotating Internship (One Year): After completing the academic study, students are required to undergo a one-year rotating internship. During this internship, students gain practical experience by rotating through various departments in hospitals, such as medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and others. This internship is aimed at providing students with hands-on experience in different areas of medicine and preparing them for professional practice.
Upon successful completion of the MBBS course and the rotating internship, students are awarded the MBBS degree and are eligible to register with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the respective state medical councils to practice medicine as a doctor in India.
Post Graduate Courses After MBBS
After completing MBBS, there are several postgraduate (PG) courses available for further specialization. Some of the popular PG courses after MBBS in India are:
- MD (Doctor of Medicine): MD is a three-year postgraduate medical course that allows students to specialize in various clinical disciplines such as Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Radiology, Dermatology, Anesthesiology, etc.
- MS (Master of Surgery): MS is a three-year postgraduate medical course that focuses on surgical disciplines such as General Surgery, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), Obstetrics and Gynecology, etc.
- PG Diploma Courses: There are various PG diploma courses available in medical specialties that are of shorter duration compared to MD/MS. These courses are typically of two years duration and offer specialized training in fields such as Child Health (DCH), Obstetrics and Gynecology (DGO), Anesthesia (DA), etc.
- DNB (Diplomate of National Board): DNB is a postgraduate degree awarded by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), which is equivalent to MD/MS. It is available in various specialties and is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
- DM (Doctorate of Medicine): DM is a super-specialty course that can be pursued after MD. It is available in various disciplines such as Cardiology, Neurology, Nephrology, Gastroenterology, etc., and typically has a duration of three years.
- MCh (Master of Chirurgiae): MCh is a super-specialty course that can be pursued after MS. It is available in disciplines such as Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Urology, Plastic Surgery, etc., and typically has a duration of three years.
Admission to these PG courses is usually through national or state-level entrance examinations, such as NEET-PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate Courses) or state PG medical entrance exams. The selection process may also include a counseling process based on merit and availability of seats in the desired specialty.