MBBS in India for Nepali Students: Eligibility, NEET and Admission
Nepali students can study MBBS in India without a visa. In most cases you must qualify NEET-UG, have Physics, Chemistry and Biology with English in +2, and choose a college recognised by India’s National Medical Commission (NMC) so you can later sit the Nepal Medical Council licensing exam. The course takes about 5.5 years including a one-year internship.
By Hub International Education counsellors · Updated
- Visa
- Not required for Nepali citizens
- Entrance exam
- NEET-UG (in most cases)
- Duration
- About 5.5 years incl. 1-year internship
- Licence in Nepal
- Nepal Medical Council licensing exam
Why Nepali students choose MBBS in India
- No visa, short travel and a familiar culture, food and climate.
- English-medium teaching with a curriculum close to what Nepal’s medical system expects.
- Large hospitals with high patient flow for clinical exposure.
- Government of India scholarship seats for Nepali students, alongside private and deemed university seats.
Eligibility for MBBS in India
- +2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. Indian rules set a minimum aggregate in PCB (commonly 50% for general category), but check the current NMC and college requirement.
- Minimum age of 17 by 31 December of the admission year.
- NEET-UG qualification: NMC rules generally require NEET for MBBS admission in India, including for foreign nationals. Some seat categories have their own process, so confirm before applying.
- Nepali citizenship certificate or passport, academic transcripts and character certificate.
Nepal-side rules: eligibility and licensing
Before going abroad for medicine, check the current requirements of Nepal’s Medical Education Commission, which has rules on eligibility for studying medicine abroad. Rules have changed several times, so confirm what applies to your year.
After graduating, you must pass the Nepal Medical Council licensing exam to practise in Nepal. Choosing an NMC-recognised college that the Nepal Medical Council also accepts protects your career. Never pay a college before confirming both recognitions.
Routes to an MBBS seat in India
| Route | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Government of India scholarship | Limited MBBS/BDS seats offered to Nepali students through the Embassy of India in Kathmandu; merit-based selection | High scorers seeking low or no tuition |
| Private medical colleges | Admission through NEET counselling or the college’s foreign/NRI quota | Students with NEET score and a budget for private fees |
| Deemed universities | National counselling with separate fee structures | Students wanting established institutions with wider seat availability |
Fees and budgeting
Government scholarship seats can cost very little, while private and deemed university fees vary widely by college and state. Budget for tuition, hostel, mess, books and exam fees for the full 4.5 academic years plus internship. Ask for the complete year-by-year fee schedule in writing before paying any deposit.
Because students pay in Indian rupees and do not need visas or long-haul flights, the total cost of an Indian MBBS is often lower than studying medicine in other foreign countries. Still, private college fees can be substantial, so compare the full five-and-a-half-year cost, not just the first-year fee, and keep a buffer for hostel increases and exam fees.
Step by step
- 1
Check eligibility
Confirm PCB marks, age and current Nepal Medical Education Commission requirements.
- 2
Prepare for and sit NEET-UG
Register on time; the exam is usually held once a year.
- 3
Apply for scholarship seats
Watch Embassy of India Kathmandu notices for the scholarship application window.
- 4
Counselling and college choice
Shortlist only NMC-recognised colleges accepted by the Nepal Medical Council.
- 5
Admission and travel
Complete document verification, pay fees and travel with your citizenship or passport.
Frequently asked questions
Do Nepali students need NEET for MBBS in India?
In most cases yes. National Medical Commission rules generally require NEET-UG qualification for MBBS admission in India, including for foreign nationals. Confirm the rule for your specific seat category before applying.
Do Nepali students need a visa to study MBBS in India?
No. Nepali citizens can study in India without a visa using their citizenship certificate or passport.
How long is MBBS in India?
MBBS in India takes about 5.5 years: 4.5 years of academic study followed by a one-year compulsory rotating internship.
Is MBBS from India valid in Nepal?
Yes, if the college is recognised by India’s National Medical Commission and accepted by the Nepal Medical Council. You must also pass the Nepal Medical Council licensing exam to practise in Nepal.
Are there MBBS scholarships in India for Nepali students?
Yes. The Government of India offers a limited number of MBBS and BDS scholarship seats for Nepali students through the Embassy of India in Kathmandu. Selection is merit-based and competitive.
How do I check if an Indian medical college is recognised?
Check the college on the National Medical Commission website and confirm with the Nepal Medical Council that graduates of that college can sit the Nepal licensing exam. Hub International verifies recognition before recommending any college.
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