MD vs MBBS: Differences, Eligibility, Admission 2025
Aspiring to become a doctor involves navigating through various medical degrees and understanding their nuances. Two of the most common and essential degrees in the medical field are MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and MD (Doctor of Medicine). For students considering a career in medicine, understanding the differences between these degrees, their eligibility criteria, and the admission process is crucial. This comprehensive guide, with insights from Collegestoria, will help you make informed decisions about your medical education. Not only this but Collegestoria also guides students from other countries to take MBBS Admission in India.
What is MBBS?
MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. It is an undergraduate degree that equips students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to diagnose and treat patients. An MBBS degree is the first step toward becoming a practising doctor in India.
Key Features of MBBS:
- Duration: 5.5 years, including a one-year compulsory internship.
- Curriculum: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Community Medicine, along with clinical rotations.
- Objective: Prepares students for general medical practice and provides eligibility for postgraduate studies like MD or MS.
What is MD?
MD stands for Doctor of Medicine and is a postgraduate degree pursued after completing MBBS. It allows doctors to specialise in a specific medical field, such as internal medicine, paediatrics, or radiology.
Key Features of MD:
- Duration: 3 years.
- Curriculum: Focused on specialised knowledge and advanced clinical skills in a chosen field.
- Objective: Prepares doctors for specialised practice or academic roles in medicine.
Differences Between MBBS and MD
Aspect |
MBBS |
MD |
Type of Degree |
Undergraduate |
Postgraduate |
Eligibility |
10+2 with PCB and NEET qualification |
MBBS degree and NEET-PG qualification |
Duration |
5.5 years |
3 years |
Focus |
General medical education |
Specialised medical training |
Career Opportunities |
General practitioner, junior doctor |
Specialist doctor, academician, researcher |
Eligibility for MBBS Admission in India 2025
Basic Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
- Minimum Marks: General category students must score at least 50% in PCB; reserved categories require 40%.
- Age Limit: The candidate must be at least 17 years old as of 31st December 2025. The upper age limit has been removed for NEET eligibility.
- NEET Qualification: Admission to MBBS in India is based on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG).
Eligibility for MD Admission in India 2025
Basic Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold an MBBS degree from a recognised medical institution.
- Internship: Completion of a one-year internship is mandatory before pursuing MD.
- NEET-PG Qualification: Admission to MD courses is through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG).
Admission Process for MBBS in India 2025
- Register for NEET-UG: Aspiring candidates must register for the NEET-UG exam on the official website.
- Appear for NEET-UG: The exam tests knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, along with general aptitude.
- Counselling Process: Qualified candidates participate in state or national counselling sessions to secure seats in medical colleges.
- Admission Confirmation: Once a seat is allotted, candidates complete the verification process and pay the fees to confirm admission.
Admission Process for MD in India 2025
- Register for NEET-PG: Candidates must register for the NEET-PG exam.
- Appear for NEET-PG: The exam assesses knowledge in various medical subjects studied during MBBS.
- Counselling Process: Candidates participate in the counselling process based on their NEET-PG rank to secure seats in their desired specialisation.
- Admission Confirmation: Selected candidates must verify documents and pay the fees to secure their seats.
Why Choose Collegestoria?
As a leading career counselling platform, Collegestoria offers expert guidance to students navigating the complex medical admission process. Whether it’s choosing the right medical college, understanding eligibility criteria, or preparing for entrance exams, Collegestoria provides personalised support to help students achieve their goals.
Services Offered by Collegestoria:
- Assistance in NEET and NEET-PG preparation.
- Guidance in selecting top medical colleges.
- Support with application and counselling processes.
- Information about scholarships and financial aid.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between MBBS and MD is essential for planning a successful medical career. While MBBS lays the foundation for general medical practice, MD allows you to specialise in a field of your choice. With the right guidance from Collegestoria, you can make informed decisions and confidently embark on your journey toward a fulfilling career in medicine.
The medical field is challenging but rewardi0ng, and starting with clarity about your options can make all the difference. Whether you’re aspiring for MBBS admission in India or planning to pursue an MD, staying informed and seeking expert advice is the key to success.