What is the difference between MBBS and MD?

The difference between MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and MD (Doctor of Medicine) has always been a topic of discussion. MBBS vs MD is a concept that would necessitate a comprehensive understanding of complex details about the two courses.

MBBS and MD is a degree that are offered to students after completing their education. Medical aspirants must know the basic difference between MBBS and MD. Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) is an undergraduate degree, while Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a postgraduate degree. Class 12 passed students can opt for MBBS, and the graduate students can pursue MD. This structure is followed in India, UK and other Commonwealth nations. 
If a student wishes to study medical aboard in UAS and Canada, then the primary degree to become a doctor is MD. Admission to the MBBS and MD in India is based on entrance examinations. Interested students need to appear and qualify in the test to get admission in the best medical college in India. Here you will find the admission process, specializations, course fees and career options.

MD vs MBBS Admission in India

There are many medical colleges in India. However, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) Delhi is the dream college for the majority of medical aspirants. Many other top ranking institutes are there that offer excellent education in MBBS and MD.

Admission to MD and MBBS courses in India is done through the entrance examinations. Students need to fulfil the eligibility criteria to appear for the entrance test. National Eligibility CUM Entrance Test (NEET UG / NEET PG) is a national entrance test in India for admission to MBBS and MD. Other entrance tests for MD is Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) for MD admission in AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS.

M D (Doctor of Medicine) - Specialties

• Anatomy
• Anesthesiology
• Biophysics
• Biochemistry UG PG
• Community Medicine
• Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
• Dermatology and Venereology
• Laboratory Medicine
• Microbiology
• Medicine
• Nuclear Medicine
• Ophthalmology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Pediatrics
• Physiology
• Psychiatry
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PMR)
• Radiotherapy
• Radio-Diagnosis

While pursuing the course of MBBS, the student goes through training in all facets of understanding medicine. This comprises areas such as Human Physiology, Human Anatomy, Applied Pharmacology, Applied Medical Biochemistry, Human Microbiology, Human Pathology, Dermatology, Otolaryngology, Pediatrics, and General Surgery. Apart from these key areas, several other areas are also covered. This emphasizes that the student studies all branches of medicine, on the whole. Thus, it is a common fundamental degree.

Course Fees - MBBS vs MD

NEET entrance exam for undergraduate and postgraduate has lessened the trouble from students to sit for various state-level exams. Also, making it compulsory for government and private colleges to disclose the MBBS course fees has enabled candidates to know the amount to be paid with the fair admission procedure and assist them to be more positive for their admissions. Candidates can check the course fees of the MBBS courses by visiting the official website. MBBS course fees vary between all the government-aided institutions/ government/central universities and deemed universities/private institutions. The fee for MBBS course of AIIMS, the leading institution of the country in regards to medical education, is determined by All India Institute of Medical Sciences for its nine campuses all through the country. The course fee of MBBS at AIIMS is very reasonable with the yearly course fee of sum INR 5856/-. The hostel fees are provided subject to accessibility. The course fee of MBBS in AIIMS for candidates applying in the NRI quota is 75,000 USD for the whole course. 

The MD course fee can differ extensively based on the kind of institute - private or public. Also within these two groups as well the fee may differ from one institute to another; the variation is more distinct in private colleges than in public colleges. 

Talking about the fee charged by public colleges, the leading medical institutions in the country, AIIMS Delhi and the other AIIMS charge an annual tuition fee of Rs. 702 only. Other constituents of fee structure include electricity, pot money, caution money, and Gymkhana Fee. The whole yearly fee after including all the constituents is below Rs. 2000. Also, AIIMS does not ask for any hostel fees from its learners. Other medical colleges that are run by the government might ask for a bit higher fee, still, it is quite less than what is asked by private institutes. 

Scope of MBBS and MD programs

MBBS is a tremendously dynamic field and jobs are available in both private and public hospitals. A person can apply for jobs in government medical institutes and even in numerous private hospitals. Doctors can also begin practicing on their own after getting them licensed and registered by the Medical Council of India. After completing MBBS, candidates can also choose to further their studies by pursuing MD programs.

After completing the MD degree, individuals get a host of employment opportunities before them. They can work in both public and private hospitals as physicians. Job prospects are also present in medical institutes/colleges, health segments of the state government, nursing homes, and clinics. After completing MD, individuals can also work as educators or research fellows in several universities and colleges that teach healthcare education. They also have the choice of working as a self-employed individual and conduct their private practice.