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.

Beginning from the basics, MBBS is an undergraduate program for Class 12 medical students to practice surgery and medicine throughout the country. MD, on the other hand, is a postgraduate medical course offered to candidates who have completed their undergraduate medical with various specializations taught in MBBS. To seek admission to MD and MBBS courses, the admission to all private, government, central and deemed universities/institution is done based on NEET and NEET PG scores. Only JIPMER (for UG and PG), AIIMS, and PGIMER (for PG) are out of NEET domain. MBBS vs MD is a concept that would necessitate a comprehensive understanding of complex details about the two courses.

MD vs MBBS Admission in India

MBBS course is offered in approximately 500 medical colleges and admission is granted based on NEET which is a national level entrance exam. Approximately, 65,000 students are granted MBBS admission every year in India. MBBS and MD are the first two professional degrees in medicine and surgery given after graduation from medical university/school/institute recognized by Medical Council of India (MCI). In India, the extent of the MBBS program is five and a half years in which 12 months internship is obligatory. Apart from NEET, JIPMER, and AIIMS, Puducherry also conducts JIPMER and AIIMS MBBS, correspondingly. Through AIIMS MBBS, around 807 seats are provided in 9 institutions, while, entrance to 200 MBBS seats are awarded through JIPMER MBBS. 

The MD is offered after MBBS. In India, the duration of the MD program is 3 years. The admission to MD is given to aspirants who qualify in NEET entrance examination. Candidates need to select any of the below-mentioned specifications as per their liking to pursue MD course.

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.