Internship & PG After MBBS in Russia: India vs Abroad

 

For many Indian students, studying MBBS overseas, particularly in Russia, is a favorite and feasible choice. Low tuition fees, good quality education, and internationally recognized degrees make Russian medical universities the preferred learning destination for prospective physicians across India. But the question on every student's and parent's mind is: What follows after MBBS in Russia? More specifically, what are the prospects for internships and postgraduate (PG) studies in India compared to abroad?

Let's find out what options Indian students have after pursuing MBBS in Russia, and how India fares in comparison with foreign nations for internships as well as postgraduate medical courses.

 

MBBS in Russia: A Brief Overview

Russia has been a popular choice for Indian MBBS seekers for years. Tver State Medical University, Chechen State University, and Kazan Federal University are among the top universities that provide 6-year MBBS courses approved by the WHO and NMC. The language of instruction is English, and tuition fees are much lower compared to private colleges in India.

Yet, although the degree is internationally accepted, coming back to India or traveling overseas for further medical training entails passing licensing exams and fulfilling local eligibility conditions.

 

Internship After MBBS inRussia

1. Internship in India

Should you return to India once you have completed your MBBS in Russia, you will be required to do an internship. Here's what you must know:

NExT Exam: From 2025, the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) will be replaced by the National Exit Test (NExT). This exam will serve both as a licensure exam and as a qualifier for PG admissions.

Internship Requirement: After clearing NExT (Step 1), you’ll need to complete a one-year internship (Step 2) in India at a recognized hospital.

Approvals Process: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has now made it a requirement that foreign medical graduates complete their internship in India for final registration, regardless of whether they've already done an internship elsewhere.

Competition & Delays: There are possibly fewer seats available for internships in some states, and there can be waiting times or location problems.

 

2. Internship Abroad

Some students prefer to do their internship in Russia itself. All universities have a 1-year mandatory internship as part of the 6-year MBBS course. But according to the new NMC guidelines:

●      Indian students are required to undergo a one-year internship in India, even if they've completed one abroad.

●      The only exception is if a foreign internship is from a nation with the same medical standards and the student is going to practice abroad.

●      Briefly, for students intending to come back to India and practice or study PG, the Indian internship is crucial.

 

Postgraduate (PG) Choices Following MBBS in Russia

After you get your MBBS degree, the subsequent major move is a postgraduate (MD/MS) specialization. The following is an analysis of options both in India and overseas:

1. PG in India

NExT as PG Entrance: NExT shall also act as the common entrance examination for PG courses (in place of NEET-PG).

Extremely Competitive: PG seats in India are extremely few. Seats in government colleges are highly competitive, whereas private colleges tend to charge exorbitant amounts.

MBBS Abroad Benefit: If you study diligently in your MBBS in Russia and pass NExT with a satisfactory rank, you can still obtain a PG seat in India. But this involves intense dedication and strategic study.

 

2. PG Overseas

Students willing to practice abroad, there are plenty of countries that provide reachable and affordable PG opportunities:

Russia

Most Russian universities have MD/MS courses in specialties such as surgery, gynecology, radiology, and internal medicine.

Russian or English is the language in which programs are conducted, and the fees are reasonable.

Recognition of these qualifications depends on the country, so check with local medical councils if you wish to work abroad.

USA

Path: Pass USMLE Step 1 & 2, apply for residency, and finish PG training.

Competitive but extremely fulfilling, with world-class facilities and great earning prospects.

USMLE coaching is a part of some Russian universities' curriculum.

UK

Path: Pass PLAB and apply for specialty training.

Growing in demand among Indian postgraduates, provides an excellent quality of life and robust medical infrastructure.

Germany

Free or low-budget PG medical studies (in German).

Does demand German language skills and clinical acclimatization training.

Other Countries:

Australia, Canada, and the Gulf countries also provide PG alternatives, but with tighter licensing and language restrictions.

India vs Abroad: Which Is Better for Internship & PG?

Factor	India	Abroad
Internship Availability	Moderate, with waiting time	Often included in the MBBS program
Licensing Exam	NExT	Country-specific (e.g., USMLE)
PG Admission Competition	Very High	Moderate to High
Cost of PG	Expensive (Indian private)	Affordable (Russia, Germany)
Language Barrier	None	Present in non-English nations
Career Prospects	Stable but saturated	High earning potential abroad

 

 

Final Thoughts

Taking MBBS in Russia leads to numerous international opportunities, but to succeed, Indian students have to plan. Whether you decide to come back to India for an internship and PG or become a doctor overseas, it's necessary to stay updated on licensure requirements, test patterns, and practical routes.

With proper preparation—clearing NExT, acquiring new languages if necessary, and researching international residency opportunities—you can make your MBBS degree a successful global medical career.

Get expert counselling, top university options, and complete guidance from VISA, bonafide, to everything for  MBBS in Abroad. Contact EOCL India today and secure your medical future!
Also, the counselling session curated just for your MBBS abroad is free at EOCL India.