Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery

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Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Latin nameMedicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae
AbbreviationMBBS, MBChB, MB BS, MB BChir, BM BCh, MB BCh, MB ChB, BM BS
TypeUndergraduate professional degree
Duration4–6 years (varies by country), plus internship
PrerequisitesSecondary school completion; entrance examinations
Field of studyMedicine, Surgery
CountriesUnited Kingdom, India, Australia, Canada, Singapore, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and others
Established19th century

The Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (Latin: Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae), abbreviated in various ways such as MBBS, MBChB, MB BS, MB BChir, BM BCh, MB BCh, MB ChB, or BM BS, are the two first professional undergraduate degrees awarded upon graduation from medical school in medicine and surgery by universities in various countries that follow the tradition of the United Kingdom.[1] The naming suggests that they are two separate degrees; however, in practice, they are usually treated as one and awarded together.[1] In countries that follow the tradition of the United States, the degree is awarded as M.D. or D.O., which is a professional doctorate degree.[1]

The degree is currently awarded in various forms in institutions in Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, China, Egypt, Fiji, Ghana, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Zambia and Zimbabwe.[1]

History[edit | edit source]

Historically, Bachelor of Medicine was also the primary medical degree conferred by institutions in the United States and Canada, such as the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, the University of Toronto, the University of Maryland, and Columbia University.[1] Several early North American medical schools were (for the most part) founded by physicians and surgeons who had trained in England and Scotland.[1]

University medical education in England culminated with the Bachelor of Medicine qualification, and in Scotland the Doctor of Medicine, until the mid-19th century when the public bodies that regulated medical practice at the time required practitioners in Scotland as well as England to hold the dual Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees.[1] Throughout the 19th century, North American medical schools switched to the tradition of the ancient universities of Scotland and began conferring Doctor of Medicine rather than Bachelor of Medicine, the first institution to make such a switch being King's College (now Columbia University) in New York.[1]

In the countries that award bachelors' degrees in medicine, however, Doctor of Medicine denotes a holder of a higher doctorate and is reserved for medical practitioners who undertake research and submit a thesis in the field of medicine.[1] Nevertheless, those holding Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery are usually referred to by the courtesy title of "Doctor" and use the prefix "Dr", whether or not they also hold a Ph.D. or DSc.[1] In theory, the right to the use of the title "Doctor" is conferred on the medical graduate when he or she is registered as a medical practitioner by the relevant professional body, not merely by the possession of the academic degrees.[1]

The reason is found in a parallel tradition for those who are post-graduate specialists in Surgery; on acceptance into a College of Surgeons, they stop styling themselves "Doctor" and revert to "Mister" (Mr), "Miss," "Ms." or "Mrs."[1] This curious situation, where an elevation in professional rank is signified by dropping the title of Doctor, came about because historically a "surgeon" was an ordinary workman, usually a barber, not trained in medicine but performing dissections and surgery under the direction of a gowned academic who was the actual "Doctor".[1]

In India, students were given diplomas by the college itself until 1857 AD, when, after the establishment of the Calcutta University, the onus of awarding students with the diploma (LMS – Licentiate in Medicine and Surgery) and the degree (MB) was entrusted to the University. Later on, the degree was renamed as MBBS.[2] The degree was termed Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS, a title also used in a few other erstwhile British colonies) in the English tradition, and it was recognized by 'The Indian Medical Degrees Act No. VII of 1916'.[3]

Curriculum[edit | edit source]

The MBBS curriculum is designed to produce competent medical graduates capable of functioning as physicians of first contact in the community.[4] The course structure typically comprises three phases: pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical, followed by a compulsory rotating internship.[4] The National Medical Commission (NMC) released revised "Guidelines for Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) Curriculum 2024," to be implemented from the MBBS admission batch 2024-2025.[5]

Phase I: Pre-clinical[edit | edit source]

The pre-clinical phase, typically lasting one year, covers foundational subjects including Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry, along with an introduction to Community Medicine.[4] Volume I of the CBME curriculum contains competencies of Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Forensic Medicine and Toxicology.[5]

Phase II: Para-clinical[edit | edit source]

The para-clinical phase, lasting approximately one to one-and-a-half years, includes subjects such as Pharmacology, Microbiology, Pathology, and an introduction to clinical subjects.[4] This phase bridges the gap between basic sciences and clinical practice.

Phase III: Clinical[edit | edit source]

The clinical phase, spanning two years, covers Community Medicine, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medicine and allied sciences, Surgery and allied sciences, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Respiratory Medicine, Orthopaedics, Otorhinolaryngology, Ophthalmology, Radiodiagnosis, and Anesthesiology.[4] Volume II of the curriculum contains competencies of Medicine and allied subjects (including community medicine), whereas Volume III contains competencies of Surgery and allied subjects.[5]

Internship[edit | edit source]

A compulsory rotating internship of one year is required for the award of the MBBS degree.[6] The overall duration of compulsory rotating medical internship shall not be less than twelve months.[6] Every candidate shall be required to undergo a compulsory rotating medical internship (CRMI) for a minimum period of twelve months, to the satisfaction of the college authorities and the University concerned after passing the final Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) examination.[6] The internship provides hands-on clinical experience under supervision.

AETCOM Module[edit | edit source]

A longitudinal program called "Professional Development including Attitude, Ethics and Communication Module (AETCOM)" is spread across the continuum of the MBBS including internship.[4] This module focuses on developing communication skills, ethical reasoning, and professional attitudes.

Electives[edit | edit source]

Electives are offered to MBBS students as per National Medical Commission guidelines. Students are offered nearly 50 electives to choose from, with two-week electives in Phase I/II departments and another two-week elective in Phase III departments.[4] Electives are conducted after Phase III (Part I).[4]

Duration and structure[edit | edit source]

The duration of the MBBS programme varies by country.

India[edit | edit source]

In India, the MBBS course is of 5½ years duration, comprising 4½ years of academic study and one year of compulsory rotating internship.[4][6] The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed amending the Graduate Medical Education Regulations (GMER), 2023, to allow MBBS students up to 10 years to complete their course, including the compulsory rotatory medical internship.[7] The draft Graduate Medical Education (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, increases the outer time limit for continuing the undergraduate medical course from nine years to ten years from the date of joining the first MBBS course.[8] Beginning 2020, admissions are made based on merit through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) conducted by the National Testing Agency.[9]

United Kingdom[edit | edit source]

In the United Kingdom, most students take a five-year 'standard entry' course in medicine, though there are a few that are six years long.[10] Some universities offer a four-year graduate entry programme for students who already hold a bachelor's degree.[10] These graduate entry programmes condense the first stage of a conventional medical degree, so students achieve the qualification in four rather than five years.[11] The MBBS is usually a five-year undergraduate degree, but some programmes take six years to complete because the institution expects students to earn a Bachelor of Science (BSc) as part of their training.[12]

Australia[edit | edit source]

In Australia, there are two types of medical degrees available: a five or six year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), and a four-year graduate entry medical degree.[13] In the past, most medical doctors completed a five or six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree; however, around 60% of medical schools in Australia now require seven years of tertiary study to attain a professional entry level medical qualification.[14] The duration of basic medical degree course, including practical training, is 4–6 years, with a further year of clinical practice in a teaching hospital required before the degree is awarded.[15] The license to practice medicine is granted to holders of an MB/BS degree from a medical school accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) following a satisfactory 1-year internship in an approved teaching hospital.[15]

Other countries[edit | edit source]

Undergraduate medical education lasts five years in Scotland and seven years in Belgium.[16] In Germany, the medical degree concludes with state examinations after six years, including a practical year.[17] The medical degree in Germany typically takes six years and three months, including the examination period, with the pre-clinical stage covering the first four semesters.[17] The German medical studies comprise at least six years of university education.[18] Gaining a basic medical degree may take from five to nine years, depending on the jurisdiction and the university providing the training.[19]

Admission requirements[edit | edit source]

Admission requirements for MBBS programmes vary by country.

India[edit | edit source]

In India, the National Medical Commission (NMC) is an apex statutory body constituted by an Act of Parliament to regulate and oversee medical education across the country.[9] The Graduate Medical Education Regulation, 2023 framed by the NMC prescribes eligibility criteria for appearing in NEET-UG Examination for admission to undergraduate course (MBBS).[9] As per provisions under the regulations, minimum prescribed age is 17 years as on or before 31st January of the year that the candidate shall be appearing for examination.[9] These regulations do not prescribe upper age limit for appearing in the said examination.[9] Further, the candidate must have passed 10+2 (or equivalent) with subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English.[9] Candidates must qualify the NEET-UG examination.[20] A minimum of 50th percentile in NEET UG is required for General/EWS candidates, while SC/ST/OBC candidates must score a minimum of 40th percentile.[20] For candidates with benchmark disabilities, the requirement is 45th percentile.[21]

United Kingdom[edit | edit source]

In the United Kingdom, entry to MBBS programmes is through UCAS.[22] Medical applicants are often expected to receive high scores on their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSEs) and A-levels.[12] Entry requirements typically include A-level Chemistry and Biology, with many institutions requiring grades of A*AA or AAB.[23] King's College London requires A-level grade A in Chemistry and Biology.[24] The University of Exeter requires A*AA at A-Level with Chemistry and Biology plus one further subject.[25] All applicants must take the UCAT.[24]

Recognition and accreditation[edit | edit source]

Medical schools offering MBBS programmes are typically recognised by national medical councils and regulatory bodies. The World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), maintained by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and FAIMER, lists medical schools with complete programmes of instruction leading to a basic medical qualification.[26] A listing in the World Directory confirms that the medical school exists and is recognised by a relevant local authority, such as a ministry or medical council.[26] The listing does not denote recognition, accreditation, or endorsement by the World Directory, WFME, FAIMER or any of the sponsoring organisations unless expressly stated.[26] The World Directory is a free, searchable directory of the world's undergraduate medical education programmes, containing information for over 4,000 schools.[26] Listing in the World Directory is based on a proof of recognition of the school in the corresponding country from the local regulatory authority.[27] The WDoMS team verifies that the school is recognised by the government.[28]

For foreign medical graduates seeking to practise in India, the degree must be recognised by the NMC, and candidates must obtain an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) confirming that their qualification is equivalent to the Indian 10+2 standard.[29] As per the 2002 amendment of the Medical Council of India Act, any foreign medical degree must be recognised in the country where it was awarded and must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.[30]

Comparison with MD[edit | edit source]

The MBBS is an undergraduate medical degree, whilst the MD is typically a postgraduate, clinical research-based degree in countries that follow the British tradition.[31] The MBBS programme typically lasts between five to six years, whilst the MD programme is typically four years and includes a three-year residency (which could go up to seven years) at teaching universities and hospitals after graduation.[31]

In the United States, the MD is a professional doctorate degree that students earn after first completing a bachelor's degree.[12] In the UK, an MBBS degree is not equivalent to an MD degree in the United States (a professional degree you earn after first completing your bachelor's degree).[12] However, MBBCh and MBBS are MD-equivalent degrees given by medical schools that follow the United Kingdom medical education system.[32]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 "Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery". National Library Board, Singapore. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  2. ↑ "History of Medical Education in India". Journal of the Indian Medical Association. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  3. ↑ "Medical education in India: Problems and solutions". ScienceDirect. 15 February 2014. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 "Guidelines for Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) Curriculum 2024" (PDF). National Medical Commission. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Acquisition of Certifiable Competencies in Undergraduate Medical Curriculum of National Medical Commission: Role of Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice" (PDF). International Journal of Applied and Basic Medical Research. 14 (4): 211–215. 2024. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship Regulations, 2023". National Medical Commission. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  7. ↑ "NMC proposes major MBBS rule change, seeks to restore 10-year course completion window for medical students". The Economic Times. 2 June 2026. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  8. ↑ "Draft Graduate Medical Education (Amendment) Regulations, 2026". TeamLease RegTech. 23 May 2026. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 "Criteria for NEET and MBBS Admissions" (PDF). Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Medicine MBBS". St George's, University of London. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  11. ↑ "Graduate Entry Medicine Programme MBBS". King's College London. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 "MBBS Degree vs. MD Degree: A Guide". Coursera. 10 May 2025. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  13. ↑ "How to become a doctor". Australian Medical Association. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  14. ↑ "Summary Snapshot University Medical Education and Training". Australian Government Department of Health. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "World Directory of Medical Schools: Australia" (PDF). World Health Organization. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  16. ↑ "Regulating the input: health professions". National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Medicine and health sciences". DAAD. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  18. ↑ "Ärztliche Ausbildung". Bundesärztekammer. 28 October 2022. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  19. ↑ "Physician - WHO SMART Guidelines". World Health Organization. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Eligibility Criteria". GIMSH. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  21. ↑ "NEET UG 2026 Notification: MBBS, BDS, AYUSH Courses Admission Eligibility Criteria". PW Live. 9 February 2026. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  22. ↑ "Medicine (Graduate Entry) MBBS". UCAS. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  23. ↑ "MBChB Medicine (A100)". Medical Schools Council. 13 June 2025. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Medicine MBBS - Entry Requirements". King's College London. 23 September 2026. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  25. ↑ "BMBS Medicine FAQs". University of Exeter. 13 January 2026. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 "World Directory of Medical Schools now includes accreditation information". World Federation for Medical Education. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  27. ↑ "World Federation for Medical Education". World Federation for Medical Education. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  28. ↑ "2025 WFME World Conference". Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  29. ↑ "MBBS for International Students in Maharashtra". Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  30. ↑ "Is the medical degree awarded by Yaroslav the Wise Novgorod State University recognized in India?". Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "MBBS vs MD – Similarities and Differences Explained". The Medic Portal. 8 January 2024. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
  32. ↑ "Decoding the 'Alphabet Soup' of Medical Degrees". Yale Medicine. 6 April 2022. Retrieved 14 October 2026.

External links[edit | edit source]

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