Dr Ashique Ekbal, education consultant at Aliyan International Consultant, helps students pursue their dream of studying medicine in reputed global universities. He started the interview by sharing some information about studying MBBS abroad.
“This year around seven lakh students cleared the NEET and only 40,000 seats are available in India. Some will get seats in government medical colleges, but the remaining 93% of students will not get seats in India. We have some private college options in India, but the fee structure and the donation capitation fees are so high that everybody cannot afford these kinds of packages. So, this is where a ‘study MBBS abroad’ concept comes in. Right now, we have some medical colleges from Russia, China, the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh and Nepal offering MBBS courses at very reasonable prices. And their degree is valid in India and the colleges are listed by MCI (Medical Council of India) and recognised by WHO. So, students can go and study and they can come back and practise in India too, on the condition that they give an exam that is a screening test. If they pass that, they can practise in India.”
Throwing some light on the study pattern and infrastructure of these colleges, Dr Ashique said, “The study pattern followed in Russia and Ukraine is the European pattern and the duration of the course is six years, but you should know the Russian language, because the first, second and third years will consist of theory classes. After the third year, the practical session will start, where patients will come to you and speak with you and you have to speak with them in Russian too. In Bangladesh and Nepal, they follow the Indian pattern. Their books, notes and even the course duration is the same as in India.”
Talking about the pros and cons of studying MBBS abroad, Dr Ekbal said, “One of the pros would be the fee structure. It is very reasonable, there is direct admission, is no capitation fee and no exam. If you scored 50% marks in PCB (physics, chemistry, biology), you can get admission. The biggest part is that the degree is recognized by MCI. So, you can go, study and come back and practise in India – this is the best point. Cons include the screening test, the FMGE, where the result is very poor. Last year, only 7% of students cleared that screening test. So, you have to keep this screening test in mind and take it seriously.”
Dr Ashique Ekbal also talked about how students can opt for the right college for studying MBBS abroad. “The best way to choose the right colleges is by going through the Medical Council of India website. There is a page on foreign colleges that has all the ratings and the previous year’s passing percentage. Students can also speak to their friends if they are pursuing MBBS abroad and students can consult us as well. We give them suggestions considering their marks and budget,” he said, adding, “There is good news for Indian students because some colleges are doing good for them. Like in Russia, the Kazan State Medical University, Kazan Federal University, etc. There are a number of good colleges that offer courses abroad.”
Talking about Aliyan International Consultant, Dr Ashique said, “We have direct contact with 150 colleges in Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, Georgia, Ukraine, etc. We give suggestions to our students based on their budgets and marks. We help them with their visas as well and give them coaching too. Our main focus is that the students get what they want. This is how we are helping them reach their destinations.”