MBBS is one of the coveted study programs desired by numerous higher secondary medical stream graduates and more than the students, it is a dream program for the parents in India. The considerable low number of medical Colleges and the competition in India doesn’t answer the purpose of every aspirant for MBBS. The surge in the number of applications for NEET exam is raising the already sky-high admission bar for medical education in India. For 2020, the total number of candidates appearing for the national eligibility cum entrance test (NEET) is exactly 15, 93,452 against the total number of 78,348 seats in 531 medical colleges of India. This means that close to 95 per cent aspirants won't be making it to their dream education in India, are propelled to seek the admission opportunities in abroad. Out of many countries renowned for medical education, Bangladesh is well known for offering a credible MBBS, particularly for Indian students. Bangladesh pays significant attention to the quality of medical education to meet international standards. Dhaka University is the most prestigious and the oldest University of Bangladesh boasting a list of alumni including the noble prize winner, Mohammad Yunus and the first president of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman among many other eminent personalities.
What makes MBBS in Bangladesh a decent choice for Indian students:- A number of countries offering a quality MBBS to foreign aspirants and an everyday advancement in medical science has led umpteen options for students only to make the final decision difficult for them. Bangladesh has seen itself on the shortlist of many Indian students and following facts will help you to further understand the prospect of MBBS in this south Asian country.
Affordable:- The affordability of medical education and living expenses calls attention to Bangladesh as a destination to study MBBS. It can cost you around 25 to 35 lakh for the duration of MBBS including the living expenses. The cost is contingent upon the type of medical college and the respective location.
Higher acceptance rate: - The most critical part of the admission for MBBS is the eligibility criteria. Students having scored less in their higher secondary school and low grades in NEET can still study MBBS in Bangladesh. The applicant must have a minimum of 60% (PCB) in HSC (12th) with the minimum same score in Biology. She/he must be 17 years old at the time of admission.
Home away from home:- The flight of 2 hours and 35 minutes from New Delhi to Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh ensures to keep the homesickness away from you. Indian shares the longest land border with Bangladesh among other neighbors which is also the fifth-longest land border in the world. You can travel to Bangladesh by train, bus or air from India.
The Main point:- Bangladesh MBBS prides itself for having a commendable and highest passing percentage in FMGE (MCI screening exam) in India.
World recognition:- MBBS from Bangladesh is recognized by the MCI and approved by major medical councils such as WHO, UNESCO and other regional and international councils.
Structure of MBBS:- The structure of MBBS in Bangladesh is designed in a 5+1 pattern with English as a medium of communication. The first five years are dedicated to classwork and the program culminates with a one -year internship in the affiliated hospitals and clinics. The curriculum of MBBS in Bangladesh is almost the same as the one taught in India. In addition, the teaching pattern, clinical practice and disease pattern for MBBS are almost similar in Nepal, India and Bangladesh.
September Intake:- The major admission intake is September and visa processing time is around two months. The best time to starting applying for an admission is May. The application form is available at the website of Bangladesh High Commission. The application fee is non-refundable $70.
A decent place:- Dhaka is considered a megacity and an education hub for medical education in Bangladesh. There are many prominent governments as well as private medical Colleges across the South and North regions of Dhaka. Apart from Dhaka, there are other student-friendly cities boasting excellent Colleges and livability such as Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and others.
More than a Bangladesh:- Bangladesh is culturally, historically and regionally connected to India. The influence is seen in its cuisines and culture. Bangladesh has a bit of many countries in itself. It has as many beaches as Malaysia and a good number of Buddhist landmarks like Nepal. The climate of the country is also adaptable with three distinct seasons of mild winters, dry summers and famous monsoons from June to October. Bangladesh is considered a country where a unique natural beauty is thriving in the form of the longest sea beach (Cox's Bazar), green forests and beautiful landscapes. I should not forget to mention the dreaded Bengal tiger, the national animal of Bangladesh. The Bengali people are friendly and sociable. The 25% natives approximately can speak English.
Sober is safe:- Since the consumption of alcohol and taking drugs is considered illegal in Bangladesh making it somewhat a drug-free country. This feature ensures a conducive environment and augments the degree of safety for students.
Choosing a Medical College in Bangladesh for Indian students:- It should not be a daunting task if you follow the list of foreign Universities approved by MCI posted on its website. Any medical College in Bangladesh affiliated to below seven listed Universities offers a medical qualification recognized in India.
1- University of Dhaka
2- University of Rajshahi
3- University of Chittagong
4- Shahi Jalal University of Science & Technology, Sylhet
5- University of Science & Technology, Chittagong
6- Bangladesh University of Professionals
7- Gono Bishwabiddalay
Further, students must dig into the website of Bangladesh High Commission for the list of authorized medical Colleges for MBBS in Bangladesh. The posted list for academic session 2019-2020 enlists total of 96 medical Colleges out of which 29 are govt. and the rest are private medical Colleges. Similarly there is a clear list of Colleges recognized for BDS degree posted on the website.
Take away:- Bangladesh is best suited for: Affordability, Proximity in several aspects with India, same study patterns, recognized MBBS and high acceptance rates for admission.
All the best!
About the author: Asif Jalal is working as an advisor to students for overseas education for the past 5 years. He is credited with having placed hundreds of students in different parts of the world. Besides, he is an aspiring writer who relishes writing blogs and poetry!