Top Medical Colleges in India: Eligibility, Ranking and More 

There are close to 730 institutions, and picking the best medical colleges in India can be a difficult task with many options available. Do you already have a particular name in mind where you want to pursue your MBBS course? If yes, then awesome! If not, worry no more! We are here to help you. 

This blog will cover the list of top medical colleges in India to understand the rankings and facilities clearly. The blog shall focus on some critical aspects, including the fee structure, faculties, and career opportunities. 

Sounds helpful? Perfect! Read on. 

Rankings of Medical Colleges in India 

Dying to know the top 10 government medical colleges in India? We are here with the detailed list as per the 2023 NIRF rankings. Check out!

If you’re unable to get into a government college, you must not be worried or sad. Because, among the top medical colleges in India, there are some top-notch private institutions as well. Here’s the list. 

1. Christian Medical College 
2. Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research
3. Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences 
4. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education And Research
5. St Johns Medical College 
6. JSS Medical College 

Now that you know the top 10 colleges in India for MBBS,  let’s take a quick look at the eligibility criteria and admission process. 

Eligibility Criteria for Medical Colleges, India 

Seeking admission to any of the top medical colleges in India will need you to satisfy the following eligibility requirements. 

National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET): All medical aspirants in India, including those seeking admission to MBBS and BDS programs, must qualify for the NEET examination. 

Age Limit: You must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission or must complete the age on or before December 31 of the year of entry. There is particularly no upper age limit for appearing in the NEET examination.

Educational Qualifications: You must have completed your higher secondary education or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects. They should have obtained a minimum aggregate score in these subjects, usually around 50% for general category candidates and lower for reserved categories (such as SC/ST/OBC).

Domicile Requirements: Some states in India have specific domicile requirements for admission to government medical colleges. You might be required to fulfil the residency criteria set by the respective state or union territory.

Other Requirements: Certain medical colleges or universities may have additional eligibility criteria, like qualifying marks in the entrance examination, physical fitness requirements, and specific subject requirements.

Courses Offered by Medical Colleges in India 

Before moving into the detailed fee structure, let us look at some of the courses offered by the best MBBS colleges in India. 

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): This is the most sought-after medical undergraduate course. The course is usually five and a half years, including one year of compulsory internship.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS): This undergraduate course focuses on dental science and oral health. The course is generally four years, followed by one year of compulsory internship.

Doctor of Medicine (MD): MD is a postgraduate course in various medical specialties. The duration of the course is typically three years. Some popular MD specialisations include Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anesthesiology, Dermatology, Radiology, etc.

Master of Surgery (MS): MS is a postgraduate course specialising in various surgical disciplines. The duration of the course is generally three years. Some common specialisations include General Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Ophthalmology, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), Plastic Surgery, etc.

Doctor of Medicine in Homoeopathy (MD Hom): This is a postgraduate course in homoeopathic medicine. The duration of the course is generally three years.

Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS): This undergraduate course focuses on Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine. The course is typically five and a half years, including one year of compulsory internship.

Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm): B.Pharm is an undergraduate course focusing on pharmaceutical sciences. The duration of the course is generally four years.

Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm): M.Pharm is a postgraduate course specialising in various pharmacy branches. The duration of the course is typically two years.

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT): BOT is an undergraduate course that trains students to provide occupational therapy to individuals with physical or mental challenges. The course is generally four years, including six months of compulsory internship.

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT): BPT is an undergraduate course focusing on physiotherapy and rehabilitation sciences. The course is typically four and a half years, including six months of compulsory internship.

These are just a few of the many courses some of the top medical colleges in India offer. 

Fees Structure and Scholarship 

Fees

Millions of MBBS aspirants dream of securing a place in any one of the top medical colleges in India. However, before taking the steps, you must know the fee structure and other details of studying in a medical college. 

The latest updates confirm NMC has made the 50% of seats in private medical institutions and deemed universities equal to the government medical college fees in all the respective states and union territories. Based on the official rule, the government and private medical colleges must disclose their MBBS course fee details through the state-conducting authorities and Medical Counselling Committee. 

Having a clear idea about the fee structure in the best medical colleges in India, you can plan and strategize accordingly. 

The course fees vary based on the institute type. For the Central Universities, the annual management fees might be between INR 14,874 and 39,990. You can check the detailed structure on the official site of the university of your choice. 

For deemed universities, the annual fees for MBBS courses can be between INR 2,11,000 and INR 22,50,000. Whereas for the NRI quota, the range is between 25,000 and 2,20,000. 

The structure for the all-India Quota varies, too, based on the college’s admission fees, hostel costs, and overall amount. You’re recommended to check the college’s official website if you’re willing to take admission for a detailed course fee structure. 

Scholarships 

Aspirants who dream of studying in any of the top medical colleges in India can apply for scholarships. We have drafted the list of scholarships available for medical students in India below. 

For Medical students in India, the following scholarships are available:

• Nationwide Education and Scholarship Test (NEST Senior)
• Bharati Scheme for Education
• Vijayalakshmi R.L. Jalappa Scholarship 
• Vahani Scholarship 
• HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship
• Combined Counselling Board Scholarship 
• All India Pre-medical Scholarship Test 
• All India Youth Scholarship Entrance Examination (AIYSEE)
• Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship
• SHDF Scholarships 

There are scholarships for NEET-qualified candidates too. If you clear the NEET 2024, you might open the doors to the following scholarships. 

• College Admission Scholarship Application (CASA)
• Schindler Igniting Minds Scholarships 
• INSPIRE Scholarship 
• AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls 
• Foundation for Excellence Scholarship (FFE)
• Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Ignite Awards 
• National Scholarship Test (NST)
• Combined Counselling Board Scholarship (CCB)
• Indian Oil Academics Scholarship

Faculty and Research Opportunities 

Faculty 

While preparing the doctors for tomorrow, the faculty plays a considerable part. They are shaping the sharp minds of tomorrow, and hence faculty member’s contribution to a medical college in India is undeniable. Here’s how they help talented aspirants be the best doctors in the upcoming days.

Faculties are essential in medical colleges for several reasons:

Teaching and Education: Faculties play a vital role in providing high-quality education and training to medical students. They create and deliver curricula, lectures, practical sessions, and clinical training to help students like you acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to become competent healthcare professionals. 

Expertise and Experience: Faculties in medical colleges are high-qualified and experienced professionals in their respective fields. They come with considerable knowledge and expertise through years of clinical practice, research, and teaching. With their practical experience, they guide and mentor students effectively, sharing real-life scenarios, evidence-based practices, and clinical insights to enhance the learning experience.

 Innovation: Medical faculties even engage in research activities, contributing to advancements in medical knowledge, technology, and patient care. Their research endeavours help expand the scientific understanding of diseases, develop new treatment modalities, and improve healthcare outcomes. 

Mentorship and Guidance: Faculties are mentors and guides for medical students throughout their educational journey. They offer academic support, career advice, and personal guidance to help students navigate the challenges and decisions they may face. They can also provide recommendations, references, and networking opportunities crucial for students’ future endeavours, such as residency programs, fellowships, or research positions.

Clinical Practice and Patient Care: In many medical colleges, faculties are actively involved in clinical practice within the college’s affiliated hospitals or private practice. This dual role helps them to bring real-world experiences and case studies into the classroom, making the learning process more practical and competent. 

Professional Development: Another essential thing to note is that teachers in medical colleges play a significant role in their professional development and the development of their peers. They participate in conferences, workshops, and continuing medical education programs to stay abreast of the latest advancements in their field. This continuous learning enables them to provide students with up-to-date knowledge. 

To keep it short, faculties in medical colleges are crucial for fostering critical thinking and clinical skills and shaping the future generation of doctors. Their expertise, teaching abilities, and mentorship contribute significantly to the overall educational experience of the top medical colleges in India. 

Medical College Infrastructure & Facilities

The top medical colleges in India offer a range of infrastructure and facilities to support medical education and ensure a top-notch student learning experience. Few features might vary across institutions; here are some common infrastructure and facilities found in medical colleges in India:

Lecture Halls: Medical colleges have well-equipped lecture halls with audiovisual aids to facilitate classroom teaching and interactive learning sessions. It makes a positive impact on students’ learning. 

Laboratories: Various laboratories are available to support practical training and research activities. These include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and forensic medicine labs.

Libraries: Medical college libraries offer an extensive collection of medical textbooks, reference materials, journals, and online resources. They provide study spaces and computer facilities for students and faculty.

Dissection Hall: One of the most critical sections in a medical college is the Anatomical dissection hall. These halls are dedicated spaces for studying human anatomy through cadaver dissection. They are equipped with dissecting tables, preservation facilities, and necessary instruments.

Hospital/Clinical Facilities: Most medical colleges have attached teaching hospitals or affiliated hospitals where students receive hands-on clinical training. These hospitals offer outpatient departments (OPDs), inpatient wards, operation theatres, intensive care units (ICUs), and specialised clinics.

Simulation Centers: Simulation centres provide a realistic environment for medical students to practise clinical skills and procedures. They are equipped with high-fidelity mannequins, task trainers, and virtual simulators.

Research Facilities: Medical colleges emphasise research; many have dedicated research centres or departments. These facilities support scientific investigation, clinical trials, and other student research activities. 

Auditoriums and Conference Halls: Large auditoriums and conference halls are available for hosting academic conferences, seminars, workshops, and other events that make the MBBS journey memorable for the aspirants. 

Hostel and Accommodation: Medical colleges typically provide student hostel facilities, including separate accommodations for male and female students. These hostels offer study rooms, common areas, mess facilities, and recreational spaces.

Sports and Recreation: All work and no study makes Jack a dull boy! Indeed, the authorities will want to keep only a little room for recreation for the medical students. Many medical colleges have sports grounds, indoor sports facilities, gymnasiums, and recreational areas to promote physical well-being and leisure activities.

Cafeterias and Canteens: On-campus cafeterias and canteens provide meals, snacks, and refreshments for students, faculty, and staff.

IT Infrastructure: Medical colleges have computer labs, internet connectivity, and access to online databases and medical software for research and learning purposes.

Pharmacy: Many medical colleges have an in-house pharmacy or tie-ups with nearby pharmacies to cater to patients’ medication needs and training purposes.

The availability and quality of infrastructure and facilities might vary among the top MBBS colleges in India, and some institutions may have additional specialised facilities based on their focus areas or research expertise.

Medical Colleges: Career Paths and Placements

As a Medical college student, you’ll have many career opportunities available upon completing your degree. Here are some common career paths for medical college students:

Physician or Surgeon: Maximum medical college students pursue careers as physicians or surgeons. They can specialise in various areas such as internal medicine, paediatrics, cardiology, dermatology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, and more. Physicians diagnose and treat patients, while surgeons perform surgical operations.

Medical Researcher: Medical college students passionate about scientific research can pursue careers as medical researchers. They can work in academic institutions, pharmaceutical agencies, or research organisations to conduct studies, develop new treatments, and contribute to medical knowledge.

Medical Specialist: After completing medical college, students can even choose to specialise in a particular area of medicine. Specialisations include radiology, anesthesiology, pathology, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, and more. With this, physicians can focus on a specific field and provide specialised care to the patients. 

Medical Educator: Besides surgery and specialisation, some medical college students might also develop an interest in teaching and academic medicine. They pursue careers as medical educators, teaching and mentoring future generations of medical students. They may work in medical schools, teaching hospitals, or research institutions.

Public Health Specialist: One of the most prominent professions for medical college students can be in population health and preventive medicine, where they can work as public health specialists. They promote and improve public health through research, policy development, health education, disease prevention, and community outreach.

Medical Administrator/Manager: Medical college students can explore careers in healthcare administration and management. They can work in hospitals, clinics, government agencies, or healthcare organisations, overseeing operations, managing staff, and ensuring efficient delivery of healthcare services.

Medical Consultant:  Students with extensive clinical experience and expertise can work as medical consultants. They may advise healthcare organisations, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, or legal entities in areas such as healthcare policy, research, or medical-legal matters.

Medical Entrepreneur: One of the most exciting and unconventional career paths as a medical college student could be this. Some medical college students are entrepreneurial and choose to start their healthcare-related businesses. They might establish private clinics, healthcare technology startups, medical consulting firms, or innovative healthcare service providers.

Global Health Worker: Medical college students interested in global health can work in underserved communities or developing countries. They may join international organisations, NGOs, or government programs to provide medical care, conduct public health initiatives, or work on global health policy.

Wrapping Up

With that, we conclude our discussion on the top medical colleges in India. No dream is impossible to achieve, and if you’re working hard enough towards it, you can do it too. 

So, gear up yourself and start your preparations for NEET 2024. We wish you the best for your entrance and hope you get allocated to the dream college of your choice. 

FAQs on Top Medical Colleges in India