Encouraged to write this blog, going down the memory lane when I was myself aspiring to become a doctor – Struggle to achieve the required percentage was one part of the story while the other very significant question was the university one goes to for MBBS – Whether in India or abroad Authenticity, verification process of University and the country to go for on the part of the parents / guardians, expenses is a big issue.

As I was in dilemma, likewise would you be too? There are other questions on the mind- whether we are choosing the Right country and University.

Here are some check points which will make life simpler to allow an unwarranted peace of mind.

Try to locate a Government University – Opt for National Medical Commission (NMC) approved university at the first go as no questions would be asked worldwide on the credibility of the degree. Low on fee structure, these universities will provide quality education and a structured pedagogy. In case you come across a Central Government University, better to go with them, in comparison to State University.

In case trying for MBBS abroad, one needs to check the approval of the university by the Education Ministry of the home country too. This should be a mandatory point on your checklist.

Learn about the local population of the University opting for A simple Thumb rule which matters is – Number and type of local population in the university, country. These factors are directly proportional to the patient inflow that impacts the number of patients one encounters during internship.

A review of FMGE passing ratio remains another significant check point on the list. This provides an in depth on the level of the university facilitation of the students for FMGE exam. Low FMGE passing ratio university is not advisable.

WHO approval of the university needs to be necessarily checked, anticipating your inclination to pursue your post graduation education in the USA or UK at a later date.

Another important fact remains the percentage of International student admissions in the university. This percentage would give a fair idea of the level of infrastructure, support and advisory available in the University for the International Students and also the level of exposure that one would get while spending extravagantly to reach a foreign locale.

From the point of view of logistics, it would be pertinent to select a city housing the International Airport an easy access to travel.

Being in a country with Indian Embassy, should always be preferred keeping in view any issue one faces during troubled times while in foreign land especially being a student one needs to have a strong back end support that the Swadeshi people can only provide.

With this, now is the time to pen down and face the real life scenario.