A medical career has always been one of the most prestigious and rewarding career options in the world. Thousands of students aspire to become doctors and help humanity every year. But the path of becoming a doctor can start with the big question: What is the difference between MBBS and MD?
Although both degrees are related to medical education and professional practice, they are at different stages of training, knowledge, and professional objectives. The distinction between the two medical degrees is important in understanding what students wish to study in medicine in India or in other countries.
We are going to make it very clear to you in this step-by-step guide about what MBBS and MD are, how they are structured, their eligibility, how they are recognized worldwide, and how they will offer you a career in the field of medicine, so that you may make the right decision about the future of your career in the field of medicine.
What is MBBS?
MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. It is a professional degree in the medical field and serves as the basis on which a learner develops their career in medicine.
The MBBS degree combines theoretical and practical clinical exposure of learning where students undergo training in diagnosing and treating diseases, carrying out medical research, and managing patients responsibly.
Key Highlights of the MBBS Course:
- Level: Undergraduate (basic medical qualification)
- Duration: 5 to 6 years (including 1 year of internship)
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as core subjects
- Entrance Exams: NEET-UG (India), MCAT (USA/Canada), or university-specific exams (for MBBS abroad)
- Core Subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, and Community Medicine
The first 2 years of MBBS are dedicated to basic subjects like Anatomy and Physiology. The following two years are spent in clinical/para-clinical training, in which the students learn about diseases and their management. The last year and internship year offer them hands-on experience at hospitals, where students will directly deal with patients under the guidance of other experienced physicians.
After successfully completing MBBS degree, graduates earn the title of Doctor and are allowed to practice as General Physicians. They may also attend postgraduate entrance exams such as NEET-PG, USMLE, or PLAB to further their studies.
What is MD?
MD, or Doctor of Medicine, is a degree of advanced level, which is taken after MBBS or its equivalent. MD is to offer deep learning and specialization in a field of medicine.
However, the meaning of “MD” differs depending on the country:
- MD is a postgraduate specialization (similar to Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Radiology, etc.) in India, the UK, and Commonwealth countries.
- In the USA and Canada, MD degree is an undergraduate professional degree, equivalent to MBBS in India.
Key Highlights of MD (India & Abroad):
- Level: Postgraduate (India) / First Professional Degree (USA)
- Duration: 2–3 years (India) / 4 years (USA)
- Eligibility: MBBS or equivalent + qualifying exam (NEET-PG, USMLE, etc.)
- Focus: Specialization in a specific medical field such as Cardiology, Neurology, or Internal Medicine
- Outcome: Specialist doctor with advanced clinical expertise
In India, a student who has passed the MBBS can proceed to further their medical studies with either an MD (Master of non-surgical specialties) or an MS (Master of surgery) after completing the MBBS.
Conversely, in the United States, the entry-level MD degree is a theoretical degree integrating clinical practice to prepare students for the USMLE licensing exams.
MBBS vs. MD: Detailed Comparison
| Criteria | MBBS | MD |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery | Doctor of Medicine |
| Level | Undergraduate | Postgraduate (India) / Undergraduate-equivalent (USA) |
| Duration | 5–6 years (including internship) | 2-3 years (India) / 4 years (USA) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with PCB + NEET | MBBS + NEET-PG / USMLE |
| Curriculum | General medical education and basic sciences | Specialized and advanced study of one field |
| Outcome | General Physician | Specialist Doctor |
| Career Options | Practice, Research, or Postgraduate Study | Specialist Practice, Research, Teaching |
| Type of Training | Basic clinical training | Advanced, discipline-specific training |
| Common In | India, UK, Russia, China | India (PG), USA, Canada |
Global Context: How MBBS and MD Differ Worldwide
India and Commonwealth Countries
- MBBS is the fundamental degree in order to practice medicine.
- Once the MBBS is completed, doctors pursue MD (Doctor of Medicine) or MS (Master of Surgery) for specialization.
- After MD/MS, super-specialization degrees are available, such as DM (Doctorate of Medicine) or MCh (Master of Chirurgiae).
United States and Canada
- Medical students earn an MD after completing a pre-medical bachelor’s degree.
- The MD course duration is 4 years, followed by residency training in the chosen field.
Russia, the Philippines, and Caribbean Nations
- Many universities offer an MD degree equivalent to MBBS.
- These programs are recognized by NMC (National Medical Commission) and WHO, enabling graduates to appear for licensing exams like FMGE/NExT, USMLE, or PLAB.
So, while MBBS and MD may differ in title and academic level, both lead to the same goal – becoming a qualified and licensed medical doctor.
Career Opportunities After MBBS
After completing MBBS degree, graduates have several career options:
- Clinical Practice: Work as a general physician or medical officer in hospitals or private clinics.
- Postgraduate Studies: Pursue MD or MS for specialization in medicine or surgery.
- Research and Academics: Join medical research organizations or teach at medical colleges.
- Public Health Services: Work with health departments or NGOs in community medicine.
- International Practice: Appear for exams like USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or FMGE/NExT (India) for overseas opportunities.
- An MBBS degree opens doors to global medical careers and serves as the foundation for further specialization.
Career Opportunities After MD
An MD graduate becomes a specialist doctor in their chosen field. Depending on their specialization, MD graduates can work as:
- Cardiologists
- Pediatricians
- Radiologists
- Dermatologists
- Psychiatrists
- Anesthesiologists
- General Physicians (Internal Medicine)
Additionally, MD holders can:
- Work in multi-specialty hospitals as consultants.
- Pursue super-specialty courses (DM or MCh) for further expertise.
- Enter medical research, academia, or public health leadership roles.
Which is Better: MBBS or MD?
It’s not a matter of which degree is better – rather, it depends on where you are in your medical journey.
- If you’re beginning your journey into medicine, MBBS is your starting point.
- If you’ve already completed MBBS and wish to gain specialized expertise, MD is your next step.
In short:
- MBBS – Start your career in medicine.
- MD – Advance your career through specialization.
Both are equally essential milestones toward becoming a skilled, competent, and respected medical professional.
On the Whole!
Understanding the difference that exists between MBBS and MD is essential for all aspiring doctors. As the MBBS degree will be the basis of your medical education and will enable you to qualify as a licensed physician, the MD degree will enable you to specialize and acquire advanced experience in a particular field of medicine. The two are both crucial steps towards having an effective and fruitful medical career.
If you’re dreaming of becoming a doctor and planning to pursue your MBBS abroad, Rus Education can be your trusted partner. Rus Education has over 30 years of success in bringing Indian students to the best government universities that provide MBBS in Russia, and with this success comes a smooth admission process, full support during your studies, and medical degrees that are recognized worldwide. Therefore, begin your MBBS experience with Rus Education now and make your first step towards an international medical career!
FAQs
Q1. What is the main difference between MBBS and MD?
Answer – MBBS is an undergraduate degree program that graduates doctors, whereas MD is a postgraduate degree that enables doctors to specialise in a given medical field.
Q2. Is MD higher than MBBS?
Answer – Yes. MD (Doctor of Medicine) is a superior degree, which is undertaken once MBBS is completed. It offers high specialization and skills in the clinical profile.
Q3. Can I do MD after MBBS abroad?
Answer – Yes. When you have finished the MBBS at a university that is recognized by NMC and WHO, you have the choice to take MD in India or any other country after passing the necessary entrance/licensing examination.
Q4. Is MD in the USA the same as MBBS in India?
Answer – Yes. In India, the MBBS is equivalent to the MD in USA. Both enable graduates to practice medicine upon successfully passing the necessary training and licensing tests.
