Where to study medicine is one of the most critical decisions that a prospective doctor can make. MBBS in Nepal for Indian Students Most of the Indian students who are willing to study MBBS or other courses outside of India consider Janaki Medical College in Nepal a great option for MBBS, under the entity – MBBS in Nepal as it is quite cheaper than studies elsewhere,…Added: 31 August 2018 Source: goo.gl But just like with any other foreign medical school there are pros and cons.
In this blog post, we tell you the upside and downside of joining MBBS at Janaki Medical College- including academics, infrastructure, cost of study, clinical exposure, degree recognition and future prospects.
About Janaki Medical College
Janaki Medical College (JMC) is a reputable private medical school situated in Janakpur, Nepal. It provides a 5.5-year MBBS (including internship) programme approved by the medical council of Nepal. It is a cost-effective destination, as it’s closed to the Indian border and therefore attracts a lot of Indian students.
However, before taking the plunge: pros and cons.
Advantages of Studying MBBS in Janaki Medical College
1.Proximity to India
One major benefit is proximity. Janakpur is near the Indian state of Bihar, so travel will be easier and more affordable for Indian students and their families. Even trips back and forth during holidays or crises will be a lot easier than overseas.
2.Affordable Tuition and Living Costs
The cost of studying MBBS in Janaki Medical College is comparatively lower than several private medical colleges in India. Tuition fees at Nepalese medical colleges compared to private Indian college are generally less, and the cost of living in a city like Janakpur is cheaper.
This economic advantage has made MBBS in Nepal as a choice for many Indian aspirants.
3.English-Medium Instruction
MBBS is taught completely in English ensuring that Indian students are not disadvantaged for lack of understanding local language. English is the language of instruction, text and exams, so academic switch over becomes relatively better.
4.Hands-On Clinical Exposure
Janaki Medical College has affiliated hospitals for the clinical practice of students. Doctors-to-be need the experience of working in a real environment and being able to practice in hospital settings allows students to gain practical experiences at an early stage. This is good for studying for the next licesning exam or internship.
5.Proximity of Culture and Lifestyle
Nepal shares cultural and social aspects very similar to those of parts of India including food, festivals, religion, dress and way of life. This is easier for most Indian students to adjust to than life in Nepal or East Europe or Central Asia. This sense of ease can alleviate the stress and anxiety of a student living abroad for the first time.
6.Eligibility for Indian Licensing Exams
Once you complete MBBS from Janaki Medical College in India, you can come back to your country and take the screening/licensing test conducted by the NMC. But they need to clear this test in order to register and practise in India.
That has rendered Nepal a compelling option for students who wish to become doctors in India, but to avoid expensive private colleges there.
7.Recognition and Global Visibility
Janaki Medical College degrees are widely accepted anywhere as long as the school complies with world standards. Students who are planning to practice abroad will benefit from being listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
Furthermore, medical education based on WHO endorsed guidelines supplements the qualification.
8.Competitive NEET Preparations
As a poster says, " A country that teaches us how to practice our faith – only for it to be sent back home."[60] NEET controversy effects on Nepalese medical aspirants As a result, students in the neighbouring Nepal had uncertainty around their preparation as over 10% of the seats are provided based on the performance in NEET exam. Eligibility criteria NEET UG ensures that students who enter Janaki Medical College have some competition and peers to read with.
Disadvantages of Pursuing MBBS at Janaki Medical College
1.Licensing Challenges and Screening Exam
Though the degree is valid in India, Indian students have to clear the screening/license examination conducted by the NMC in order to be eligible to practice medicine in India. The exam is difficult for many foreign graduates since the Nepalese and Indian medical curricula are quite different.
This implies a mere passing of MBBS does not make you eligible to practice in India until and unless you clear the exam.
2.Variability in Infrastructure Standards
While Janaki Medical College provides all necessary facilities, some students feel that the quality of infrastructure, labs and equipment may not be at par with top end Indian or western colleges. Thus this difference may have some implications on the quality of learning experiences, particularly in specialized areas.
3.Language Barrier During Clinical Rotations
Local patient encounters during clinical rotations may be in Nepali or regional languages though academic sessions are conducted in English. This can result in communication challenges, unless students make the effort to learn some of the basic local phrases and how their communication style may be different.
4.International Recognition Limitations
Although most Nepalese medical schools are included in WDOMS, the licensing bodies (government council) of each state may not automatically accept entities without an equivalency process. Students who plan to go for postgraduate study outside their country (such as in the USA, UK or Australia) should refer to those countries’ licensing examinations requirement.
This is more exams and preparation for students who want international postgraduate opportunities.
5.Competitive Exams Post-Graduation
For aspiring specialists or international workers, graduates also may have to pass additional tests other than the (NMC) examination for Indian. These exams were USMLE (USA) or PLAB (UK) and similar country specific licensing tests. Then you have to try and prepare for them which adds expense, time, and effort after your graduation.
6.Limited Campus Diversity
More diverse cultural exchange may be limited at Janaki as compared to other larger international universities. While this comforts many Indian students there are others who miss the broader international exposure on offer in larger universities.
7.Financial Planing and variations in the exchange rate
Although Nepal is relatively cheap, students will still need to keep an eye on their purse strings. Tuition is one expense; living, transportation, insurance plus the expenses of test prep for screening/license exams all add up. There may be fluctuations in exchange rate that can impact overall cost planning over the duration of the MBBS programme.
Comparison Snapshot: Pros vs Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Affordable tuition and living costs |
Should pass the licensing (NMC) exam for India |
|
English-medium program |
Infrastructure may not be good as compared t otop global colleges |
|
Clinical exposure with hospital affiliation |
Barriers at the local hospital level – Communication and linguistic barriers |
|
Cultural proximity to India |
International eligibility with sitting for further exams |
|
Easier adaptation for Indian students |
Intensive post-graduation exam requirements |
|
NEET-based admissions |
Exposure for the bill currency because of exchange rate movements |
|
Global listings like WDOMS
|
Limited broader international campus diversity
|
Is Janaki Medical College the right college for you?
Janaki Medical College might be the right fit for you if:
- You have done NEET UG and are in search of A Low Cost MBBS way to pursue!
- You want to remain relatively near to home culturally and outside of distance.
- You can ready all that for after graduation when you have to study for licensing exams.
- You are seeking lots of clinical experience and learning by doing
- But it might not be as perfect if you are looking for sophisticated campus facilities, instant worldwide recognition without appearing in any other tests or such a really vast range of students.
Conclusion
MBBS in Nepal for Indian students at Janaki Medical College, a perfect middle path of cost-effectiveness, accessibility and clinical exposure. With some careful planning, studying for the licensing exams and reasonable expectations — it can be a path to becoming a doctor.
But students should analyze the good and bad of studying outside India and also need to think about their post graduation exams like NMC(National Medical commission) SCREENING/NEXT(global requirement if you want study or work in abroad).