Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery is a professional undergraduate degree in medicine or the health field. Its short abbreviation is MBBS.

It consists of both medical theory (medicine) and practical skills (surgery). It is popular because it is the basic qualification for medical practitioners.

If you want to know history, then it was started in the United Kingdom back in the 19th century. It especially highlights the need for both medical theory and surgical practices. Over the passage of time, the MBBS circurlum has undergone a large number of changes.

You can say that is the foundation for becoming a doctor and helping hands in the health sector.

It provides comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical application to the medical profession. It creates the basis for students to move toward medical specialization and advanced training.

What Is a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Degree?

Graduates of medical schools in countries that adopt the UK educational system are awarded an undergraduate degree known as a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. You are able to practice medicine using it.

You must finish a five-year medical program at a recognized medical institution in Pakistan in order to receive an MBBS degree. Basic medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry are the main focus of the first two years. You will receive practical experience in a variety of medical disciplines, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology, throughout the following three years of clinical rotations.

Admission Requirements

In Pakistan, admission to an MBBS program requires a minimum of 50% in English, physics, chemistry, and biology in the upper secondary school test. A minimum score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or similar admission test may be required by some universities. In order to assess applicants’ motivation and communication abilities, interviews are also conducted.

Course Curriculum

The goal of the MBBS program is to create competent and compassionate physicians. Students study behavioral sciences, ethics, public health, and communication courses in addition to medical disciplines. Students get experience diagnosing and treating patients under supervision during clinical rotations. In order to obtain practical experience, students also finish a year-long internship.

Career Prospects

Following the completion of the year-long internship and the MBBS degree, you are eligible to start practicing medicine in Pakistan. Numerous MBBS graduates pursue specializations in fields such as pediatrics, neurology, cardiology, or surgery. You can start your own clinic or work as a consultant with expertise. A number of doctors go on to work in medical education, research, public health, or healthcare administration.

Numerous avenues for a fulfilling career in the medical industry are made possible by the MBBS. This could be the best course of action for you if you’re passionate about learning new things and assisting others.

MBBS Curriculum and Course Structure

To become a doctor in Pakistan and earn an MBBS degree, you’ll go through an intensive 5-year program. The first 2 years focus on basic medical sciences, including

Anatomy	The Structure Of The Human Body
Physiology	How The Body Works
Biochemistry	The Chemical Basis Of Life
Pharmacology	How Drugs Work

You’ll begin clinical rotations in the next two years when you’ll get practical experience in a variety of disciplines, including

Internal Medicine

This covers specialties such as gastrointestinal, endocrinology, and cardiology. You will get knowledge about how to identify and manage common medical issues.

General Medicine

You will be exposed to surgical techniques and patient care, ranging from appendectomies to hernia repairs.

Pediatrics

Working in the pediatric wards will teach you how to care for children, as taking care of them requires certain skills.

During your final year, you can choose extra rotations to gain additional knowledge about certain medical interests. You’ll also be ready for your last professional exam session.

After passing the exams and meeting all the requirements, you can earn your medical license and go on to a medical residency, where you will get training tailored to your particular specialization. The journey is lengthy yet worthwhile. Should you possess the motivation and dedication to become a physician, the MBBS program will offer you a solid foundation upon which to build your medical career.

MBBS Colleges and Universities in Pakistan

Pakistan has several other top-notch medical schools to choose from while pursuing an MBBS degree, in addition to the respectable ones just listed. The following colleges are well known for their medical studies:

1. Punjab Medical College:

Punjab Medical College, which is situated in Faisalabad, is renowned for its top-notch instructors and extensive MBBS curriculum. With its cutting-edge facilities, the college offers students practical clinical training.

2. Fatima Jinnah Medical University:

Fatima Jinnah Medical University is a distinguished university in Lahore that provides an extensive five-year MBBS curriculum. The institution places a strong emphasis on innovation and research in medical education.

3. Rawalpindi Medical University:

Leading-edge medical research and a demanding MBBS program are two of Rawalpindi Medical University’s most well-known features. The institution gives students the tools they need for a successful medical career and cultivates a friendly learning atmosphere.

4. Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences:

Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, situated in Jamshoro, provides an array of medical programs, among them the MBBS degree. The institution gives community service and health a high priority.

5. Khyber Medical University:

Khyber Medical University, which is based in Peshawar, is renowned for its top-notch facilities for medical research and teaching. The MBBS program at the institution is quite popular and draws applicants from all around the nation.

6. Quaid-e-Azam Medical College:

Bahawalpur’s Quaid-e-Azam Medical College is dedicated to providing top-notch medical instruction and training. The institution provides a thorough MBBS curriculum that equips students for a lucrative future in medicine.

7. Ayub Medical College:

Abbottabad’s Ayub Medical College is renowned for its top-notch professors and cutting-edge infrastructure. The institution provides students with a solid foundation in medical sciences through its demanding MBBS curriculum.

8. Bolan Medical College:

Bolan Medical College is a well-known medical education school located in Quetta. The college gives students many chances for research and hands-on learning in addition to offering a thorough MBBS curriculum.

9. Dow International Medical College:

Dow University of Health Sciences is connected to Dow International Medical College, which is situated in Karachi. The five-year MBBS program is one of the several medical programs offered by the college.

10. Sindh Medical College:

Sindh Medical College, which is located in Karachi, is well-known for both its cutting-edge facilities and its demanding academic program. The institution provides a comprehensive MBBS curriculum that equips students to meet the demands of the medical industry. Sindh Medical College gives its students the practical training and research skills they need to succeed in the medical field.

11. Nishtar Medical University:

The Multan-based Nishtar Medical University is dedicated to providing top-notch medical education. The institution provides a rigorous MBBS curriculum that gives students the tools they need to tackle today’s healthcare issues. Nishtar Medical University encourages students to contribute to advances in medical science by emphasizing research and innovation.

Top MBBS Colleges and Universities in Pakistan

Pakistan has several reputable medical schools offering the MBBS degree. Some of the top colleges and universities for medical studies in Pakistan include:

Aga Khan University

The Aga Khan University is a private research university located in Karachi, Pakistan, It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in medicine and has modern teaching hospitals. Admission is highly competitive.

University of Lahore

Situated in Lahore, Punjab, the University of Lahore is a private institution. It offers a five-year MBBS program with clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals. The university has a state-of-the-art campus and advanced teaching facilities.

King Edward Medical University

King Edward Medical University, located in Lahore, is the oldest medical school in Pakistan. It offers a five-year MBBS program and has a 1,600-bed teaching hospital. Admission is merit-based.

Allama Iqbal Medical College

Allama Iqbal Medical College, located in Lahore, offers a five-year MBBS program. It has a large teaching hospital and admission is very competitive based on academic merit and entry test scores.

Dow University of Health Sciences

Dow University of Health Sciences, located in Karachi, offers undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs including a five-year MBBS. It has a teaching hospital and admission is based on merit and the university’s entry test.

Excellent grades—particularly in the sciences—as well as outstanding performance on medical college entrance tests like the MDCAT, are prerequisites for admission to Pakistan’s best medical colleges. Although admission to colleges is quite hard, enrolling in one of these top medical schools might increase your chances of having a rewarding career as a doctor. Your dream of becoming a doctor is something you can accomplish with perseverance and hard effort.

Check out: PMC MDCAT Test 2023-2024

MBBS Admission Requirements and Process

To get into a medical college in Pakistan to pursue an MBBS degree, you’ll need to meet certain requirements and go through an admission process.

Entrance Exam

The first step is to take the MDCAT, or Medical and Dental College Admission Test. This standardized exam tests your knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, and English. You’ll need to pass this test to qualify for admission into an MBBS program.

Intermediate Education

Next, you must have completed your intermediate education, with a focus on pre-medical courses. This is equivalent to grades 11 and 12 in the U.S. and Canada. You should take biology, chemistry, and physics, ideally earning high marks in these courses. Some medical colleges may require a minimum GPA in your pre-medical courses.

Domicile

You will also need a domicile certificate for the province in which you want to study. Each medical college has a specific number of seats reserved for students from that province. So you will be competing for admission against other applicants with domicile in that province.

Application

Once you’ve met the above requirements, you can apply to medical colleges, usually starting in July or August for admission in September. You will fill out an application, and provide documents like your academic transcripts, domicile certificate, and MDCAT scores. There may be an application fee for each college you apply to.

Interview

If your application is selected, you will be called for an interview at the medical college The interview assesses your motivation for studying medicine and evaluates your soft skills. Strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities are important.

Selection

Medical colleges will evaluate all applications and interview scores to select candidates for admission. If selected, you will receive an admission letter or offer in August or September to start your MBBS degree The admission process is competitive, so apply to multiple medical colleges to increase your chances.

Career Prospects With an MBBS Degree

With a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree, you have many promising career options ahead of you. An MBBS degree opens up doors to various medical fields where you can work as a general practitioner or specialize in a particular field of medicine.

General Physician

As a general physician, you can open your clinic, join a hospital, or work with an NGO to provide primary health care. General physicians are always in demand in Pakistan. You can earn a salary between Rs. 100,000 to 300,000 per month based on your experience.

Specialist Doctor

You can specialize in various fields like cardiology, neurology, gynecology, surgery, pediatrics, etc. Specialist doctors typically earn higher salaries, around Rs. 200,000 to 500,000 per month. Pursuing a postgraduate specialization degree like MS or MD can open up more career opportunities.

Medical Professor or Researcher

With extensive experience, you can take up a role as a professor in a medical college or university to teach medical students. You can also work as a researcher in government or private research institutes. Salaries for professors and researchers range from Rs. 150,000 to 350,000 per month.

Civil Services

MBBS graduates can also appear for competitive exams like the Central Superior Services (CSS) to join the Civil Services of Pakistan. As a civil servant in the health department, you can help shape health policies and programs. The salary and benefits are quite lucrative.

Private Hospitals and Clinics

Large private hospitals and clinic chains hire doctors and specialists to provide quality healthcare services. Salaries in private healthcare can be higher, around Rs. 200,000 to 500,000 per month for an MBBS doctor depending on your experience and skills.

An MBBS degree provides a strong foundation to build a rewarding career in healthcare With hard work and persistence, the possibilities are endless. Choose a path that fulfills you professionally and allows you to serve the community.

MBBS Licensing Exams and Registration

To practice medicine as a doctor in Pakistan, you must pass licensing exams and complete a registration process.

MBBS Licensing Exams

After earning your MBBS degree, you’ll need to pass two licensing exams to practice:

The National Examination Board exam tests your knowledge and skills. It has a written part covering all MBBS subjects and a practical part with patient scenarios.
The Central Induction and Licensing Examination is an entrance exam for postgraduate medical education. Even if you don’t pursue a postgrad program right away, passing this exam is required to obtain full registration.

Once you’ve passed both licensing exams, you can apply for provisional registration with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). This allows you to do a medical internship, known as a “house job”. After completing one year of internship at a PMDC-approved teaching hospital, you can apply for full registration.

PMDC Registration

To obtain full registration, apply to PMDC, along with

Certified copies of your MBBS degree, mark sheets, and licensing exam pass certificates.
A certificate of completion of internship from your teaching hospital.
A registration and licensing fee, currently around Rs. 25,000.
Two recent passport-size photos.
A copy of your national identity card.

Upon approval of your application, PMDC will register you as a physician, enabling you to practice medicine anywhere in Pakistan. To keep your license to practice, you have to renew your PMDC registration every five years.

You will be well-positioned for a prosperous future as a doctor in Pakistan if you follow these instructions to pass your licensure tests, do your internship, and receive full registration with PMDC. I wish you luck!

Cost of Studying MBBS in Pakistan

In comparison to other nations, studying to become a doctor may be quite economical in Pakistan. For the whole five-year curriculum, the cost of an MBBS degree in Pakistan varies from Rs. 900,000 to Rs. 1,800,000 ($5,700 to USD 11,400). This covers both living expenses and tuition.

Tuition Fees

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) sets the tuition rates for medical institutions in Pakistan, which are heavily subsidized for students from that country.

Government Medical Colleges	Fees range from Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 350,000 ($1,250 to USD 2,200) per year.
Private Medical Colleges	Around Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 800,000 ($3,100 to USD 5,000) per year.

Many private and public medical colleges offer scholarships and financial aid for students in need.

Living Expenses

You should set aside money for living expenditures such as accommodation, food, transportation, and supplies in addition to tuition. In a city like Lahore or Karachi, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 30,000 ($63 and USD 188). A monthly bus pass costs between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 3,000 ($6.25 to USD 19), whereas meals at a budget restaurant range from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 ($1.25 to USD 3.10). For living expenditures, you should budget between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 100,000 ($313 and USD 625) every month.

Many overseas students choose to study medicine in Pakistan because of the country’s cheap cost of living and reasonably priced medical education. The World Health Organization and the PMDC both accept an MBBS degree from an accredited medical institution in Pakistan. You will be able to practice medicine in Pakistan as well as many other nations after earning your degree. Pakistan is a great choice for anyone wishing to pursue a career in medicine due to its high caliber of education and affordable cost.

MBBS vs MD – What’s the Difference?

Physicians in Pakistan can get MBBS or MD degrees to become certified medical professionals. Which of these two degrees is best for you, and what makes them different?

The five-year undergraduate Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery MBBS curriculum is known as the MBBS. It gives students a thorough understanding of medicine and clinical competencies. Graduates of the MBBS program are granted the title of “doctor” and are qualified to work as medical professionals. A large number of MBBS doctors continue to postgraduate resident study in their field of choice.

Depending on your chosen medical specialization, earning the MD, or doctor of medicine, requires three to five years of resident study. You need to have earned an MBBS before you can apply to an MD program. An MD receives extensive training in a certain specialty, such as pediatrics, oncology, or cardiology. You become a board-certified specialist in that specialty after finishing your residency.

In summary, the MD enables you to concentrate on a particular medical specialization, whereas the MBBS offers a basic basis in medicine. You have to finish an MBBS program before you may practice medicine in Pakistan with a license. While getting an MD is not required, doing so might lead to more advanced employment prospects in medical residency and specialty certification.

Consider your hobbies and professional aspirations while choosing between an MD and an MBBS. Do you have a specific specialty in mind, or are you interested in practicing general medicine? The MD offers competence that can convert into more compensation and status as a physician, whereas the MBBS offers flexibility. Both degrees can lead to a lucrative and fulfilling profession assisting patients in Pakistan if one works hard and perseveres.

Conclusion

Here is a summary of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and the requirements for becoming a doctor in Pakistan and obtaining the highly sought-after MBBS degree. It’s undoubtedly a long road that calls for years of rigorous training and study. But for those who are prepared to put forth a lot of effort, this noble profession may offer enormous rewards. You get to genuinely make a difference in people’s lives, comfort and heal them, and feel immensely satisfied with a job well done. If you have a strong desire to help people, a keen interest in science, and the perseverance to see it through, the MBBS path could be ideal for you. Who can say? Maybe one day, when you continue your medical profession in Pakistan, we’ll cross paths in a hospital corridor with you grinning and a stethoscope around your neck.