In 2025, over 23 lakh students appeared for NEET-UG against roughly 1.18 lakh MBBS seats, per NMC data. Only around 58,000 are government seats, where the 2024 cutoff was 610+ marks in most states. A private seat costs USD 72,000-180,000 (Rs.68L-1.69Cr). MBBS abroad costs USD 12,000-54,000 (Rs.11L-51L) all-in over 6 years. Over 20,000 Indian students make that choice every year.
This guide covers the best countries for MBBS for Indian students in 2026-27: 6-year costs, FMGE pass rates, NMC rules, and a framework to match your situation to the right country.
For the full end-to-end picture, read the complete guide to pursuing MBBS abroad.
Key Benefits of Studying MBBS Abroad for Indian Students
A private MBBS in India costs USD 72,000-180,000 (Rs. 68L-1.69Cr) with no guarantee of admission. Abroad, the same degree costs USD 12,000-54,000 (Rs.11L-51L) at WHO-listed universities. Beyond cost, here is what changes.
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- No donation or capitation fees: Admissions are merit-based, unlike many Indian private colleges.
- English-medium programs: All countries in this guide offer full English-medium MBBS with no language barrier in the classroom.
- NMC-compliant degrees: Graduates from compliant universities can appear for NExT or FMGE and practice in India.
- Global career options: WHO-listed degrees open pathways to USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and AMC (Australia).
- Early clinical exposure: Many universities begin hospital rotations from Year 2.
Best Countries for MBBS for Indian Students
FMGE pass rates from NBEMS FMGE 2024 data. Overall 2024 pass rate: 20.19% (June), 29.62% (December).
| Country | 6-yr cost | FMGE 2024 | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russia | USD 24-48K (Rs.22.5-45L) | ~32% | Budget, India-return |
| Georgia | USD 34-54K (Rs.32-51L) | ~35.65% | USMLE/PLAB |
| Philippines | USD 21-36K (Rs.20-34L) | ~24% | Global practice |
| Kazakhstan | USD 18-30K (Rs.17-28L) | ~18.5% | NEET 400-500 |
| Kyrgyzstan | USD 12-20K (Rs.11-19L) | ~10% | Lowest budget |
| Uzbekistan | USD 14-26K (Rs.13-24L) | Below 10% | Very low budget |
| Nepal | USD 30-42K (Rs.28-39L) | ~70% | India-adjacent |
| Bangladesh | USD 30-48K (Rs.28-45L) | High | SAARC quota |
*Small cohort. The pass rate reflects curriculum similarity with India.
Conversion note: USD 1 = Rs.93.80, GEL 1 = Rs.34, PHP 1 = Rs.1.57 (all as of 24 March 2026). Verify the current rates before each payment.
For affordability details, read cheapest countries for MBBS abroad.
Country-by-Country Guide: Best MBBS Colleges Abroad for Indian Students
Indian students usually compare countries for MBBS based on total cost, licensing exam outcomes, teaching medium, and ease of adjustment. The destinations below are widely considered practical options in 2026 because they offer NMC-approved universities, established student communities, and predictable admission pathways.
MBBS in Russia
Over 30,000 Indian students are currently enrolled, per the Indian Embassy in Moscow. The lowest-risk affordable option with the highest volume of Indian student support infrastructure.
- Top universities: Lomonosov Moscow State University, Kazan State Medical University, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov), Perm State Medical University.
- Cost: Annual tuition USD 3,000-6,500 (Rs.2.8L-6.1L); hostel and living USD 1,200-1,800 (Rs.1.1L-1.7L). 6-year total: USD 24,000-48,000 (Rs.22.5L-45L).
- FMGE pass rate: Approximately 32% (NBEMS 2024).
- Licensing pathway: Pass the Russian state accreditation exam, satisfying NMC Reg. 4(b). Then return to India and clear NExT.
- What to know before you go: Clinical teaching shifts to Russian in hospitals from Years 4-6. Basic Russian from Year 2 makes a real difference. NExT coaching quality varies by university - ask before you commit.
Counsellor insight: Ask for affiliated hospital names and university-specific FMGE pass data for the last three years. There is a meaningful quality gap between federal universities in Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg versus smaller regional ones.
Read the full MBBS in Russia guide for Indian students.
MBBS in Georgia
Over 16,000 Indian students were enrolled in 2025. Highest FMGE pass rate among major destinations, but there is a licensing issue most agents will not bring up.
- Top universities: Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU, est. 1918), David Tvildiani Medical University (DTMU), European University, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University.
- Cost: Annual tuition GEL 8,500-20,700 (Rs.2.9L-7L); living GEL 1,500-2,000 per month (Rs.51,000-68,000). 6-year total: approximately USD 34,000-54,000 (Rs.32L-51L). Conversion: GEL 1 = Rs.34.
- FMGE pass rate: Approximately 35.65% (NBEMS 2024).
- Licensing pathway: Complex. Under NMC Reg. 4(b), completing the 6-year MBBS in Georgia does not make you eligible to practice there. According to mbbsdirect.com, graduates must complete a postgraduate residency or 2-year internship before sitting the Georgian licensing exam, extending the effective timeline to approximately 8 years.
- What to know before you go: Works well for students targeting USMLE or PLAB where the country-license issue is less relevant. If your goal is India practice, get a clear answer from your consultant about Reg. 4(b) before signing anything.
Counsellor insight: If India practice is your goal, ask your consultant exactly how they plan to satisfy NMC Reg. 4(b) for a Georgian graduate before paying any fee.
Read MBBS in Georgia for Indian students.
MBBS in the Philippines
US-based structure: 1-1.5 years of BS pre-medicine, then a 4-year MD program. The entire program is conducted in English in a country where English is the primary language.
- Top universities: University of the Philippines Manila, AMA School of Medicine, UV Gullas College of Medicine, and Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF).
- Cost: Annual tuition PHP 150,000-300,000 (Rs.2.4L-4.7L); hostel and living PHP 120,000-180,000 (Rs.1.9L-2.8L). 6-year total: USD 21,000-36,000 (Rs.20L-34L). Conversion: PHP 1 = Rs.1.57.
- FMGE pass rate: Approximately 24% (NBEMS 2024).
- Licensing pathway: Register with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) post-MD, satisfying NMC Reg. 4(b).
- What to know before you go: You must pass the National Medical Admissions Test (NMAT) before entering the MD phase. Most guides do not flag this requirement. Prepare for it before leaving India.
Counsellor insight: Strongest option for USMLE-aligned training. DMSF graduates consistently rank among top FMGE performers.
Read the MBBS in Philippines guide.
MBBS in Kazakhstan
Several NMC-approved universities offer English-medium programs backed by modern infrastructure, making Kazakhstan a practical mid-budget option for students with NEET scores in the 400-500 range.
- Top universities: Astana Medical University, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, and Semey State Medical University.
- Cost: Annual tuition USD 2,200-3,500 (Rs.2.1L-3.3L); hostel and living USD 960-1,440 (Rs.90K-1.35L). 6-year total: USD 18,000-30,000 (Rs.17L-28L).
- FMGE pass rate: Approximately 18.5% (NBEMS 2024).
- Licensing pathway: Straightforward. NMC Reg. 4(b) is achievable for graduates of recognized universities.
- What to know before you go: Thinner alumni network than Russia, which matters for NExT coaching support on return. Confirm affiliated hospital names before choosing a university.
Counsellor insight: A university charging USD 500 less per year is not a better deal if its affiliated hospital provides limited hands-on patient access. Always verify teaching hospital names before committing.
MBBS in Kyrgyzstan
The most affordable NMC-compliant destination available, suited for families with a total budget under USD 20,000 (Rs. 18.8L).
- Top universities: Kyrgyz State Medical Academy (KSMA), Osh State University, International School of Medicine.
- Cost: Annual tuition USD 1,500-2,400 (Rs.1.4L-2.3L); hostel and living USD 840-1,200 (Rs.79K-1.1L). 6-year total: USD 12,000-20,000 (Rs.11L-19L).
- FMGE pass rate: Approximately 10% (NBEMS 2024).
- Licensing pathway: Straightforward for universities listed at wdoms.org that meet NMC FMGL 2021 requirements.
- What to know before you go: Fewer NExT coaching centers in-country. Identify a coaching plan before enrollment, not after graduation.
Counsellor insight: The low FMGE pass rate reflects that low cost alone does not produce beneficial outcomes. Students who plan NExT preparation from Year 1 consistently do better than those who leave it until they return.
MBBS in Uzbekistan
A fast-growing destination with government-backed universities and improving hospital infrastructure, suited for students on a very tight budget.
- Top universities: Tashkent Medical Academy, Bukhara State Medical Institute, and Andijan State Medical Institute.
- Cost: Annual tuition USD 1,440-2,400 (Rs. 1.35L-2.3L); hostel and living USD 840-1,200 (Rs. 79K-1.1L). 6-year total: USD 14,000-26,000 (Rs.13L-24L).
- FMGE pass rate: Below 10% (NBEMS 2024).
- Licensing pathway: Straightforward for graduates of NMC-compliant universities.
- What to know before you go: Infrastructure quality is uneven across institutions. Check current student feedback on specific universities before applying, and plan NExT coaching independently from the start.
Counsellor insight: Uzbekistan's FMGE pass rates have been improving year over year as coaching infrastructure grows, but the baseline is still low. Self-directed NExT preparation is not optional here; it is essential.
MBBS in Nepal
The most India-like MBBS experience outside India. No visa is required, the curriculum mirrors NMC guidelines, and clinical training occurs in hospitals with Indian-pattern disease loads.
- Top universities: B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences.
- Cost: Annual tuition USD 3,600-6,000 (Rs.3.4L-5.6L); hostel and living USD 1,200-1,800 (Rs.1.1L-1.7L). 6-year total: USD 30,000-42,000 (Rs.28L-39L). No visa required for Indian citizens.
- FMGE pass rate: Approximately 70% (small cohort, NBEMS 2024).
- Licensing pathway: Straightforward for graduates of recognized Nepali institutions.
- What to know before you go: Seats for international students are limited, and government institutions are more competitive than private ones. Do not assume admission is easier just because the country is nearby.
Counsellor insight: Nepal's FMGE pass rates are the highest of any destination, but the cohort is small. Students who struggled in India often do well here because the academic environment and disease patterns are almost identical.
MBBS in Bangladesh
The curriculum is almost identical to India's, which translates directly into stronger FMGE preparation. Suited for students with strong academics who want an India-like environment.
- Top universities: Dhaka Medical College, Sir Salimullah Medical College, and University of Science and Technology Chittagong.
- Cost: Annual tuition USD 3,600-6,000 (Rs.3.4L-5.6L); hostel and living USD 1,200-1,800 (Rs.1.1L-1.7L). 6-year total: USD 30,000-48,000 (Rs.28L-45L).
- FMGE pass rate: High relative to most destinations due to direct curriculum similarity with India (NBEMS 2024).
- Licensing pathway: Straightforward. Graduates must clear NExT on return to India.
- What to know before you go: Admission runs through the SAARC quota with limited seats and fixed government timelines. Missing the window means waiting a full year. A minimum of 60% in PCB is required, higher than most other countries on this list.
Counsellor insight: Bangladesh is underrated. The curriculum overlap with India is the highest of any abroad destination, which is why FMGE outcomes are strong. The barrier is the quota process, not the education quality.
A Note on China
Since the India-China diplomatic tensions, Indian student visa issuance for Chinese universities has faced disruption. Do not apply without independently confirming the visa situation is resolved.
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad for Indian Students in 2026-27
Requirements are broadly the same across all popular destinations. The NMC Eligibility Certificate is the step most families miss, it takes 4-8 weeks and must be started the day NEET results are out.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academics | 10+2 with PCB, min. 50% (40% for SC/ST/OBC) |
| NEET | Mandatory to practice in India |
| Age | Min. 17 years by 31 Dec of admission year |
| NEET validity | 3 years from exam date |
| Passport | Min. 2 years beyond course end date |
| IELTS/TOEFL | Not required by most destinations |
| NMC Eligibility Certificate | Apply at nmc.org.in after results; takes 4-8 weeks |
Without a valid NEET score, you cannot get the NMC Eligibility Certificate and cannot practice in India. Read MBBS without NEET abroad for the full picture.
NMC Rules Every MBBS Abroad Student Must Know
The NMC FMGL Regulations 2021, notified on 18 November 2021, are binding for every Indian student who enrolled after that date. These rules exist because thousands of students returned with degrees from non-compliant institutions and could not register as doctors in India. Miss any one condition, and the same will happen to you.
- 54-month course plus 12-month internship in the same institution. No splitting across countries.
- English medium throughout, including clinical training.
- Country-license requirement (Reg. 4(b)): You must be eligible to practice medicine in the country where you studied before NMC will register you in India. Most agents do not mention this requirement.
- NEET is non-negotiable. Must be qualified before joining.
- FMGE is being replaced by NExT for students starting in 2026. They are expected to sit NExT on return, though final NMC notification is pending. Please verify the current status at nmc.org.in before enrolling.
Counsellor insight: Ask your consultant, "What must a graduate of this university do to become eligible to practice medicine in this country?" A vague answer raises a warning.
Key Factors When Choosing the Best Country for MBBS Abroad
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| WDOMS listing | Degree not valid for NExT if university not at wdoms.org |
| Country-license path | How long to satisfy NMC Reg. 4(b) before India registration |
| FMGE/NExT pass rate | Check university-wise, not just country average |
| Total 6-year cost | Include tuition, hostel, food, visa, flights, NExT coaching |
| Medium of instruction | Some universities shift to local language in Years 4-6 |
| Career goal | India practice vs. USMLE or PLAB |
Admission Process for MBBS Abroad: Step-by-Step
The process itself is straightforward, with no entrance exam beyond NEET and no interview in most countries. Every year, families struggle with the NMC Eligibility Certificate. It takes 4-8 weeks and must be applied for on the day the results are released, not after you receive the offer letter.
- Qualify for NEET and confirm your score meets NMC minimum qualifying marks.
- Apply for the NMC Eligibility Certificate at nmc.org.in right after results.
- Shortlist universities at wdoms.org that comply with NMC FMGL 2021.
- Apply to universities from June onward; offer letters typically arrive within 1-2 weeks.
- Apostille Class 10, Class 12, and birth certificate via MEA Apostille Centre (1-2 weeks).
- Get police clearance from your local police station (2-4 weeks).
- Get a medical fitness certificate from a registered MBBS doctor.
- Confirm the seat by paying the registration fee on receiving the offer letter.
- Apply for student visa: Russia 4-6 weeks, Georgia 2-4 weeks, Philippines 3-4 weeks, Kazakhstan 3-5 weeks.
- Book flights, arrange a forex card, and get health insurance and a hostel. Depart September-October.
Documents Required for MBBS Abroad
| Document | India-specific note |
|---|---|
| NEET scorecard | Valid 3 years. Please send attested copies and retain the original. |
| NMC Eligibility Certificate | Apply at nmc.org.in; it takes 4-8 weeks. |
| Class 10 marksheet (apostilled) | MEA Apostille Centre; 1-2 weeks. |
| Class 12 marksheet (apostilled) | Same process. |
| Passport | Minimum: 2 years beyond the course end date. |
| Birth certificate (apostilled) | Get a certified English translation if needed. |
| Medical fitness certificate | From a registered MBBS doctor. |
| Police clearance certificate | Local police station: 2-4 weeks. Start early. |
| Passport photos | Please prepare 10-15 copies and ensure the size is |
| SOP / LOR | Certain Georgian universities and the MD in the Philippines require these documents. |
Which Is the Best Country to Study MBBS for Your Situation?
- NEET 2026 score: 400-500, budget under USD 25,000 (Rs.23.5L), goal: India practice. Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan. Please confirm the hospital names and arrange NExT coaching before your departure.
- NEET 2026 score above 500, missed government cutoff, budget USD 35,000-54,000 (Rs.33-51L). Russia is the most reliable choice. Consider Georgia if you are targeting USMLE or PLAB.
- Primary goal: practice outside India (USMLE, PLAB, or Gulf). Philippines or Georgia. Russia also works well globally.
- 2025 dropper who cannot afford another gap year. Apply now for September 2026 intakes in Russia, Georgia, or Kazakhstan. Start your NMC Eligibility Certificate this week. Bangladesh and the Philippines have January 2027 intakes as fallbacks.
Month-by-Month MBBS Abroad Application Timeline for 2026-27
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| April-May 2026 | NEET exam. Class 12 boards finish. Begin university research. |
| May-June 2026 | NEET results. Apply for NMC Eligibility Certificate immediately. Start apostille. |
| June 2026 | Apply to shortlisted universities. Offer letters within 1-2 weeks. |
| June-July 2026 | Confirm seat. Apply for police clearance and medical certificate. |
| July 2026 | Submit student visa application; allow 4-6 weeks. |
| August 2026 | Receive visa. Book flights, forex card, health insurance, hostel. |
| Sep-Oct 2026 | Depart for Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Philippines. |
| Jan-Feb 2027 | Secondary intake: Bangladesh (SAARC quota), some Philippines universities. |
Career Scope After MBBS Abroad for Indian Students
- India: Clear NExT, complete a 12-month supervised internship, and get NMC registration. Eligible for NEET PG.
- USA: USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3. ECFMG certification required. Philippines, Russia, and Georgia graduates have all passed consistently.
- UK: PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. Georgia's ECTS curriculum is well-aligned for PLAB.
- Gulf countries: DHA, MOH, or HAAD licensing exams. All accept WHO-listed university degrees.
- PG specialization: Eligible for NEET PG after NExT clearance and India registration.
When Things Go Wrong: What to Do
- A NEET score below 360: You do not meet the NMC minimum for the Eligibility Certificate. Do not pay any university abroad. Reattempt NEET 2027 or explore BHMS or BAMS. Read MBBS without NEET abroad.
- Offer letter delayed before visa appointment: Ask the university for a provisional admission letter on official letterhead. Most Russian, Georgian, and Kazakh embassies accept such letters.
- Visa refused: Russia: incorrect medical certificate; Georgia: insufficient proof of funds; Philippines: missing NMAT results. Find out exactly why, resolve it, and reapply.
- The university was not in WDOMS after arrival: Please reach out to NMC at nmc.org.in and the Indian Embassy as soon as possible. Do not continue classes. Verify yourself at wdoms.org before leaving India.
- Missed September 2026 intake: Bangladesh and the Philippines have January-February 2027 intakes. Use the gap for NExT preparation.
Three Things Every 2026-27 MBBS Applicant Should Do This Week
- First, verify every shortlisted university at wdoms.org. If it is not listed, do not pay any fee.
- Second, apply for your NMC Eligibility Certificate at nmc.org.in as soon as your NEET 2026 result is out. It takes 4-8 weeks, and your visa timeline depends on it.
- Third, calculate your full 6-year cost, tuition, living, visa, flights, and NExT coaching , and compare that total against what a private college seat in your state would actually cost.
Verified by: LeapScholar's MBBS counseling team, with hands-on experience guiding Indian students through university selection, NMC Eligibility Certificate applications, and pre-departure preparation for MBBS abroad.
Have questions about MBBS abroad? Book a free session with a LeapScholar counsellor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Which country is best for MBBS for Indian students in 2026?
There is no single best country. For a budget under USD 20,000 (Rs.18.8L) with NEET 400-500, Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan. For USD 24,000-48,000 (Rs.22.5L-45L) with the India-return pathway, Russia. For USMLE or PLAB, Philippines or Georgia.
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Is MBBS abroad valid in India?
It can be, but it is not automatic. Your university must be listed at wdoms.org, the program must be at least 54 months plus a 12-month internship completed at the same institution, you must have a valid NEET qualification, and you must be eligible for a medical license in the country where you studied. Students who skip any one of these conditions come home and find they cannot register with NMC at all. After you graduate, you still need to clear NExT and complete a 12-month supervised internship in India before you can practice.
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Can I do MBBS abroad without NEET?
Technically yes, some universities will admit you without a NEET score. But here is the problem: the NMC Eligibility Certificate requires NEET qualification, and without that certificate you cannot sit for NExT. No NExT means no medical license in India. So if your plan is to eventually practice here, skipping NEET does not save you anything. It just delays the problem by six years and costs your family a significant amount of money in the process.
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Which country has the highest FMGE pass rate for Indian students?
Nepal comes out on top, with around 70% of its graduates clearing FMGE in 2024, though the cohort is small. After Nepal, Georgia is at approximately 35.65%, Russia at approximately 32%, the Philippines at approximately 24%, and Kazakhstan at approximately 18.5%. Kyrgyzstan is around 10%, and Uzbekistan is below that. These are country averages based on NBEMS 2024 data. Within each country, individual universities vary widely, so always ask for university-specific pass data before deciding.
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What is the total cost of MBBS abroad, including living expenses?
When families calculate the actual cost, they often experience a shock. Tuition alone is not the only expense you will incur. When you add hostel, food, visa, health insurance, and one return flight home every year, the 6-year all-in totals look like this (at USD 1 = Rs.93.80, GEL 1 = Rs.34, PHP 1 = Rs.1.57 as of 24 March 2026): Kyrgyzstan Rs.11-19L, Uzbekistan Rs.13-24L, Kazakhstan Rs.17-28L, Philippines Rs.20-34L, Russia Rs.22.5-45L, Nepal and Bangladesh Rs.28-45L, and Georgia Rs.32-51L. For context, private MBBS in India runs Rs.68L-1.46Cr.
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What happens if my NEET score is below 360?
A score below 360 means you do not clear the NMC minimum qualifying marks, which makes you ineligible for the NMC Eligibility Certificate. Without that, you cannot appear for NExT and cannot practice medicine in India. Do not pay any deposit to any university abroad if this is your situation, regardless of what a consultant tells you. Your realistic options at this point are retaking NEET in 2027 or looking at BHMS or BAMS programs where the entry bar is different.
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What is the NExT exam, and how does it affect MBBS abroad students?
NExT, the National Exit Test, is replacing FMGE as the licensing exam that foreign medical graduates must clear to practice in India. The key difference is that NExT will be a common exam for both Indian and foreign graduates, which means the standard is expected to be higher than the old FMGE. If you start MBBS abroad in 2026, you will be sitting NExT when you return around 2031-2032. What this change means practically is that the university you choose today needs to prepare you for a rigorous exit exam, not just get you through six years. Low fees at a university with poor exam preparation is a detrimental trade.
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Is Georgia safe for MBBS? What is the licensing issue?
Georgia is safe. The issue is regulatory: completing the 6-year MBBS does not automatically make you eligible to practice there. Additional steps after graduation are required under NMC Reg. 4(b). Confirm the exact pathway with the Georgian Ministry of Health before enrolling.
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Which countries offer MBBS in English without IELTS?
Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Confirm clinical training in Years 4-6 is also in English, as some universities shift to the local language in hospitals.
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How do I verify if a university abroad is NMC-approved?
NMC does not publish an approved list. Verify at wdoms.org, confirm recognition by the country's Ministry of Education, and confirm 54 months plus a 12-month English-medium internship. Non-compliance at India registration makes you ineligible, the responsibility is yours.
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