About Studying MBBS in Uzbekistan
In recent years, Uzbekistan has grown in popularity as one of the top choices for Indian students aspiring to pursue MBBS abroad. Strategically located in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is not only known for its vibrant culture, hospitality, and ancient medical roots, but also for its modernized medical education infrastructure, especially tailored to meet global standards, including those outlined by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India.
Many aspiring Indian doctors seek foreign education to overcome the extreme competition and limited seats in Indian government medical colleges. However, concerns often arise around degree validity, licensing eligibility, and compliance with NMC’s FMGL Regulations (2021). Fortunately, medical universities in Uzbekistan have taken clear and deliberate steps to ensure their courses align with the latest NMC guidelines, thereby making MBBS degrees from Uzbekistan valid and acceptable in India.
Uzbekistan offers English-medium MBBS programs, affordable tuition, and quality education, with multiple universities being listed in global directories such as WDOMS (World Directory of Medical Schools), which is a key requirement under NMC norms. Most importantly, these programs now satisfy the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) regulations introduced by the NMC in 2021, which govern whether an MBBS degree obtained abroad will be accepted in India for purposes like NEXT (National Exit Test), internship, and permanent registration.
As Uzbekistan continues to reform its education system, especially in medical sciences, Indian students can confidently pursue their MBBS here without fear of rejection upon their return. With a growing number of successful Indian graduates returning to clear FMGE exams and now practicing in India, Uzbekistan is rapidly establishing itself as a compliant, trustworthy, and student-centric destination for MBBS aspirants.
How Uzbekistan Fulfills NMC FMGL Regulations
Understanding the NMC FMGL Regulations (2021)
The NMC FMGL (Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate) Regulations, published in November 2021, set specific standards that a foreign MBBS degree must meet to be valid for registration in India. These regulations include:
- Minimum 54 months of medical education abroad
- Mandatory 12 months of supervised internship in the same country
- Medium of instruction must be English
- University must be listed in WDOMS
- The student must be licensed to practice in the country where the degree is awarded
- The course must be equivalent to MBBS in India in terms of curriculum and duration
Let’s examine how Uzbekistan’s MBBS program aligns with each of these criteria.
- Course Duration: 5+1 Year Structure
The MBBS course in Uzbekistan typically follows a 6-year structure, with 5 years of classroom-based medical education and 1 full year of clinical internship, conducted under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. This 6-year format perfectly matches the NMC’s requirement of 54 months of academic study plus 12 months of internship, fulfilling the key eligibility criteria.
- Medium of Instruction: 100% English
Leading universities like Tashkent Medical Academy, Bukhara State Medical Institute, and Samarkand State Medical University offer MBBS programs entirely in English, removing any linguistic barrier for Indian students. Unlike some countries where bilingual instruction causes confusion, Uzbekistan has clearly mandated full English instruction for international students, in compliance with NMC’s guidelines.
- Universities Listed in WDOMS
All top medical universities in Uzbekistan are recognized by WHO and are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). This inclusion ensures that their degrees are internationally recognized and eligible for appearing in screening/licensure exams like FMGE (India), USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and more.
- Internship Conducted in Uzbekistan
A vital regulation under FMGL 2021 is that the entire internship must be completed in the same country where the MBBS degree is awarded. Uzbek medical universities offer hospital-based internships during the final year, often in government-approved teaching hospitals. These internships are formally assessed and certified, thereby meeting the Indian requirement of supervised training.
- Degree Equivalent to Indian MBBS
Uzbekistan follows the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and has a curriculum structured around global standards, incorporating subjects like anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, general surgery, medicine, pediatrics, and OBGYN—similar to the MBBS curriculum in India. The NMC mandates that the foreign degree must be equivalent to the Indian MBBS, and Uzbek MBBS programs are designed to satisfy that.
- Eligibility for Licensing in Uzbekistan
Another major clause in FMGL 2021 is that the foreign graduate must be eligible to get a license to practice in the country of study. In Uzbekistan, after completing the 6-year MBBS course, students are eligible for medical licensure subject to national procedures. This further reinforces the degree’s validity under NMC’s new rules.
Additional Benefits for Indian Students
- No Donation or Capitation Fee: Uzbekistan strictly prohibits capitation, unlike many other countries.
- Affordable Living: Hostel + food costs are approx. ?10,000–?15,000 per month.
- Safety and Student Support: Highly secure and female-friendly environment.
- Indian Food and Community: Availability of Indian mess, social clubs, and support cells for Indian students.
Conclusion
Yes, MBBS in Uzbekistan is 100% valid in India, provided the student selects a university that meets all NMC guidelines, which the leading Uzbek institutions clearly do. Uzbekistan’s education structure, internship policies, English-medium instruction, and WDOMS recognition all work in favor of Indian students who plan to return and practice medicine in India.
As long as students follow NMC’s FMGL 2021 checklist and complete their education and internship properly, they are eligible to appear for NEXT/FMGE, get registered, and start practicing in India.
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