Dhaka National Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh

MBBS & BDS in Bangladesh for Indian Students

  • Cost-Effective Education: Pursuing an MBBS & BDS degree in Bangladesh is a much more economical option compared to private medical schools in India, where fees can reach up to INR 1 crore. In contrast, the total cost for an MBBS & BDS program in Bangladesh, including tuition and living expenses, typically ranges from INR 28 to 50 lakhs.
  • No Entrance Exam: For Indian students, gaining admission to a medical college in Bangladesh is straightforward. Unlike the competitive entrance exams required in India, most Bangladeshi medical colleges don’t require an entrance test. The main eligibility criteria are strong academic grades in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from the 12th grade.
  • Cultural and Geographic Proximity: With a similar culture and close proximity to India, Bangladesh offers a comfortable and familiar environment for Indian students. This makes it easier to adjust to the lifestyle, food, and traditions. The short travel distance also makes it convenient for students to visit their families during holidays.
  • Recognition of Degree in India: After completing their degree, Indian students can return home and practice medicine. Degrees from Bangladeshi medical colleges are recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI), but students must pass the FMGE/NExT exam to obtain their MCI registration and begin their medical career in India.

Advantages of MBBS in Bangladesh

1. Indian Medical Council Approves Degrees Degrees from Bangladeshi medical colleges are approved by the Medical Council of India (MCI), now known as the National Medical Commission (NMC). This is due to the 1956 MCI Act. For Indian students, this means that their degree is recognized in India, making them eligible to practice medicine there after passing the required screening exam, such as the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the National Exit Test (NEXT).

2. Degrees are Globally Recognized All medical schools in Bangladesh are regulated and accredited by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC). This not only allows graduates to practice in Bangladesh but also ensures that the quality of education meets global standards. As a member of the South East Asia Regional Organization for the Medical Council, Bangladesh’s medical training is recognized and respected worldwide.

3. Eligibility to Practice in India After graduating from a recognized medical college in Bangladesh, students can appear for a screening test in India (either the FMGE or NEXT). Passing this exam validates their foreign degree and qualifies them to register with the NMC and practice medicine anywhere in India.

4. Hands-On Clinical Experience Medical colleges in Bangladesh have a strong patient flow, which is crucial for hands-on clinical training. Students get a wide variety of medical cases during their rotations, providing them with the practical experience needed to become skilled doctors. The curriculum, infrastructure, and training modules are continuously updated to ensure the quality of education meets international standards.

Cost of MBBS in Bangladesh

The main appeal of studying for an MBBS & BDS in Bangladesh is how affordable it is. The overall cost is much lower compared to countries like the US, the UK, or even India.

  • Tuition Fees: The tuition for an MBBS & BDS degree in Bangladesh typically ranges from INR 27 lakhs to INR 50 lakhs. This is a more budget-friendly choice than many private medical colleges in India, and it can even be cheaper than some government medical colleges there.
  • Living Expenses: On top of tuition, the cost of living is also very low. Students can expect to spend between INR 8,000 and INR 12,000 per month on rent, food, transportation, and other personal needs. This makes Bangladesh a highly economical option for international students, especially those from India.
  • Extra Costs: While there are additional costs for things like books and medical equipment, these expenses are also quite low, adding to the overall affordability.

Rephrased points on the MBBS & BDS degree in Bangladesh:

The MBBS & BDS program in Bangladesh spans 5 years of academic study, followed by a mandatory 1-year internship. This structure aligns with international standards for medical education, thoroughly preparing graduates for their careers in healthcare.

1. Pre-Clinical Phase (Years 1-2)

The first two years are dedicated to foundational subjects known as the basic sciences. This phase, often called the pre-clinical phase, focuses on core disciplines like Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry, providing students with the essential knowledge needed to understand human health and disease.

2. Para-Clinical Phase (Year 3)

In the third year, students move into the para-clinical phase. They study subjects like Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Medical Jurisprudence. This phase bridges the gap between basic sciences and clinical practice, teaching students the fundamentals of diagnostics, medications, and treatment methods.

3. Clinical Phase (Years 4-5)

The final two years are the clinical phase, which involves extensive practical training in a hospital. Students get hands-on experience across various departments, including Surgery, Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Psychiatry. During this time, they also attend lectures on medical ethics and patient care, rounding out their professional education.

4. Internship (Year 6)

After completing the 5-year academic program, a mandatory 1-year internship is required. This year provides students with invaluable hands-on experience in patient care and medical practice, which is essential before they can begin their professional careers.

Medium of Teaching in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, all MBBS & BDS courses are taught in English. This approach offers several advantages for aspiring medical professionals:

  • Global Communication: Studying in English helps you easily communicate with the worldwide medical community.
  • Access to Resources: This allows you to access a vast amount of medical research and literature from all over the world.
  • Career Enhancement: An English-based education improves your career prospects in the international medical job market.
  • Improved Communication: It boosts your English skills, which are crucial for patient care and working with other medical professionals.

Key Dates for MBBS Admissions in Bangladesh:

Intake: The main intake for MBBS & BDS programs in Bangladesh is in January or February.

  • Academic Session: The academic year for this intake typically starts in January or February.
  • Application Deadline: You should aim to submit your application between November and December to be considered for the intake.
  • Visa Process: Once you’ve been accepted, you’ll need to apply for a student visa. This can take 4-6 weeks, so it’s best to start the process at least 2-3 months before classes begin to ensure your visa is ready in time.
  • Semesters: The curriculum is divided into semesters, with each one lasting approximately six months.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply for an MBBS & BDS program in Bangladesh, prospective students must meet specific academic and personal criteria. Here’s a rephrased breakdown of the key requirements.

1. Age: Applicants must be at least 17 years old by December 31st of the year they wish to enroll. This requirement ensures that students are mature enough to handle the rigor and demands of medical school.

2. Educational Background: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 (or equivalent) with a science stream, specifically with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as core subjects. A minimum of 60% aggregate marks in these three subjects is mandatory for admission consideration.

3. NEET Qualification: Indian students applying for an MBBS & BDS in Bangladesh must have a valid NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test) score. Submitting a qualifying NEET scorecard is a mandatory prerequisite for their application to be considered by Bangladeshi medical institutions.

4. Passport and Other Documents: Moreover, students have to attach the 10th and 12th-grade mark sheet, NEET scorecard, birth certificate, and passport-sized photographs with a valid passport.

The government of Bangladesh sets the rules and procedures for the admission of foreign students to all public and private medical colleges within its territory. Following are the steps that you need to take if you want to get admitted into Dhaka National Medical College (DNMC).

If student have a passport from a country with having diplomatic relationship with Bangladesh one can apply for admission to the MBBS course (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery) & BDS in one of the public or private Medical Colleges in Bangladesh.

Equivalence of Foreign Degree:

  1. The student must have 12 years of schooling, and grades must have to be matched (Equivalency) with the Bangladeshi counterpart- SSC (Secondary School Certificate) & HSC (Higher Secondary School Certificate).
  2. The eligibility criteria for admission to the MBBS & BDS course:
    • Must have passed qualifying examinations (HSC/’A’ level) or equivalent examination.
    • SSC/’O’ level or equivalent examination passed not before 2022.
    • O-level (Equivalent to SSC) certificate: Minimum 5 subjects.
    • HSC/’A’ level or equivalent examination passed not before 2024.
    • A-level (Equivalent to HSC) Certificate: Must have Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
    • Minimum aggregate GPA in SSC/’O’ level or equivalent and HSC/’A’ level or equivalent examination: 7.00 (Seven).
    • Minimum GPA in SSC/’O’ level or equivalent and in HSC/’A’ level or equivalent examination: 3.5 (three & half).
    • For calculating GPA against the marks obtained in SSC/’O’ level or equivalent exam, only the top 5 subjects are considered for calculating GPA. Therefore, GPA in ‘O’ level = (total marks obtained in top five subjects)/5.
    • For calculating GPA against the marks obtained in HSC/’A’ level or equivalent exam, only 3 subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) are considered for calculating GPA. Qualifying Grade in each subject individually is “C’. Therefore, GPA in ‘A’ level = (total marks obtained in three subjects)/3.5.
    •  Minimum GPA in Biology: 4 (Four).
  3. NEET Certificate (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) Must be mandatory.
  4. Get the photocopies of the following documents attested from the foreign ministry of country.
    a. School/College Passed Certificates.Mark/Grade Sheet.School Leaving Certificate (Testimonial).Copy of Passport.
    b. Two Passport Size Photographs of the Applicant.
  1. Each applicant has to pay a non-refundable application fee.
  2. Only applications transmitted through Bangladesh Mission abroad are accepted. 
  3. All certificates must be duly attested by the competent authority, i.e. Education Board, the Foreign Ministry of the respective country, and the respective Bangladesh Mission abroad/ respective foreign Mission based in Dhaka.
  4. Successful applicants have to produce all academic certificates and mark sheets/transcripts in original at the time of their admission.
  5. The student has to deposit attested documents, bank receipt, and filled admission form to the Bangladesh Embassy in India for processing of Grade Equivalency and permission from the Government of Bangladesh. 
  6. Sending copies of certificates, mark sheets, passport, and a letter of intent to the Dhaka National Medical College office for advance booking of your seat.
  7. Having received the permission letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the grade equivalency of the certificates, the Dhaka National Medical College office will inform the students and proceed with your admission.

Total 229 rooms & 365 seats in boy’s hostel.
93 rooms & 282 seats in girl’s hostel.

Name of the boys hostel:
Hazi Selim building
Hazi Masum building
Idris Ali building
Sajjad H. Titu building
Sheikh Russel International Hostel

Name of the girls hostel:
Abu Khayer building
College building.

Total 100 students for boy’s hostel and 35 students for girl’s hostel can take their meals at a time in dining room.
TV facilities are available at dining room for girl’s hostel.
Water purifires are present there for pure drinking water at dining room for boys and girls hostel.
Meals are cooked by male/female cook according to the student’s choice for boys and girls hostel.

TV facilities are available for boy’s hostel. Arrangements for playing Carrom board in boys hostel.

Arrangements for prayers in boy’s hostel.