Studying MBBS in Bangladesh has become one of the most popular choices for aspiring doctors, especially students from neighboring countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, and other South Asian nations. Bangladesh offers a strong medical education system, affordable tuition fees, globally recognized degrees, and an education environment similar to that of India. While private medical colleges in Bangladesh admit both local and foreign students, government MBBS colleges are considered highly prestigious because of their reputation, facilities, and lower tuition fees.
However, to secure admission into government MBBS colleges in Bangladesh, students must meet specific eligibility requirements. These requirements are set by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and follow strict academic and age-related criteria. For international students, including Indians, the eligibility rules are carefully regulated to ensure fairness and transparency.
Before diving into eligibility, it’s important to understand why government colleges are so sought after in Bangladesh.
Affordable Fees: Compared to private colleges, government colleges offer significantly lower tuition fees.
High Academic Standards: These colleges are known for strict academic training, practical exposure, and excellent faculty.
Government Recognition: Degrees are recognized by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and Medical Council of India (now NMC).
Better Clinical Exposure: Most government colleges are attached to large hospitals, giving students practical exposure from the beginning.
Preference for International Students: Bangladesh reserves seats for international students, including Indians, making it easier for them to apply.
Students must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
Minimum aggregate GPA of 7.0 (combined for SSC/10th and HSC/12th or equivalent).
Students must score at least GPA 3.5 in Biology in 12th or equivalent exam.
For Indian students: A minimum of 60% in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) is often required.
Indian students must qualify the NEET exam as per the rules of the National Medical Commission (NMC), India.
NEET eligibility is mandatory for obtaining eligibility certificates and pursuing medical studies abroad.
The minimum age requirement is 17 years as of 31st December of the admission year.
There is generally no strict upper age limit, but preference is given to younger candidates.
Students who have completed 12th grade more than two years prior to the admission year are often not eligible.
Admission is open to Bangladeshi nationals and foreign nationals.
Seats for foreign students are limited and are allocated through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Bangladesh.
Candidates must provide a medical fitness certificate proving they are physically and mentally fit to pursue MBBS.
Must be a Bangladeshi citizen.
Must clear the Medical Admission Test conducted by DGHS.
Must have GPA as per the national eligibility norms (SSC + HSC combined GPA minimum 9.0).
Biology subject must have GPA 3.5 or above.
Academic Performance
12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Minimum GPA 7.0 (equivalent to around 60–65% aggregate).
Biology in Class 12 should be at least GPA 3.5 (equivalent to 60% marks).
NEET Requirement (India only)
Qualifying NEET exam is compulsory.
Documents Required
Mark sheets and certificates of 10th and 12th.
NEET scorecard (for Indian students).
Valid passport.
Recent passport-size photographs.
Birth certificate or proof of age.
Medical fitness certificate.
Equivalence certificate from the Bangladesh Education Board.
Application Route
Foreign student applications must go through the Bangladesh High Commission/Embassy in their respective country.
For local Bangladeshi students, admission to government MBBS colleges is based on a national-level medical admission test conducted by DGHS.
Exam Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, and General Knowledge.
Exam Mode: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ).
Marking System:
Biology – 30 marks
Chemistry – 25 marks
Physics – 20 marks
English – 15 marks
General Knowledge (Bangladesh & International) – 10 marks
Total Marks: 100
Negative Marking: Yes (usually -0.25 for each wrong answer).
For foreign students, admission is merit-based on academic performance (10th and 12th marks). No entrance test is required.
Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the academic and NEET requirements.
Apply Through Embassy: Submit an application through the Bangladesh Embassy in your country.
Document Verification: Get your documents attested and verified.
Issuance of Equivalence Certificate: Bangladesh authorities will issue an equivalence certificate for your academic qualifications.
Seat Allocation: Based on merit and availability, you will be allotted a government MBBS college.
Confirmation & Fees: Pay the required admission fees to confirm your seat.
Visa Process: Apply for a student visa for Bangladesh.
Travel & Join College: Complete enrollment and begin your MBBS course.
1. What is the minimum qualification for MBBS in Bangladesh government colleges?
Students must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with at least 60% aggregate marks.
2. Is NEET mandatory for Indian students?
Yes, NEET qualification is compulsory for Indian students to study MBBS in Bangladesh.
3. What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
The combined GPA of SSC and HSC (or equivalent) should be at least 7.0.
4. What is the minimum GPA in Biology?
Students must have GPA 3.5 or at least 60% in Biology at the 12th level.
5. What is the age limit for MBBS in Bangladesh?
The student must be at least 17 years old on 31st December of the admission year.
6. Is there an entrance exam for foreign students?
No, foreign students are admitted based on merit (marks in 10th and 12th).
7. Do Bangladeshi students have to take an entrance exam?
Yes, local students must pass the DGHS medical admission test.
8. Is there negative marking in the entrance exam?
Yes, usually -0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
9. What documents are required for admission?
Mark sheets, NEET scorecard (for Indians), passport, photographs, medical fitness, and equivalence certificate.
10. How are seats allocated for international students?
Seats are allocated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh based on merit.
11. Can Indian students apply directly to colleges?
No, they must apply through the Bangladesh Embassy or High Commission.
12. Is English the medium of instruction in MBBS?
Yes, English is the medium of teaching in most government MBBS colleges.
13. How long is the MBBS course in Bangladesh?
The MBBS course duration is 5 years, followed by 1 year of internship.
14. Are internships in Bangladesh recognized in India?
Yes, internships in Bangladesh are recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), India.
15. What is the tuition fee for government MBBS colleges in Bangladesh?
Fees are much lower than private colleges, usually ranging between USD 8,000–12,000 for the entire course.
16. Do government colleges reserve seats for foreign students?
Yes, a fixed number of seats are reserved for international students.
17. Is hostel accommodation available?
Yes, most government colleges provide hostel facilities for international students.
18. Can foreign students appear for the DGHS entrance exam?
No, foreign students are exempt from the entrance exam.
19. Is the MBBS degree from Bangladesh valid worldwide?
Yes, MBBS degrees are recognized by WHO, NMC, and other international medical councils.
20. When should foreign students apply for admission?
Applications usually begin in September–October, and students must apply well in advance through the Embassy.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English