Choosing the right medical college is a life-changing decision, especially for Indian students aspiring to become doctors. While India has several top-tier institutions, the competition is fierce, and NEET cut-offs are often sky-high. As a result, many Indian students explore affordable, high-quality MBBS programs abroad. One country that has gained immense popularity among Indian medical aspirants is Nepal.
With cultural similarities, proximity to India, English-medium education, and globally recognized degrees, Nepal has become a top destination for MBBS abroad. In this blog post, we will explore the top MBBS colleges in Nepal for Indian students, covering their admission process, MCI/NMC approval, fee structure, facilities, and more.
Why Choose Nepal for MBBS?
Before diving into the colleges, let’s quickly look at why Nepal is an excellent choice for MBBS:
1. No Language Barrier
Most medical colleges in Nepal offer MBBS courses in English, and many professors are either Indian or trained in India.
2. NMC Approved Colleges
Many colleges are recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) (formerly MCI), making it easy for Indian students to return and practice in India after clearing the FMGE/NExT exam.
3. Affordable Tuition Fees
Compared to countries like the USA, UK, or even private colleges in India, Nepal offers cost-effective medical education without compromising on quality.
4. Similar Syllabus Clinical Practice
Nepal’s MBBS curriculum is similar to India's, and students get hands-on clinical experience in government and teaching hospitals.
5. Proximity Visa-Free Travel
Traveling from India to Nepal is seamless, with no visa requirement for Indian citizens.
Eligibility for Indian Students to Study MBBS in Nepal
- Must be at least 17 years old by 31st December of the year of admission.
- Must have passed 10+2 (PCB) with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate (for General category; 40% for SC/ST/OBC).
- Must have qualified NEET-UG in the admission year.
- Valid passport (though visa is not needed).
Top MBBS Colleges in Nepal for Indian Students (2025)
Below is a curated list of the top MBBS colleges in Nepal, approved by NMC and popular among Indian students:
- Kathmandu Medical College (KMC)
Location: Kathmandu
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
NMC/MCI Approved: Yes
Total Fees: Approx. ₹55-60 lakhs
Medium: English
Seats for Indians: ~30% of total intake
Highlights:
- One of Nepal’s oldest and most reputed colleges.
- Modern infrastructure and multi-specialty hospital.
- Located in the capital, offering better exposure and connectivity.
- Manipal College of Medical Sciences (MCOMS), Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
NMC/MCI Approved: Yes
Total Fees: Approx. ₹60-65 lakhs
Seats for Indians: ~40%
Highlights:
- Part of the Manipal Education Group.
- State-of-the-art labs and technology.
- Strong Indian student community.
- Excellent FMGE passing ratio.
- B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS)
Location: Dharan
Affiliation: Autonomous
NMC/MCI Approved: Yes
Total Fees: Approx. ₹50-55 lakhs
Seats for Indians: Limited; highly competitive
Highlights:
- An autonomous institute, like AIIMS in India.
- Offers direct admission to Indian students under SAARC quota.
- High patient flow and clinical exposure.
- Admission through entrance exam.
- Nepal Medical College (NMC), Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
NMC/MCI Approved: Yes
Total Fees: Approx. ₹50-55 lakhs
Seats for Indians: Good number
Highlights:
- Located in the capital with top-tier infrastructure.
- Well-equipped teaching hospital.
- English medium and Indian-friendly environment.
- KIST Medical College
Location: Lalitpur, Kathmandu
Affiliation: Tribhuvan University
NMC/MCI Approved: Yes
Total Fees: Approx. ₹48-52 lakhs
Highlights:
- Quality education with strong clinical programs.
- Experienced Indian and Nepalese faculty.
- In-house hospital for practical training.
- Lumbini Medical College (LMC)
Location: Palpa
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
NMC/MCI Approved: Yes
Total Fees: ₹45-50 lakhs
Seats for Indians: 50+
Highlights:
- Strong focus on rural healthcare exposure.
- Affordable fee structure.
- NMC approved and FMGE friendly.
- Universal College of Medical Sciences (UCMS)
Location: Bhairahawa
Affiliation: Tribhuvan University
NMC/MCI Approved: Yes
Total Fees: ₹50-55 lakhs
Highlights:
- Operated by the Indian-based Universal Group.
- Located near the Indian border (Uttar Pradesh).
- Good hostel and Indian food facilities