Are you aspiring to become a doctor but overwhelmed by the vast MBBS syllabus? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. The MBBS course may seem intense, but with the right roadmap, it becomes a clear, structured, and rewarding journey.
In this guide, we’ll break down the MBBS subjects year-wise, semester-wise, and phase-wise, helping you understand what to expect at each stage. From foundational anatomy to clinical rotations and internships, this comprehensive breakdown of the 19 MBBS subjects will simplify your path to becoming a medical professional.
MBBS Subjects And Syllabus Structure
The MBBS syllabus is designed to provide a strong foundation in medical science. Here are its main features:
- It is divided into core and elective subjects.
- Core subjects are mandatory for all MBBS students and form the backbone of medical education.
- It consists of 19 subjects distributed across the phases (Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical) and nine semesters.
- The MBBS course is 5.5 years long, including 4.5 years of academic education followed by a mandatory one-year internship that includes hands-on experience in various medical departments.
19 Subjects of MBBS
Here is a comprehensive list of 19 subjects of MBBS that you will study through the course:
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Community Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Community Medicine
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
- Clinical postings inwards
- OPD
- ENT
- Ophthalmology
- Psychiatry
- Dermatology and Venereology
- Pediatrics
- Anesthesiology
- Orthopaedics
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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Key Subjects In MBBS
The MBBS curriculum in India is structured to equip students with a thorough knowledge of medical science. The following are the primary subjects included in the MBBS course:
List of MBBS Subjects Phase-wise

The MBBS curriculum comprises 19 subjects, each integral to developing a well-rounded medical professional. These subjects are strategically distributed across the 4.5 years of study, ensuring a gradual and comprehensive learning experience.
These are divided into three phases:
- The Pre-Clinical Phase, which lasts for 1 year.
- The Para-Clinical Phase which also lasts for one year.
- The Clinical Phase that lasts for 2.5 years.
Here are all the 19 subjects from Anatomy to Radiology as per three chapters:
These were the 19 subjects that you will be studying in MBBS. Next, let’s see how these subjects are divided year-wise.
Phase-Wise Exam Pattern for MBBS
The MBBS curriculum is divided into three main phases, each comprising specific semesters and subjects.
- Each semester lasts approximately 6 months with around 120 teaching days.
- There are regular mid-semester, end-semester, and clinical posting assessments.
- Internal assessments contribute 50% weightage in both theory and practical/clinical evaluations.
After completing the academic phases, students must complete a 1-year compulsory rotatory internship to gain hands-on clinical experience before obtaining the MBBS degree.
This phase-wise structure ensures a gradual progression from foundational medical sciences to clinical skills and patient care, preparing students for comprehensive medical practice.
MBBS Course Duration: Year Wise
The MBBS course duration in India is typically 5.5 years, which includes:
- 4.5 years of academic study divided into semesters or phases, covering pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects.
- 1 year of compulsory internship for practical, hands-on training in various medical specialties like medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics & gynecology.
To gain a clearer understanding of the academic journey in medical school, it's essential to look at the MBBS year-wise subjects. The tables below provide a structured overview, setting the stage for a detailed breakdown of each year's subjects in the sections that follow.
MBBS Subjects List: Year-Wise
The MBBS course is divided into four years, during which all the aspects of medical science are covered, from foundational theories to advanced clinical practices.
- MBBS 1st Year: Students learn the basic structure and functions of the human body. They explore anatomy, body systems, and chemical processes that keep the body alive.
- MBBS 2nd Year: This year focuses on understanding diseases, their causes, and how they affect the body. Students also study germs, medicines, and legal aspects of medicine.
- MBBS 3rd Year: Students are introduced to public health and prevention of diseases. They also study conditions related to the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
- MBBS 4th Year: This year covers the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Students learn surgery, child healthcare, and women's health and childbirth.
- MBBS 5th Year: Students work as interns in hospitals to gain real experience. They explore fields like cardiology and paediatrics under supervision.
MBBS 1st-Year Subjects
The first year of MBBS lays the foundation of medical education by focusing on the structure, functions, and chemical processes of the human body.
MBBS 2nd-Year Subjects
The second year delves into the study of disease processes, microorganisms, drug actions, and legal aspects of medicine.
MBBS 3rd-Year Subjects
The third year emphasizes public health, and introduces clinical specialties like eye, ear, nose, and throat care.
MBBS 4th-Year Subjects
The fourth year focuses on core clinical disciplines including medicine, surgery, child health, and women’s reproductive care.
MBBS 5th-Year Internship
For the 5th year, there will be internship opportunities for different roles like cardiology and Paediatrics.
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Knowing the semester-wise subjects is also necessary to help you plan your studies and monthly targets. Find it below.
MBBS Subjects: Semester Wise

Here is a breakdown of the semesters and their respective subjects:
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Let’s jump to the 5th year of your MBBS journey. There, you’ll get experience through the exciting internships mentioned below.
MBBS Subjects Internship Opportunities
The MBBS internship is a crucial phase in which your practical knowledge is used. The 12-month internship is structured to cover essential medical disciplines, allowing you to rotate through different departments.
Each rotation is designed to provide in-depth practical experience. It offers hands-on experience in patient care, diagnostics, and treatment procedures.
Here are detailed duration and needs for a subject-wise internship for 12 months:
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Now, let’s learn about different subjects covered in MBBS based on academics and personal interests. These are core and electives.
MBBS Subjects: Core and Elective
MBBS students are provided with 19 subjects, of which 10 are mandatory, and 9 are elective. Some core subjects are Medicine and surgery; other elective subjects include forensic medicine and dermatology.
Core MBBS Subjects
Did you know that 85% of MBBS graduates find the core foundational subjects critical for their practical skills in the medical field? These ten subjects start from Anatomy, where you explore the human body. Then comes Physiology, where you understand its complex functions. These subjects form the core of your medical career.
Here is the detailed list of MBBS core and elective subjects:
Elective MBBS Subjects
Elective MBBS subjects open up opportunities for specialised knowledge in the vast medical sector. These nine subjects let you customise your education based on your interests, whether you’re interested in learning about tropical diseases, the latest medical technologies, or medical ethics.
Are you excited about getting into the MBBS course and gaining the expertise skills? You can do it by engaging in numerous projects provided by your universities.
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MBBS Projects
Throughout the MBBS courses, which are integral to your overall medical education, you can engage in a variety of projects. These include research projects, clinical case studies, and community health initiatives. Engaging in these projects allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Here’s a detailed look at the types of projects and their benefits for MBBS students.
Still trying to convince you that MBBS could make you achieve heights of success? Then read more to know the specialised roles and opportunities.
Types Of MBBS Specialisations
After completing the MBBS degree, you can specialise in various medical fields.
Specialisation matters because it not only enhances a doctor's skills and knowledge but also improves your ability to diagnose, treat, and manage complex medical conditions.
Here’s a comprehensive list of MBBS specialisations:
You might ask why you need specialisations. Well, all your answers are just scrolling away.
- Enhanced Expertise: Specialising enables you to become experts in your chosen field, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.
- Career Advancement: you can often have more career opportunities and achieve higher positions in hospitals, clinics, and academic institutions.
- Increased Earnings: Due to your advanced skills and expertise, you can typically earn higher salaries than general practitioners.
- Professional Recognition: Specialisation brings prestige and recognition within the medical community, enhancing a doctor’s professional reputation.
- Job Satisfaction: Specialising in a field of interest leads to higher job satisfaction and personal fulfilment.
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Now, you are prepared to succeed in MBBS education! But wait—you must know some basic exam patterns and rules. Check them out below.
MBBS Entrance Exam Subjects And Pattern
The MBBS entrance exam in India, primarily the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate), is the only way for you to pursue a career in medicine.
The entrance exam assesses your knowledge and understanding of MBBS subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Here are the detailed aspects of the NEET-UG exam:
NEET Exam Details
NEET Marking Scheme
Here are the details of NEET marks distributions across different subjects and the marking scheme:
- Total Questions: 200 (180 to be answered)
- Total Marks: 720
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Marking Scheme: +4 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted questions
NEET UG Exam Procedure
1. Application
Fill out the online form on the NTA NEET website.
2. Admit Card
Admit cards are released online and must be downloaded and printed.
3. Exam Day
You must bring the admit card, a passport-sized photograph (same as the one uploaded on the NEET Application form), and a valid ID proof to the exam centre.
4. Exam Conduct
The exam is conducted offline. You must fill in answers on an OMR sheet.
5. Result
Results are declared online on the NTA NEET website. You can download their scorecards.
NEET UG Eligibility Criteria
Here is an overview of the eligibility criteria for NEET UG:
NEET Cut-offs for 2023-2024
The cut-offs vary each year based on exam difficulty, the number of candidates who appeared, and seats available. For the academic year 2023-2024, the approximate cut-off scores are as follows:
Also read: NEET Counselling 2024: Fees & Application Process
Also, read Education Loan for MBBS - Check Eligibility & Interest rates.
Get your hands on the most valuable books of MBBS to prepare you for NEET competitive exams! See what those are.
MBBS Books
Becoming a doctor requires dedication and the right resources. Books are a vital part of medical education, providing detailed knowledge and insights into various aspects of medicine.
General Books For Studying MBBS Subjects
These books are used to prepare for MBBS subjects like Anatomy, physiology, and many others. Here is a table with the books' name and their respective author.
Top College Books For Studying MBBS Subjects
These books are mainly used by top colleges in India that promote the best medical education. You can score high learning from these books. Must check out below:
You must be thinking of the best colleges to study for the MBBS. Here are the top 5 colleges that offer immense opportunities.
Top Colleges For MBBS
India boasts some of the finest medical colleges, renowned for their versatile academic curriculum and exceptional faculty.
Here are the top colleges, along with their tuition fees:
Also read MBBS Fees 2024: Private/Government College Fees Structure.
Stepping on an MBBS journey can be overwhelming, but having the right resources and information makes it more accessible.
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