How to Choose the Best Medical College?

For everyone who dreams of becoming a good doctor in India, clearing the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) is not the only ordeal. Besides being on top of their game as far as studies are concerned, it is also crucial for medical aspirants to research the kinds of medical colleges that are there in India and shortlist a few. This research is important because the type of college you end up at eventually determines your career trajectory. If you end up at a prestigious and well-regarded school of medicine in India, you get an instant head start in the race of your medical career.

In this article, we will broadly cover the things you need to know before making a decision to choose a medical college.

Accreditation

When a medical college has all its accreditations and certifications in place, you can be assured that it meets specific standards of quality education. For example, some of the top NIRF (National Institute Ranking Framework)-ranked medical colleges in India include names like All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Chandigarh, Christian Medical College Vellore, and the National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences Bangalore. A well-ranked medical college usually boasts high-end facilities, good hostels, and a streamlined teaching process. These colleges place a lot of emphasis on faculty and staff qualifications, something that plays a significant role in students' overall college experience.

Curriculum and Specialisations

The next important thing to consider while selecting an MBBS college is the curricula and specialisations it offers. Picture your long-term career goals and interests, and then see if your shortlisted medical colleges offer the exact specialisation. For example, if you are fascinated by microbiology, you should consider colleges such as Kerala University, and Banaras Hindu University.

Faculty

This one is practically a no-brainer. A strong and experienced faculty will ensure you understand your course thoroughly. Great professors also encourage independent thinking and go to lengths to ensure students are constantly engaged during class. The result is an enriched college experience that stays with students for years.

Facilities

When you look at college brochures, look for answers to basic questions. Does the medical college have a good library? Are its labs equipped with up-to-date clinical training tools? What kind of clinical training opportunities does the college offer? How many hospital beds do they have? Take your time to evaluate the infrastructure of a college before shortlisting it, because good infrastructure elevates your practical experience manifolds.

Tuition Fees

More often than not, MBBS courses can be pretty expensive. However, all is not lost because some colleges are indeed cheaper than others. AIIMS, Delhi, and PGIMER, Chandigarh's tuition fee, for example, is less than 10,000 INR , and an institute like Christian Medical College, Vellore, can charge up to 1.60 lacs. Moreover, private college fees range in lakhs for a medical course. So, calculate the total cost of the course and see if you are eligible to get any rebates before you finalise a college.

Residency Placement

We have saved the most obvious one for last: placement. A medical college's success can be gauged by its students' residency placement rates. It's as simple as that. While shortlisting your top MBBS colleges, please find out the percentage of students who landed good residency positions after the completion of their course. If a college has a good track record of placements, you and your parents can be a little relaxed about your future after college.

Click here to get conceptual clarity over MBBS subjects online.

So, all in all, if you secure an excellent NEET ranking, you will most likely get into a good college. But despite your rank, it is important to do some research before sitting in the All India Counselling conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee or State Counselling. It is not just your career growth, which is dependent on the kind of college you go to; it's also about your personal development. So, do due diligence. Read up. Talk to seniors. Visit a few campuses if possible and leave no stone unturned to check if the medical college you have selected aligns with your goals and values. Make an informed decision, guys. All the best!

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