The problem is that most students are looking at this from the wrong angle.

They ask:

"Is the university NMC recognised?"

"Is the course 6 years?"

"Is it taught in English?"

That's not enough.

If you are an Indian student going abroad for medicine, the most important question should be:

After I finish this degree, will I actually be able to obtain the licence required under NMC rules to come back and practise in India?

Under the FMGL Regulations 2021, an FMG needs to be registered with the relevant professional regulatory body, or otherwise be competent to obtain a licence to practise medicine in the country where the medical degree was awarded, with that licence being at par with the licence given to citizens of that country.

This is where Georgia becomes something students need to seriously investigate.

You can finish the medical degree, but that does not automatically mean you have the independent licence to practise medicine in Georgia.

Georgia also has language requirements for independent medical practice. Georgian law specifically requires knowledge of the Georgian language for independent medical practice.

So if your argument is:

"I'll just finish my 6 years in Georgia, come back to India and write FMGE"

That's not necessarily the complete picture.

You first need to understand what Georgia considers a fully licensed doctor, what registration you receive after graduation, whether you can independently practise, what additional requirements apply, and whether that status satisfies the NMC's FMGL requirements.

And this is exactly the kind of thing agents conveniently leave out.

Then there is the 10-year rule. NMC requires the applicable licensing examination to be cleared within the prescribed period from the date of joining the foreign medical course.

So you're potentially making a 6-year decision, spending tens of lakhs, and your entire future depends on a regulatory pathway that you haven't properly understood.

And Georgia isn't the only place where people should be asking these questions.

Uzbekistan has its own issues and regulatory uncertainty. There are also concerns about clinical exposure, the quality difference between institutions, and the fact that a lot of these universities are heavily dependent on agents for Indian recruitment.

And then you have countries like Russia and the Philippines, where the situation needs to be assessed differently.

From the regulatory and geopolitical data available to us, Russia is one of the more predictable options for Indian students. I don't see a realistic scenario where India suddenly decides to stop recognising Russian medical degrees across the board, especially considering the long-standing strategic relationship between the two countries.

But if we're talking specifically about the quality of education and English-medium instruction, the Philippines can be a much more attractive option, provided you actually get into a good university.

And that's another problem.

People say "Philippines" as if every medical school there is the same.

It isn't.

There are some very good institutions and there are also lower-tier colleges heavily pushed by agents because the recruitment economics are attractive.

The same applies everywhere.

Also, don't assume that an Indian brand name automatically makes an overseas medical programme globally recognised.

Even Indian brands such as Manipal have operated medical programmes outside India. That does not mean every such foreign programme is automatically valid for medical practice in every country. Recognition is determined by the specific qualification, institution, jurisdiction and licensing framework.

This is why I keep saying:

Don't choose a medical university because an agent says it is "NMC approved."

Ask them:

1. What licence do I receive after graduation?
2. Can I independently practise medicine in that country?
3. Which regulatory authority gives me that licence?
4. Is the licence equivalent to what a local graduate receives?
5. Is there a licensing exam?
6. What language is that exam in?
7. Is additional postgraduate training required?
8. Does that entire pathway satisfy FMGL 2021?
9. What happens if NMC changes the rules while I'm studying?

If the agent cannot answer these questions clearly, don't pay them.

And before someone says "junior doctor is enough to write FMGE", please read FMGL Regulations 2021 properly.

The regulation talks about being registered with the relevant professional regulatory body or being competent to obtain a licence to practise medicine in that jurisdiction, with that licence being at par with the licence provided to citizens of that country.

A junior doctor working under the supervision of a specialist is not automatically the same thing as an independently licensed medical practitioner.

That's the entire point I'm trying to make.

I'm saying understand the licensing pathway before you commit 10  years of your life and a huge amount of money.

Because once you are already in your 5th or 6th year, discovering that the licence you thought you would receive isn't actually the licence you needed is a very expensive mistake.

Do your own research.

Don't rely on the agent's brochure.

The problem is that most students are looking at this from the wrong angle.

They ask:

"Is the university NMC recognised?"

"Is the course 6 years?"

"Is it taught in English?"

That's not enough.

If you are an Indian student going abroad for medicine, the most important question should be:

After I finish this degree, will I actually be able to obtain the licence required under NMC rules to come back and practise in India?

Under the FMGL Regulations 2021, an FMG needs to be registered with the relevant professional regulatory body, or otherwise be competent to obtain a licence to practise medicine in the country where the medical degree was awarded, with that licence being at par with the licence given to citizens of that country.

This is where Georgia becomes something students need to seriously investigate.

You can finish the medical degree, but that does not automatically mean you have the independent licence to practise medicine in Georgia.

Georgia also has language requirements for independent medical practice. Georgian law specifically requires knowledge of the Georgian language for independent medical practice.

So if your argument is:

"I'll just finish my 6 years in Georgia, come back to India and write FMGE"

That's not necessarily the complete picture.

You first need to understand what Georgia considers a fully licensed doctor, what registration you receive after graduation, whether you can independently practise, what additional requirements apply, and whether that status satisfies the NMC's FMGL requirements.

And this is exactly the kind of thing agents conveniently leave out.

Then there is the 10-year rule. NMC requires the applicable licensing examination to be cleared within the prescribed period from the date of joining the foreign medical course.

So you're potentially making a 6-year decision, spending tens of lakhs, and your entire future depends on a regulatory pathway that you haven't properly understood.

And Georgia isn't the only place where people should be asking these questions.

Uzbekistan has its own issues and regulatory uncertainty. There are also concerns about clinical exposure, the quality difference between institutions, and the fact that a lot of these universities are heavily dependent on agents for Indian recruitment.

And then you have countries like Russia and the Philippines, where the situation needs to be assessed differently.

From the regulatory and geopolitical data available to us, Russia is one of the more predictable options for Indian students. I don't see a realistic scenario where India suddenly decides to stop recognising Russian medical degrees across the board, especially considering the long-standing strategic relationship between the two countries.

But if we're talking specifically about the quality of education and English-medium instruction, the Philippines can be a much more attractive option, provided you actually get into a good university.

And that's another problem.

People say "Philippines" as if every medical school there is the same.

It isn't.

There are some very good institutions and there are also lower-tier colleges heavily pushed by agents because the recruitment economics are attractive.

The same applies everywhere.

Also, don't assume that an Indian brand name automatically makes an overseas medical programme globally recognised.

Even Indian brands such as Manipal have operated medical programmes outside India. That does not mean every such foreign programme is automatically valid for medical practice in every country. Recognition is determined by the specific qualification, institution, jurisdiction and licensing framework.

This is why I keep saying:

Don't choose a medical university because an agent says it is "NMC approved."

Ask them:

1. What licence do I receive after graduation?
2. Can I independently practise medicine in that country?
3. Which regulatory authority gives me that licence?
4. Is the licence equivalent to what a local graduate receives?
5. Is there a licensing exam?
6. What language is that exam in?
7. Is additional postgraduate training required?
8. Does that entire pathway satisfy FMGL 2021?
9. What happens if NMC changes the rules while I'm studying?

If the agent cannot answer these questions clearly, don't pay them.

And before someone says "junior doctor is enough to write FMGE", please read FMGL Regulations 2021 properly.

The regulation talks about being registered with the relevant professional regulatory body or being competent to obtain a licence to practise medicine in that jurisdiction, with that licence being at par with the licence provided to citizens of that country.

A junior doctor working under the supervision of a specialist is not automatically the same thing as an independently licensed medical practitioner.

That's the entire point I'm trying to make.

I'm saying understand the licensing pathway before you commit 10  years of your life and a huge amount of money.

Because once you are already in your 5th or 6th year, discovering that the licence you thought you would receive isn't actually the licence you needed is a very expensive mistake.

Do your own research.

Don't rely on the agent's brochure.

If you're planning to do MBBS abroad, there are a few things you absolutely need to check before paying anyone.

1. Check the NMC requirements, line by line.

Don't just check whether the university is "NMC approved" or whether some agent says the degree is valid. Check the actual FMGL requirements, because the duration, medium of instruction, mandatory subjects, clinical training, foreign registration, internship and other conditions all matter. The current NMC framework specifically requires a minimum 54-month course, a 12-month internship in the same foreign medical institution, English as the medium of instruction, the mandatory subjects, and eligibility/registration to practice in the country where the degree was awarded.

Things can change in the future. Maybe governments change a regulation, maybe the university lobby manages to get something changed. But that's uncertain. You have to make your decision based on the rules that exist today, not on what an agent promises might happen tomorrow.

2. Check how many students the university is actually taking.

If a university is recruiting huge numbers of Indians, be very careful.

As a rough rule, I'd personally be uncomfortable with a university taking more than 100-150 Indians a year unless I had verified its sanctioned capacity and the entire arrangement properly. Don't blindly use 150 as a legal limit. Check the actual sanctioned intake and foreign-student capacity.

3. Get the internship confirmation in writing.

Make sure the university is actually providing the required internship and that it is part of the legitimate medical program.

Ask the university or agent to give you the 12-month internship arrangement in writing, preferably in your admission documentation itself.

Don't accept "don't worry, we'll arrange it later."

4. Understand the real cost.

Medicine abroad is not as cheap as agents make it sound.

If someone tells you, "You can finish MBBS for ₹20-25 lakh," don't automatically believe that number.

There are tuition fees, accommodation, food, university charges, service charges, travel, insurance, visa expenses, establishment costs and a hundred other things that somehow don't appear in the original quotation.

As a very rough personal rule, I'd budget significantly more than twice the headline figure an agent gives you.

And if someone is telling you that a six-year medical degree will cost ₹10-12 lakh in total, that's bullshit. Medicine needs atleast 25 lakhs as fees.

5. Check the university's reputation, but don't use old Indian success stories as proof.

If someone says, "My cousin studied there and came back to India and became a doctor," that doesn't prove anything.

The rules before 2021 were very different. There were students who studied questionable or even fabricated programs, came back, cleared the FMGE and managed to get registered.

That doesn't mean the same university or program is compliant with the regulations applicable to someone starting today.

Also make sure that the locals are studying there too in a large number.

6. Understand that medicine is a 15-year commitment.

Don't think you're investing only in a six-year degree.

You may need PG, licensing, internships and further training. During PG you may receive a stipend, but don't assume it will cover your living expenses, family obligations or any education loans.

Talk to your parents properly before you commit.

Make sure everyone understands that this is potentially a 10-15 year financial and career commitment.

7. Don't blindly trust online pass-rate data.

I would not treat any single pass-rate figure as gospel, including figures published online by NMC or elsewhere. Verify the underlying data and understand exactly what population and examination period the number represents.

I've seen figures that don't seem to match what people on the ground are experiencing. So don't make a ₹50 lakh decision based on one percentage shown on a website.

8. Contact the university directly.

This is probably one of the easiest things you can do.

Email the university yourself and ask:

"Who is your authorised representative/partner for Indian students?"

Let the university redirect you to the actual partner.

And finally, I'm not here to tell you which university or destination to choose.

Ask me about any destination. I'll tell you what I know, what I've seen and what I can verify. Then take those questions to the university and the agent and make them answer you properly.

I'm here to help you ask the right questions, not make the decision for you.

If you're planning to do MBBS abroad, there are a few things you absolutely need to check before paying anyone.

1. Check the NMC requirements, line by line.

Don't just check whether the university is "NMC approved" or whether some agent says the degree is valid. Check the actual FMGL requirements, because the duration, medium of instruction, mandatory subjects, clinical training, foreign registration, internship and other conditions all matter. The current NMC framework specifically requires a minimum 54-month course, a 12-month internship in the same foreign medical institution, English as the medium of instruction, the mandatory subjects, and eligibility/registration to practice in the country where the degree was awarded.

Things can change in the future. Maybe governments change a regulation, maybe the university lobby manages to get something changed. But that's uncertain. You have to make your decision based on the rules that exist today, not on what an agent promises might happen tomorrow.

2. Check how many students the university is actually taking.

If a university is recruiting huge numbers of Indians, be very careful.

As a rough rule, I'd personally be uncomfortable with a university taking more than 100-150 Indians a year unless I had verified its sanctioned capacity and the entire arrangement properly. Don't blindly use 150 as a legal limit. Check the actual sanctioned intake and foreign-student capacity.

3. Get the internship confirmation in writing.

Make sure the university is actually providing the required internship and that it is part of the legitimate medical program.

Ask the university or agent to give you the 12-month internship arrangement in writing, preferably in your admission documentation itself.

Don't accept "don't worry, we'll arrange it later."

4. Understand the real cost.

Medicine abroad is not as cheap as agents make it sound.

If someone tells you, "You can finish MBBS for ₹20-25 lakh," don't automatically believe that number.

There are tuition fees, accommodation, food, university charges, service charges, travel, insurance, visa expenses, establishment costs and a hundred other things that somehow don't appear in the original quotation.

As a very rough personal rule, I'd budget significantly more than twice the headline figure an agent gives you.

And if someone is telling you that a six-year medical degree will cost ₹10-12 lakh in total, that's bullshit. Medicine needs atleast 25 lakhs as fees.

5. Check the university's reputation, but don't use old Indian success stories as proof.

If someone says, "My cousin studied there and came back to India and became a doctor," that doesn't prove anything.

The rules before 2021 were very different. There were students who studied questionable or even fabricated programs, came back, cleared the FMGE and managed to get registered.

That doesn't mean the same university or program is compliant with the regulations applicable to someone starting today.

Also make sure that the locals are studying there too in a large number.

6. Understand that medicine is a 15-year commitment.

Don't think you're investing only in a six-year degree.

You may need PG, licensing, internships and further training. During PG you may receive a stipend, but don't assume it will cover your living expenses, family obligations or any education loans.

Talk to your parents properly before you commit.

Make sure everyone understands that this is potentially a 10-15 year financial and career commitment.

7. Don't blindly trust online pass-rate data.

I would not treat any single pass-rate figure as gospel, including figures published online by NMC or elsewhere. Verify the underlying data and understand exactly what population and examination period the number represents.

I've seen figures that don't seem to match what people on the ground are experiencing. So don't make a ₹50 lakh decision based on one percentage shown on a website.

8. Contact the university directly.

This is probably one of the easiest things you can do.

Email the university yourself and ask:

"Who is your authorised representative/partner for Indian students?"

Let the university redirect you to the actual partner.

And finally, I'm not here to tell you which university or destination to choose.

Ask me about any destination. I'll tell you what I know, what I've seen and what I can verify. Then take those questions to the university and the agent and make them answer you properly.

I'm here to help you ask the right questions, not make the decision for you.

If you're planning to do MBBS abroad, there are a few things you absolutely need to check before paying anyone.

1. Check the NMC requirements, line by line.

Don't just check whether the university is "NMC approved" or whether some agent says the degree is valid. Check the actual FMGL requirements, because the duration, medium of instruction, mandatory subjects, clinical training, foreign registration, internship and other conditions all matter. The current NMC framework specifically requires a minimum 54-month course, a 12-month internship in the same foreign medical institution, English as the medium of instruction, the mandatory subjects, and eligibility/registration to practice in the country where the degree was awarded.

Things can change in the future. Maybe governments change a regulation, maybe the university lobby manages to get something changed. But that's uncertain. You have to make your decision based on the rules that exist today, not on what an agent promises might happen tomorrow.

2. Check how many students the university is actually taking.

If a university is recruiting huge numbers of Indians, be very careful.

As a rough rule, I'd personally be uncomfortable with a university taking more than 100-150 Indians a year unless I had verified its sanctioned capacity and the entire arrangement properly. Don't blindly use 150 as a legal limit. Check the actual sanctioned intake and foreign-student capacity.

3. Get the internship confirmation in writing.

Make sure the university is actually providing the required internship and that it is part of the legitimate medical program.

Ask the university or agent to give you the 12-month internship arrangement in writing, preferably in your admission documentation itself.

Don't accept "don't worry, we'll arrange it later."

4. Understand the real cost.

Medicine abroad is not as cheap as agents make it sound.

If someone tells you, "You can finish MBBS for ₹20-25 lakh," don't automatically believe that number.

There are tuition fees, accommodation, food, university charges, service charges, travel, insurance, visa expenses, establishment costs and a hundred other things that somehow don't appear in the original quotation.

As a very rough personal rule, I'd budget significantly more than twice the headline figure an agent gives you.

And if someone is telling you that a six-year medical degree will cost ₹10-12 lakh in total, that's bullshit. Medicine needs atleast 25 lakhs as fees.

5. Check the university's reputation, but don't use old Indian success stories as proof.

If someone says, "My cousin studied there and came back to India and became a doctor," that doesn't prove anything.

The rules before 2021 were very different. There were students who studied questionable or even fabricated programs, came back, cleared the FMGE and managed to get registered.

That doesn't mean the same university or program is compliant with the regulations applicable to someone starting today.

Also make sure that the locals are studying there too in a large number.

6. Understand that medicine is a 15-year commitment.

Don't think you're investing only in a six-year degree.

You may need PG, licensing, internships and further training. During PG you may receive a stipend, but don't assume it will cover your living expenses, family obligations or any education loans.

Talk to your parents properly before you commit.

Make sure everyone understands that this is potentially a 10-15 year financial and career commitment.

7. Don't blindly trust online pass-rate data.

I would not treat any single pass-rate figure as gospel, including figures published online by NMC or elsewhere. Verify the underlying data and understand exactly what population and examination period the number represents.

I've seen figures that don't seem to match what people on the ground are experiencing. So don't make a ₹50 lakh decision based on one percentage shown on a website.

8. Contact the university directly.

This is probably one of the easiest things you can do.

Email the university yourself and ask:

"Who is your authorised representative/partner for Indian students?"

Let the university redirect you to the actual partner.

And finally, I'm not here to tell you which university or destination to choose.

Ask me about any destination. I'll tell you what I know, what I've seen and what I can verify. Then take those questions to the university and the agent and make them answer you properly.

I'm here to help you ask the right questions, not make the decision for you.

I spent years in the education consultancy business.

A big part of that was MBBS abroad.

And honestly, I did it for money.

I wasn't some passionate "career counsellor" sitting down with students and figuring out what was best for their future. Most of the time, students came asking for a particular country or university, and my job was to get them there.

I knew most students were making decisions they probably shouldn't have.

But if I didn't take them, someone else would.

That's how this industry works. At some point, you stop thinking whether something is right and start thinking about the money.

I eventually got out.

I'm doing other things I love, and I am not here to sell you a university, a country, an application package or a dream.

So I made this account because I owe myself a little redemption.

I won't tell you which college to choose.

I won't tell you which country is "best."

I won't take your money for counselling.

What I will do is tell you what agents conveniently leave out.

Ask me about MBBS abroad. Ask me about Russia, Georgia, Philippines, China, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, or any other destination you've been pitched.

I'll tell you the problems.

And yes, making life slightly harder for dishonest agents is a perfectly acceptable side benefit.

For students from other streams or anyone planning to study abroad, I’ll use the best of my knowledge and experience to share whatever information I know or can properly source.

Just a note: I’ll probably be using ChatGPT quite a bit for my replies here. I’m not going to sit and type out every long response myself. I’ll just explain what I want to say and let ChatGPT help me put it into words.