India, officially the Republic of India, offers the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree as the foundational qualification to become a doctor. The MBBS program is regulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and recognized globally. The course spans 5.5 years, including 4.5 years of study and 1 year of internship. Admission to MBBS programs is through the competitive NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), mandatory for all medical colleges. India has over 700 medical colleges, offering more than 100,000 MBBS seats as of 2024. Government colleges are more affordable and prestigious, while private colleges have higher tuition. MBBS students study core subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Clinical Medicine. Upon completion, graduates must register with their State Medical Council or the National Medical Register to practice medicine legally. Indian MBBS graduates may also pursue postgraduate education (MD/MS) or take foreign licensing exams like USMLE, PLAB, or FMGE.