MBBS and MBChB - Key Differences and Similarities
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MBBS and MBChB - Key Differences and Similarities

#M.B.B.S.
Moksh DheriUpdated on 07 Jul 2025, 11:14 AM IST

Medical students, while researching, have often come across two medical courses. MBBS and MBChB. At first glance, they may look different; however, they both are the same degrees, the differentiating factor being the nomenclature and the short form. MBChB is a short form for Medicinae Baccalaureus et Chirurgiae Baccalaureus; in English it is MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery).

This Story also Contains

  1. MBBS vs MBChB - A Comparison
  2. MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
  3. MBChB (Medicinae Baccalaureus et Chirurgiae Baccalaureus)
MBBS and MBChB - Key Differences and Similarities
MBBS and MBChB

MBBS and MBChB are essentially the same degree, which is Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in English or Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae in Latin. The difference lies in the naming conventions used by different countries. MBBS is a common convention used in India, Pakistan, Australia and some parts of the UK. While MBChB is used in the majority of the UK, Commonwealth and European countries.

MBBS vs MBChB - A Comparison

Particulars

MBBSMBChB

Full Form

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

Medicinae Baccalaureus et Chirurgiae Baccalaureus (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)

Origin

India, Australia, Pakistan and some parts of the UK

The majority of the UK (Especially in Scotland), New Zealand, and South Africa

Course Curriculum

More or less similar to MBChB

More or less similar to MBBS

Course Duration

5-6 years (depending on the institute)

5-6 years (depending on the institute)


Internship

Mandatory (included in the curriculum)

Mandatory (included in the curriculum)

Recognition

Global recognition

Global Recognition

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)

MBBS full form is Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. It is an undergraduate degree programme in medicine that prepares candidates to become doctors. The course duration is 5.5 years (four years of coursework and one year of compulsory internship). An MBBS is a basic requirement in India to become a Doctor.

MBChB (Medicinae Baccalaureus et Chirurgiae Baccalaureus)

MBChB is another naming convention used for the MBBS degree. It is more common in the UK and Commonwealth countries.

Equivalence

Both MBBS and MBChB are undergraduate degrees, just differing in the naming conventions used in different countries.

Course Curriculum

The course curriculum for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery includes Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Forensic Medicine, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Pharmacology.

Global Recognition

While the names may differ, MBBS and MBChB both prepare students to be qualified doctors. The names may differ depending on the regions where they are awarded. Both MBBS and MBChB graduates can practice medicine after meeting the licensing requirements.

To conclude, MBBS and MBChB refer to the same degree, which is Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. The only difference between the two is the naming conventions used by different countries. In India, Australia, and some parts of the UK, it is referred to as MBBS, while in the majority of the UK, Commonwealth countries, and European countries, it is referred to as MBChB.

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Questions related to M.B.B.S.

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to M.B.B.S. ?

Hello,

With a NEET score of 367 in the SC category with a defense quota, securing a government MBBS seat at ESIC in Punjab is possible but not guaranteed. Your chances are much better under the state quota than the All India Quota (AIQ).

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello dear candidate,

It is actually very difficult to get a government MBBS seats as the cutoff is generally high.

you still have chance in private colleges, state counselling rounds or management quota with lower cut off.

You can through the link below for more details:-

https://medicine.careers360.com/articles/what-is-good-score-in-neet


Hello,

With a score of 367 in NEET 2025 under the SC and Defense quota in Punjab, you have a good chance of getting a Government Medical College seat in Round 3, especially since Round 3 includes seats that were not filled in previous rounds. While 367 is below the general cutoff, the combination of your specific reserved category (SC) and the Defense quota.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello aspirant,

Many people believe that the MBBS program is difficult and demanding, requiring a sincere interest in medicine, strong dedication, and constant work.  It is challenging because to its extensive and complex curriculum, fierce competition, and rigorous hands-on training.  However, students can effectively handle the academic pressure and severe workload with commitment, astute study techniques, and a positive attitude, demonstrating that the degree is attainable despite its difficulty.

Thank you

Hope it helps you

Hello,

The MBBS fee at Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Solan is:

  • State Quota: Rs. 8,47,000 per year

  • Management Quota: Rs. 15,97,200 per year

  • NRI Quota: USD 42,159 per year

The course duration is 5 years. Hostel and other charges are extra.

Hope it helps !