
Quick Answer
MD/MS admission in Nepal is the process for Indian MBBS graduates to pursue a 3-year postgraduate medical degree at a Nepal-affiliated university – Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, or autonomous institutes like BPKIHS and PAHS. It requires a recognised MBBS, completed internship, and clearing that university’s own entrance test. Total course fees run roughly ₹18–85 lakh, and Indian recognition of the PG degree isn’t automatic.
Reviewed by the Admission Zone Counselling Team · Last updated: September 2026
Every year, a steady stream of Indian MBBS graduates who don’t clear NEET PG with the rank they wanted start looking seriously at Nepal. MD/MS admission in Nepal means applying to a Nepal-affiliated medical university (Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, or an autonomous institute like BPKIHS or PAHS), clearing that university’s own entrance test, and completing a 3-year postgraduate program – provided you already hold a recognised MBBS and completed internship.
This guide covers eligibility, entrance tests, fees, the admission process, documents, the colleges worth knowing, and the one question almost every family asks before signing anything: will this degree actually count for something back in India.
| Course duration | 3 years (same structure as MD/MS in India) |
| Medium of instruction | English |
| Entrance test | College/university-specific (IOM, KU, BPKIHS and PAHS each conduct their own) |
| Basic eligibility | NMC-recognised MBBS + completed rotatory internship |
| Approx. total course fee | Roughly ₹18 lakh to ₹85 lakh, depending on college, quota category and specialty |
| Indian recognition status | Not automatic – depends on the specific PG degree and current NMC rules; must be verified before enrolling |
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Why Indian MBBS Graduates Look at Nepal for MD/MS
Nepal isn’t the only country Indian graduates consider for a postgraduate medical seat, but it comes up more often than most – for a fairly practical set of reasons rather than any single big draw.
The academic side feels familiar. Universities like Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University have trained doctors for decades, and their curriculum – clinical postings, thesis work, specialty rotations – closely mirrors Indian PG training.
Government hospitals attached to these colleges also see heavy patient loads, which means residents get hands-on clinical exposure sooner than they might at a smaller private setup.
English is the language of instruction, and Hindi is understood almost everywhere in Nepal. Most of North and East India is a short flight or road trip away.
Food, festivals and daily life in Kathmandu or Biratnagar feel familiar too, and the cost of living is generally lower than in Indian metros.
Some specialty branches with very few seats in India have more room in Nepal. For students unwilling to gamble on NEET PG counseling for a specific branch, this often matters more than any other reason.
None of this makes Nepal automatically “better” than staying in India – it depends on your NEET PG rank, budget and specialty goals. If your rank still keeps the India route open, compare both paths in our guide to MD/MS admission in India through NEET PG.
Eligibility Criteria for MD/MS Admission in Nepal
To apply for MD/MS in Nepal, you need a recognised MBBS degree, a completed internship and valid medical council registration – plus whatever entrance exam your target university conducts.
The full checklist below can vary slightly by college and affiliating university:
- A recognized MBBS degree from a college listed with the National Medical Commission (NMC), India, or an equivalent recognized body.
- Completion of the mandatory rotatory internship.
- Valid registration with the Medical Council of India / your State Medical Council, or with the Nepal Medical Council, depending on the admission pathway.
- Minimum qualifying marks in MBBS as prescribed by the individual university – this varies, so check the specific college’s admission notice rather than assuming a blanket cutoff.
- A university-conducted entrance test where applicable – IOM, Kathmandu University and BPKIHS each run their own.
- A valid passport and the identity documents required of international applicants.
Eligibility rules get revised periodically on both the Nepal and India sides. Confirm directly on the university’s official admission page before you invest time in an application.
Fees for MD/MS in Nepal
MD/MS course fees in Nepal for Indian (SAARC-category) students range roughly from ₹18 lakh to ₹85 lakh for the full 3-year program, depending on college, quota and specialty.
Government-quota-style pricing at IOM sits at the lower end; high-demand clinical specialties at autonomous institutes cost considerably more. Treat the table below as a planning reference, not a quote.
| College | Approx. total course fee (3 years, foreign/SAARC category)* |
|---|---|
| Institute of Medicine (IOM), Tribhuvan University | ~₹18–26 lakh, depending on quota (government nominee, SAARC or non-SAARC) |
| B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) | Wide range by specialty – lower-demand branches sit well below ₹20 lakh; high-demand clinical branches (Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Paediatrics) run considerably higher |
| Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS) | Separate fee schedules for Nepali and foreign students – check PAHS’s official fee notice for current figures |
| Kathmandu University-affiliated colleges (MCOMS, COMS, Nobel Medical College) | Generally priced above the autonomous-institute government quota, with variation by specialty and seat category |
*Figures are drawn from published fee notices and third-party admission sources as of 2026, meant purely as a budgeting reference. Fee structures change from one academic session to the next – always get the current, college-specific fee schedule in writing from the admission office before you commit.
Budget separately for hostel or accommodation, food, a caution deposit, visa costs and travel – these add a meaningful amount on top of tuition.
Is a Nepal MD/MS Recognised in India? (Read This Before You Apply)
These are two separate questions, and content that treats them as one does readers a disservice.
Do You Need to Clear FMGE or Next?
No – not for your MBBS, if it was earned in India. FMGE/Next only applies to a primary medical degree (MBBS) earned abroad. Since you’re only going to Nepal for the MD/MS, this exam requirement doesn’t apply to you.
Will Your Nepal MD/MS be Recognised as Equivalent in India?
Not automatically. Recognition for using the qualification after your name, applying for DM/MCh, or certain government specialist posts depends on current National Medical Commission (PGMEB) regulations, which are reviewed and updated from time to time.
What Should you Actually do Before Applying?
Ask the college’s international admissions office about their track record on this specific point, and cross-check the current position on the National Medical Commission’s official website or with your State Medical Council – not a brochure, an agent, or a forum post.
This isn’t meant to discourage anyone from Nepal – plenty of Indian graduates study there and build solid careers. It’s meant to replace vague reassurance with the actual question you should be asking, and asking early.
Admission Process: Step by Step
MD/MS admission in Nepal follows eight broad steps, from shortlisting colleges to visa and orientation:
- Shortlist colleges and specialisations. Compare affiliation, fee structure, specialty availability and location against your budget and career goals before applying anywhere.
- Confirm you meet eligibility. Check your MBBS marks, internship completion and registration status against the specific university’s published criteria – these aren’t identical across colleges.
- Register for the entrance exam. Most universities – IOM, Kathmandu University and BPKIHS among them – run their own entrance test, each with its own registration window.
- Prepare and submit documents. Compile everything on the required list and submit through the official portal or admission office – not through an unofficial intermediary.
- Appear for the entrance exam. Expect questions drawing on MBBS-level subject knowledge along with clinical reasoning relevant to postgraduate study.
- Merit list and counseling. Once entrance results are out, a merit list is published, followed by one or more counseling rounds for seat allocation.
- Pay fees and confirm your seat. Once a seat is allotted, the prescribed fee needs to be paid within the college’s deadline to lock in admission.
- Visa, travel and orientation. Apply for a student visa, arrange accommodation, and plan to arrive in time for the college’s orientation schedule.
Entrance exam calendars differ from college to college and aren’t always announced far in advance. Start your research and shortlisting at least 6–8 months ahead of the academic session you’re targeting.
Documents You Will Need for MD MS Admission in Nepal
Keeping these ready in advance avoids the last-minute scramble that trips up a lot of applicants:
- MBBS degree certificate and mark sheets for all years
- Internship completion certificate
- Medical Council registration certificate
- Valid passport with adequate remaining validity
- Passport-size photographs (check the specific format each college wants)
- Migration certificate
- Character/conduct certificate from your last institution
- Entrance exam scorecard, where applicable
- Statement of purpose or application form as required by the college
- No Objection Certificate (NOC), if applicable for international applicants
Requirements differ slightly by college. Cross-check the exact list against your target institution’s current admission notice.
Medical Colleges Offering MD/MS in Nepal
| College | Affiliation / Type | Key MD/MS Specialisations |
|---|---|---|
| Institute of Medicine (IOM) | Tribhuvan University | General Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Paediatrics, Radiology, and others |
| B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) | Autonomous | Orthopaedics, Anaesthesiology, Psychiatry, Dermatology, and others |
| Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS) | Autonomous, public | General Practice, Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, and 10+ other clinical specialties |
| Manipal College of Medical Sciences (MCOMS) | Kathmandu University | General Medicine, OBG, Pathology, ENT |
| Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences (NAIHS) | Tribhuvan University | General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Anaesthesiology |
| College of Medical Sciences (COMS), Bharatpur | Kathmandu University | Radiology, Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, and DM/MCh in select super-specialties |
| Nobel Medical College | Kathmandu University | MD/MS across clinical and basic sciences |
| National Medical College, Birgunj | Tribhuvan University | General Medicine, Surgery, Gynaecology |
| Universal College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), Bhairahawa | Tribhuvan University | Anaesthesiology, Radiology, General Medicine |
| Chitwan Medical College (CMC) | Tribhuvan University | Community Medicine and other clinical specialties |
IOM is the oldest of these colleges, affiliated with Tribhuvan University, with a high-volume teaching hospital – which is why it’s consistently one of the more competitive picks for Indian applicants.
That said, “oldest” isn’t the same as “right for you.” BPKIHS and PAHS have strong reputations of their own for clinical exposure, and KU-affiliated colleges often suit students prioritising a specific specialty or campus location.
Seat count, specialisations and fees shift year to year, so verify current details directly with each college – through its official website or admission office – rather than relying on any single ranking, including this one.
FAQ
MD/MS fees in Nepal vary widely by college, university affiliation, and specialization – generally ranging from moderate to significantly higher amounts depending on whether the seat is government-quota or private. It’s best to check the current fee structure directly on each college’s official website, as costs are updated periodically.
Yes, most Nepali medical universities, including Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University-affiliated colleges, accept applications from Indian MBBS graduates who meet the eligibility criteria and clear the required entrance exam where applicable.
Many top institutions, including IOM, conduct their own entrance examinations for MD/MS admission. Some autonomous universities may have separate testing or interview processes, so check each college’s specific requirement.
This depends on current National Medical Commission (PGMEB) regulations and can change over time – it isn’t automatic just because your MBBS is Indian. Note that FMGE/NExT applies only to a primary medical degree (MBBS) earned abroad, not to a postgraduate degree earned after an Indian MBBS. Always verify the current recognition status for your specific college and course directly with the NMC or your State Medical Council before enrolling.
Most MD/MS programs in Nepal are three years in duration, similar to postgraduate medical programs in India, including coursework, clinical postings, and a thesis submission.
There isn’t a single “best” college – it depends on your desired specialization, budget, and location preference. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) and BPKIHS are among the most recognized, but Manipal College of Medical Sciences and Patan Academy of Health Sciences are also strong options for specific specialties.
Key documents include your MBBS degree certificate, internship completion certificate, medical council registration, passport, migration certificate, and entrance exam scorecard where applicable. A complete list is provided in the “Required Document List” section above.
If your NEET PG rank still leaves the India route open, it’s worth comparing both paths before deciding – our guide to MD/MS admission in India through NEET PG covers eligibility, counseling rounds and seat matrices state by state, and our NEET PG hub tracks exam updates as they’re released. For questions specific to your rank, budget or target specialty, you can reach our counseling team directly, or read more about who’s behind this guidance on our About Us page.
