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There is an immense rise in the number of students wishing to study medicine abroad, according to the official data in response to a Right To Information (RTI) filed to Medical Council of India in October 2018.

The number of students who applied for the mandatory eligibility certificate from MCI to study medicine abroad almost doubled in the year 2017-18 from 2016-17.

As per RTI no. MCI- 201 (E-RTI)/ 2018- Eligi./, the number of applications received in the year 2017-18 were 18,383, as against the number of applications for eligibility certificate received by MCI in the previous year 2016-17 which were 10,555.

"Information provided in the RTI speaks volume on the shift in medical education trends. The key reason for this is the lack of medical seats in India. There is a total of approx. 60,000 medical seats that are being offered by both Government and private colleges for medical aspirants who are in millions. Apart from this, higher awareness levels of the overseas colleges, more affordable fees compared to Indian private colleges, curriculum aligned to international standards, better global growth opportunities etc are other reasons why students prefer to study MBBS abroad.,"said Saju Bhaskar, President & Founder of an overseas MCI recognized medical university, Texila American University.

As per the information provided in the RTI communication, MCI issued a total of 8,737 eligibility certificated in the year 2016- 2017 while 14,118 eligibility certificates were issued in 2017-18. The number of eligibility certificates issued also includes pending of the previous years suggested the RTI reply.

-Sowmya