MBBS vs Physiotherapy - Which is a Better Career Option?

MBBS vs Physiotherapy - Which is a Better Career Option?

Deep PathakUpdated on 20 Nov 2023, 12:31 PM IST

MBBS vs Physiotherapy - Medical aspirants nationwide should be well versed in Physiotherapy vs MBBS if they wish to make a career in the field of medicine. This is because every aspirant dreams of getting an MBBS seat in a renowned college, however, this is not a cakewalk.

This Story also Contains

  1. What is MBBS?
  2. What is Physiotherapy?
  3. MBBS vs Physiotherapy
  4. MBBS vs Physiotherapy - Syllabus
  5. Physiotherapy vs MBBS - Key skills
MBBS vs Physiotherapy - Which is a Better Career Option?
MBBSvsPhysiotherapy

Reasons behind MBBS not being easy are many including intense competition and less number of available seats. Thus, it is the need of the hour for the candidates to know all about alternative medicine options available to them. Also, in order to pursue the MBBS course candidates need to qualify National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) which is the single national level undergraduate medical entrance examination. Since there is tough competition and limited seat candidates must know of medical courses without NEET.

LiveNEET UG 2026 LIVE: NTA advisory notice to update documents is out; NEET brochure expected soon, updatesJan 8, 2026 | 10:57 PM IST

Candidates can check the minimum marks required in the qualifying NEET UG 2026 examination:

  1. General - 50%,
  2. OBC/SC/ST - 40%,
  3. PWD - 40%
Read More

Physiotherapy is one of the options available to medicos, which does not require qualifying NEET. Candidates pursuing the same will be eligible to work in government hospitals, fitness centres, health institutions etc. For more details on MBBS vs Physiotherapy, candidates are advised to refer to the article that follows.

What is MBBS?

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery - MBBS or in its Latin name, Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae, is a 5.5 year undergraduate course. In the entire course duration, four and a half years candidates will be taught the theoretical MBBS syllabus and the remaining one year will be a rotatory internship. The annual fee of MBBS course is between ₹ 25,000 - ₹ 35 lakh. As aforementioned NEET is the only entrance exam to be qualified for admission to MBBS course in the nations.

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What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy helps people cure ailments by making them do physical exercises. Candidates who have an inclination towards exercises, yoga and are keen on helping physically disabled persons, should opt for this course. The aim of the course is to enable candidates to cure physical dysfunctions with the help of exercises and physical activities. The course is offered to candidates at the undergraduate, master and doctoral level. Candidates can check below for the top Physiotherapy entrance exams in the nation:

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MBBS vs Physiotherapy

Aspirants can check the table that follows for a difference between MBBS and Physiotherapy. It is important for candidates to familiarize themselves with these to make informed decisions while taking admissions.

Difference Between Physiotherapy and MBBS

Basis of difference

MBBS

Physiotherapy

Definition of course

MBBS course aims at teaching different aspects of medicine and providing candidates with the opportunity to practice medicine in India.

Physiotherapy, a medical science branch, aims at the rehabilitation process and provides remedies to cure injuries.

Duration

5.5 years

Bachelor - 3 to 5 years

Diploma - 2 to 3 years

Postgraduate - 1 to 3 years

Fee

₹25,000 - ₹ 35,00,000 per annum

₹6,500 - ₹25,00,000 per annum

Course type

Undergraduate

Undergraduate - Bachelor, Degree, Certificate

Postgraduate - PG Diploma, Master, Doctoral

Eligibility

10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology

Undergraduate - 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology

Master - Relevant undergraduate degree

Doctoral - Relevant master degree

Admission process

Entrance exam

Entrance exam and merit based admission

Employment sectors

  • Pharmaceutical Companies

  • Biotechnology Companies

  • Govt. or Private Hospitals

  • Private Clinics

  • Health Centres

  • Research Laboratories

  • Govt. or Private Hospitals

  • Fitness Centres

  • Defence Medical Establishments

  • Health Institutions

  • Physiotherapy Equipment Manufacturers

  • Sports Physiotherapy

  • Orthopaedic Departments

Salary (initial)

₹3,00,000 - ₹ 12,00,000 per annum

₹5,000 - ₹ 4,00,000 per annum

Job roles

  • Neurologist

  • Doctor

  • Cardiologist

  • Researcher

  • Surgeon

  • Junior Surgeon

  • Junior Doctor

  • Sports Physio Rehabilitator

  • Therapy Manager

  • Assistant Physiotherapist

  • Private Physiotherapist

  • Researcher

MBBS vs Physiotherapy - Syllabus

There is also a difference in the subjects covered under the syllabus of MBBS as well as Physiotherapy. Major topics covered in both are as follows:

1. MBBS - Anatomy, Physiology, Community Medicine, Pharmacology, OPDs, Biochemistry, Obst. Gynae, E.N.T., Forensic Medicine, Ophthalmology

2. Physiotherapy - Anatomy, Biochemistry, Psychology, Physiology, Electrotherapy, Pathology, Exercise Therapy, Pharmacology, General Surgery, Allied Therapies, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Neuro-physiotherapy, Community-Based Rehabilitation, Community Medicine

Referring above candidates can clearly make out that there are certain differences and some similarities in the subjects taught in both MBBS and Physiotherapy.

NEET Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
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Physiotherapy vs MBBS - Key skills

Candidates will be required to possess a number of key skills in their behavior and characteristics in order to pursue these courses and take them up as a career. Some of these are mentioned below.

For MBBS

  • Good communication

  • Problem-solving

  • Emotional intelligence

  • Attention to details

  • Quick decision-making

  • Team working

  • Quick to find solutions

  • Leadership

  • Professionalism

  • Considerate

  • Resilience

  • Hardworking

  • Capacity for learning

For Physiotherapy

  • Excellent communication skills

  • Excellent organisational skills

  • Initiative, patience, sensitivity and tact

  • Ability to work in a team

  • Interest in anatomy and physiology

  • Encouraging

  • Empathetic and firm

  • Able to maintain good relations with patients and families

  • Problem-solving skills

  • Able to work under pressure

  • Able to manage time effectively

Also read:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the entrance exam for MBBS admission?
A:

In order to take admission to an MBBS seat in the nation candidates must qualify NEET UG with the minimum qualifying percentile.

Q: What is better MBBS or Physiotherapy?
A:

Both have their own benefits and drawbacks, thus, saying one of them is better would not be correct.

Q: What is the duration of the MBBS course?
A:

The duration of MBBS course is 5.5 years. Out of these candidates are taught theory for 4.5 years and they undergo rotatory internship in the last one year.

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Questions related to NEET

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NEET ?

Hi there,

Apart from NEET and CUET you can explore the following career paths to

Students pursuing the PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) stream can explore a wide range of options apart from CUET and NEET. Their choices are not just limited to medicine and can expand to include numerous areas

Hello,

The link to the papers is attached here. Solving previous year questions will help you understanding the important topics. You can also practice the sample papers and mock test papers of careers360 which will help you analyse your in-depth performance.

https://medicine.careers360.com/download/sample-papers/neet-previous-5-years-question-papers-20212025-answer-keys-solutions-pdf-free-download

Thank you.

HELLO,

Below i am attaching the link through which you can download the NEET question paper in Hindi PDF

Here is the link :- https://medicine.careers360.com/hi/articles/neet-question-paper

Hope this will help you!

Hello Akanksha

It is possible to complete the syllabus within 4 months with discipline and clear plan. You need to be consistent everyday.

•In the first month you can complete

Units & measurement, motion in 1d and 2d, laws of motion, work power energy

Some basic concepts of chemistry, atomic

Hello,

The application process for NEET UG 2026 state quota seats in Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Puducherry is expected to begin in July 2026, after the NEET 2026 results are announced in June 2026. The exact dates are announced by each state's respective counselling authority.

I hope it will clear