MBBS vs Physiotherapy - Which is a Better Career Option?
MBBS vs Physiotherapy - Medical aspirants nationwide should be well versed about 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. 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 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 seats candidates must know of medical courses without NEET.

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.
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 at 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 undergraduate, master and doctoral level. Candidates can check below for the top Physiotherapy entrance exams in the nation:
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 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 |
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Salary (initial) | ₹3,00,000 - ₹ 12,00,000 per annum | ₹5,000 - ₹ 4,00,000 per annum |
Job roles |
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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.
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:
How to clear NEET with 600+ marks
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) - MBBS vs Physiotherapy - Which is a Better Career Option?
Question: What is better MBBS or Physiotherapy?
Answer:
Both have their own benefits and drawbacks, thus, saying one of them is better would not be correct.
Question: What is the duration of the MBBS course?
Answer:
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.
Question: What is the salary of MBBS vs Physiotherapy?
Answer:
The base salary of MBBS is ₹3,00,000 - ₹ 12,00,000 per annum and of Physiotherapy is ₹5,000 - ₹ 4,00,000 per annum.
Question: What is the entrance exam for MBBS admission?
Answer:
In order to take admission to an MBBS seat in the nation candidates must qualify NEET ug with the minimum qualifying percentile.