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.

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.

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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 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.

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.

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Questions related to NEET

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NEET ?

Hi dear candidate,

Although NEET and paramedical courses (nursing, lab tech etc.) share same core subjects of PCB but the syllabus for NEET is NOT identical with that of paramedical exams as they require extra sections of GK and aptitude that is beyond NEET.

Kow more at:

NEET Syllabus 2026 by NMC (Released): Download Official PDF

BEST REGARDS

Hello Yashpal

Your plan to shift from online BCA to regular MCA is completely valid and acceptable. The gap years taken for NEET preparation will not affect MCA admission.
You should first try government colleges through exams like NIMCET or CUET-PG for better fees and placements. Top options include NITs, University of Hyderabad, JNU, and Delhi University.
If not, good private choices are VIT, Manipal, SRM, Amrita, and Christ University. Choose a college based on placements, fees, and industry exposure, not just the name.

Hope it helps you, and if you face any other query, you can raise your question directly. We are here to assist you with the best.

Hello

NEET SS is a national-level exam for admission to DM and MCh super-speciality medical courses.
It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) once a year.
Only students who have completed MD/MS or DNB in the required speciality can apply.

Click on the link I am attaching below for a more detailed description, so that you can get all the updated information.

CLICK HERE: NEET SS

Hello,

To secure a NEET All India Rank (AIR) under 19,000, you generally need to score around 540-560 marks in NEET. In AIATS (Aakash All India Test Series), this usually corresponds to being consistently in the top 2,000-2,500 ranks nationally.

For more access mentioned link below:

https://medicine.careers360.com/articles/neet-2025-marks-vs-rank

Hope it helps.

Hello,
I have attached the link for Best NEET coaching institutes in India including their fees structure. Kindly check the below link and pick your desired.
https://medicine.careers360.com/articles/best-neet-coaching-institutes-in-india-with-fees-structure
I hope this helps you.