Why an Indian MBBS Aspirant Would Choose Institute of Applied Health Sciences (IAHS), Chittagong?
Historical Legacy & Reputation
The Institute of Applied Health Sciences (IAHS) in Chittagong (also known as Chattogram) has a long and illustrious history. Founded on 13 May 1989 by National Professor Dr. Nurul Islam, the institute was among the early private medical institutions in Bangladesh. Over time, it has built great name through consistent academic performance, well-recognized affiliations, and a robust teaching hospital. IAHS became a constituent of the University of Science and Technology, Chittagong (USTC) in 1992, and since 2017, it is affiliated with Chittagong Medical University (CMU).
Recognitions & Accreditations
๐๏ธ Regulatory Recognition
- IAHS has the approval of Bangladesh Medical & Dental Council (BM&DC), the statutory authority that regulates all medical education in Bangladesh.
- The institute is affiliated with Chittagong Medical University (CMU) since the year 2017, which validates its academic programs and degrees.
- IAHS is under the auspices of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Bangladesh.
๐ International & Cross-Border Recognition
- The MBBS degree from IAHS is recognized by India's National Medical Commission (NMC), which is very important for Indian students โ it means they can appear for the FMGE/NExT screening exam after graduation.
- IAHS is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), which is important for global institutional legitimacy and for students in quest of international licensing exams (USMLE, PLAB, AMC, DHA, HAAD, and India's FMGE/NExT).
- The Bangabandhu Memorial Hospital (BBMH), which serves as its teaching hospital, has earned recognition by the Bangladesh College of Physicians & Surgeons (BCPS) for postgraduate training in multiple specialties (Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Pathology, Obstetrics & Gynecology).
Affordable and Transparent Fee Structure
For the MBBS program, the total cost for Indian students at IAHS is approximately $45,300. This total includes hostel accommodation cost for all five years.
Compared to many private medical colleges in India, this $45,300 cost is significantly more affordable, especially when factoring in clinical exposure and global recognition.
Curriculum Aligned with Indian Standards
- The syllabus, subject structure, clinical exposure, and evaluation methodology of IAHS closely resemble those found in Indian MBBS colleges. This makes preparation for FMGE/NExT smoother as students are already exposed to similar content, assessment types, and clinical scenarios.
- The focus on competency (not just rote learning) helps students develop problem-solving and diagnostic thinking โ which are critical for screening & licensing exams.
- The IAHS MBBS curriculum has been thoughtfully designed to combine theoretical knowledge with strong clinical application. Its structure, assessment methods, language medium, and hands-on training make it highly suitable for Indian students who intend to return to India or practice globally.
- By putting emphasis on competency, real-world exposure, and exam readiness, IAHS aligns itself with both Bangladeshi standards and Indian licensing requirements.
FMGE / NExT Readiness for Indian Graduates
๐ Curricular Alignment for FMGE / NExT
- IAHS's curriculum is based on the BM&DC-approved syllabus, which itself bears a strong similarity to standard MBBS curricula in India โ particularly in foundational sciences, para-clinical subjects, and clinical disciplines.
- The teaching methodology includes tutorials, practical labs, and demonstration classes rather than pure lectures, which aids develop deeper understanding โ a useful advantage when preparing for licensing exams like FMGE / NExT.
- Because instruction is entirely in English, Indian students can easily master medical terminology, communication, and comprehension skills necessary for FMGE/NExT.
๐ FMGE Performance of IAHS Graduates
To legally practice medicine in India after obtaining an MBBS degree abroad, Indian students must clear the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or, in the near future, NExT, as mandated by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
FMGE passing rate is available for IAHS for many years. In 2020, 37 out of 250 students who appeared passed (14.80%). In 2021, 30 out of 185 students passed (16.22%). In 2022, 21 out of 156 students passed (13.46%). In 2023, 9 out of 135 students passed (6.67%). In 2024, 16 out of 126 students passed (12.70%).
Eligibility Criteria (Session 2025-2026)
To apply to IAHS, Indian aspirants must meet the following key requirements as per the official DGME circular:
๐ Academic Year & Certificate Validity
- Students must have passed Class 10 ('O' level or equivalent) NOT before 2022.
- Students must have passed Class 12 ('A' level or equivalent) in 2024 or 2025.
- The gap between Class 10 and Class 12 must not exceed 3 years.
- Certificates older than the permitted timeline are not accepted, irrespective of high marks.
๐ Required Academic Scores (GPA Criteria)
As per DGME regulations applicable for the 2025โ2026 academic session, Indian applicants must have passed Class 10 not earlier than 2022 and Class 12 in either 2024 or 2025, with the Class 12 examination completed within three years of Class 10.
- A minimum combined GPA of 7.0 (Class 10 and Class 12 together) is mandatory.
- Applicants must secure a minimum GPA of 3.5 in Biology in Class 12.
- No individual exam GPA below 3.5 is permissible.
- GPA calculation is conducted using the best five subjects in Class 10 and Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12, as per DGME norms.
๐ฎ๐ณ NEET Qualification Requirement
In accordance with the regulations of the National Medical Commission (NMC), India, Indian students pursuing MBBS out of India must possess a valid NEET qualification. The NEET result remains valid for three years from the date of declaration.
Why NEET Matters:
- Without NEET, NMC will not allow you to take FMGE/NExT in India.
- DGME will not process your foreign student application without NEET proof.
๐ Required Documents
The DGME circular mandates attested documents:
- Passport-size photographs
- Passport (valid for the duration of the degree)
- Class 10 certificate + marksheet (attested by Ministry of Education & Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India)
- Class 12 certificate + marksheet (attested similarly)
- NEET scorecard
- TT/SWIFT payment proof of the $100 application fee sent to DGHS Bangladesh
- Online application print copy (after submission on the DGME portal)
No application is accepted without these attestations.
๐ Age Requirement
As per global medical education standards aligned with DGME norms:
- Candidate must be 17 years old by 31st December of the admission year.
- This makes sure students reach adulthood before clinical exposure begins.
Admission Process for Indian Students (Session 2025-2026)
The admission process for IAHS, Chittagong is highly structured, government-regulated, and strictly controlled by the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Bangladesh. No private medical collegeโincluding IAHSโis permitted to admit any foreign student directly without DGME approval. This ensures fairness, transparency, and protection for Indian applicants from unauthorized agents, veiled costs, or improper procedures. The DGME circular dated 10th November 2025 forms the legal foundation for every step Indian students must follow for MBBS admission in Bangladesh for the 2025โ26 session.
โ No Entrance Exam Required
- Admission is strictly on the basis of academic performance in Class 10 ('O' level/equivalent) and Class 12 ('A' level/equivalent), along with NEET qualification.
- Indian students do not need to visit Bangladesh for preliminary exams, reducing stress and financial burden.
- The process puts emphasis on merit, making it incomparably fair and transparent.
๐ฅ๏ธ Online Application via DGME Portal
Indian students must apply exclusively through the DGME Foreign Student Online Application Portal within the official application window (November 11, 2025 to January 15, 2026).
- Applications are accepted only online; no hard copies are accepted by Bangladesh Missions.
- The student's application is not considered valid unless submitted through DGME's centralized system.
๐ DGME Verification & Merit-Based Selection
Once the application window closes, DGME evaluates:
- NEET qualification
- GPA equivalency
- Validity of documents
- TT payment confirmation
- Applicant eligibility
The DGME then prepares a central merit list of all foreign applicants.
๐ค Documents to Upload
Candidates have to upload:
- Recent passport size photograph
- Passport
- All academic documents (certificate and marks sheet of 'O' level/ 10 class completion equivalent examination and 'A' level/ 12 class completion equivalent examination)
- Copy of Telegraphic Transfer (T.T)/SWIFT Message of USD 100$
Please note: All submitted academic documents required to be attested by Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign affairs of the respective countries.
๐ฏ IAHS Seat Allocation
Post verification, DGME issues official Admission Letters to individual foreign students specifying the medical college they are allotted. IAHS is one of the colleges specified.
After submission of online application through online platform, candidates have to collect printed copy of the application from online.
๐ฅ Final Admission at IAHS After DGME Nomination
After receiving the nomination letter, students must visit the Office of the Principal at IAHS, Chittagong, with:
- Original academic documents
- Attested copies
- DGME nomination letter
- Passport
- Admission fee
- Medical fitness certificate
Connectivity & Location Advantage for Indian Students
IAHS is located in Chittagong (Chattogram), one of Bangladesh's key port cities. Its proximity to India makes it highly accessible for Indian students, reducing both travel time and costs in comparison to more distant study-abroad destinations. The cultural, linguistic, and social affinity between Bangladesh and India aids Indian students adapt far easily than they might in non-South-Asian countries.
โ๏ธ Air Connectivity
Air travel is the most popular mode of transport for Indian students studying at IAHS because of its unmatched convenience.
- Chittagong's Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP) is well connected
- Airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, Vistara, Biman Bangladesh Airlines
๐ Road Connectivity
Popular Land Borders:
- BenapoleโPetrapole Border (West Bengal โ Bangladesh)
- AgartalaโAkhoura Border (Tripura โ Bangladesh)
- DawkiโTamabil Border (Meghalaya โ Sylhet)
- Daily buses: Kolkata โ Dhaka โ Chittagong
๐ Rail Connectivity
Major International Trains:
- Maitree Express: Kolkata โ Dhaka
- Bandhan Express: Kolkata โ Khulna
- Mitali Express: New Jalpaiguri โ Dhaka
- Students can connect from Dhaka to Chittagong via intercity trains
๐ข Water / Sea Connectivity
Chittagong is Bangladesh's largest port, and Indian ships regularly operate routes between:
- Kolkata Port
- Haldia Port
- Chennai Port
- Visakhapatnam Port
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