Govt Seat or No MBBS? Why More Doctor Parents Are Drawing the Line
Balancing your child’s dreams with your family’s financial future
For many doctor parents, the biggest family goal after retirement is clear:
“Give my child the best medical education possible.”
On paper, the path looks simple: NEET → MBBS → PG → Super-specialisation.
But the financial reality? It’s anything but simple.
But the financial reality? It’s anything but simple.
What Parents Are Saying
“We’ll fund UG, but PG they must manage.”
“PG only if it’s a government seat — private PG is too expensive.”
“We don’t even want our kids to do MBBS anymore — the stress isn’t worth it.”
“PG only if it’s a government seat — private PG is too expensive.”
“We don’t even want our kids to do MBBS anymore — the stress isn’t worth it.”
These are real voices from doctor families across India — reflecting a growing sentiment:
Unless your child secures a government seat, the cost of pursuing medicine can derail your entire financial plan.
Unless your child secures a government seat, the cost of pursuing medicine can derail your entire financial plan.
Government Quota: The Affordable Route
NEET score target: 650+ for a strong chance
MBBS fees under government quota: ₹9,000 – ₹2 lakh/year (Bihar as low as ₹9,000)
PG fees under government quota: often <₹1 lakh/year
Some private colleges also have limited govt-quota MBBS seats (~₹1.5 lakh/year)
MBBS fees under government quota: ₹9,000 – ₹2 lakh/year (Bihar as low as ₹9,000)
PG fees under government quota: often <₹1 lakh/year
Some private colleges also have limited govt-quota MBBS seats (~₹1.5 lakh/year)
Total estimated spend:
Govt MBBS + Govt PG → ₹15 lakh or less
Private & Management Seats: The Crore Dilemma
| Program | Govt Quota | Private Quota | Management / Deemed |
| MBBS (UG) | ₹9k – ₹2L/year | ₹10–15L/year (₹45–70L total) | ₹15–23L/year (₹1.5–1.8Cr total) |
| MD/MS (PG) | ₹2k – ₹20k/year | ₹0.7–25L/year (branch-dependent) | ₹20–65L/year (some touch ₹90L) |
| DNB (PG) | — | ~₹1.25L/year (NBEMS guideline) | — |
| DNB Stipend | — | ₹35k–₹1.1L/month (varies) | — |
Parents know the math:
Spending ₹50L on UG + ₹1.5–2.5Cr on PG = decades of EMIs + compromised retirement goals.
MD/MS vs DNB: Making the Choice
- MD/MS → Easier pass rates, preferred in India, but costs can touch ₹1Cr/year
- DNB → Cheaper (₹1.25–2L/year) and respected abroad, but tougher exams with lower pass rates
Setting the Boundaries
Doctor parents increasingly choose to:
- Push for government seats — academic prep is the best investment
- Start SIPs early to build education funds
- Set financial guardrails → don’t sacrifice retirement or clinic expansion goals
The DocWealth Lens
Govt MBBS + Govt PG = ₹15 lakh
Private MBBS + Private PG = ₹2–2.5 crore
That’s the gap between financial freedom and 20 years of loan repayments.
Support your child’s dream — but not at the cost of your own financial independence.
Connect with us to plan your child’s education funding smartly →
