MBBS First Year Subjects: Complete Guide for Medical Students

The students in India are preparing to study in medical colleges and have already started to wonder about the MBBS first year subjects. The NEET 2025 was a tough nut to crack this year for all the MBBS aspirants, and it caught the attention of many students that preparing for their undergraduate course will require even greater efforts to be successful medical professionals in the future. The storm has passed for many students, and some are getting admission in Indian colleges, and some are looking forward to Study MBBS Abroad.

Whatever may be the case, the current situation is filled with a mix of excitement and curiosity among Indian students to pursue their education in the medical field, thinking of the MBBS first-year subjects. This excitement and curiosity are tenfold for the students who are interested in pursuing their higher education in a foreign university, as it brings a lot of new opportunities and experiences. To participate in the collective academic intensity of all the students, we will understand the MBBS course subjects for the first year of the program.

What is the Course Structure of the MBBS in the First Year for Indian Students?

The MBBS is an abbreviation of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, and focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of medical science to all the students in the entire duration of the MBBS program through a designed MBBS course syllabus, which lasts up to 6-7 years, depending on the country chosen to pursue an MBBS.

In India, the program of MBBS is divided into four years and six months of academic study, followed by a mandatory internship in the last year. The MBBS first year subjects are introduced at first, known as the pre-clinical phase of the program. These subjects are primarily focused on theoretical knowledge, basic sciences, and form a strong foundation for all the students to develop an understanding of the human body in terms of anatomy, biology, and physiology.

MBBS First Year Subjects List: Explained & Breakdown

The first year of the MBBS course, whether in India or abroad, lasts up to 12 months (1 year) with two semesters. It includes three main subjects that cover extensive topics, such as medicine, microanatomy, embryology, genetics, and many other topics. Let’s look closely at these MBBS first year subjects and what they cover for the medical students.

Unlock MBBS First Year Subjects List!

Anatomy

Anatomy is the study of the structure of the entire human body, and it focuses on the components, such as bones, muscles, organs, tissues, and learning about their functions, along with the relationship between each of these components of the human body. Among these total subjects in MBBS, anatomy is the backbone of medical science that provides a clear understanding of all medical procedures and diagnosis. Teachers give lectures, show 3D models, teach about the dissection of cadavers, and conduct lab sessions to make sure that all the students understand this subject as the basis of the MBBS first year subjects.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes within the human body, focusing on understanding the process of metabolism, enzymes, hormones, genetics, molecular biology, and the role of vitamins. Among this MBBS subject list, this subject focuses on forming the basis of understanding diseases like diabetes, cancer, and genetic disorders through lectures, lab experiments, and case studies.

Physiology

Physiology is the study of the functions in the human body. It also looks at how organs work and aims to know what maintains life, while trying to understand the different systems and how they interconnect with each other, including the nervous system, respiratory system, and cardiovascular system. Among these MBBS first year subjects, physiology is the answer to all whys, whether it is about rising blood pressure or pain in a muscle.

Here is the MBBS subject list with a breakdown of what topics are covered in each subject.

Significance of the MBBS First Year Subjects for the Students

These MBBS first year subjects are an important part of the curriculum for all the medical students since these provide a basic understanding of patient diagnosis and treatment. Every decision a doctor makes for the patients comes from these three core subjects. These MBBS course subjects are introduced in the first year to teach students different aspects related to diagnosis and treatment, which help students to perform clinical training and medical procedures during the internship. The following aspects make these so significant:

• Common medical terminologies that are used in the field
• Understanding the scientific reasoning for diseases and treatments
• Developing practical lab skills to perform diagnoses and conduct research
• Build professional and ethical perspectives towards human life and patient care

Practical Classes & Assessments

Theoretical knowledge is the basis of understanding these MBBS first year subjects. There are internal and external assessments (practical exams), with a viva voce (oral presentation). Along with the theoretical classes, each subject has practical classes and sessions, as follows:

1. Anatomy - Dissection, identification of body parts, histology slides
2. Biochemistry - Blood tests, reflex exams, ECG readings
3. Physiology - Lab tests like blood sugar, proteins, enzymes

First-Year Subjects in MBBS Abroad: Is It Any Different Than India?

Yes, studying MBBS abroad will also have a similar MBBS course syllabus with these subjects in the first year of the course. Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and other countries are among the top choices for Indian students to pursue their MBBS. No matter which country a student chooses, the subjects are a part of the MBBS curriculum which remains unchanged, and provide a foundation for educational development among all the students.

The only difference Indian students will find in studying these MBBS first year subjects is that the medium of instruction will be English, with more advanced infrastructure in many foreign universities offering MBBS programs. About 25-30 thousand students from India fly to study MBBS abroad due to lower tuition fees, with a high quality of education, and access to a globally competitive environment, providing an opportunity to gain international exposure.

A Quick Look at Coming Up Subjects After First-Year MBBS Subjects

Students who ask how many subjects in MBBS are should know that there are about 19 core subjects in an MBBS program. This is the same pattern in providing medical education in most countries. The MBBS first year subjects remain the same as they provide a strong foundation for pre-clinical concepts.

If we look at the MBBS year wise subjects, the students further transition to the para-clinical and clinical phases, which include subjects like pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, ENT, ophthalmology, pediatrics, and much more. Each year focuses on gradually developing the understanding of students and helping them become full-fledged medical professionals in the future.

Final Thoughts

The journey to pursue the MBBS is both challenging and full of opportunities for all Indian students. As you begin your journey to learn about these MBBS first-year subjects, it will be a little complex, but as you begin to understand the concepts of what they present and try to represent the functioning and anatomy of the human body, it will get easier. The total subjects in MBBS will prepare you for the future and help you become a successful professional. The road ahead is tough, but not impossible to grapple with, with determination and hard work.

Learn more about pursuing a higher education from a foreign university from the professional at Education Vibes. They will guide you through the entire process of beginning your MBBS journey, starting from shortlisting the country and university, to pre-departure briefing and reaching the university.