A recent collection of student responses from across various Indian medical colleges reveals what life in MBBS truly feels like far beyond the textbooks and college brochures. These quotes were gathered anonymously via an open-ended student survey, where respondents shared reflections from different stages of their medical journey.
“I used to be the class topper in school. Here, I barely pass anatomy.”
Many first-year students report a sudden academic shock. While they enter medical school with strong academic backgrounds, they often find the curriculum’s volume and pace overwhelming. Subjects like anatomy and biochemistry, paired with constant assessments, create a pressure cooker environment right from the start.
“We laugh at burnout memes, but some days I don’t even have energy to laugh.”
Students frequently highlight the mental and emotional toll. The academic stress is compounded by long hours, little rest, and the constant expectation to perform. Burnout and anxiety are described as common yet rarely discussed among peers and faculty.
“My first patient was an old man who called me ‘beta’ and held my hand. I still remember that feeling.”
Despite the pressure, several students reflect on clinical postings as pivotal. Engaging with patients for the first time often brings clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. These early interactions, however brief, stay with them.
“Internship teaches you more than any textbook ever will. Also: back pain is real.”
Those in their internship phase describe it as both transformational and exhausting. Learning on the job — from inserting IV lines to handling emergencies — feels more valuable than any prior year. But the physical and mental fatigue, especially during night duties, is significant.
“It’s not just the course that’s outdated. Sometimes the system feels centuries behind.”
Several respondents raised concerns beyond academics. Infrastructure gaps, limited mental health resources, gender bias, and administrative hurdles were all cited. Students expressed a desire for more transparency, updated curricula, and institutional support.
A Mixed Picture: What Medical School in India Offers
Based on the responses, here’s how students view the experience overall:
What They Value:
-
Gaining clinical exposure and hands-on skills
-
Building lifelong friendships and support networks
-
Developing resilience and emotional strength
-
The unique privilege of learning medicine directly from real patient cases
What They Struggle With:
-
Lack of institutional support for mental health
-
Overloaded schedules with little breathing room
-
Inconsistent faculty engagement across colleges
-
Delayed financial independence and long academic timelines
These insights reflect not just isolated opinions but shared experiences across campuses. For future students, parents, and educators, they offer a deeper and often overlooked understanding of what becoming a doctor in India actually involves.