For many Indian students, pursuing medicine abroad opens up global opportunities, and Russia has long been one of the most sought-after destinations.
To understand the experience better, we spoke with Dr. Ashwin Saikumar, who graduated in 2025 with an MBBS degree from Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University in Moscow. His experience offers valuable insight into what students can realistically expect while studying MBBS in Russia, especially regarding academics, culture, and clinical exposure.
In this candid interview with MedBound Times, Ashwin shares his journey, from choosing Russia and navigating admissions, to adapting to the culture, gaining hands-on clinical experience, and reflecting on his life as a medical student abroad.
Arushi Roy Chowdhury: Dr. Ashwin, what made you consider Russia for medicine?
Dr. Ashwin Saikumar: There were actually a lot of other countries too. The Caribbean was an option, since it makes it easier to go to the U.S. later. Georgia was also on the list. Russia as well.
Arushi Roy Chowdhury: Why did you finally choose Russia?
Dr. Ashwin Saikumar: Honestly, I had no contacts in those other countries. But in Russia, I had a friend of a friend who was already studying here. Through them, we got to know about the education, living conditions, and other important things you need before moving.
Arushi Roy Chowdhury: How did you decide on your university?
Dr. Ashwin Saikumar: We checked a few universities. The one I study in turned out to be one of the more recognized ones. It’s the second best in Russia and also in good standing internationally.
Arushi Roy Chowdhury: Let’s talk about teaching style. What was that like?
Dr. Ashwin Saikumar: Up until third year, it was mostly non-clinical subjects. No real patient interaction. Just lectures and classes. After fourth year, all our subjects were clinical. Instead of multiple classes a day, we’d have one subject for the whole day, sometimes for weeks. Like general surgery for a few weeks, then general medicine, and so on.
Arushi Roy Chowdhury: How was clinical exposure for international students?
Dr. Ashwin Saikumar: If you learn Russian, opportunities are endless. I started speaking comfortably by the end of fourth year. Then I could ask doctors for chances to join operations, do night shifts, or assist.
Arushi Roy Chowdhury: What about language and cultural challenges?
Dr. Ashwin Saikumar: Not much. The culture here is quite similar to home — family values, relationships, professional respect. The big difference was kids being independent at a younger age.
Vegetarian food isn’t widely available. I had to switch to non-veg for survival. You can cook veg at home, but restaurants are limited and Indian food is expensive.
Arushi Roy Chowdhury: How are Russian universities recognized back in India?
Dr. Ashwin Saikumar: Most are MCI approved. You just choose one and later appear for the exam in India. Pretty straightforward. However, Russia has a six-year program, while India has five and a half. Plus, when we return, we need another year of internship and six months for the exam. So you lose about 1.5 to 2 years.
This list is based on private consultancy rankings, and students should note that such rankings may vary between different educational consultants.
1. Lomonosov Moscow State University – Moscow
2. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (MSMU) – Moscow
3. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (RNRMU) – Moscow
4. Kazan Federal University / Kazan State Medical University – Kazan
5. Novosibirsk State Medical University – Novosibirsk
6. Saint Petersburg State University – Saint Petersburg
7. Bashkir State Medical University – Ufa
8. People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) – Moscow
9. Crimea Federal University – Simferopol
10. Orenburg State Medical University - Orenburg
Arushi Roy Chowdhury: Do you think the list given above is correct?
Dr. Ashwin Saikumar: I’d put Moscow universities higher, because being in the capital makes adapting easier. But fewer Indians study here compared to places like Smolensk or Orenburg.
Arushi Roy Chowdhury: Do you think Moscow offers better education?
Dr. Ashwin Saikumar: Yes, in terms of education, definitely. For life and accommodations, smaller cities might be more comfortable for Indian students. But strictly education-wise, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kazan should be held in higher regard.
Studying medicine in Russia provides Indian students with an alternative route to a medical degree through structured coursework and exposure to a different healthcare environment. The experience typically involves adjusting to a new language, academic format, and living conditions, while also preparing for licensing requirements in India after graduation. Outcomes largely depend on the university chosen, the student's adaptability, and their commitment to fulfilling both academic and regulatory expectations. Overall, Russia remains one of several international options for students considering medical education abroad, offering opportunities along with practical considerations that future applicants should evaluate carefully.
Edited by M Subha Maheswari
