✅ Written by: Wing Educations Medical Admissions Research Team |
✅ Information Source: Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine
official sources (iom.edu.np), National Medical Commission India (nmc.org.in),
Nepal Medical Council (nmc.org.np), Tribhuvan University (tu.edu.np),
Ministry of Education Nepal, Medical Counselling Committee India (mcc.nic.in),
and verified NEET 2026 data |
✅ Last Updated: June 2026 |
✅ Verified For: IOM Nepal MBBS Admission 2026-27 — Fees,
Entrance Exam, Cutoff, Eligibility, Seats, Indian Students Complete Guide,
Hostel and Career Scope
Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2026-27: Fees, Eligibility & Complete Guide for Indian Students
Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine (IOM), located in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, is the oldest and most prestigious government medical institution in Nepal. Established in 1972 under Tribhuvan University (TU)—Nepal’s largest and oldest university—IOM has been the cornerstone of medical education in the region for over five decades. It is fully recognized by the Nepal Medical Council (NMC Nepal) and listed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, making it a top-tier choice for Indian students seeking high-quality, affordable MBBS education abroad.
For the 2026-27 academic session, IOM offers 100 MBBS seats at its main Maharajgunj campus, with additional seats across affiliated campuses. Admission for Indian students is highly competitive and primarily based on NEET UG 2026 scores combined with the IOM entrance examination performance. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of fees, eligibility, the dual-exam process, and the distinct advantages of studying at this historic institution. IOM Nepal – Official Card 2026-27
IOM operates as a constituent institute of Tribhuvan University, giving it strong institutional backing and global academic credibility. Its flagship teaching hospital, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), along with affiliations to Bir Hospital, Kanti Children’s Hospital, and Paropakar Maternity Hospital, provides students with unparalleled clinical exposure in a multi-hospital rotation system.
Key Institutional Points:
- Historic Prestige: Established in 1972, IOM is Nepal’s first medical school, boasting a 54+ year legacy of producing skilled healthcare professionals.
- Multi-Hospital Clinical Training: Students rotate through TUTH, Bir Hospital, and other premier government hospitals, ensuring exposure to a vast diversity of cases.
- Strategic Capital Location: Located in Kathmandu, offering excellent connectivity to India via daily flights and a vibrant, cosmopolitan student life.
- NMC & WHO Recognized: Fully recognized by NMC India and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), ensuring eligibility for FMGE/NExT and international licensing exams.
Detailed Fee Structure 2026-27
Fees at IOM are significantly lower than private medical colleges in India and even some other private institutions in Nepal, reflecting its government status. The fees are charged in USD, so exchange rate fluctuations should be considered. Below is the detailed cost breakdown for Indian students.
Cost Breakdown Table
Financial Note: The total investment for the 5.5-year program ranges from INR 40 Lakhs to INR 68 Lakhs (including living expenses). This is substantially lower than the INR 60 Lakhs to 1.5 Crores required for private colleges in India. Most students opt for education loans, which are easily available through nationalized banks like SBI and PNB. Additionally, planning finances early ensures smooth visa processing and admission.
MBBS Seat Matrix & Quota Distribution 2026-27
IOM has a total sanctioned intake of 220+ MBBS seats across its main and affiliated campuses. The main Maharajgunj Medical Campus (MMC) offers 100 seats. The distribution prioritizes Nepali nationals but reserves a specific portion for SAARC countries, including India.
Breakdown of Quota Categories
The SAARC Quota comprises approximately 10-15% of the seats at the main campus. Admission for Indian students is highly competitive due to IOM’s prestige. Unlike some colleges that admit solely on NEET, IOM typically requires candidates to clear its own entrance exam or uses a composite merit list involving NEET scores. Therefore, preparation for both exams is crucial. Furthermore, the smaller batch size at the main campus means each student receives more personalized mentoring and clinical opportunities.
Expected NEET & Entrance Cutoff 2026
Competition for IOM is intense due to its reputation as Nepal’s top medical school. Cutoffs are determined by a combination of NEET scores and performance in the IOM entrance exam.
Category-Wise Expected Trends
- General (Indian): NEET Score 150–380+ marks (Qualifying + Competitive Merit).
- IOM Entrance Exam: Typically, a score of 55-75 out of 100 is competitive for Nepali students; Indian students are evaluated on a similar merit basis within the SAARC pool.
- Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC): Must meet NMC India qualifying percentiles (40th percentile) and compete on merit within the SAARC quota.
⚠️ Important: While the minimum qualifying NEET score is 137+, actual admission cutoffs are higher due to competition. Students with NEET scores above 200 and strong entrance prep have the best chances. Always verify current seat availability and specific merit lists directly with the IOM admissions office.
Scholarships & Financial Aid Options Of IOM Nepal
While IOM does not offer extensive full-tuition scholarships for international students, financial aid options exist. Furthermore, Indian students can access education loans and limited state scholarships.
Exploring Financial Aid
Indian students can avail of education loans from nationalized banks, which often offer collateral-free loans up to INR 20 Lakhs. Additionally, some state governments offer scholarships for medical students, though eligibility for foreign institutions varies. Therefore, it is advisable to check with local state scholarship departments. For those who do not qualify for scholarships, education loans remain the most viable option, with favorable interest rates for professional courses. Consequently, financial planning should begin well before admission.
IOM Nepal Infrastructure & Clinical Exposure
Campus Facilities
- Modern Lecture Halls: Equipped with audio-visual aids for interactive learning.
- Advanced Labs: Well-stocked Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, and Microbiology labs.
- Simulation Center: High-fidelity mannequins for practicing clinical skills. Thus, students gain confidence before handling real patients.
- Central Library: One of Nepal’s best medical libraries with access to PubMed, HINARI, and Cochrane Library.
Multi-Hospital Clinical Training
IOM’s unique strength lies in its multi-hospital rotation system. Students train at:
- Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH): 700+ beds, advanced tertiary care.
- Bir Hospital: One of Nepal’s oldest and busiest government hospitals.
- Kanti Children’s Hospital: Largest dedicated pediatric hospital in Nepal.
- Paropakar Maternity Hospital: Largest maternity hospital in Nepal.
This exposure ensures students see a vast diversity of cases, from common ailments to complex rare diseases, providing a clinical experience that rivals top Indian government colleges.
Kathmandu Advantage
Students benefit from:
- Connectivity: Daily flights to major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata).
- Cultural Comfort: Familiar food, language, and culture.
- Safety: Kathmandu is safe and welcoming for Indian students.
IOM Nepal Eligibility Criteria 2026-27
To secure admission at IOM, Indian students must meet specific academic and regulatory requirements. Therefore, understanding these criteria is the first step toward a successful application.
Academic Requirements
- Class 12 Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
- Minimum Marks: Generally, a minimum of 50% aggregate in PCB is required for General category students. For SC/ST/OBC candidates, the requirement is typically 40%.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2026. There is currently no upper age limit.
Regulatory Requirements
- NEET UG 2026: Qualifying NEET is mandatory for all Indian students as per NMC India regulations. Without a valid NEET score, you cannot pursue MBBS abroad.
- IOM Entrance Exam: IOM conducts its own entrance exam for SAARC students. Therefore, students must prepare for both NEET and the IOM exam.
- Passport: A valid Indian passport is required for the Nepal Student Visa application.
Admission Process: How to Apply for IOM 2026
Admission for Indian students involves a dual-process: NEET qualification and the IOM entrance exam/application. Therefore, understanding the timeline and requirements is crucial for a smooth application process.
Step 1: Qualify NEET UG 2026 Secure a valid NEET score meeting the minimum percentile requirements. Download your scorecard from the NTA website.
Step 2: Check Admission Notification Visit the official IOM website (iom.edu.np) for the MBBS admission notification for SAARC/Indian students.
Step 3: Online Application Fill out the online application form for the SAARC quota. Upload required documents like NEET scorecard, Class 10/12 marksheets, and passport.
Step 4: Appear for IOM Entrance Exam Prepare for and appear in the IOM entrance exam (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English). This exam is mandatory for most SAARC applicants.
Step 5: Merit List & Selection IOM will release a merit list based on entrance exam performance and/or NEET scores. If selected, you will receive an offer letter.
Step 6: Visa Processing & Reporting Apply for a Nepal Student Visa using the offer letter. Once approved, report to IOM Maharajgunj with original documents and pay the admission fees.
Career Scope After MBBS from IOM Nepal
Graduating from IOM offers robust career prospects due to its prestigious reputation and strong academic foundation.
1. Practice in India (FMGE/NExT)
- Screening Test: Graduates must clear the FMGE (or upcoming NExT) to practice in India. IOM’s strong clinical training and English medium instruction help students prepare effectively.
- Success Rate: IOM graduates historically perform well in FMGE due to the rigorous curriculum and exposure to diverse clinical cases.
2. Postgraduate Specialization (MD/MS)
- In India: After clearing FMGE/NExT, students can appear for NEET PG to pursue MD/MS in India.
- At IOM: Graduates can also pursue MD/MS at IOM through its own highly competitive PG entrance exam.
3. International Opportunities
- USMLE/PLAB: NMC recognition and WDOMS listing ensure eligibility for USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and AMC (Australia). The English medium of instruction is a significant advantage here.
Career Pathway Summary Table
FAQs About IOM Nepal 2026-27
Q1: What is IOM Nepal full form?
IOM Nepal full form is
Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine.
It is Nepal’s oldest government medical institution established in 1972
under Tribhuvan University — Nepal’s largest and oldest university (founded 1959).
Located at Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. Recognition: NMC Nepal, NMC India, WHO WDOMS.
MBBS seats: 100 (main campus) + 120+ (affiliated campuses).
Teaching hospital: TUTH 700+ beds.
Q2: What is the IOM Nepal MBBS fees for Indian students 2026?
IOM Nepal MBBS fees for Indian students 2026:
Annual fees USD 6,500-9,500 PA (approx. Rs 5.4-7.9 lakhs PA).
Total 5.5 years: USD 32,000-47,000 (approx. Rs 26-39 lakhs).
Hostel fees USD 600-1,400 PA additional.
Living expenses USD 180-300 per month additional.
Fees subject to annual revision — verify at iom.edu.np before admission.
Q3: Is NEET required for IOM Nepal admission for Indian students?
Yes. NEET UG 2026 is mandatory for Indian students
seeking MBBS at IOM Nepal. Government of India mandate since 2018 —
all Indian students seeking foreign medical college admission must hold
a valid NEET UG qualifying score. Without NEET, Indian IOM Nepal graduates
cannot appear in FMGE/NExT and cannot practice medicine in India.
Q4: What is the IOM Nepal entrance exam 2026?
The IOM Nepal entrance exam 2026 is conducted by
Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine for Nepali and SAARC students.
Format: Offline OMR MCQ, 100 questions, 2 hours.
Subject distribution: Biology 50 marks, Chemistry 25 marks,
Physics 20 marks, English 5 marks.
Highly competitive — approximately 35-55 candidates per available seat.
Indian students are typically evaluated on NEET score for SAARC quota.
Check iom.edu.np for official 2026 notification.
Q5: Is IOM Nepal NMC India recognized?
Yes. IOM Nepal (Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine)
is NMC India recognized. This recognition is essential for
Indian graduates to appear in FMGE/NExT and obtain Indian medical practice
registration. Always verify current NMC India recognition status at
nmc.org.in before finalizing admission, as recognition is subject to
periodic NMC inspections.
Q6: What is the NEET cutoff for IOM Nepal 2026?
The expected IOM Nepal NEET cutoff for Indian students 2026:
General: 150-380 NEET marks (qualifying merit basis for SAARC seats).
SC/ST/OBC: 105-150 marks.
IOM Nepal is more competitive than most Nepal private colleges for SAARC seats.
Higher NEET scores (200-400) significantly improve admission prospects.
Nepali student entrance exam cutoff: typically 65-78 out of 100 for
Maharajgunj Medical Campus (main campus).
Q7: Is IOM Nepal good for MBBS for Indian students?
Yes. IOM Nepal is rated 4.2/5 — the highest rated Nepal medical
college for Indian students. Key strengths: Nepal’s oldest medical school (54+ years),
Tribhuvan University affiliation, NMC India and WHO recognition, exceptional
clinical exposure (TUTH + Bir Hospital + Kanti Hospital + Paropakar Hospital),
Kathmandu location with daily flights to India, and affordable fees
(Rs 26-39 lakhs total vs Rs 60-150 lakhs Indian private colleges).
Recommended for Indian students with NEET scores of 150-400.
Q8: What is the hostel fee at IOM Nepal?
IOM Nepal hostel fees range from USD 600 to USD 1,400
per annum (approximately Rs 49,800 to Rs 1.16 lakhs per annum)
depending on room type. Mess charges of USD 180-300 per month
(Rs 15,000-24,900 per month) are additional. Both students
hostels are available on campus with Wi-Fi, warden, and security.
Senior students often prefer off-campus shared accommodation
at USD 100-200 per month.
Q9: What is the internship stipend at IOM Nepal?
IOM Nepal internship stipend is approximately
NPR 17,500 – NPR 28,000 per month
(approximately Rs 10,900 – Rs 17,400 per month).
The mandatory 1-year rotating internship is completed at TUTH and
affiliated hospitals after the 4.5-year MBBS course.
Indian students may alternatively complete internship in India
after clearing FMGE, subject to NMC India guidelines.
Q10: How is IOM Nepal different from BPKIHS?
IOM Nepal vs BPKIHS — both are excellent government
medical institutions in Nepal. Key differences: IOM (est. 1972) is older
and Nepal’s most prestigious, located in Kathmandu with multiple teaching
hospitals and Tribhuvan University affiliation. BPKIHS (est. 1993) is
autonomous with own degree-awarding status, located in Dharan
(25 km from India border), with a 750+ bed single teaching hospital.
IOM offers better prestige and Kathmandu’s city advantages.
BPKIHS offers proximity to India and autonomous status advantages.
Both are NMC India recognized and WHO listed.
