- Izhevsk State Medical Academy
Overview, Fees, Life in institution & the place, Syllabus, Course Details & Student Experiences
About Izhevsk State Medical Academy
Academic Overview: Izhevsk State Medical Academy (ISMA) is a premier public medical institution in Russia, recognized for its rigorous academic standards and advanced research facilities. Accredited by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India and the World Health Organization (WHO), ISMA provides a globally recognized MBBS degree (MD Physician). The academy is known for its high-tech simulation centers and strong focus on clinical practice.
History & Background: Established in 1933, the academy was founded to meet the growing demand for medical professionals in the Ural and Volga regions. Over its 90-year history, it has transformed into a major scientific hub. ISMA began training international students in 1988 and has since educated thousands of doctors from over 113 countries.
Key Information
Type: Public Government University
Location: Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic, Russia
Medium of Instruction: English (for the full 6-year program)
Affiliations: Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation
Current Statistics & Numbers
Total Graduates: Over 21,500 doctors and nursing managers.
Student Body: ~2,800 active students, including a growing community of Indian students.
Faculty: 350+ teachers, including 86 Doctors of Science and 212 Candidates of Science.
Departments: 52 specialized academic departments.
Clinical Bases: 28 affiliated hospitals and clinics for hands-on training.
Campus Gallery
Hostel Gallery
Hospital Gallery
Fee Structure of Izhevsk State Medical Academy
Life in Izhevsk: An Indian MBBS Student’s Perspective
Culture
Hospitality: Izhevsk is a peaceful city where locals are known for their warm and respectful attitude toward students.
Religion & Language: While the local language is Russian, the university environment is English-friendly. The city is multicultural, and students find it easy to practice their respective religions freely.
Arts & Entertainment: Known as the “Armory Capital of Russia,” the city features the famous Kalashnikov Museum, various theaters, and scenic parks like the Central Square for recreation.
Food
Indian Mess: Most hostels catering to Indian students provide Indian Mess facilities, offering traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian food (Dal, Roti, Rice) prepared by Indian cooks.
Cuisine: Local Udmurt cuisine (like Perepechi) is popular, and international fast-food chains are readily available.
Lifestyle and Other Relevant Information
Climate: Moderate continental climate. Winters are snowy and cold (average -10°C to -15°C), while summers are pleasant (20°C to 25°C).
Transportation: The city has an efficient network of trams, buses, and trolleybuses. Student passes make commuting highly affordable.
Cost of Living: Budget-friendly; monthly expenses (excluding rent) usually range from $150 to $200 USD.
Safety: Very high. The campus and hostels have 24/7 security, and the city maintains a low crime rate.
Why Study MBBS at Izhevsk State Medical Academy ?
Affordability: The total fee for 6 years is significantly lower than private medical colleges in India, often estimated around 18–22 Lakhs INR.
No Entrance Exams: Direct admission is granted based on NEET qualification and 12th-standard PCB marks (50% for general, 45% for reserved).
High FMGE/NExT Success: Students frequently report that the academy’s curriculum is well-aligned with the requirements of Indian licensing exams.
Simulation Center: ISMA boasts a modern clinical skill center where students practice on high-fidelity manikins before entering actual hospital wards.
Course Duration at Izhevsk State Medical Academy
The MBBS program at ISMA follows the Russian federal standard for international students:
Total Duration: 6 Years
Structure: 5 years of theoretical and pre-clinical classroom learning, followed by 1 year of mandatory clinical internship at affiliated government hospitals.
Life in Russia from the students' perspective
Safety: Russia is regarded as very secure for international students, with university-led support systems and a strong Indian Embassy presence.
Indian Community: With over 25,000 Indian students in the country, students celebrate major festivals like Diwali and Holi with great enthusiasm on campus.
Education System: The Russian system emphasizes “Colloquiums” (small daily tests), which ensure students remain consistent in their studies throughout the semester.
Nature & Tourism: Students enjoy the vast Russian landscapes, from the Ural Mountains to the Volga River, often traveling to Moscow or St. Petersburg during summer breaks.
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Russia
Indian students applying for MBBS admissions in Russia must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Minimum 50% score in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12 and passing marks in English.
- Attained the age of 17 as of 31st December in the admission year.
- Cleared NEET exam (in order to practice medicine in India) (50th percentile for general/EWS category and 40th percentile for SC/ST/OBC category)
Benefits of MBBS in Russia
Verifiable Global Recognition: Degrees are recognized by WHO, UNESCO, and the NMC (India), allowing graduates to practice worldwide.
Subsidized Education: The Russian government provides heavy subsidies for medical education, keeping tuition fees low.
Global Exposure: Students interact with a diverse international community, broadening their medical and cultural perspectives.
Modern Facilities: Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and world-class hospital infrastructure.
MBBS Syllabus in Izhevsk State Medical Academy
| Year | Primary Subjects Covered |
| Year 1 | Anatomy, Medical Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Histology, Latin, History of Medicine |
| Year 2 | Biochemistry, Physiology, Microbiology, Philosophy, Psychology, Russian Language |
| Year 3 | Pathology, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, General Surgery, Topographical Anatomy |
| Year 4 | Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Neurology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Public Health |
| Year 5 | Oncology, Ophthalmology, ENT, Psychiatry, Forensic Medicine, Traumatology |
| Year 6 | Clinical Rotations: Emergency Medicine, Cardiology, General Practice, and Internship |
FAQ
MBBS abroad is a better options then private medical in India, especially in terms of cost, private medical in India costs a fortune more then that of many countries abroad.
Comparing FMG exam with NEET, we can safely say it is not at all a tough exam. Although there are no specific matrix to judge how tough an exam is, but considering the passing ratio of FMG exam which is roughly 20-25% to that of the percentage of candidates who get selected for government medical college through NEET which is roughly 0.02%, FMG exam is definitely a tough exam in the field of medical studies.