Key Takeaways
- Know why Australia can be a good option for you after MBBS in India.
- Learn about the assessment pathway most suitable to you.
- Get a glimpse into the AMC exams and what you can expect from them.
- Know about the registration process and what you will need.
- Learn about what it will cost you to take the AMC exam.
Let’s imagine a scenario where you’re an MBBS student, about to graduate after years of toil and hard work. You’re confused as to what the future holds, a job, perhaps pursuing your MD? But then comes the dreaded NEET-PG exam, and it feels like you just got through your NEET-UG exam.
The insane competition, the painfully few numbers of seats, and then another two years of toil. Just the thought is exhausting.
Allow us to present you with another option: Australia!
Read on as we take you through all the whys and the hows.
Australia after MBBS in India: A Good Option?
Did you know that in the session 2023-2024, hundreds of Indian students attempted the Australian Medical Council exam, one of the highest numbers of any country? This exam is the gateway to practice medicine in Australia.
Now, you might think, why should you take the AMC exam when you can spend less and take the NEET-PG exam? And you’re absolutely right. But what if I tell you that the AMC exam is not just to become eligible for a medical PG in Australia, but you can actually register to practice there?
See, the Australian Medical Council conducts the AMC exam multiple times every year to assess the qualifications and skills of foreign medical graduates. Now, as an MBBS graduate, you are already trained and qualified to practice as a doctor. The AMC exam is just to test if you meet the standards set by the Council.
Now you may ask, why Australia? Fair enough. As a doctor in Australia, you can earn 50-70 lakhs annually, even as a beginner. And if that’s not enticing enough, the healthcare system in Australia is one of the best. The learning opportunities and the career growth you can get there are unparalleled, not to mention the improved quality of life.
Now that we have managed to convince you that Australia is the place for you, let’s dive into the actual process of it all.
India to Australia: Where to Start?
First things first, gather as much information about the exam and everything related to it as you can. Read, read, and then read some more. This can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Learn about the options that you have. The Australian Medical Council has several pathways for the assessment of candidates:
- Standard Pathway
- Competent Authority Pathway
- Specialist Pathway
As a fresh MBBS graduate, you will be eligible for the Standard Pathway.
Assessment Pathway – Standard Pathway
The standard pathway is what most foreign graduates go through. Through this pathway, you can seek a general registration with the Medical Council of Australia.
There are two main assessments in this pathway:
- AMC CAT MCQ Exam
- AMC Clinical Exam
An alternative to the AMC Clinical exam is the Workplace-Based Assessment.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the AMC exam, the sentry that’s guarding your entry into the Australian healthcare industry.
AMC Exam
The AMC exams are designed to thoroughly test your theoretical as well as practical skills. First comes the AMC CAT MCQ Exam, and once you clear it, you can proceed with the AMC Clinical exam.
AMC MCQ Exam: Also known as the AMC 1 exam, it is a theory-based exam, covering the entirety of the medical field that a candidate should be knowledgeable about.
The exam is computer-based and can be taken in many cities in India (Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, New Delhi).
- Exam Duration- 3.5 Hours
- Questions- 150
- Passing Marks- 250 (out of 500)
AMC Clinical Exam: AMC Exam 2, as it is also called, is the measurement of your competence in the clinical setting. It assesses clinical skills, diagnostic reasoning, communication, and professionalism. It can be conducted in person or online.
- Exam Duration- 8 Hours
- Stations- 16 stations
- Passing Score- Clearing 9 out of 14 stations.
AMC Exam Registration
The registration process for the exam is lengthy. The document verification process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month.
We have highlighted a few basic steps you need to remember for this part:
Create your EPIC account. This is required for document verification and should be your first step. Ensure that you have all your documents in order before you initiate this step.
Create an AMC Candidate Account: The AMC candidate account is a place where you can store all your documents, qualifications, degrees, etc.
This is also the account through which you will schedule your exam, view results, raise requests, etc.
Register for the AMC exam: Once your identity and qualifications, credentials, and degrees are confirmed and verified, you can register for the exam. The exams can be scheduled between February and November. Ensure you check your nearest center for availability and book at the earliest.
Cost of Taking the AMC Exam
The thing most people are hesitant about is the cost of the AMC exam. Now, at first glance, it may seem high to you, but what if I tell you it’s more economical?
Let me clarify; the NEET-PG exam might be way more economical than the AMC exam, but that’s just the beginning. An MD degree in India, especially from a private college, can set you back by 10-15 lakhs.
| Exam | Fees (AUD) | Fees (INR)* |
| AMC MCQ Exam | $3670 | 2,01,800 |
| AMC Clinical Exam | $5536 | 3,05,000 |
| Workplace Based Assessment | $1070 | 58, 518 |
| English Language Test (IELTS) | $445 | 18,000 |
*Subject to change. Please check before payment.
The AMC exams, both 1 and 2, along with the English language proficiency tests, will cost you between 5-7 lakhs, depending on the number of qualifications you’ve added.
This cost will go down drastically if you consider the WBA program in place of the AMC exam 2.
AMC Exam Results
The results for the exam are available on Fridays, three weeks after your exam.
You can view the result through your AMC Candidate account. You can request a reassessment of the result.
Once you’ve passed the AMC assessment, the doors to your medical career will be thrown wide open.
Australia has been the destination of choice for Indian students as well as skilled workers for over a decade now, and with good reason. The benefits and the opportunities the country provides far outweigh the minor inconveniences you might face.
If you have reached the end of this blog and have made up your mind about taking the AMC exam, consider AMC Exam Preparation Course by Academically as the first step to ace the exam.
FAQs
Q: What is the AMC exam?
A: The AMC exam is the qualifying exam for a foreign medical graduate to work in Australia. You need to clear both AMC exams 1 and 2 to get your medical license.
Q: How many Indians are there in Australia?
A: More than 800,000 Indians are living and working in Australia! They make up more than 3% of the total population.
Q: Do I need to register with the AMC to work as a doctor in Australia?
A: No, the Australian Medical Council just conducts the assessment of the candidate. Once cleared, you need to register with the Medical Board of Australia to get your license to practice.
Q: Is the AMC exam difficult?
A: Yes, the AMC exam can be quite challenging. The pass percentage of the AMC exam 1 is around 50%. But with proper and timely preparation, you can definitely ace it!
Q: Is it costly to live in Australia?
A: The cost of living in Australia is quite high. Although if you’re a practicing doctor there, the earnings of a doctor are sufficient to get you a comfortable lifestyle there.
Also Read: Why Study MBBS at Andijan State Medical University
