SJMC MBBS FAQs
Ques. Is it possible to get an MBBS seat at St John's Medical College without being a Roman Catholic Christian?
Ans. Yes, it is possible. St John's Medical College has two categories open to all candidates regardless of religion: Category 1 (All India General Open Merit - 10 seats) and Category 9 (Karnataka State Open Merit - 10 seats). These 20 seats are open to any NEET-qualified candidate. However, competition for these seats is extremely high, with NEET scores typically needing to be in the range of 600+ for a realistic chance. The remaining 130 seats are reserved for Roman Catholic Christians under various sub-categories, and for institutional staff quota.
Ques. What exactly is the Social Obligation Service Bond at St John's Medical College, and is it really enforced?
Ans. The Social Obligation Service Bond is a mandatory commitment that every MBBS student at SJMC must sign before admission, regardless of their quota or category. Under this bond, graduates are required to serve for 2 years in a designated hospital or health centre in a medically underserved area of India after completing their degree and internship. If a graduate fails to fulfil this commitment, they are liable to pay a penalty of Rs. 25,00,000 (Rs. 25 lakhs). This bond is taken very seriously by the institution and is a core part of SJMC's mission of serving the marginalized. Students should factor this into their career planning before choosing SJMC.
Ques. What is the difference between the fees paid to KEA and the fees paid to the college from Year 2 onwards?
Ans. In Year 1, the entire fee of Rs. 8,10,535 is paid directly to KEA (Karnataka Examination Authority) at the time of seat allotment and admission. This includes the admission fee, tuition fee, other charges, and RGUHS university fee. From Year 2 onwards, the annual fee of Rs. 7,55,200 is paid directly to St John's Medical College in two equal instalments - the first instalment in January and the second in July. Students should plan their finances accordingly, as the payment schedule changes after the first year.
Ques. Does St John's Medical College have a hostel, and is it mandatory to stay in the hostel?
Ans. St John's Medical College has on-campus hostel facilities for both boys and girls, with various room types ranging from single rooms to eight-sharing rooms. Hostel accommodation is not mandatory - students can choose to stay off-campus if they prefer. The annual hostel and mess fee ranges from approximately Rs. 34,800 (eight-sharing) to Rs. 48,600 (single room) per year. The hostel includes amenities like RO purified drinking water, a gym, sports ground, dining hall, recreation room, and prayer hall. Given the demanding nature of MBBS studies, most students prefer to stay on campus for convenience.
Ques. Is St John's Medical College recognized for practicing medicine abroad, particularly in the USA or UK?
Ans. Yes, St John's Medical College is ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) approved, which is a key requirement for Indian medical graduates who wish to pursue residency or practice medicine in the United States. For the UK, graduates need to clear the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) exam, and SJMC's degree is recognized for this purpose. The college has a strong track record of alumni working at prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins University (USA) and NHS (UK). The college's rigorous academic standards and clinical training make its graduates competitive in international medical licensing exams like USMLE and PLAB.
Ques. What is the actual total cost of completing MBBS at St John's Medical College, including all expenses?
Ans. The total tuition fee for the 4.5-year MBBS program is approximately Rs. 34.54 lakhs (Year 1: Rs. 8,10,535 + Years 2-4.5: Rs. 7,55,200 per year x 3.5 years = Rs. 26,43,200). If a student opts for hostel accommodation (two-sharing, for example), the hostel and mess fee adds approximately Rs. 39,800 per year, totalling around Rs. 2.19 lakhs over 5.5 years. Including miscellaneous personal expenses, books, and equipment, the total cost of completing MBBS at SJMC is estimated at approximately Rs. 37-40 lakhs for the full duration. This makes it one of the more affordable top-ranked private medical colleges in Karnataka.
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