Starting MBBS is a dream come true for every medical student. The first year is your first step into medicine, and it sets the foundation for the entire course. Many freshers have common questions – What exactly is the MBBS first year syllabus? Which books should I study? Is it very tough? This guide answers all your questions in detail.
Overview of MBBS First Year
- Duration: 1 year (2 semesters)
- Subjects Covered: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
- Exams: Internal assessments, practicals, viva, and university finals
- Pattern: Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) introduced by NMC
MBBS First Year Subjects in Detail
Anatomy
Anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body. It forms the backbone of medicine because unless you know how the body is built, you cannot understand how it functions or how diseases affect it.
Syllabus includes:
- Gross Anatomy – Head & Neck, Thorax, Abdomen, Upper & Lower Limbs
- Neuroanatomy – Brain, Spinal Cord, Cranial Nerves
- Histology – Microscopic study of tissues
- Embryology – Development of organs
- Surface & Radiological Anatomy
Recommended Indian Books for Anatomy:
- B.D. Chaurasia’s Human Anatomy (Volumes 1–4)
- Inderbir Singh’s Human Embryology
- A.K. Jain’s Textbook of Histology
Physiology
Physiology deals with how the body works. You will study functions of different systems and learn how the body maintains homeostasis.
Syllabus includes:
- General Physiology
- Blood & Immunology
- Cardiovascular System
- Respiratory System
- Gastrointestinal System
- Renal (Excretory) System
- Nervous System & Special Senses
- Endocrinology & Reproductive System
Recommended Indian Books for Physiology:
- A.K. Jain’s Physiology (Vol. 1 & 2)
- Sembulingam’s Essentials of Medical Physiology
- S.K. Chaudhuri’s Concise Medical Physiology
Biochemistry
Biochemistry explains the chemical basis of life. Many students find it tough initially, but with the right approach, it becomes interesting.
Syllabus includes:
- Biomolecules – Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, Nucleic Acids
- Enzymes & Metabolism
- Molecular Biology – DNA, RNA, Protein synthesis
- Vitamins & Minerals
- Hormones & Endocrinology basics
- Clinical Biochemistry – Diabetes, Jaundice, Kidney function, etc.
Recommended Indian Books for Biochemistry:
- Vasudevan & Sreekumari – Textbook of Biochemistry for Medical Students
- Satyanarayana Biochemistry
- D.M. Vasudevan Biochemistry
| Subject | Main Topics Covered | Recommended Indian Books |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy | Gross, Neuro, Histology, Embryology, Surface Anatomy | B.D. Chaurasia, Inderbir Singh (Embryology), A.K. Jain (Histology) |
| Physiology | Blood, CVS, Respiratory, Renal, Nervous, Endocrine, Reproduction | A.K. Jain, Sembulingam, S.K. Chaudhuri |
| Biochemistry | Biomolecules, Enzymes, Metabolism, Vitamins, Hormones, Clinical Cases | Vasudevan, Satyanarayana |
How Tough is MBBS First Year?
The syllabus is vast, but not impossible. Most students struggle initially because it is very different from school studies.
- Anatomy: Time-consuming, needs memorization
- Physiology: Concept-based and logical
- Biochemistry: Requires both memory and understanding
Study Tips for First Year MBBS
- Attend dissection and practical classes regularly
- Make short notes and flowcharts
- Study daily instead of last-minute cramming
- Follow one main textbook and stick to it
- Revise frequently, especially diagrams and cycles
Suggested Study Plan
- Daily: 2 hours Anatomy, 1.5 hours Physiology, 1 hour Biochemistry
- Weekend: Revise diagrams, practice histology slides, solve old questions
- Before Exams: Focus on past papers and important topics given by faculty
Key Takeaways
- MBBS First Year consists of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry
- Use standard Indian author books for clarity and exams
- Consistency matters more than long hours
- Build strong basics, it helps in future years
Final Words
MBBS first year is the foundation of your medical career. It feels huge in the beginning, but with the right books, smart planning, and daily revision, you can manage it well. Use the recommended Indian author textbooks to make your preparation strong and exam-oriented. Remember, the first year is not about scoring marks, it is about building strong basics that will help you throughout your MBBS journey.