Medicine forms the cornerstone of medical education, linking foundational sciences with clinical application. During MBBS, students actively engage with a vast range of topics that enhance their understanding of human health and disease. Studying medicine not only enhances the ability to diagnose and manage cases but also equips the students with the ability to work with real patients and also the postgraduate admissions exams like NEET-PG. 

By focusing on essential topics across systems like cardiology, neurology, nephrology, and infectious diseases, medical students can build a strong foundation for their future as competent and compassionate doctors. 

Continue reading this guide and find the list of essential subjects of medicine in MBBS 2025!

What are the Important Topics of Medicine in MBBS?

The following are the important topics of medicine in MBBS: 

1. Haematology

• Thrombocytopenia
• Megaloblastic Anaemia
• Clinical features and management of Polycythaemia Rubra Vera
• Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
• Aplastic Anaemia
• Iron Deficiency Anaemia
• Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
• Management of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

2. Infectious Diseases

• Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prophylaxis of Rabies with clinical features
• Neurocysticercosis
• Dengue Fever: Investigations and Management
• Complications of Malaria
• Scrub Typhus: Clinical Features, Neurological Manifestations, and Management
• Clinical features and management of Leptospirosis
• Brucellosis
• Elephantiasis
• DOTS
• MDR-TB
• Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)
• Antiretroviral Drugs, HIV & TB, and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV
• AIDS-Defining Illness
• Ebola Virus Disease
• Opportunistic Infections in AIDS
• Gonorrhoea
• Anaerobic Infections
• H1N1 Disease
• COVID-19 Disease
• Treatment of Falciparum Malaria
• Clinical Features and Treatment of Typhoid
• Lab Diagnosis of HIV
• Complications of Ascariasis

3. Cardiovascular System (CVS)

• Clinical features, investigations, and management of Myocardial Infarction
• Management of MI at a Primary Health Centre (PHC)
• Causes, investigations, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, complications, and treatment of Acute Left Heart Failure (Pulmonary Oedema)
• Constrictive Pericarditis: Clinical Features and Management
• Infective Endocarditis: Etiopathogenesis, Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Management
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Etiopathogenesis, Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Management
• Atrial Fibrillation: Common Causes
• Congestive Heart Failure: Etiopathogenesis, Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Management
• Ventricular Septal Defect

4. Respiratory System

• Pneumothorax
• Lung Abscess
• Paraneoplastic Manifestations of Carcinoma Lung
• Nosocomial Pneumonia
• Acute Severe Asthma
• Bronchial Carcinoma: Aetiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical Features, and Management
• Investigations and Management of Pulmonary Embolism
• Factors Precipitating Bronchial Asthma
• Respiratory Failure: Types and Causes
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Aetiology, Clinical Features, Investigations, and Treatment
• Pathology and Clinical Features of Carcinoma Lung

5. Renal System

• Nephrotic Syndrome: Etiopathogenesis, Clinical Features, Investigations, and Management
• Peritoneal Dialysis
• Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)
• Chronic Renal Failure
• Haemodialysis
• Assessment of Kidney Diseases
• Acute Tubular Necrosis: Aetiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical Features, and Management
• Acute Pyelonephritis
• Adult Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Acute Renal Failure
• Acute Kidney Injury: Pathophysiology and Investigations
• Renal Artery Stenosis: Investigations and Management

6. GIT and Hepatobiliary System

• Diagnosis and Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy
• Management of Haematemesis due to Acute Variceal Bleed
• Coeliac Disease
• Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
• Chronic Hepatitis B
• Cirrhotic Ascites: Pathogenesis and Management
• Complications of Cirrhosis
• Budd-Chiari Syndrome
• Chronic Diarrhoea
• Fatty Liver and NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)
• Abdominal Tuberculosis
• Management of Peptic Ulcer and H. pylori Infection
• Amoebic Liver Abscess
• Tubercular Ascites: Investigations and Management
• Upper GI Bleed: Causes
• Chronic Hepatitis
• Acute Viral Hepatitis: Clinical Features, Investigations, and Differential Diagnosis
• Portal Hypertension
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Traveller’s Diarrhoea
• Acute Pancreatitis

7. Immunology and Rheumatology

• Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Management of Myasthenia Gravis
• Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• Clinical Features and Lab Findings of Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Scleroderma
• Common Vasculitis Disorders
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Clinical Features, Investigations, Management, and Extra-Articular Manifestations
• Cutaneous Manifestations of SLE
• Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener’s Granulomatosis): Clinical Manifestations and Treatment

8. Endocrinology

• Addison’s Disease
• Myxoedema Coma
• Clinical Features and Management of Adrenal Insufficiency
• Cushing Syndrome
• Graves’ Disease
• Prolactinoma
• Thyrotoxic Crisis and Thyroid Storm Management
• Acromegaly
• Hypothyroidism: Clinical Features, Investigations, and Management
• SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion)
• Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome
• Complications of Diabetes Mellitus
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Diagnosis and Management
• Rickets
• Differentiation between Hypoglycaemic and Hyperglycaemic Coma

9. Neurological Disorders

• Cerebellar Disorders: Clinical Features
• Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: Clinical Features and Management
• Tubercular vs. Pyogenic Meningitis
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome
• Wernicke’s Encephalopathy
• Ischaemic Stroke: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Management
• Facial Palsy
• Infective Polyneuritis
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Causes and Clinical Features
• Management of Status Epilepticus
• Acute Mountain Sickness
• Meningitis (Tubercular and Pyogenic)
• Intracerebral Haemorrhage (Acute)
• Drugs Used for Cerebral Oedema
• Epilepsy: Types, Antiepileptic Drugs, and Management
• Classification, Causes, and Management of Cerebrovascular Accidents

10. Poisoning

• Snake Bite
• Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning: Treatment
• Organophosphate Poisoning: Diagnosis and Management
• Insecticide Poisoning: Management
• Barbiturate Poisoning
• Agents Causing Methaemoglobinaemia and Their Management
• Ethylene Glycol Poisoning

11. Electrolytes, Fluids, and Nutrition

• Hyperkalaemia
• Hyponatraemia
• Hypoglycaemia
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency
• Schilling Test
• Hypercalcaemia
• Hypocalcaemia
• Vitamin D Deficiency
• Enteral Nutrition
• Metabolic Acidosis
• Nutritional Deficiencies Causing Polyneuropathy

12. Dermatology 

• Urticaria
• Erythema Multiforme
• Lichen Planus
• Psoriasis and Its Treatment
• Alopecia
• Scabies
• Drug Eruptions
• Tinea Infections
• Genital Herpes Simplex
• Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
• Deep Folliculitis and Cellulitis
• Acne Vulgaris: Treatment
• Secondary Syphilis
• Angioedema
• Photosensitivity
• Mucocutaneous Manifestations of SLE
• Kaposi Sarcoma
• Lepra Reactions
• Atopic Eczema
• Bullous Lesions: Differential Diagnoses
• Sexually Transmitted Viral Infections

13. Psychiatry 

• Diagnosis and Management of Schizophrenia
• Bipolar Disorder and Its Treatment
• Depression and Depressive Disorders: Diagnosis
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Factitious Disorders and Malingering
• Phobic Disorders
• Delirium
• Acute Dependence
• Substance Abuse and Misuse Disorder
• Cannabis Misuse
• Effects of Alcohol on the Central Nervous System
• Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Chronic Alcoholism
• Sedative Misuse
• Somatoform Disorders
• Antidepressant Drugs
• Anti-Psychotic Drugs
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Acute Cocaine Intoxication and Complications
• Dissociative Disorders
• Medically Unexplained Somatic Symptoms

14. Miscellaneous

• Malignant Hypertension
• Fever with Splenomegaly
• Fever with Lymphadenopathy
• Fever with Thrombocytopenia
• Marfan Syndrome
• Patterns of Inheritance of Genetic Disorders
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
• Methods of Genetic Testing
• Methotrexate
• Genetic Counselling: Indications and Principles
• X-linked Diseases
• Gene Therapy

Why is it Important to Know the Topics of Medicine in MBBS?

The following are the main reasons explaining why it is important to know the topics of medicine in MBBS:

• Integration of Basic Sciences

The study of medicine builds upon a solid understanding of normal physiological processes and the mechanisms of disease. A thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and microbiology is essential to interpret how illnesses develop and manifest clinically.

• Foundation for Clinical Practice

Mastery of medical subjects equips students with the ability to diagnose, manage, and treat patients effectively. It forms the basis for both pharmacological and procedural interventions used in real-world healthcare settings.

• Academic Achievement and Career Advancement

Medicine carries significant weight in MBBS professional examinations and postgraduate entrance tests such as NEET-PG and INI-CET. A strong command of the subject is therefore crucial for excelling academically and progressing towards specialisation.

• Comprehensive Patient Care

Medical topics encompass a wide range of systems and conditions, including infections, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and haematological disorders. This breadth of knowledge is key to providing well-rounded and informed patient care.

FAQs about Important Topics of Medicine in MBBS 

1. What can I do to keep myself motivated as I prepare for medicine in MBBS?

It is not always an easy task to remain motivated when you are preparing for medicine during MBBS, although with the proper strategy, you will be able to maintain your attention and energy levels. Here are a few practical strategies:

• Set Achievable Targets: Divide your syllabus into smaller, realistic goals. Completing each section gives you a sense of progress and keeps your momentum strong.
• Follow a Balanced Routine: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with sufficient rest, nutritious meals, and some physical activity. A sound body supports a sharp mind.
• Take Short Breaks: A continuous study may prove to be exhausting. Take short breaks to rest and re-energise yourself, and resume reading your books.
• Be Mindful: Deep breathing, yoga or meditation can be used to keep you calm, have better concentration, and work out exam anxiety.
• Stay Positive: Remember the reason why you decided to go this way. To keep yourself inspired, visualise your long-term dream of becoming a doctor.

Finally, it is always good to revise well and intelligently all the important areas in medicine prior to your examinations to earn confidence and guarantee success.

2. Which Indian author’s book is most recommended for studying MBBS medicine?

An Insider’s Guide to Clinical Medicine by Archith Boloor and Anudeep Padakanti, along with Exam Preparatory Manual for Undergraduates: Medicine by Archith Boloor and Ramadas Nayak, are highly regarded Indian-authored books that provide excellent guidance for mastering medicine during MBBS.

3. Are MBBS medicine exams conducted once a year or once per semester?

MBBS medicine examinations are usually done on a semester basis. It is a 5.5-year course that is split into 9 semesters, and the evaluation of the student occurs after every semester.  This continuous pattern of evaluation helps track academic progress, reinforces the understanding of key medicine topics, and ensures consistent preparation for clinical application and final professional exams.

Conclusion

A strong understanding of medicine during MBBS lays the foundation for clinical excellence and lifelong learning. Students become competent through mastering the major topics in the systems, which enables them to diagnose, manage, and treat patients appropriately. 

The combination of basic science with clinical knowledge not only improves scores in exams but also develops the confidence needed to apply medical knowledge in the real world. 

However, for a solid preparation, choosing the right study partner is crucial. DocTutorials acts as an ideal choice in this regard by offering concise video lectures across a vast range of topics, mock tests, live sessions, PYQs, and more.   

MBBS Medicine simplified by DocTutorials!