The MBBS 2nd year is a crucial cornerstone for the foundation of a future doctor, as it encompasses the next set of foundational subjects: Pathology, Pharmacology, and Microbiology. Clearing the concepts in these three subjects will smooth the journey of the upcoming years when the students are introduced to the clinical subjects. 

Hence, the books recommended for MBBS second-year students should be concise, easy to understand, and in accordance with the requirements of your respective college and university. In this guide, you will be acquainted with the subjects in the MBBS 2nd year, along with the books that are usually recommended for them.

MBBS 2nd Year Subjects

The second year of MBBS usually consists of a total of 3 main subjects:

1. Pathology
2. Pharmacology
3. Microbiology 

Each subject requires a proper combination of books so that students can cover the syllabus. The MBBS 2nd year books that a student refers to should be clear, concise, and easy to understand, enabling them to strengthen their core concepts and flourish as physicians. 

Selecting the Right Books for MBBS 2nd Year

Choosing the appropriate books for the MBBS 2nd year is necessary to establish a strong foundation before students begin their clinical subjects in subsequent years. Having a compact textbook helps students learn complex concepts more effectively, along with their application to real-life patients. 

The following section contains the list of books for MBBS 2nd year that have been handpicked by the experts and referred to by the MBBS students for a more substantial base. 

1. Best Books of Pathology for MBBS Students

The following pathology books are highly recommended for the MBBS 2nd-year students to excel in their exams:

Name of the Book	Author(s)	Description
Essentials in Haematology and Clinical Pathology	Ramadas Nayak and Sharada Rai	-With over 27 photomicrographs, 146 tables, and 135 drawings, this book is written for better learning.  -This book is loaded with MCQs that help the students to assess their knowledge and understanding.  -There are four parts of the book: Disorders of Hemostasis, Clinical Pathology, Disorders of Red Cells, and Disorders of White Cells. -Key boxes, flowcharts, and diagrams make understanding of various pathological conditions effortless.
Rapid Review of Haematology	Ramadas Nayak and Sharada Rai	-With over 27 photomicrographs, 146 tables, and 135 drawings, this book is written for better learning.  -This book is loaded with MCQs that help the students to assess their knowledge and understanding.  -There are four parts of the book: Disorders of Hemostasis, Clinical Pathology, Disorders of Red Cells, and Disorders of White Cells. -Key boxes, flowcharts, and diagrams make understanding of various pathological conditions effortless.
Exam Preparatory Manual for Undergraduates Pathology	Ramadas Nayak	-This book aims to provide a solid understanding of pathology along with aetiology and pathogenesis.  -The illustrations and photomicrographs have been used to provide a clear picture of the concept taught.  -The books have 3 parts: General Pathology, Haematological and Clinical Pathology, and Systemic Pathology, making a total of 28 chapters.  -This book is best for students who want to strengthen their base and clarify the basic concepts of pathology.
Review of Pathology and Genetics	Sparsh Gupta and Gobind Rai Garg	-The latest edition is as per the NBE pattern.  -Last-minute review points are added under “NEET busters”. -The question banks are taken from authentic sources.  -The PYQ texts are underlined in the chapters for the ease of the students.
Textbook of Pathology	Harsh Mohan	-30 chapters of this book are divided into three sections: Systemic Pathology, Haematopoietic and Lymphoreticular System, and General Pathology. -Updated version of this book includes SAQs and MCQs that are important for viva-voce. -There are ‘must know’ boxes after each chapter to summarise the whole topic.  -At the end of each chapter, there are several clinical cases that are relevant to the topic, helping the students to correlate.
Comprehensive Image-Based Review of Pathology	Sushant Soni	-A complete image-based book having more than 650 images with proper explanations.  -Covers and presents the topics in a manner that is helpful for NEET PG.  -Images are highly illustrative for the students to understand easily.

2. Best Books of Pharmacology for MBBS Students 

MBBS 2nd year students should refer to the following books to score better in their university as well as competitive exams:

Name of the Book	Author(s)	Description
Review of Pharmacology	Govind Rai Garg and Sparsha Gupta	-This book is loaded with IBQs and MCQs for the preparation of NEET PG.  -The mnemonics present can help the students to recall important terminologies and concepts.  -The ending of the book contains several annexures that contain the drug of choice for various diseases. -This book provides antegrade as well as retrograde study, according to the convenience of the student.
Essentials of Medical Pharmacology	K.D. Tripathi	-Chapters in this book have been thoroughly revised to mention new medications and recommendations.  -The starting of the book contains a list of acronyms that helps to understand the context better.  -A strong emphasis is put on ‘evidence-based medicines’ by citing endpoint trials.  -The book also mentions some of the legitimate sources for further study.
Pharmacology for Medical Graduates	Tara V Shanbhag, Smita Shenoy	-Questions are made in a format that benefits during theoretical as well as practical exams.  -New topics such as CNS stimulants and treatment of psoriasis have been included, which are essential for NEET PG.  -The language used in the book is easily understood by the students for better learning.  -The information is written in bullet points for concise reading and to avoid fluff.

3. Best Books of Microbiology for MBBS Students 

The following table provides a detailed overview of the microbiology books that are commonly recommended for MBBS 2nd year students:

Name of the Book	Author(s)	Description
Review of Microbiology and Immunology	Aprurba Sastry and Sandhya Bhat	-Every chapter is updated with the most recent therapy, laboratory diagnosis, and epidemiology in the latest edition -This book contains updated information on some critical viruses, such as the Ebola virus and Zika virus, along with vaccines like the dengue vaccine, vaccine-derived polio viruses, etc.  -Updated laboratory findings regarding HCF and HBV with PEP. -Immunology, parasitology, and mycology are explained elaborately with flowcharts and diagrams.
Ananthanarayan and Paniker’s Textbook of Microbiology	R. Ananthanarayan and CK Jayaram Paniker	-Every chapter is updated with the most recent therapy, laboratory diagnosis, and epidemiology in the latest edition -This book contains updated information on some critical viruses, such as the Ebola virus and Zika virus, along with vaccines like the dengue vaccine, vaccine-derived polio viruses, etc.  -Updated laboratory findings regarding HCF and HBV with PEP. -Immunology, parasitology, and mycology are explained elaborately with flowcharts and diagrams.
Self-Assessment & Review Microbiology & Immunology	Rachna Chaurasia and Anshul Jain	-At the end of each chapter, all the essential aspects are mentioned under a single heading.  -Includes mnemonics and pictures for better learning and understanding.  -All the vital information is presented in an engaging format, such as flowcharts and tabulation, for better retention of the students. -Includes parasitology and immunology elaborately.
Essentials of Medical Microbiology	Apurba Sastry and Sandhya Bhat	-This book is divided into two parts: General Microbiology and Systemic Microbiology.  -The only book that focuses on clinical microbiology that includes infectious syndromes as per CBME.  -Each chapter is loaded with essay questions and clinical case studies at the end.  -This book also incorporates a chapter regarding COVID-19 along with the AETCOM module.

Apart from textbooks, students can also seek help from notes and lectures available on online platforms to clarify their concepts and address any doubts. 

FAQs About the MBBS 2nd Year Books List

1. How many books are there in the MBBS 2nd year?

There is no fixed number of books in the MBBS 2nd year. The syllabus requirements and the students’ learning needs determine how many books they should study to secure good marks. 

2. What are the subjects in the 2nd year of MBBS?

The three main subjects in the second year of MBBS are:

• Pathology: The study of disease and the associated cellular changes.
• Pharmacology: The study of drug interactions in the human body.
• Microbiology: The study of microbes.

3. How many hours to study in the 2nd year of MBBS?

For a 2nd-year MBBS student, 6 to 8 hours of focused study are required, which includes lectures, practical sessions, and self-study sessions. 

4. What are the passing marks for the MBBS 2nd year?

To progress through the 2nd year of MBBS, a student must achieve an aggregate of 50% marks in their university exams, with a minimum of 40% in theory and 60% in practical, as well as a minimum of 40% in internal assessment. 

Summary

Choosing the best books for 2nd year MBBS is a crucial step in the career of a medical student seeking a strong foundation in pre- and para-clinical subjects. Being well-versed in your curriculum and having access to the right resources helps you learn and retain information more effectively, enabling you to excel academically. 

DocTutorials provides you with access to expert guidance, one-to-one mentorship, concise video lectures, mock tests, and personal counselling that enhance your medical journey and help you to flourish in your medical career. Check out our MBBS courses today!