Why Your Parents Want You to Pursue MBBS (And Why They’re Probably Right)

Are your parents pushing you towards MBBS too? Have you also heard the speech –“Beta, doctor ban jao, life set ho jayegi!” And while you insist that you are more of an engineering/ art/ fashion person, do your parents say that MBBS is still the better option and that they have evidence? 

Why do Indian parents have such an obsession with their children becoming doctors? I sat down with my parents and asked them this question. Here’s what they said: 

(Disclaimer: their words not mine)

Engineering and Unemployment

Once upon a time, engineering was the go-to career in India. Every house had an engineer in the making, and with good reason too. Engineering used to land a high-paying job. But now, oversaturation has taken a toll on the engineering industry. 

These days, engineering graduates are getting entry-level jobs for ₹15,000- ₹20,000 a month. Yep, you read that right, just 15k. Plus this too is an uncertain situation, recent estimates say that only 10% of India’s 1.5 Million Engineering Graduates will secure jobs this year.

Parents have seen the reality of the job market. They see the kids with engineering degrees working for bare minimum or worse, hunting for a job. 

So, when your parents tell you, “Doctor ban jao,” it’s not just about extreme expectations, it is also about wanting security for their kids.

The Arts Debate

Now, let’s talk about arts and fashion. Yes, these are fields with immense creativity and potential. But in our country, the reality is a little harsh. 

India is the most populous country in the world. This obviously means that the competition in the creative fields is unreal. You can only make a name for yourself in any of these fields if you’ve got rare talent, plenty of luck, and a good network.

Then there’s the fact that Indian society discredits creative fields—“Arts? Fashion? Design? What kind of career is that?” It’s not that these fields don’t offer rewarding careers. It’s just that, traditionally they’re seen as important and are thus frowned upon. Your parents know that and they probably don’t want you to face uncertainty in a field that’s not valued by society.

In our parents’ eyes, ‘medicine’ is always a more stable choice. 

The Perks of Being a Doctor

Here’s where your parents really give the most compelling argument: being a doctor in India (and mostly, anywhere) comes with a lot of advantages. Here are a few of them:

Job Security

Doctors will always be in demand. Whether you’re in a metropolitan city or a small village, people always need healthcare. Unlike other fields, medicine will never be affected by recession. Other industries might fire employees during tough times, but the same does not happen with doctors.

Respect in Society 

Doctors are very respected in Indian society. They are said to be the form of god on earth. 

Global Opportunities

Unlike certain professions that are limited to the borders of one country, medicine is universal. A doctor trained in India can practice almost anywhere in the world (after clearing necessary exams, of course). Whether it’s the UK, US, or Australia, the opportunities for doctors are many.

High Salary (Eventually!)

Let’s be honest MBBS can not make you rich overnight. But the long-term rewards? That is something that your parents are counting on. After specialization, once you start your practice/ get a good job, the income potential is huge. 

In India or abroad, doctors make a comfortable living. And unlike some professions, your salary isn’t does not decrease after a certain age. The more experienced you get, the more you earn.

The Feeling of Making a Difference: 

Nothing compares to the emotional reward of saving lives and helping people every day. The change you make in society is visible to you. 

Being a doctor is stressful. Every patient will not have the best results. But at the end of the day, you will have the solace of knowing that you have saved lives.

Medicine Is a Safe Bet (From a Parent’s Perspective)

I think it’s clear that from their point of view, medicine is the safest bet. It offers all three: stability, respect, and financial security. And seeing how unpredictable today’s world has become, what parent wouldn’t want that for their child?

Why Your Parents Aren’t Totally Wrong

When your parents push you toward MBBS, they’re not doing it because they don’t believe in your dreams of becoming a designer, artist, or engineer. Most of them did not have the opportunity to study the way you do. They see this chance as a privilege and tend to get angry when you do not use it like they want to.

They’re doing it because they are scared for you and they do not want you to struggle in your life. Whatever their thought process might be, their intentions are never wrong.

But hey, this is no persuasion for you to blindly follow what they say. Go for your dreams, but understand where their concerns come from. Talk to them about your thoughts.

In the end, it’s all about striking a balance between their hopes and your dreams—because both matter.