S.C.B Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack

The infrastructure of the College can be way better than it is. Although it isn't bad even now, but it can be improved immensely. The cleanliness of the campus is a true concern. With the ever increasing patient load, newer more efficient methods must be adopted. The learning opportunity in this College is vast. The variety of cases to study is huge. Some of the rarest cases of medicine are found here.

The course for MBBS is followed as per the national guidelines set by the NMC (formerly by MCI). The course in itself is vast and hectic. I would require quite a lot of work, if one wants to be thorough. The classes are usually held between 9 am to 5 pm with a lunch break from 1 to 2 pm. It includes theory and practical classes.

As this is an medical College the internship is in the College. The stipend paid is as per the State Government guidelines. After the course of MBBS one can go for Post Graduation or job. Both of which would require the passing of the respective entrance exams. There are opportunities for both at the College.

There are several cultural fests held round the year for the entertainment of the students. The best celebrated event is the College Function, organized by the Students Union every year. There are also a large number of seminars held on various topics, like different diseases, drugs, etc. Further the inter College fest for all the medical Colleges of Odisha is also held here once in every 3 years.

The fees are nominal, when compared to other graduation Colleges across India. The total cost of pursuing MBBS for 4.5 years at the College costs under 1.5 lacs. This includes the accommodation fees also. Further there are several scholarships for people from weak financial backgrounds. The details are as follows: 1st year : 40K 2nd, 3rd and 4th year : 30K each Final year(1 semester): 15K Out of this the course fee is 20K for a year of 2 semesters.

There are several scholarships offered for financially weak students like Medhabruti. There are also facilities for people from reserved classes. All scholarships offered by government and NGOs can be availed if eligible as this is a recognised College. There is an in campus branch of SBI which facilitates loans for students.

There are facilities for cricket, football, volley ball, basketball, badminton along with all athletic events. The gender ratio is typically around 2:1(M:F). The Students Union also has Academic, Journal, Drama, Cultural, Sports Societies for the respective activities. The students are usually more from within the state, upto around 95%. However people are tolerant towards students from other states. Although they would have to learn the local language, Odia. Overall the environment is very tolerant and people with different views, beliefs and orientation are accepted well.

The hostel rooms are usually shared by 3 people. The bathrooms are on sharing basis. There is enough room for all the students who apply for a hostel. Hostel accomodation is usually cheaper than off campus stay. The hostel fees are 10K per year of 2 semesters. The meals aren't inclusive and cost between 2000 to 3000 per month at the hostel mess.

There is an extensive alumni network, with several of the past graduates posted as some of the best doctors in the country and beyond. The College seniors typically are helpful and friendly. The interactions with the alumni of the College has helped me understand the profession better and I have learned to handle situations better.

The entry to this College, like all other medical Colleges across India takes place through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). There are a total of 250 seats in total. Out of which 85% are placed under Odisha state domicile quota. While the rest for All India quota. Reservations are applicable as per guidelines. I personally had the option to choose between IITs, with a sub 600 AIR in JEE Advanced, MBBS in my state, IISERs and NISER. I chose SCB over the other medical Colleges in my state because it has the maximum patient in flow, great opportunity for exposure and good facilities.

The faculty are well qualified and experienced. Most of them are ready to help the students with their problems. Most of the faculties are interested to teach. While some aren't as much interested for the same.