Q: Is the medical degree, awarded by the Smolensk State Medical University, recognized in India?

A: Yes, the medical degree, awarded by the Smolensk State Medical University, is recognized in India. As per the year 2002 amendment of the Medical Council of India Act, any foreign medical degree (equivalent to MBBS in India) from any foreign medical institution, whose name and the degree awarded are enlisted in the World Directory of Medical Schools, published by the World Health Organization (WHO) is a recognized medical degree.The Smolensk State Medical University and degree awarded by it are enlisted in the World Directory Of Medical Schools, published by the World Health Organization and thus is recognized by the Medical Council of India.

Endoscopic operation - Dept. of general surgery

Endoscopic operation - Dept. of general surgery

One of research laboratories of the Smolensk State Medical University

One of research laboratories of the Smolensk State Medical University

ultrasound class

Ultrasound Class

class in aricu

Class at the Department of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intesive Care Medicine

ECG-class

ECG class

Q: Please, give me details of the Medical Council of India Act. Do I have right to register and privilege to practice medicine in India as per MCI Act?

A: All Indian citizens, possessing a primary medical qualification, awarded by any medical institution outside India, who are desirous to get Provisional or Permanent Registration with the Medical Council of India or any State Medical Council on or after the 15th of March, 2002 shall have to qualify a Screening Test which will be conducted by the National Board of Examinations, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, as per the provisions of the Indian Medical Act, 1956 (as amended) and the Screening Test Regulations, 2002, which has been notified in Part III Section 4 of the Gazette of India Extra-ordinary issue dated the 18th of February, 2002. The Screening Test will be conducted twice a year as per the Schedule of Examination to be announced by the National Board of Examination, New Delhi. There shall be three papers of Multiple-choice questions in pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical medicine and its allied subjects including Obstetrics & Gynecology. The language of the Test shall be English. The test for each paper will be of three hours duration. A candidate has to obtain a minimum of 50% marks in each paper separately for passing the Screening Test. No candidate shall be allowed to appear for the Screening Test unless he/she is a citizen of India and posses any primary medical qualification, either whose name and the institution awarding it is included in the World Directory of Medical Schools, published by the World Health Organisation; or which is confirmed by the Indian Embassy concerned to be a recognised qualification for enrolment as medical practitioner in the country in which the institution awarding the said qualification is situated.

Once the candidate passes the Screening Test and completes the requisite internship, he is entitled for registration with the Medical Council of India with the consequent right of medical practice in India.

The Smolensk State Medical University is included in the World Directory Of Medical Schools, published by the World Health Organisation and award degree, which is a recognised qualification for enrolment as medical practitioner in the country in which the institution, awarding the said qualification, is situated and thus is recognised by the Medical Council of India as per the MCI act stated above. For more details you can check the official website of the Medical Council of India: www.mciindia.org

Indian students participating in operation - Dept. of general surgery

Indian students participating in operation - Dept. of general surgery

Q: After the new Act of the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India came in effect from 18th November 2021, will the students be able to fulfill these requirements and register their degrees in India?

A: Yes. All requirements of the new NMC act will be satisfied by the Graduates of the Smolensk State Medical University. The requirements of NMC are as follows:

1. Minimum duration of the eduction should be 54 months. (At SSMU, it is more than 54 months.)

2. A Rotatory Clinical Internship of 12 months. (At SSMU, it is more than 12 months.)

3. A Licence to practice medicine from the Country of medical education. (Within 15 days of receiving of Degree, a Licencing examination is conducted at the SSMU. The syllabus for this examination is same as for the final examination of the medical education.)

Q: What are the minimum requirements for admission to the Smolensk State Medical University?

A: As per the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 1997, of the Medical Council of India, the minimum qualification for Indian students for admission to any Foreign Medical Institutions is as follows:

  1. He/she shall complete the age of 17 years on or before the 31st of December, of the year of admission to the MBBS course.
  2. He/she must have passed in 10+2 or equivalent examination in the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English individually and must have obtained a minimum of 50% marks taken together in Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the qualifying examination as mentioned in clause (2) of regulation 4.
  3. He/she must have qualified NEET.

Q: Is there any entrance examination for getting admission to the Smolensk State Medical University?

A: No, there is no entrance examination. Admissions are on first come first served system.A Student should satisfy the minimum requirements for admission.

Q: Do I have to undergo a one-year Russian Language Course even when I will be studying in English Medium?

A: No, you do not have to undergo the one-year Russian Language Course. You are taught in English, but as you know that during Medical education you have to interact with local patients and so you must know the local language. That is why you are given the Russian language classes as a subject during first, second and third year. The knowledge of Russian also helps you in your daily life. This goes the same way if any Punjabi doctor wants to work in Gujarat, where a patient from rural area only knows Gujarati and can not explain his problem to this Punjabi doctor. Here the fluency of English, Punjabi and Hindi will not help the poor Punjabi doctor - he must learn Gujarati.

Q: Shall I join any course in Russian Language offered here in India?

A: Yes, you can join it, but do not expect very good results from it.

Q: I did my schooling not from English medium, shall I join any crash course in the English language here in India before Departing for Russia?

A: Yes, that would be a great idea, as poor knowledge of English could create an obstacle in understanding the material taught by teachers. If you do not join any such course then, you will face some problems for the first three - four months.

Q: While studying in Smolensk State Medical University, if for any reason I wish to change the medical university,will I get permission?

A: Yes, but before getting a transfer certificate you will have to pay full tuition fee of remaining years of your studies in Smolensk State Medical University.

Q: What type of climate is in Smolensk?

A: There are 4 seasons in European part of Russia. Spring (March to May), Summer (June to August), Autumn (September to November) and Winter (December to February). Climate of Smolensk is temperate continental with cool summer and mild winter. Temperature in summer is up to +30 and in winter about -10 degrees centigrade.

Indian students enjoying skiing

Indian students enjoying skiing

Q: How are we protected from -10 degrees in winters?

A: All buildings in Russia, including the University and the Hostel buildings, public transports and shops etc. are centrally heated. Government takes care of heating system. Students are well advised by Cosmos Educational Consultants how to wear and keep warm.

City in Winter

City in Winter

Q: How do I travel to India from Russia?

A: There are many airlines operating on rout from Moscow to different cities of India from various airports of Moscow. Cosmos Educational Consultants helps in purchasing air tickets with student concession.

Q: How do I travel to Moscow from Smolensk?

A: Smolensk is 380 Km from Moscow. Smolensk is well connected to Moscow by Rail and Road. Students usually travel to Moscow airport by car taxi or train. Cosmos Educational Consultants organize group travel to airport by bus or mini bus, which is comparably quite cheap.

Q: What is the public transport like in Smolensk?

A: Public transport is very well organized in Smolensk. However, students not so frequently need the public transport as they are living in the campus and every thing is available in or near the campus.

Q: Where will I live?

Room for two

Room for two

A: You will live in a students hostel especially for Indian students. This hostel is the best hostel in Russia as far. This is the hostel specially renovated on request and guidelines of Dr. Alok Aeron, who himself is an Indian and knows the cultural, educational and residential requirements of an Indian student studying in Russia. The rules and regulations for residing in this hostel are very strict, again from the cultural system in any Indian family. (Please read 'Rules and regulations for residing in the hostel'.)

The system of residence is separate for boys and girls, 2 or 4 seated big rooms, upgraded comforts, central heating, full furniture with beddings,the room has a balcony with picturesque view, shower room, toilet, washbasin room, everyday cleaning of rooms, security guards, reception, cleaning and washing personnel, 24 hour medical center, well equipped Gymnasiums with hi-tech machines with personal trainers. One office complex of Dr. Alok Aeron is situated in this hostel to facilitate all services to students, so that students do not have to waste their valuable time in various daily life problems. Here all documentation and any problem related with administration, studies, residence or daily life will be taken care of.

Room for three

Room for four

Q: If I do not like to live in the hostel, can I live in some rented flat or somewhere else?

A: No, if you got admission to the Smolensk State Medical University through Cosmos Educational Consultants, then you have to live in the hostel provided. This is for your well being only. When living in the hostel, you are inside the campus, your classes are nearby, you are safe, in the hostel there is a studious environment, students live in more disciplined manner, there is a strictly controlled system keeping a watch on students.

Q: How am I going to get my cloths washed?

A: You are provided with a laundry in the hostel, where the laundry staff will wash your cloths and iron them. You just have to bring your cloths to the laundry, hand over to laundry staff, get a plastic token and after two days collect them from the laundry. Of course, there is a nominal charge for this service.

Automatic washing machines in a laundry

Automatic washing machines in a laundry

Q: Do we have a gym in our hostel?

A: Yes, we have gyms, operating separately for boys and girls. We have all kinds of machines in them. Personal trainers are giving you guidelines for your exercises.

Boys exercising in a Gym

Boys exercising in a Gym

Q: What sports facilities are available in the university?

A: There is a large gamma of sport facilities for sport enthusiasts. There is a Cricket ground, where Indian and Sri Lankan students enjoy playing cricket. All sport facilities, including Tennis, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Hockey, Badminton, Table tennis, etc are available. There is a swimming pool with sauna bath in the campus. There are two shooting galleries in our campus. Our university owns a skiing base outside the city. Frequent sports tournaments are organized, where Indian students participate enthusiastically.

Q: Do I have to clean my toilet and shower room myself?

A: No, a cleaning woman will come daily and clean your toilet, washbasin room and shower room.

Q: Will I face ragging there?

A: No, there is no such thing as ragging in the Smolensk State Medical University. On contrary, senior students are going to help fresher students in starting their lives in Russia. Senior students understand very well, that a new student is facing changes like cultural change, climatic change, language is different, home sickness etc. Senior students themselves went through this process. Yet again ragging is strictly prohibited and if any senior student will do take ragging, then he will be expelled out of the university immediately.

Q: Where will I eat?

Indian mess: during a brekfast

Indian mess: during a brekfast

A: You have four options for your dining:

Option 1:

You can dine in an Indian Mess. The Indian Mess is operating, where 3 Indian cooks are working. A total staff of more than 20 persons is working here, including cooks, assistant cooks, waitresses etc. Mess is operating on two systems: Indian Pure Vegetarian and Indian Non-Vegetarian. Food is served two times a day i.e. Lunch and Dinner. High standards of Taste, Quality and Hygiene are maintained here. The timetable of the mess is adjusted in accordance with the educational timetable of the students. (For details and cost please read 'Indian Mess'.)
Cost: as stated in 'Indian Mess' information leaflet given separately. Time spent: 50 minutes per day.

Option 2:

You can dine in low price cafeterias of the University. These cafeterias serve Russian food.
Cost: approximately USA Dollars 250 to 300 per month. Time spent: 1 hour and 20 minutes per day.

Option 3:

There are many Cafes and Restaurants in Smolensk. You can dine in any of them.
Cost: approximately USA Dollars 400 to 500 per month. Time spent: 2 hours per day.

Option 4:

You can cook your own meals in the common kitchen, that is provided on every floor. The kitchen has gas-cooking ranges, sinks and tables, but you will need your own utensils. You can purchase grocery in shops, which are situated in and around the campus.
Cost: approximately USA Dollars 125 to 150 per month. Time spent: 4 hours per day.

Indian mess: students are dining

Indian mess: students are dining

Q: What is the cost of living in Smolensk for a Student?

A: The cost of living in Russia for an Indian student varies from city to city. The average cost of living (excluding food) in Smolensk, as it has been observed by Cosmos Educational Consultants after a long experience, is 50 USA Dollars per month (approximately Rs. 3500/-) but this may vary depending upon lifestyle of an individual.

Q: Can I do any part time job?

A: No, you will be in Russia on a student visa and so you are not allowed to take an employment. Any person seeking a job must have work permit. Further more you will be a medical student and a medical student does not have that much of free time to take an employment.

Q: Can a foreign student open a bank account?

A: Yes, a foreign student can open a bank account.

Q: Can I pay my tuition and other fees here in India?

A: No, you have to pay your fees only in Russia. Cosmos Educational Consultants in India will not accept any fee, which should be paid in Russia.

Q: Can I pay my fee in shape of international bank draft or bank cheque drawn in favor of the university?

A: No, the fee is not accepted in the shape of international bank draft or bank cheque drawn in favor of the university. The fee is accepted in cash only, however you can transfer your fee as per the NOSTRO money transfer system from your bank in your country to a bank account in Smolensk, Russia. The details of this account can be obtained on request from the university or Cosmos Educational Consultants.

Q: Can I get a loan for my education? How can Cosmos Educational Consultants help me in this?

A: Yes, nationalized banks in India offer you loans for your medical education abroad. You will have to apply for loan directly. Cosmos Educational Consultants will provide you documents needed by bank from the university. Take care that university accepts the fee either in cash or through NOSTRO system of money transfer so do not take any bank drafts or bank cheques drawn in favour of the university.

Q: If I get ill in Russia, who will take care of me?

A: First of all, a medical centre is working in the campus itself. A nurse is on duty 24 hours a day. A doctor is on duty every evening for 5 hours. Treatment in this medical centre is free of cost. If the nurse on duty decides that the student should be referred to any hospital of the city, then she calls an ambulance. Every student should have compulsory medical insurance, which covers almost all bills of treatment.

Q: If I need money in Russia, how my parents can send me money?

A: The best way to transfer the money is to use international ATM/debit cards. For this purpose a student should open a bank account in India in a bank that is offering international ATM / debit card. Then, whenever he needs money, his parents will just deposit the required amount in this account and the student will withdraw the amount from any ATM machine of any Russian bank. Of course, rules and regulations of the banks will apply. For more details please contact your bank.

Q: How my parents will call me?

A: Every Indian student is advised by Cosmos Educational Consultants to have a mobile phone. Mobile phone system is highly developed in Russia and your parents can easily contact you.

Q: Will I have an Internet facility?

A: Yes, you will have the Internet facility.

One of the Internet Halls

One of the Internet Halls

Q: Can my parents visit me?

A: Yes, your parents are most welcome to visit you and the university. We even have a guest room in the hostel, where they can stay free of cost and if you are eating in the Indian mess, then your parents can dine with you free of cost during their stay. For details how they can get visa and for arrangement of their journey please contact office of Cosmos Educational Consultants.

Q: When are my vacations? Can I visit India during my vacations?

A: Winter vacations are only 15 days in January, or February, but summer vacations are two months (July and August). You are advised to visit India during your summer vacation. Group journeies are organized for students to India helping them to acquire student's concession air tickets.

Q: Is the hostel open during these vacations? Do I have to leave the hostel during the vacation?

A: Yes, the hostel is open during vacations. No, you do not have to leave the hostel. You can stay at the hostel.

Q: What I have to do at Airports during my first departure from India and arrival at Moscow?

A: Departure from Indira Gandhi International Airport New Delhi:

  • Find the check-in counter of your airline and go to the airline check-in counter. Get in the queue in front of the counter for your class of the ticket. When your turn comes, put your suitcase on the belt and give your air ticket. Get your boarding card and air ticket. On boarding card there is following information: Your name, flight number, gate number and seat number.
  • Proceed for the immigration counter and get in the queue for the Indians.
  • When your turn comes, hand over your passport and Boarding card. Immigration officer will stamp the passport and the boarding card and will return these things.
  • The next step is for security check. Get yourself and your hand beg security checked.
  • Go in the waiting hall and wait till there is an announcement about your flight passengers to board the plane. Then proceed to the gate number for your flight, go to the plane through the tunnel, get in the plane and go to your seat, number of which is on your boarding card. Air hostess will help you in finding your seat.

B: Arrival at the Moscow Airport:

  • On arrival at the Moscow airport, proceed to the immigration check with all passengers and get in the queue for foreigners. When your turn comes, give your passport. If immigration officer asks, then give him a copy of the invitation letter from the institute. He will stamp the passport and he will give you a small printed migration card, you have to sign this migration card. Keep your passport and migration securely.
  • Go to the luggage belts and find the belt with your flight number on it and wait for your suitcase and collect it.
  • Proceed for the custom counter and put your luggage for custom check.
  • Get out where a representative of Cosmos Educational Consultants is waiting for you.

The Rules and Regulations for Residing in the Hostels of the Smolensk State Medical University

The following rules and regulations for residing in the hostel (herein after hostel) of the Smolensk State Medical University (here and after SSMU) have been made and approved under the signature and stamp of the Chancellor of SSMU and have received consent of Dr. Alok Aeron, Director of Cosmos Educational Consultants (here and after CEC).

The following rules and regulations for residing in the hostel of SSMU are made for all foreign students who took admission through CEC.

I. GENERAL REGULATIONS

  1. Those students, who took admission through CEC, must live in the hostel provided by SSMU or as directed by the administration of SSMU.
  2. The right to live in the above said hostel is given to the foreign students, who took admission through CEC.
  3. SSMU administration has right to shift a student to any other room as per its own decision.
  4. SSMU representatives have right to check-up the rooms and other premises to keep up the discipline.
  5. All things that are allotted to the student for his room and for his personal use are allotted on the student's responsibility and the student has to sign an abiding note about it.
  6. Male students are placed in the male-blocks.
  7. Female students are placed in the female-blocks.
  8. In case of married students, where both husband and wife are students of SSMU and both had taken admission through CEC, then they can be allotted a two seated room on condition that they provide a legal marriage certificate.
  9. Anyone, who is not a resident of the hostel, will be allowed to enter the hostel only with the permission of the hostel administration. Entering the hostel, a visitor should submit his passport or any other identity document for registering in the visitor's book. Those, who invite the visitors, are responsible for their leaving in time and keeping the rules of the hostel regulations by the visitors. A visitor if he has arrived from any other city may stay at night in the hostel with the permission of the hostel administration only.
  10. If a student is expelled (debarred) from SSMU or has graduated from SSMU, he should vacate his room within 7 days of issuing of the order.
  11. Any cultural or mass activity can be held in the hostel with the permission of the hostel administration only.
  12. Birthday parties can be held with the permission of the the hostel administration but on Saturdays only.

II. RIGHTS OF THOSE WHO LIVE IN THE HOSTEL

  1. The students, who took admission through CEC, have right to live in the hostel on condition of obeying these rules.
  2. Those, who live in the hostel, have right to use things for individual and general use belonging to the hostel with the permission of the hostel administration.
  3. Those, who live in the hostel, have right to demand repairing or replacement of the equipment, furniture, beddings or other hostel belongings.

III. DUTIES OF THOSE WHO LIVE IN THE HOSTEL THOSE WHO LIVE IN THE HOSTEL MUST:

  1. submit the key to the room to the Warden of the Hostel if a student goes out of town for more than 1 day. The Warden of the Hostel is responsible for the safe keeping of the student's things;
  2. get aquatinted with the rules of the hostel regulations;
  3. get aquatinted with the rules of vacating the hostel;
  4. take the instructions regarding how to use the electrical equipment, video and audio equipment;
  5. take the instructions regarding fire safety;
  6. keep the rules of the hostel regulations, safety arrangements and fire safety;
  7. treat the hostel's property carefully;
  8. in case any damage is done to the hostel by the student, then student has to compensate for the damage done;
  9. not waste electricity, gas and water;
  10. inform the Warden of the hostel of all the problems regarding water-supply, energy supply and heating system immediately;
  11. be in the hostel not later than at 8 p.m. If a student wants to leave the hostel after 8p.m. whatever the reason may be, he must get the SSMU administration's permission;
  12. keep the rooms clean and tidy, clean the rooms everyday;
  13. if the lock in the room is replaced, one key should be given to the Warden of the Hostel;
  14. If a student leaves the hostel for holidays or due to any other reason, the student must get the hostel administration's permission not later than 2 days before;
  15. If a student vacates the hostel due to any reason, he must return given things to the Warden of the hostel;

THOSE WHO LIVE IN THE HOSTEL MUST NOT:

  1. smoke or keep cigarettes and tobacco items;
  2. consume alcoholic drinks or keep them;
  3. consume drugs, keep and distribute it;
  4. fight with one another;
  5. steal;
  6. change his room without permission;
  7. carry the things from one room to another without permission;
  8. misuse the room;
  9. let anyone stay in his room, who is not permitted to live in that room;
  10. change or repair the electricity wiring;
  11. use microwaves ovens, room heaters etc. as per fire safety;
  12. leave the garbage near the doors of the rooms, on stairs and in passages;
  13. sing, make noise or use the radio and TV sets with the volume exceeding the limits of his room, before 11 p.m.;
  14. sing, make noise or use the radio and TV sets after 11 p.m.;
  15. stick advertisements, time-tables, pictures on the walls and places for general use without prior permission of the hostel administration;
  16. hang out advertisements in foreign languages without officially attested translation and without prior permission of the hostel administration;
  17. boys be in girls blocks;
  18. girls be in boys blocks after 8 p.m.;
  19. give a key to a room to strangers or visitors without official permission of CEC and Administration of the Hostel;
  20. keep domestic animals in the room.

IF A STUDENT BREAKS THESE RULES, ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS CAN BE TAKEN AGAINST THE STUDENT:

  1. WARNING
  2. ROOM CHANGE
  3. DEBARRING FROM SSMU

List of necessary items suggested to be taken along to Russia

IMPORTANT POINTS

  • Items not to be taken with to Russia Rajai, Blankets, Blanket cover, Chaddar, Pillow, Pillow cover. (These are provided by the Hostel)
  • Different Airlines allow different maximum weight of baggage, so you should confirm how much baggage is allowed by the airlines you are traveling with and also how much you will have to pay in case if you will have excess baggage.

LUGGAGE

  • Any light weight Suitcase of the size of up to 27 inches.
  • Hand Bag L=22"xW=15"xH = 12"
  • Slinger (belt Document Purse).

CLOTHS

No Pure Wool, Only Cashmelone. (B-Boys, G-Girls, 0-Optional)

  • Woolen Cap -1 (which should cover the ears)
  • Mufflers - 2.
  • Inner sweater - 2.
  • High neck full sleeves sweater - 2.
  • Leather Jacket.
  • Thermo wear (Cotton) - 2.
  • T-shirts or Shirts - 5.
  • Jeans - 2 (or one jeans & two pants).
  • Gloves-Woolen - 1, Leather - 1.
  • Under Garments - 4 Pairs.
  • Socks - 3 Pairs.
  • Suit-1 (B)(0). : Sari-(G)(O).
  • Pajama. Kurta -1 (B)
  • SalwarSuits - 2 (G).
  • Towels - 1 Big, 1 Small.
  • Hankies - 6.

OTHER BELONGINGS

  • Shoes-High Ankle - 1.
  • Formal Shoes - 1.
  • Bathroom Sleepers - 1.
  • Shaving Kit (B), Makeup Kit (G).
  • Tooth brush & Tooth paste - 1 each.
  • Soap&Shampoo - 1 each.
  • BallPen - 1.
  • Alarm Clock - 1.

ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS

  • Copy of invitation letter (Visa support letter).
  • Passport.
  • Visa.
  • Air Ticket.

List of necessary medicines suggested to be taken along to Russia.

SUGGESTED ESSENTIAL MEDICINES

All these medicines are easily available in Russia but we suggest that on your first visit to Russia you should take them along with you.

1. Headache, Pains 20 tabs.
2. Stomach Pain 20 tabs.
3. Fever 20 tabs.
4. Vomiting 20 tabs.
5. Loose Motions 20 tabs.
6. Bad Cold 20 tabs.
7. Cough 2 bottles.
8. Antibiotic 40 caps.
9. Burns 1 tube.
10. Cuts 10 strips
11. Multivitamin + minerals 120 caps.

How to Exchange Indian Rupees into Euro or US Dollars?

FOR EXCHANGING RUPEES INTO EURO OR DOLLARS

Demand Draft

A Demand draft has to be made payable to a company as directed by the Cosmos Educational Consultants. The amount of demand draft should be according to the amount of U.S. dollars required multiplied by the current rate of U.S. dollar in Indian Rupees. Indian government allows maximum U.S. dollars 200000/- or its equivalent to be exchanged by one person in one year.

Required Items

  1. Passport.
  2. Visa.
  3. Air Ticket.
  4. Demand Draft.