What Is the Phase Wise Distribution of Subjects in CBME?

Ever wondered how the subjects are divided across each phase of MBBS in the new CBME curriculum? With all the talk about competency-based learning, early clinical exposure, and integrated teaching, it’s easy to feel a little lost. But if you're a medical student or part of a medical university adapting to the NMC's CBME model, understanding the Phase Wise Distribution of Subjects in CBME is your first real step to making sense of this new journey.

In this blog, we’ll break it down phase by phase what subjects are taught, how they’re integrated, and what you can expect at every stage. By the end, you'll have a much clearer idea of how the MBBS path unfolds under CBME and how each phase builds on the next to make you not just a graduate, but a competent doctor.

What Is the Phase Wise Distribution of Subjects in CBME

Phase I - Foundation and Basic Sciences (First Professional Year)

This phase runs for 12 months. It begins with a one-month Foundation Course, introducing students to the medical profession, ethics, basic life support, communication, and computer skills.

Core subjects:

• Anatomy

• Physiology

• Biochemistry

Supportive learning:

• Early Clinical Exposure (ECE) begins here

• AETCOM Module 1 (Attitude, Ethics, Communication)

Phase II - Para-Clinical and Intro to Clinical (Second Professional Year)

Also a 12-month phase, this is where students start transitioning toward more clinical context.

Subjects included:

• Pathology

• Pharmacology

• Microbiology

• Forensic Medicine

• Community Medicine (Part 1)

Added Learning:

• AETCOM Modules 2 & 3

• Continued ECE and small-group discussions

• Start of integrated clinical teaching

Phase III - Part I (Third Professional Year)

Duration: 12 months

Subjects:

• ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)

• Ophthalmology

• Community Medicine (Part 2)

Clinical exposure increases significantly during this phase. Teaching is more integrated, and students begin rotating through hospital departments more actively.

AETCOM continues, now focused on patient interaction, professionalism, and ethical dilemmas in practice.

Phase III - Part II (Final Professional Year)

Duration: 18 months

Subjects:

• General Medicine

• General Surgery

• Obstetrics & Gynecology

• Pediatrics

• Dermatology

• Psychiatry

• Orthopedics

This is where the learning intensifies. Clinical rotations, hands-on patient care, and real-time decision-making dominate the schedule. Students also complete their two-month Elective Postings during this phase, choosing from fields like research, rural health, or niche specialties.

AETCOM Modules continue with an emphasis on teamwork, empathy, and decision-making under pressure.

Internship - Compulsory Rotating Residential Internship (CRRI)

Duration: 12 months

Departments covered:

• Medicine, Surgery, OBGY, Pediatrics, Emergency, Community Medicine, and more.

The National Exit Test (NExT) is expected to be held after the final year and during/after the internship, serving as a licensure and PG entrance test.