Books become your best friend in MBBS—especially in surgery, where you’re expected to connect clinical signs → diagnosis → management without getting lost in huge chapters.
If you’re a medical student in India and you’re asking, “Which is the best book to study surgery during MBBS?” the honest answer is: it depends on your goal. Some books are perfect for concept building, some are best for university exams, and a few help most with ward rounds, long/short cases, and viva.
Related: 5 Best Physiology Books for MBBS (foundation subjects matter a lot before clinical years)
Best Surgery Books For Medical Students
This list includes the most recommended and widely used surgery books for MBBS students in India, based on student feedback, faculty preferences, and how commonly the books are used during postings and final exams. We update it whenever newer editions become common in the market.
1) Bailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery
Bailey & Love’s is one of the most widely used surgery textbooks internationally. It’s detailed, clinically oriented, and strong for understanding surgical decision-making and common conditions. Many MBBS students use it as their “standard reference” alongside a simpler exam book.
Best for: Strong concepts + standard reference for final year
Not ideal if: You want only short notes for fast revision
2) Sabiston Textbook of Surgery
Sabiston is a deeper, more “textbook-heavy” option with strong scientific and biological explanations behind surgical practice. It’s excellent as a reference, but for most MBBS students it’s too big to read cover-to-cover.
Best for: Deep understanding, reference reading, interested students
Not ideal if: You’re trying to finish a syllabus quickly before exams
3) SRB’s Manual of Surgery (Sriram Bhat)
SRB is one of the most popular surgery books among MBBS students in India because it’s written in an exam-friendly style and covers the common topics you’re expected to answer. It’s especially useful for viva, ward learning, and quick revision before profs.
Best for: MBBS exams, viva prep, practical/clinical learning
Ideal pairing: Bailey & Love (reference) + SRB (exam + revision)
4) Manipal Manual of Surgery (Vol 1 & 2) – K. Rajgopal Shenoy
Manipal is a favourite for undergraduates who want structured content and extra practice. The inclusion of MCQs helps for self-testing and internal assessments. Just make sure you get both volumes if your edition is split.
Best for: Structured undergraduate learning + self-testing
Not ideal if: You want a single compact one-book solution
5) Schwartz’s Principles of Surgery
Schwartz is a classic, comprehensive surgery textbook with updated topics and high-level explanations. Many students use it as a reference for selected chapters, but it’s not usually the first choice as a daily MBBS reading book.
Best for: Reference chapters, deeper reading, concept clarity
Not ideal if: You need a short, exam-oriented format
Other books to be considered
These aren’t “main textbooks,” but they’re useful depending on your needs:
- Long Cases in General Surgery (R. Rajamahendran) — good for final year clinical case practice and presentation
- Clinical anatomy / essential anatomy references — helpful when you’re stuck on applied anatomy in surgery topics (keep this optional; don’t overload the list)
Pick your main book based on how you study:
- If you struggle with concepts: keep Bailey & Love as your reference.
- If you struggle with exam answers and viva: SRB will save you.
- If you like deep reading: use Schwartz/Sabiston selectively (not as your daily driver).
If you have a book suggestion that helped you during MBBS surgery postings, share it in the comments—we keep updating this list based on real student feedback.
