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Every year, numerous candidates look up for options on how to pursue doctor courses medical courses after 12th without NEET. Students search for can we become doctor without NEET should know that becoming a doctor is a dream for many, but not clearing the NEET exam can be a significant barrier in their career.
In India, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the single entrance exam to pursue MBBS after 12th for medical colleges in India and overseas. However, candidates who want to pursue doctor courses after 12th without NEET 2024 can explore alternative routes such as studying MBBS abroad, pursuing paramedical courses, or specialising in alternative medicine for a successful career in healthcare.
International medical schools, particularly in the Philippines, Russia, China, Ukraine, and other countries, provide recognised MBBS degrees without NEET. These universities often have their own medical entrance exams after 12th and may require additional educational qualifications.
Furthermore, certain countries offer pre-medical programmes that prepare students for medical school courses without NEET qualification.
Fortunately, there are various additional career possibilities for those who want to pursue a medical career without qualifying NEET. There are several other medical courses after 12th without NEET including Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Radiography, and Biomedical Engineering.
Read this article to learn about how to become a doctor without NEET, check the medical courses after 12th without NEET, which will help in your journey of becoming a medical professional.
One of the most popular alternatives to NEET is pursuing an MBBS abroad. Many countries provide high-quality medical education without NEET scores. Countries like Russia, Ukraine, China, the Philippines, and Bangladesh are well-known for their economical recognised medical programmes. Although NEET is not necessary for admission, students must meet the country's mandatory entry standards.
Students who are planning to practice medicine in India are required to clear the FMGE exam, which is the only medical licensing exam to pursue a career in healthcare. However, NEET is one of the essential requirements for the FMGE exam. Hence, candidates who have completed their MBBS degree abroad without giving the NEET exam or are not meeting the qualifying criteria, can not practice medicine in India.
A few of the countries that are exempted from taking the FMGE exam are listed below:
Australia
Canada
New Zealand
United Kingdom
United States of America
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As quoted by FMGE “Candidate seeking provisional or permanent registration in India shall not have to qualify the Screening Test if he/she holds an Under Graduate medical qualification from Australia/Canada/New Zealand/United Kingdom/United States of America and the holder there of has also been awarded a Post Graduate medical qualification in Australia/ Canada/New Zealand/ United Kingdom/United States of America and has been recognised for enrolment as medical practitioner in that country.”
Here are a few alternatives on how to become a doctor without NEET:
Alternative 1: Candidates can pursue an MBBS degree from the FMGE-exempted countries, which are Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, UK. For each of these countries, they have to appear for the medical entrance test, which is mandatorily required to study MBBS abroad.
After completing their MBBS degree, they can directly apply for the certification to practice medicine in India. However, they must present the degree completion certificate and other certificates required by the NMC.
Alternative 2: Candidates can complete an MBBS degree from any country that does not require NEET as a mandatory qualification. After completing their MBBS in that country from any medical university, students can opt to study postgraduation from Australia/Canada/New Zealand/United Kingdom/United States of America.
As aforementioned, according to FMGE guidelines, doctors from these countries are exempted from taking the FMGE exam in India. However, they will be required to submit their degree certificate and other mandatory requirements to practice medicine in India.
To study in FMGE-exempt countries, candidates must clear the respective country’s entrance exams as a major qualifying requirement, as mentioned below.
Also Read: Best Country for MBBS Abroad
In India, you can’t become a doctor without qualifying NEET. As NEET is a single entrance exam after which you will be eligible to pursue MBBS course in India. However, medical aspirants can check different medical courses which they can opt for without NEET.
Candidates who are wondering on how to become a doctor without MBBS must look for other alternatives to pursue a career in the field of medicine. The list of medical courses without NEET is provided in the table below.
BSc Nursing | BSc Paramedical Technology |
BSc Audiology | BSc Radiology and Imaging Technology |
BSc MLT | BSc Medical Imaging Technology |
BSc Nutrition and Dietetics | BSc Orthopedic Technology |
BSc Psychology | BSc Intensive Care Technology |
BSc Biomedical Science | BSc Endoscopy and Gastrointestinal Imaging Technologies |
Bachelor in Prosthetics and Orthotics | BSc Dialysis Technology |
BSc Anesthesia Technology | BSc Cardiac Technology |
BSc Blood Banking Technology | B.Sc Blood Transfusion Technology |
B.Sc. Nursing and Paramedical Courses: Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Nursing or other paramedical programmes, which provide several career opportunities in the healthcare industry. These programmes offer training in physiotherapy, radiology, medical lab technology, and more. Graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, or they can specialise even further. These programmes are often shorter than MBBS, allowing students to enter the workforce sooner.
Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Alternative Medicine: India has a long history of alternative medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani. Students interested in these subjects can enrol in courses such as Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS), or Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS).
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc): Those interested in animal healthcare can consider studying a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc). Veterinary medicine involves diagnosing and treating diseases in animals, and it is a respected and rewarding profession. Veterinary colleges may have their own entry tests that differ from NEET. Graduates may work in animal hospitals, zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, or private practice.
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Allied Health Sciences: Allied health sciences cover a wide range of medical support services, such as medical imaging, cardiovascular technology, and respiratory therapy. Pursuing a B.Sc. in Allied Health Sciences provides numerous career opportunities. There is a strong demand for allied health workers in hospitals and clinics. Students can also choose to specialise in radiology, dialysis technology, or operating theatre technology.
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm): This four-year programme focuses on the science of pharmaceuticals and treatments. Pharmacists operate in a variety of settings, including hospitals, pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies. They can continue their education in clinical pharmacy or specialise in drug development.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT): This four-year programme focuses on rehabilitation and physical therapy, which assists patients in regaining mobility and managing pain. Physiotherapists work at hospitals, athletic facilities, and rehabilitation clinics. Following graduation, students can specialise in fields such as sports physiotherapy or neuro physiotherapy.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) Medical Laboratory Technology: This three-year programme will prepare you to perform key laboratory tests required for diagnosis and treatment. Medical laboratory technologists work at hospitals, diagnostic centres, and research facilities. Later on, individuals can focus on microbiology or haematology.
Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS): This five-and-a-half-year programme teaches you the basic principles of homoeopathy, a system based on natural medicines. Homoeopathic practitioners use this alternative approach to treat a variety of diseases.
To qualify for medical school after class 12 without taking the NEET UG test, prospective medical students must complete the entry requirements listed below:
They must have completed their senior secondary education with a minimum of 60% to 70%.
Candidates must take Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as mandatory subjects.
In certain universities, students might also need to clear medical entrance exams after 12th with the required passing marks.
Many high-paying medical course can be pursued without NEET scores. Paramedical courses are also best for those thinking on how to become doctor without NEET or through MBBS. Here are the top high-paying medical courses without NEET:
Nursing | Forensic Science and Criminology |
Clinical Research | Occupational Therapists |
Biotechnology | Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences |
Biomedical Sciences | Paramedical Courses |
Biochemistry | Dairy Farming |
Toxicology | Pharmacy |
Nutrition and Dietetics | Food Technology |
Aquaculture and Fisheries | Public Health |
Veterinary Sciences | Genetics |
Physiotherapy | Nuclear Medicine |
In countries outside of India, numerous top medical colleges in the world offer medical courses without NEET. Candidates planning to study MBBS abroad can explore the fields mentioned below:
Course | University |
Nursing | |
Biotechnology | Queens Mary University of London |
Biomedical Engineering | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Food Technology | |
MSc Toxicology |
Here are the advantages of pursuing a career in the field of healthcare without NEET:
Pursuing alternative medical fields opens doors to diverse healthcare professions such as nursing, physiotherapy, or pharmacy, contributing significantly to patient care.
These programs often have less difficult entrance requirements compared to NEET, increasing your chances of MBBS admission abroad.
Many of these fields offer excellent opportunities for career advancement and specialisation after graduation.
If you are someone who scored low marks in the NEET UG exam or didn’t appear for the exam at all, you should not be losing hope as there are various other courses without NEET. Students can pursue any of the following medical courses without NEET for Indian students, which can provide them with a successful career in healthcare.
Advance Care Paramedic
Optometrist
Health Information Management Technologist
Forensic Science
Dialysis Therapy Technologist
Cytotechnologist
Anaesthesia Assistants and Technologists
Choosing an alternative path necessitates serious consideration and preparation. Here are a few recommendations for students who want to pursue a career in medicine without MBBS:
Research and Exploration: Thoroughly research various medical fields that align with an individual’s interests. They must consider factors such as the work atmosphere, professional advancement opportunities, and societal influence.
Career Counseling: To make an informed decision, students can consult with career counsellors or professionals in the field.
Identify Universities: After deciding the field, candidates must shortlist universities offering relevant programmes. They must do an extensive research of their accreditation, faculty, and infrastructure. Students must look for universities with strong clinical affiliations to gain practical experience.
Meet Eligibility Criteria: Ensure that you have the required academic qualifications for the chosen programme.
Entrance Exams: Some universities might have their own entrance exams for specialised programmes, and hence, students must prepare accordingly.
Application Process: Fill out the application forms for your preferred universities, send the required papers (mark sheets, certificates, etc.), and pay any application fees.
Financial Planning: Candidates must consider the financial aspects, including MBBS abroad fees, living expenses, and scholarship or financial assistance opportunities.
In India, becoming a doctor requires passing the NEET exam, which is one of the important qualification for most doctors in India. Some universities abroad offer MBBS courses that might not require NEET scores. These universities might have their own entrance exams or selection criteria. However, candidates planning to practice medicine in India requires NEET along with passing a licensing exam like FMGE after studying MBBS abroad.
In India, candidates cannot pursue an MBBS degree without qualifying for the NEET exam. However, candidates can plan to study MBBS abroad in countries such as Russia, Philippines, China, Ukraine, and others to study medical courses without NEET.
3 year doctor courses might refer to the postgraduate courses, such as Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Master of Surgery (MS). These programmes are pursued by doctors who have already completed their MBBS degree as the primary undergraduate medical qualification in India.
There are various courses without NEET that students can pursue after 12th. These programmes include Biotechnology, Psychology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Cyber Forensics, Nursing, and more. Students can also opt for a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) course.
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