Are you passionate about becoming a doctor and wondering whether you can pursue MBBS without NEET? Well, yes, you can. There are alternative paths if you wish to bypass NEET, i.e., studying abroad. However, just to let you know, there is no escape from NEET if you wish to study medicine in India. So, let’s not make this difficult for you and explore alternative options to doing MBBS without NEET to help you make an informed decision.
Benefits of Studying MBBS Without NEET
Here are some of the key benefits of pursuing MBBS without NEET:
- Students who want to bypass the NEET exam can still become doctors. All they have to do is pursue MBBS in countries like Russia and Georgia, which allow direct admissions to their universities. This way, they avoid the stress of the NEET and the possibility of wasting years preparing for the exam.
- Several medical universities offering MBBS courses are recognized by international bodies such as FAIMER and WHO. This recognition allows students with a foreign MBBS degree to become eligible for licensing exams in various countries, enabling them to pursue a medical career internationally.
Top 5 Destinations to Study MBBS Without NEET
Here are the top 5 destinations for Indian students to pursue MBBS without the NEET exam:
Russia
Russia is one of the top countries for Indian students to study MBBS because of its affordable fees, NEET exemption, maximum practical exposure, and global degree recognition. Here are the universities that accept Indian students:
| University Name | Eligibility Criteria/Entrance Exam | Annual Fees |
| Siberian State Medical University | Students must complete higher secondary education, i.e., 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects with passing grades. There is no exam. | INR 3,85,600 |
| Lobachevsky University | The university conducts an entrance exam in Chemistry and English. | INR 3,65,000 |
| Novosibirsk University | The university conducts its own entrance exam in Chemistry and Biology. | Around INR 3,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 |
The UK
The UK is becoming a popular destination among Indian students for MBBS courses. This is because most UK medical universities do not require NEET for admission; instead, the universities select students based on academic performance, English proficiency, and university entrance exams.
| University Name | Exams in the place of NEET | Annual Fees |
| University College London | Biomedical Admission Test (BMAT) | Around INR 48 lakhs |
| Imperial College London | University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) | Around INR 63 lakhs |
| Queen Mary University of London | University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) | Around INR 51 lakhs |
Georgia
Indian students can pursue MBBS in Georgian universities for several compelling reasons. First, the admission process is straightforward with less competition. Second, there are opportunities to work after graduation. Third, Georgian universities have advanced labs and affiliated hospitals. Fourth, students get early clinical exposure, often in the first year.
| University Name | Language Interview Test | Annual Fees |
| Tbilisi State Medical University | English interview through Skype | Around INR 48 lakhs |
| Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University | Not required | Around INR 63 lakhs |
| New Vision University | Not required | Around INR 51 lakhs |
Australia
Australia is an ideal destination for Indian students to study MBBS. Some of its universities, like Monash, rank among the top 50 in the global QS Rankings. The medical programs focus on practical-based training and evidence-based learning. The NEET exam is not mandatory for Indian students; instead, the universities conduct their own exams or select students based on academic merit and interview.
| University Name | Entrance Exam/Interview | Annual Fees |
| Monash University | International Students Admission Test (ISAT) | Around INR 50 lakhs |
| James Cook University | Shortlisted candidates can be invited to an online interview. | Around INR 36 lakhs |
| The University of Adelaide | Shortlisted candidates can be invited to an online interview. In addition to this, students must appear for the UCAT ANZ entrance exam. | Around INR 48 lakhs |
Vietnam
Vietnam is gradually emerging as a preferred destination for Indian students to pursue MBBS. Vietnamese universities offer quality medical education at affordable costs. Moreover, the curriculum blends traditional Eastern medicine and modern Western medicine, offering a unique and holistic MBBS program. Additionally, the MBBS program focuses on tropical disease management, which is highly relevant to healthcare scenarios in Southeast Asia and India.
| University Name | Entrance Exam | Annual Fees |
| Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy | No entrance exam. Students must have a 12th certificate with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. They must score at least 50% marks. | INR 3,50,000 to INR 4,00,000 |
| Phan Chau Trinh University | Around INR 3,80,000 | |
| Dai Nam University | Around INR 3,00,000 to INR 4,00,000 |
Eligibility to study MBBS without neet
- Each country’s universities have their own eligibility criteria. Having said that, you need to complete secondary education with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects.
- Some universities may require you to take their own entrance exams. For example, the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is commonly required by UK universities for admissions to MBBS programs.
- Some universities in countries like the UK and Australia may ask for English Language Proficiency test scores for MBBS programs, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Documents Required for the MBBS Admission
The documents required for MBBS programs are as follows:
- Academic transcripts, like the secondary education certificate
- English Language Proficiency test scores, like TOEFL or IELTS
- Passport copies
- Letters of Recommendation
- Resume
- Financial documents, like bank statements
Key Points to Remember Before Skipping NEET
- If you are planning to complete your MBBS abroad but practice in India, you must qualify for NEET before taking admission to any foreign medical program. Additionally, after graduation, you will need to appear for the FMGE exam to practice in India.
- Some universities may offer MBBS in their local language. Therefore, it is important to check whether the program is offered entirely in English.
- Choose universities that are recognized by institutions like the WHO to ensure quality education.
Conclusion
So, can you pursue MBBS without NEET? Yes, only if you plan to study abroad. Several countries offer admission to MBBS programs, but it is important to consider the long-term implications, particularly when you plan to return to India for practice.
FAQs
No, you cannot pursue MBBS in India without NEET.
No. As per the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines, Indian students must qualify for NEET in the same year they take admission to a foreign medical university. A foreign MBBS degree obtained without qualifying NEET will not permit you to practice medicine in India. You can only practice medicine in the country where you have obtained your degree, subject to the country’s licensing requirements.
Yes. All universities, whether it is private or public universities, need NEET test scores for admission to their MBBS programs.