Medical Courses after 12th without NEET UG - Eligibility, Fees, Course Duration, Top Colleges

National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test 2025 ( NEET )

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Sreetama Datta
Sreetama Datta Roy
Manager Content
Updated on Nov 23, 2023 18:06 IST

Owing to the competition that exists in NEET and the pressure that a candidate is subjected to, during the exam's preparation, many resort to alternate career options in the field of medicine. Such candidates can find here the list of medical courses they can opt for without NEET.

medical-courses-without-neet

What are the Medical courses after 12th without NEET? This is one of the topmost queries in the minds of candidates who could not qualify for NEET. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is one of the largest medical entrance tests in India. Being one of the most competitive medical entrance exams and limited number of MBBS seats, it is often not possible for test takers to enrol on a course of their choice. However, there is no dearth of avenues in the medical or paramedical field with or without NEET.

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NTA will conduct the NEET 2024 exam on May 5. Over 20 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the test. As per the last year's data, only 56 per cent of candidates qualified for the exam. But what about the rest of the 44 per cent candidates? Do they not stand any chance of medical admission? While they may not be eligible to participate in the NEET counselling process, they have a number of avenues to tread without NEET scores. Are there any Medical courses after 12th without NEET? Let us find out.

Q:   How many times can I appear for NEET?

A:

According to NTA a candidate can appear for NEET any number of times. There is no restriction on the number of attempts permitted. Moreover, ever since the upper age limit of NEET has been removed, there is even more flexibility in terms of the number of NEET attempts.

The exam is conducted once a year, hence candidates can appear only once in an academic year. But unless candidates fulfil the eligibility criteria, they would not be able to get admission even if they score the qualifying cutoff marks for NEET.

Q:   Can a class 12 student appear for NEET?

A:

A Class 12 student can appear for NEET, provided he/she fulfills the eligibility criteria for the exam stated by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the exam conducting body. Although there is no upper age limit for appearing in NEET, but the lower age limit is still applicable. A candidate must of at least 17 years as of December 31 of the academic year. Unless candidates meet the lower age limit criterion, they would not be considered eligible to appear for NEET for the particular year. The other factors of eligibility include studying Physics, Chemistry and Biology as core subjects. 

Q:   Can I get MBBS admission with a 300 score in NEET 2024?

A:

It is possible to get admission to a private medical college with a score of 300 in NEET 2023. For government medical college, one should ideally obtain a score above 600. The NEET cutoff for the Government medical colleges vary as per the institute rank and round of counselling. Hence, it can be said that a score of 300 in NEET 2023 may not be sufficient for admission to Government medical colleges. As per past years' trends, a score between 500 to 700 or above is in the cutoff marks for NEET. 

Qualifying in NEET gives a candidate the option to choose from a variety of courses, such as MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing and AYUSH. But appearing for NEET and qualifying for this entrance test is not easy. It takes years of preparation and dedicated efforts to clear this examination. Many students, already burdened with their board exams and other competitive national or state-level entrance exams, are not able to cope with this challenge. However, this does not mean that they need to give up on their dream of pursuing a career in the field of medicine. There are a number of medical courses after 12th without NEET which can be opted by them in case they are unable to crack the exam.

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Medical Courses without NEET: The Popular Ones

Here we list some of the top and popular medical and paramedical courses that a medical aspirant can opt for even without NEET. Take a look at the medical courses list without NEET below:

Nursing

Even though several BSc Nursing courses have been replaced with NEET exam, there are still a number of institutes which conduct their own Nursing entrance exams to conduct admission for their BSc Nursing courses. Hence, if you are keen on pursuing Nursing course after Class 12, you need not appear for NEET, but can do so by appearing in the institute's Nursing entrance tests. Some of the top Nursing entrance exams include AIIMS Nursing Entrance Exam, RUHS Nursing Entrance Exam, to name a few.

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 Board exam or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as core subjects

Duration of the course: 4 years

Popular Colleges: 

Physiotherapy

A Bachelor of Physiotherapy is also one of the most sought-after career options. Physiotherapy, or Physical therapy, aims at curing illnesses or injuries that limit a person’s day-to-day activities. The scope of Physiotherapy is endless. After completing the Bachelor’s degree, candidates can opt for a career in various fields such as sports, military, education, research and insurance agencies.

Q:   Is there any age limit for NEET exam?

A:

No, there is no upper age limit for NEET 2025. The upper age limit criterion was removed by NMC on March 9, 2022, based on the judgment made by the Supreme Court of India. Earlier, the case was under trial in the apex court. However, there is a lower age limit of 17 years as of December 31 of the academic year. Unless candidates meet the lower age limit criterion, they would not be considered eligible to appear for NEET.

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria for NEET?

A:

As per the eligibility criteria of NEET candidates should pass the Class 12th Board exam from a recognised institute and board from the Science stream with a minimum of 50 per cent aggregate (40 per cent for OBC/SC/ST and 45 per cent for PwD category candidates). The candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English subjects in Class 11 and Class 12. There has been a change in the NEET 2024 eligibility criteria. Till last year, Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Biotechnology subjects had to be studied as core subjects in order to be eligible to appear for the exam. This year, the National Medical Commission has revised the eligibility criteria, which states that candidates may study these subjects as additional papers. The minimum age limit is 17 years as on December 31 of the year of admission. The upper age limit criteria has been removed in the year 2022.

Q:   How many candidates appeared for NEET 2024?

A:

According to the reports, this year saw the highest number of NEET applications and appearance for the exam. A total of 24,06,079  candidates applied for the exam, out of which 23,33,297 candidates appeared. The exam was originally conducted on May 5, 2024, in 571 cities across India and abroad. A re-test for 1,563 candidates who were awarded grace marks on May 5, was conducted on June 23, 2024. In this exam, 813 candidates had appeared.

Q:   Which courses can I pursue after appearing for NEET exam?

A:

NEET or National Eligibility cum Entrance Test is a national level medical entrance exam for undergraduate courses. It is the gateway to admission to multiple medical and paramedical courses. Although earlier NEET scores were considered for MBBS and BDS courses only, but now, there are multiple courses including medical, dental, nursing and other paramedical courses, the admission to which are conducted through NEET scores. The course names are listed below:

1. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

2. Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

3. BSc Nursing

4. Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)

5. Bachelor of Uninani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS)

6. Bachelor Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS)

7. Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS)

8. Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)

9. Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOTh)

10. Bachelor of Audiology, Speech and Language Pathology (BASLP)

11. Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics

These courses are offered at various colleges across India, and the admission is based on the NEET UG exam scores.

 

Q:   Am I eligible for NEET 2024? I got 46 marks in Chemistry in Class 12.

A:

As per the eligibility criteria of NEET, PWD candidates from General category should secure minimum 45 per cent aggregate and those from the reserved category (SC, ST, OBC) should secure 40 per cent aggregate. Hence, if you have secured the requisite aggregate, then you will be eligible to appear for NEET 2024. The National Testing Agency (NTA) does not consider the subject-wise percentage. Hence, if you are fulfilling the other factors of the NEET 2024 eligibility criteria, then you can appear for the exam.

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 Board exam or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as core subjects

Duration of the course: 4 years

Popular colleges:  

Fee Range: INR 2,000 to INR 6 lakh

Also Read: Physiotherapy Colleges in India

Veterinary Sciences

Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences (BVSc) is the study of prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment of ailments or wounds in animals. BVSc also deals with the breeding, rearing and nutrition of animals. Apart from the clinical applications, BVSc has a very good scope in the field of research and education.

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 Board exam or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English as core subjects

Duration of the course: 5 years

Popular colleges:

Fee Range: INR 2.8 lakh to INR 6 lakh

Pharmacy

A graduate in Pharmacy has diversified career options. A BPharma graduate can choose to be a pharmacist, lecturer, researcher, salesperson, or counsellor. The course imparts knowledge about the production, usage, effects, safety and disposal of drugs. Combined with a Master’s degree, Pharmacy can be a very lucrative career option for those who wish to pursue a career in medicine.

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 Board exam or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Mathematics in a few institutes) as core subjects

Duration of the course: 4 years

Popular colleges:

Fee Range: INR 4 lakh to INR 14 lakh

Also Read: BPharma Colleges in India

 Psychology

As a career, Psychology can be chosen by candidates from different disciplines. Psychology, the study of mind and behaviour, is also a very interesting career option. Graduates in Psychology are trained to study the behaviour of individuals are communities. After completing the bachelor’s degree, candidates can opt for careers in various fields such as education, military, sports, forensics, legal and politics.  

Courses: BSc Psychology, BA Psychology

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 Board exam with a minimum aggregate of 50 per cent

Duration of the course: 3 years

Popular colleges:

Fee Range: INR 21,000 to INR 13 lakh

Also Read: Psychology Colleges in India

Nutritionist/Dietician

A nutritionist is an expert in human nutrition. They regulate the diets to balance the diet of the patients as per the requirement of their bodies. Nutritionists are registered healthcare workers who can diagnose and treat nutritional problems in individuals.

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 Board exam with a minimum aggregate of 50 per cent

Duration of the course: 3 years

Popular colleges:

CoursesBSc in Nutrition and Dietetics, BSc in Dietetics and Applied Nutrition

Fee Range: INR 3,000 to INR 7 lakh

Also Read: Dietetics/Nutrition Colleges in India

Occupation Therapy

Occupational Therapy is also a growing career option. An Occupational Therapist works with people from various strata and ensures that they are able to perform meaningful activities/occupations. They ensure that their patient is able to recover from an injury or shock and resume the activities that they used to perform before the incident. Candidates can choose whether they want to pursue a Diploma course in Occupational Therapy or a Bachelor’s degree.

Eligibility: Pass in Class 12 Board exam with a minimum aggregate of 50 per cent

Duration of the course: 4.5 years (BOTh)

Popular colleges:

Clinical Research

Clinical researchers are scientists who ensure that the medical equipment, drugs, treatments and any other devices used by humans are safe for them. They perform clinical trials for such devices or drugs.

Eligibility: A Bachelor's degree in Life Science, Pharmacy, Medicine or Biosciences

Duration of the course: 3 years

Fee Range: Up to INR 5 lakh

Also Read: Clinical Research Colleges in India

Medical Transcription

Medical Transcription courses have gained popularity over the past few years. A medical transcriber translates the treatment notes dictated by a medical practitioner, nurse, or any healthcare worker. The purpose of translating these voice-recorded medical reports is to create files for the treatment history of patients. There are various institutions that offer full-time/Certificate courses for medical transcription. The course can also be completed through distance learning.

Fee Range: INR 5,000 to INR 50,000

Also Read: Medical Transcription Colleges in India

Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences

Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yoga Science is covered under the AYUSH courses. Where most colleges accept students on the basis of NEET scores, many still admit students on the basis of the marks obtained in Class 12 Board exam. Many universities also offer 1-year Certificate Courses for Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences.

Popular Colleges:

College of Ayurved, Bharati Vidyapeeth

Vishwakarma University, Pune

Indian Institute of Professional Universities, Lucknow

Forensic Sciences

Forensic sciences is a developing career prospect in India. The course deals with the collection, analysis, and preservation of evidence during an investigation. The course duration for BSc in Forensic Science is three years. Candidates often pursue a master’s degree for better options.

Fee Range: INR 11,000 to INR 8 lakh

Also Read: Forensic Sciences Colleges in India

 

Medical Courses without NEET: Other Popular Courses

A few other courses which are as popular as the ones given above are listed here. Medical courses without NEET that have been listed below are not entirely related to Medicine. Thus, they have been listed separately.

Medical Courses after 12th without NEET: Various Other Courses Related to the Field of Medicine

Check the list of medical courses without NEET such as non-MBBS or paramedical courses one can opt for if they want to pursue higher studies in the Medicine domain.

  1. Bachelor’s in Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Technology
  2. Bachelor’s in Audiometric Technology
  3. Bachelor’s in Optometry and Ophthalmic Technologies
  4. Bachelor’s in Public Health
  5. Bachelors in Audiology Speech-Language Therapy
  6. Bachelor's in Physician Assistantship Training
  7. Bachelors in Prosthetics and Orthotics
  8. Bachelor's in Rehabilitation Therapy
  9. BSc Anatomy
  10. BSc Blood Banking Technology
  11. BSc Blood Transfusion Technology
  12. BSc Cardiac Technology
  13. BSc Cardiovascular Technologies
  14. BSc Dialysis Technologies
  15. BSc Emergency and Critical Care Technologies
  16. BSc Endoscopy and Gastrointestinal Imaging Technologies
  17. BSc in Genetics
  18. BSc in Medical Imaging Technology
  19. BSc in Orthopedic Technology
  20. BSc Medical Laboratory Technology
  21. BSc Medical Microbiology
  22. BSc Medical Records Science and Health Information Management
  23. BSc Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy Technologies
  24. BSc Operation Theatre and Anaesthesia Technologies
  25. BSc Paramedical Technology
  26. BSc Perfusion Technology
  27. BSc Physiology
  28. BSc Radiology and Imaging Technology
  29. BSc Radiotherapy Technology
  30. BSc Respiratory Care Technology

Read More:

Different options to go with if NEET score is low

If Not MBBS then What Else?

List of Courses Offered Through NEET

 

About the Author
author-image
Sreetama Datta Roy
Manager Content

Sreetama has over a decade of editorial experience in the higher education beat. A wanderlust by passion, she is also an avid reader and a music lover. Among friends, she is popular for her sense of humour.

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