A budding career in the medical field is a dream for many Indian students and as a result every year, approximately 2 million Indian students appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). However, it is one of the toughest exams in India and a lot of students find it difficult to clear NEET. For those students who are unable to clear the NEET exam, there are alternative routes to pursue their dream career as a medical professional.

In this blog, we will discuss everything there is to know about pursuing an MBBS abroad without NEET, from the eligibility criteria and documents needed to top universities and how to apply for them, we will cover it all. Read till the end to know the answer to the ever-important question – Can we go abroad for MBBS without NEET?

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a national-level entrance exam for students who want to appear for MBBS degree in Indian medical colleges. It was previously known as the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT). It is one of the toughest exams with a pretty low acceptance rate. Well over 2 million students appear for the entrance exam to try and qualify for roughly 75,000 seats across government and private colleges.

The success rate for NEET exams ranges in the region of around 50-55%, but the final acceptance rate is even lower ranging between 5% to 8%. Naturally, many students who are unsuccessful in qualifying for NEET look for alternative ways to fulfil their dreams. This is where MBBS abroad without NEET plays a vital role. Many countries with amazing medical colleges and training facilities offer full-time MBBS courses to international students without compulsory NEET qualifications.

Students who couldn’t qualify for NEET or were unsuccessful in securing a seat can still pursue their dreams of becoming doctors as they can apply to study MBBS abroad without NEET. Studying medicine at recognised international colleges has its advantages, especially for Indian students who can return to the country and start their professional careers in India.

To study abroad, candidates need to satisfy the following requirements. These requirements differ from country to country and in some cases even from college to college. However, this should still present you with a broad idea of the eligibility criteria for studying abroad;

• Candidates must have completed 10th and 12th boards from a recognised educational board in India with core subjects Physics, Chemistry and Biology typically with 50-65 % marks secured.
• The candidates should be 17 years old at the minimum while applying.
• Language proficiency is a must. For the English language, candidates need to prove their proficiency through exams such as TOEFL and IELTS if applicable.
• The candidates are also required to submit a medical certificate at the time of their admission, stating that they are not affected or suffering from any contagious disease.
• Must have a valid passport and visa.
• Proof of financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses is a must.
• Candidates also must fulfil other country and college-specific requirements to be eligible for studying MBBS abroad.

Students looking to secure admission into MBBS abroad without NEET need to submit the following documents. The exact documents needed may vary depending on the requirements of the destination country and the specific college/university.

• Academic records such as transcripts
• SLC and Migration Certificate
• Eligibility Certificate from Medical Council
• Personal Financial Statements
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Language Proficiency Certificate
• Birth Certificate
• Valid passport and Visa
• A valid passport
• Recent passport-size photographs

Students can easily pursue MBBS abroad without NEET. The application procedure will vary depending on the college/university and destination country; however, more or less, the students will be required to adhere to the following steps;

1. Research Universities - Begin by narrowing down the universities that meet your requirements.
2. Check Eligibility Criteria - Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for MBBS abroad without NEET. You will also need to fulfil the language requirements with certifications such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
3. Gather the Documents - Get all your documents in order. From eligibility documents such as BMAT, MCAT, and IELTS certificates to Letters of Recommendation (LORs), Statement of Purpose (SOP), a valid passport, photographs, etc.
4. Fill out the Application form - Apply to your preferred colleges by duly filling up the application form.
5. Payment of Tuition Fees - Once the application is completed, make the required payment as per the Admission letter.
6. Submission of Documents - Once the application is filled out and the fee is paid, submit it along with other required documents.
7. Confirmation - Wait for the application to be scrutinised and analysed for a final confirmation from the university.

As previously mentioned, there are certain advantages of studying MBBS abroad even if you do so without an NEET qualification. But as they say, there are two sides to a coin, and rightly so, there are certain disadvantages too. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons in a more detailed manner.

- Advantages

1. High-quality Education and Training - Many countries have a well-developed education system offering exceptional MBBS programs with modern facilities, well-trained teachers and advanced teaching and training facilities.
2. Globally Recognised - These institutions teach globally recognised curricula to ensure comprehensive medical education for the students. And, with a globally recognised degree, candidates can explore work opportunities in different countries.
3. Reduced Financial Burden - The tuition fees in many foreign countries for medical degrees are considerably lower for Indian students. The living cost is also lo,w bringing down the financial burden considerably.
4. Diverse Environment - Studying abroad will guarantee daily interaction with students from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, ensuring a diverse environment for personal and professional growth.

- Disadvantages

1. Recognition Issues - The standards for medical education are different in all countries. Some degrees obtained abroad might not be recognised by the regulatory bodies. Therefore, it is important to secure admission to recognised universities and colleges.
2. Language Barrier - It is natural to have some issues with the language if the students are studying in non-English-speaking countries. Although the teaching might be done in English, considering the international students, the explanation might not be as effective as it is not the primary language of the professors.
3. Difficulty in Returning to India - Students who study medicine abroad are required to qualify for the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE) or the Medical Council of India Screening Exam to obtain a medical practice license in India.

Many countries globally offer MBBS and MD degrees without NEET to aspiring Indian students dreaming of becoming doctors. Listed below are some of the popular destinations for MBBS abroad without NEET;

Medicine is one of the most sought-after courses worldwide, and naturally, there is a fierce competition for achieving globally recognised medical degrees. Obtaining an MBBS degree from a foreign medical college without having to take the NEET test is a fantastic opportunity for Indian students aspiring to study MBBS abroad.

To secure admission to top medical colleges abroad, contact Superb Study Abroad. We provide personalised guidance to students, and our expert consultants find the courses in colleges and universities that best suit your needs.