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Medicine and allied health careers involve diagnosing, treating and caring for people. To become a doctor in India you need Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Class 12 and must qualify NEET UG, the single national entrance exam for MBBS and BDS, which is also used for AYUSH degrees. Allied health careers such as nursing, physiotherapy and pharmacy offer other routes into healthcare.
What the work involves
Long study followed by clinical practice, patient interaction, and continuous learning throughout a career.
Directions within this field include Public Health, Biotechnology, Nutrition and Medical Research.
Skills that help
- Biology fundamentals
- Memory and recall
- Composure under pressure
- Listening
- Ethical judgement
Subjects to choose in Grades 11 and 12
- Physics, Chemistry and Biology, which NEET UG requires
- English, which is also part of NEET UG eligibility
- Mathematics is optional, but keeps engineering and data options open
Education pathways
- Science stream with Biology in Grades 11 and 12
- MBBS, BDS, BAMS or BHMS
- Allied health degrees such as B.Sc. Nursing, Physiotherapy or Biotechnology
Entrance exams to know
- NEET UG
- Institute-specific tests for allied health programmes
- Later stage: NEET PG
Where students study this
- Medical colleges offering MBBS and dental programmes
- Universities offering allied health sciences
- Nursing and physiotherapy institutes
Frequently asked questions
Is NEET compulsory for MBBS?
Yes. Admission to MBBS and BDS courses in India, including at AIIMS and JIPMER, is through NEET UG. The exam is also used for BAMS, BHMS, BUMS and BSMS degrees.
What are the alternatives to MBBS?
Healthcare careers include dentistry (BDS), AYUSH degrees, nursing, physiotherapy, pharmacy, medical laboratory technology, nutrition and dietetics, optometry, public health and biotechnology. Some use NEET scores and others have separate admission routes.
How long does it take to become a doctor?
The MBBS degree takes about five and a half years, including a one-year internship. Most doctors then spend three or more years on a postgraduate specialisation.
Can I take NEET if I studied Mathematics instead of Biology?
NEET UG eligibility requires Biology or Biotechnology among your Class 12 subjects. If you are considering medicine, keep Biology in Grades 11 and 12, and check the current eligibility rules on the National Testing Agency website.
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Exam names, eligibility rules, dates and programme details change. Always confirm anything you plan to act on with the official exam authority or institution. Something out of date? Tell us at info.socialhouselearning@gmail.com.