Sreetama Datta
Sreetama Datta Roy
Manager Content
Updated on Jan 19, 2026 17:00 IST
Owing to the competition that exists in NEET and the pressure that a candidate is subjected to, during the exam's preparation, many resorts 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.

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

Students often get demotivated, thinking what if they will not be able to qualify NEET exam. There are many career options in medical field without NEET also. So don’t get dishearten if you don’t get course of your choice through. This article helps you to understand course options one can opt after 12th in case they don’t qualify NEET exam. From physiotherapy to nursing, pharmacy there are lots of avenues students can explore without NEET.

As NEET exam is one of the most competitive exam and around 20 to 22 lakh students appear every year, qualifying exam with top ranks may not be easy for each and every students. Considering this fact, students should explore options that may have after class 12th. Read to article to know more about medical courses without NEET. NEET 2026 exam will be held most likley on May 3, 2026.

Table of contents
  • NEET 2025 Cutoff
  • Some of Medical Courses without NEET
  • Medical Courses without NEET: Other Popular Courses
  • Medical Courses after 12th without NEET: Various Other Courses Related to the Field of Medicine

NEET 2025 Cutoff

NTA had reduced NEET cutoff for 2025-26 academic session. Students can check NEET cutoff 2025 scores and percentiles in table given below.

Category

NEET 2025 Cutoff percentile

NEET 2025 Cutoff score

UR/EWS

50th

686-144

OBC, SC, ST

40th

143-113

UR/EWS-PwD

45th

143-127

OBC/SC/St-PwD

40th

126-113

The highest score obtained in NEET 2025 is 686 out of 720. Hence, the NEET cutoff for admission is also likely to be reduced.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the minimum marks to be scored for qualifying in NEET?
A: 

Candidates belonging to the General category should secure 50 percentile. Those belonging to the PwD General category has to secure 45 percentile. The NEET cutoff percentile for the reserved category candidates is 40. The exact qualifying marks or cutoff scores will be announced by NTA along with the scorecards. This year, General category candidates had to score minimum 137 marks to qualify for the exam. 

Q:   What is the age limit to apply for NEET?
A: 

The minimum age limit to apply online for NEET exam is 17 years. However, there is no upper age limit in the exam. Candidates must be of 17 years as on or before December 31, 2026 to be eligible for NEET. Check here NEET age limit 2026 for OBC, SC, ST, General

Q:   Can I get AIIMS with 550 NEET scores?
A: 

The AIIMS accepts NEET scores for admission to the MBBS. Students need to obtain the NEET cut off percentile and scores to get shortlisted for counselling in AIIMS MBBS course. The NEET 2025 cutoff scores for generally category was 686-144. So, a general category student with 550 marks cannot take admissions to AIIMS. 

Some of Medical Courses without NEET

Students can check list of some of top medical and paramedical courses where students don't require to qualify NEET exam with minimum cutoff score.

Nursing

Even though several BSc Nursing courses have been replaced with the 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 a 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

Students can join Bachelor of Physiotherapy. This course is much in demand. After completing this course, you will get the skills to cure illnesses or injuries that limit patients' day to day activities. A career related to Physiotherapy is available in various fields such as sports, military, education, research and insurance agencies.

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

One can also make a career as a nutritionist. They suggest the correct diet to people according to their health and requirements. They 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

Joining an occupational therapy course is a good option for those who want to join a medical course without appearing for NEET exam. The job includes helping a student in recovering from an injury or shock. Students can either pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy and they can also choose a Diploma course.

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. Various institutions 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 based on NEET scores, many still admit students on the basis of the marks obtained in Class 12 Board exam. Many colleges also provide 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 Science 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

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 Medical Courses without NEET: Other Popular Courses

Some of the course options a student can opt for have been enlisted below. It must be noted these courses are not entirely related to Medicine. But courses are designed specially for biology students.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many city preference candidates can submit while selecting the NTA NEET exam centre?
A: 

Candidates will be allowed to enter three choices of NEET exam cities in the order of their preference in NEET form 2026. During 2022-2024, candidates could select two cities only and till 2022, candidates could enter as many as four cities. The list of exam cities in the dropdown menu is based on the permanent and present address entered by candidates in the registration form of NEET. 

Q:   What is the minimum score to qualify NEET?
A: 

The minimum qualifying percentile for NEET UG exam is shared below-

Category

NEET 2025 Cutoff percentile

UR/EWS

50th

OBC, SC, ST

40th

UR/EWS-PwD

45th

OBC/SC/St-PwD

40th

Q:   Can a student do MBBS without NEET?
A: 

Students cannot do Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) without qualifying the NEET UG exam. Clearing the NEET exam is the minimum eligibility requirement to pursue the MBBS course in India.

Explore colleges based on NEET

Delhi
₹6.08 K
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₹15.00 K
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₹2.14 L

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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

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Sreetama Datta Roy
Manager Content
Sreetama Datta Roy is a journalist working in the Education beat, with over 15 years of work experience. A postgraduate in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. At Shiksha, s
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Answered 15 hours ago

No, NEET-UG is not a mandatory entrance exam for Virohan: HRIT University, Ghaziabad BOPTM admissions. Candidate selection during BOPTM course admissions will be based on Class 12 board exam scores at Virohan: HRIT University, Ghaziabad.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 22 hours ago

No, NEET-UG is not required to qualify for Virohan: HRIT University, Ghaziabad BMRIT admissions. Candidates need to only clear their Class 12 board exams in order to be qualified for Virohan: HRIT University, Ghaziabad BMRIT admissions.

There are no other entrance exams that are mentioned as mandator

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Hi, 
If about NEET and JEE prep choices are confusing, see if you can choose one between medical or engg.  It's much tougher to choose both at once as the syllabus is not the same. You can otherwise look at Dharwad's integrated PU colleges. These are NEET and JEE focused. Arjuna Science, Empower, Vij

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

The NTA has not announced the number of registered students for NEET 2026 exam. However, the media reports state around 26 Lacs candidates applied for the NEET UG 2026.

R

Ranjeeta Srivastava

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 days ago

MGM's College of Physiotherapy offers seats in BPT programme based on NEET scores of the candidates. The seat are alloted to aspirants via State-level counselling. Hence, aspirants must pass NEET for admission to BPT programme.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 3 days ago

A rank of 75000 could get you admission at DY Patil University, Navi Mumbai, if you belong to the General AI category. For the MBBS course, the last round cutoff rank was 548164 for the aforementioned category. 

Please note that other categories will have different cutoffs accordingly. 

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

A good score depends on the course chosen and the category of the candidate. The NEET UG entrance examination cutoff is released in the form of ranks. 

For the General AI category, the MBBS course requires a rank of at least 548164 or below to gain admission. For the BDS course, the last round rank w

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

To get admission to DY Patil University, Navi Mumbai, based on the NEET results, students need to attain a valid cutoff rank for the MBBS and BDS courses. Both courses have different cutoffs for each All India category. 

For the General AI category, the MBBS cutoff 2025 ranged from 419526 to 548164.

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

DY Patil University, Navi Mumbai BDS cutoff 2025 was concluded with the release of the final cutoff list. The cutoff was different for various categories under the All India categories. 

For the General AI category, the DY Patil University BDS cutoff 2025 varied between 688701 and 773976. Please note

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

No, the NEET date 2026 has not been extended. The NTA will conduct the NEET UG exam on May 3, 2026. The dates, if postponed, will be notified by the NTA. Moreover, you can get the dates here - NEET 2026 exam dates.

R

Rupali Pruthi

Contributor-Level 10