What is Medical Course?: Course Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

The Medical courses are also called Doctor courses. Medical courses after 12th in India are highly sought after due to the prestige associated with the medical profession and the potential for career stability and impact on society. India offers a wide range of Medical courses after 12th at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as various diplomas and certificate programs in healthcare-related fields. 

Admission to most Medical field courses in India, especially MBBS and MD/MS, is highly competitive and is based on national and state-level entrance exams. 

Hello,

There are many courses available in medical and non-medical field.

Below, Medical courses list are given below. You should choose any one course in any field in which you are interested. 

• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
• BDS (Bachelors of Dental Science)
• BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy)
• BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery)
• BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine & Surgery)
• B.Pharma (Bachelor of Pharmacy)

If you are inclined towards medical research, consider these Medical courses:

• MSc Clinical Research

• MSc Biotechnology

• PharmD 

• MD in Pathology/Microbiology/Pharmacology

• PhD in Medical

Candidates can check below to see the benefits of pursuing Medical courses:

• Humanitarian Service: Graduates of Medical courses have the chance to make a significant positive impact on people's lives by providing medical care, alleviating suffering, and saving lives.

• Job Stability and Demand: There is a constant need for qualified Medical courses professionals, which means job stability and a lower risk of unemployment than many other professions.

• Financial Reward: While the duration of medical education is long and can be financially demanding, the potential for high earning potential over the long term is a significant incentive for many.

• Diverse Career Opportunities: Whether candidates are interested in surgery, internal medicine, Paediatrics, Radiology, research, or public health, there's likely a medical path that aligns with their interests and skills.

• Continuous Learning and Challenge: Medical courses provide an ongoing opportunity for learning and professional development, making it intellectually stimulating

No, 20 years old is not too late to start pursuing an MBBS degree in India or many other countries. In fact, it's a quite common age to begin medical studies. The typical age range for starting MBBS in India is usually between 17 and 25 years old, but this can vary depending on individual circumstances and educational paths.

Many students in India typically start their MBBS courses in their late teens or early twenties. 

D Pharm is of two years.

A D Pharma course, also known as Diploma in Pharmacy, is a programme designed to train students in pharmaceutical Science and pharmacy practice. This Diploma course is typically offered at various Pharmacy colleges and institutions in India. 

To be eligible for admission to a D Pharma programme in India, candidates must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics. Some institutes may have specific eligibility requirements, so it's essential to check with the individual institution.

The minimum marks required in the 12th grade for admission to top medical colleges in India vary based on category and college-specific cutoffs.

Generally, for government medical colleges like AIIMS and those under NEET, candidates must secure at least 50% in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) for the General category, 40% for SC/ST/OBC, and 45% for PwD candidates.

However, securing admission in premier institutions requires a high NEET score, often above 600-650 marks, as competition is intense. Private medical colleges may have lower NEET cutoffs, but meeting the 12th-grade eligibility criteria is essential for all.

Scholarships for Medical courses in India are offered by various government and private organizations to support aspiring medical students who may need financial assistance to pursue their education.

Here are some notable scholarships and financial aid programs available for graduates of Medical courses in India:

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

NEET is conducted by the National Testing Agency NTA and is mandatory for students seeking admission to medical courses in India. So, in general, it is not possible to become a doctor in India without clearing the NEET exam.

NEET is the standard exam that is accepted by most medical colleges in India, and it is a requirement for admission to undergraduate medical courses. However, there are some alternative options available for students who are unable to clear the NEET exam or who did not appear for the exam.

• Some private medical colleges offer admissions through their own entrance exams or merit-based admissions. However, the admission process and eligibility criteria for these colleges may vary, and you would need to research them thoroughly to find out if they are suitable for you.
• Another option could be to pursue medical courses in other countries where NEET is not mandatory. However, the admission process and eligibility criteria for medical courses in foreign countries may also differ from those in India, and you would need to research these options thoroughly and ensure that they align with your career goals and interests. 

Unfortunately, it is not possible to pursue an MBBS degree in India without passing the NEET exam. NEET is required for admission to MBBS courses in all Indian medical institutes.

NEET UG is the gateway to admission to multiple medical and paramedical courses:

• MBBS

• BDS

• Ayurvedic Medicine

• Homoeopathy Medicine

• Unani Medicine

• Siddha Medicine

• Bachelor Sciences and Animal Husbandry

• BSc (Hons) Nursing

• Bachelor of Physiotherapy

• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

• Bachelor of Audiology, Speech and Language Pathology

• Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics.

Every year, the cut-off is nearby 500, so you need to score 500 or above for guaranteed admission to MBBS, but for all India quota, it should be more than 600.

In India, the NEET is the primary entrance exam for admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses such as MBBS and BDS. However, there are some medical courses that may not require NEET for admission. 

These medical courses without NEET include:

• Occupational Therapy
• Forensic Medical Science Courses
• Veterinary Sciences
• Pharmacy
• Psychology
• Nutritionist/Dietician
• Occupation Therapy
• Clinical Research
• Medical Transcription
• Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences
• Forensic Sciences

The difficulty level of medical studies in India can vary depending on individual aptitude, interests, and the specific medical course or specialisation pursued. However, certain medical specializations are often considered more challenging due to their extensive training, demanding clinical requirements, and the complexity of the subject matter. 

Some of these challenging medical specializations include:

Super-speciality medical courses are advanced and specialised medical training programs designed for healthcare professionals who have already completed their basic medical education and a postgraduate degree in a particular field.
Listed below are the top super-speciality medical courses:

• Cardiology (DM)
• Gastroenterology (DM)
• Nephrology (DM)
• Neurology (DM)
• Neonatology (DM)
• Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (MCh)
• Endocrinology (DM)

The hype for postgrad medical courses really depends on what’s happening in healthcare, new tech in medicine, and what society needs the most. But some courses always stay top-tier.

• MD/MS in General Medicine

• MD/MS in Pediatrics

• MD/MS in Obstetrics and Gynecology

• MD/MS in Anesthesiology

• DM/ MCh in Cardiology, Neurology, and Gastroenterology

While MBBS is the most sought-after medical course, several other programs offer excellent career opportunities in the healthcare sector. These courses focus on specialised fields such as allied health sciences, pharmacy, and nursing.

Medical education can be expensive, but some courses offer quality education at a lower cost. Here are some of the most affordable medical courses:

To determine which college is best between AIIMS Delhi and PGIMER Chandgiharh, you need to gothrough the table below:

There are about 800+ best Medical colleges in India that provide full-time MBBS courses. Of these top MBBS colleges in India, 153 are privately owned, 89 are government owned and the rest 8 are semi-government owned. NEET, KEAM, Kerala NEET, MP NEET, AP NEET and Maharashtra NEET are some of the popular entrance exams for admission to top Medical colleges in India. Some of the best MBBS colleges in India are All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, Delhi, Christian Medical College, JIPMER Puducherry, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, KGMU and many more. 

Some of the top medical schools in India are listed below and should be given greater recognition for a variety of reasons:

Please note that the best infrastructure among all Medical colleges in India is subjective and majorly depends on individual tastes and preferences. However given below are some colleges that are often praised for their infrastructure:

The table below shows the state-wise distribution of top MBBS colleges in India along with their number and names of colleges:

Hope this helps!

Listed below are the the top Medical courses with lucrative salary prospects.

Certain medical fields provide a better balance between professional and personal life.

• Dentistry (BDS & MDS) – Fixed clinic hours, fewer emergencies.

• Pharmacy (BPharm & MPharm) – Less stress compared to hospital-based jobs.

• Physiotherapy (BPT & MPT) – Flexible working hours, minimal emergency calls.

• Public Health & Community Medicine – Focus on preventive healthcare rather than emergency treatments.

• Clinical Research & Medical Writing – Research-based work with no direct patient responsibilities.

To apply in the universities of countries like Philippines and Russia, the standard eligibility criteria is as follows: For open / general Category: 50% in PCB in class 12th board exams.

For reserved category: 40% in PCB in class 12th board exams. It is to be kept in consideration as the MCI (Medical Council of India) will only allow a candidate to appear for MCI screening test only if the above-mentioned criteria is fulfilled.

Several medical courses provide global career opportunities due to standardized curriculums and international recognition.

• MBBS & MD – Recognized globally, but licensing exams (USMLE, PLAB) may be required.

• BDS & MDS – Requires additional licensing in most countries, but offers good scope in dentistry.

• BPharm & MPharm – Many countries accept Indian pharmacy degrees, especially with certifications.

• BSc Nursing – High demand worldwide, especially in Canada, the UK, Australia, and the Middle East.

• Physiotherapy (BPT & MPT) – Recognized in many countries, but licensing exams are necessary.

• MSc Clinical Research – High demand in pharmaceutical and biotech industries globally.

Some Medical courses provide better global career opportunities due to international recognition.

• MBBS (with USMLE/PLAB preparation)

• BDS (with foreign dental licensing exams)

• BSc Nursing (high demand in the UK, Canada, and Australia)

• MPT (Physiotherapy, widely accepted abroad)

• MSc Clinical Research (recognized in Pharmacy & biotech globally)

Many countries offer excellent postgraduate opportunities after MBBS.

• USA – USMLE required for MD/Residency.

• UK – PLAB exam required for medical practice.

• Canada – MCCQE exam needed for licensing.

• Australia – AMC exam required for medical registration.

• Germany – Medical PG possible with German language proficiency.

• New Zealand – NZREX exam required for medical practice.

• Singapore – Limited universities accept Indian MBBS for PG courses.

Hi, you can refer to the table below for the various courses offered by best Medical colleges in India:

Hope this answered your question!

Hi Pooja,

Some of the popular courses are:

• MBBS
• BAMS (Ayurvedic)
• BHMS (Homoeopathy)
• BUMS (Unani)
• BDS
• Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (B.VSc AH)
• Bachelor of Naturopathy & Yogic Science (BNYS)
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Entrance exams are mandatory for most Medical courses in India. Here are some of the most important ones:

Preparing for entrance exams for Medical courses after 12th in India is a rigorous process due to the competitive nature of admissions to medical colleges.

Here are some essential tips and strategies for effectively preparing for entrance exams for Medical courses in India:

• Understand the Exam: Familiarize yourself with the specific medical entrance exams you plan to take, such as NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), or state-level exams. Understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme.

• Create a Study Plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan that covers all the topics and subjects included in the Medical courses syllabus. 

• Mock Tests: Practice regularly with mock tests and previous years' question papers. Mock tests help you become familiar with the exam pattern, improve time management, and identify areas that need further attention.

• Time Management: Efficient time management is essential. Set clear daily and weekly goals, and prioritize your study time based on your strengths and weaknesses.

• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting adequate sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly. Physical and mental well-being is crucial for effective studying.

The choice of textbooks often depends on the specific Medical courses or specialisation candidates are pursuing. Here are some commonly recommended textbooks that are widely used by medical students in India across various Medical courses:

Many top institutions offer Distance Medicine courses, catering to candidates who wish to balance work or education and wish to have flexibility. 

Candidates can check the table below to see the list of colleges that offer Medical courses in distance mode:

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Enrolling for part-time Medical courses in India is an excellent option for professionals looking to enhance their skills without taking a career break. 

Here are some of the best colleges that offer part-time Medical courses:

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Many colleges in India offer Medical courses in online mode. The online Medical field courses offer flexibility and convenience for working professionals who want to pursue the courses at their convenience and flexibility.

Candidates can check the table below to see the list of colleges that offer Medical courses in online mode:

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.