Study track · Pathway
Medicine and allied health — NEET
Doctor, dentist, Unani or Ayurveda physician, or veterinarian: in India, all of these begin with one exam, NEET-UG. It is demanding, but planned well, it is within reach.
1,40,664MBBS seats, 2026–27
64,121in government colleges
About 20 lakhsat NEET-UG 2026
No limiton attempts or upper age
Figures checked 13 October 2026 · sources at the bottom of the page
Who can sit NEET-UG
- Subjects: 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English.
- Marks in PCB: at least 50% for General and EWS, 40% for OBC, SC and ST, and 45% for General PwD candidates.
- Age: 17 years by 31 December of the admission year. No upper age limit.
- Attempts: no limit. Many successful students qualify on their second or third try.
Rules can change each year. Always read the official Information Bulletin on neet.nta.nic.in before applying. Registration usually opens in winter for an exam in May.
Courses NEET opens
| Course | Becomes | Length (including internship) |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS | Doctor | About 5½ years |
| BDS | Dentist | About 5 years |
| BUMS / BAMS / BHMS | Unani, Ayurveda or Homeopathy physician | About 5½ years |
| B.V.Sc & AH | Veterinarian | About 5½ years |
Many other health careers — nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, lab technology — do not need a top NEET rank. See the Nursing pathway.
Cost — why a government seat matters
Government medical colleges charge low fees, while private and deemed universities can cost tens of lakhs of rupees over the course. For a poor family, a good NEET rank and a government seat is the realistic route. Aim high in the exam, and keep a back-up plan.
- Coaching does not have to be expensive. NCERT textbooks for Class 11 and 12 are the base of the exam. Many students prepare with low-cost online courses and free videos.
- Scholarships on the National Scholarship Portal and from state governments and community trusts can help with fees and hostel costs.
- Sponsors: SkilledMuslim can try to match committed students with sponsors for coaching, books or fees. Ask us.
A two-year preparation plan
- Class 11: master NCERT Biology, Physics and Chemistry line by line. Build a fixed daily study routine.
- Class 12: finish the syllabus by December, alongside your board exams. Your board marks must meet the PCB minimum.
- Practice papers: solve past NEET papers under timed conditions every week, and review every mistake.
- Register on time on the official NTA site when the bulletin is released. Keep your documents ready.
- After the result: take part in both the all-India counselling (MCC) and your state’s counselling.
Plan B is not failure. If you do not get a seat you can afford, consider a second attempt, or move to nursing, pharmacy or allied health. These are respected careers that can start this year.
The long picture
- Years 1–2 · Preparation: Class 11 and 12, then NEET.
- Years 3–8 · Medical college: the course and a one-year internship.
- Then · Practise and specialise: work as a medical officer, sit NEET-PG for a specialisation, serve in government hospitals, or open a clinic that serves your community.
“Whoever saves one life, it is as if he had saved all of mankind.” — Qur’an 5:32