Once you’ve opted for PCB in Class 11th, you also opt for the pressure of clearing the NEET exam; it’s automatic. Still, you don’t have to get anxious because your NEET exam opens several gates, so even if you’ve scored not so high, you have lots of options to take the coveted position of a Doctor, which is going to be the point of discussion in this post.
Often, we see a lot of people doing courses in the healthcare industry, but still not considered equivalent to a Doctor. That’s why becoming a doctor through MBBS is so tough, as the demand is really high and the field is highly competitive. So, how to become a Doctor without MBBS especially when the NEET score is low.
This guide will explore all the medical courses after 12th that require NEET but are alternatives to MBBS, their scope, salary expectations, and most importantly the distinguished demand for Veterinary Doctors in India, which many students overlook.
Can I Become a Doctor Without MBBS?
The answer is yes. In India, NEET is the only entrance exam required for admission to the majority of undergraduate medical programs. You cannot apply to reputable universities for BDS, BAMS, BHMS, or Veterinary Science without it.
However, keep in mind that your score will determine which course you are placed in. Even if you pass NEET, a lower score could prevent you from getting into a government medical college because MBBS seats are limited. Other possibilities then become relevant. So, we will go through each of the options in a bit of detail below.
Medical Courses After 12th That Require NEET
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
The first option is the obvious which is why people appear for NEET usually, lets dive into its details.
- Duration: 5.5 years (including a year of internship)
- What you become: A general physician, surgeon, or specialist after post-graduation.
- NEET Requirement: Very high cut-off. Government colleges need 600+ marks in many states. Private colleges accept lower scores, but fees are much higher.
- Salary: Fresh doctors usually earn ₹6–8 LPA in hospitals. With specialization (MD/MS) and experience, earnings can jump to ₹15–25 LPA or more.
- In case of average cut-off: With an average score, MBBS in government colleges is almost impossible. Private colleges are an option, but they require a big budget.
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
The demand for a dentist is evergreen and for that also you need the NEET score, here’s more about it.
- Duration: 5 years (including internship)
- What you become: A dentist, working in hospitals, dental clinics, or running your own practice.
- NEET Requirement: Lower cut-off compared to MBBS. Even with an average score, you may secure a seat in private or semi-government colleges.
- Salary: Freshers start around ₹4–6 LPA. Dentists with private clinics can earn ₹10–20 LPA over time.
- Low Score Situation: If your score is not enough for MBBS, BDS is a practical and rewarding backup.
AYUSH Courses
As Government of India is laying stress onto alternate medicine the AYUSH courses are getting in the trend AACCC is the government organization for counseling to admissions in various courses which include BAMS, BHMS, BUMS,etc.
BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
Since there’s an upward trend of holistic and natural treatments in India and all over the world, and India being the birthplace of Ayurveda, there’s a strong reason to study and dive into the world of Ayurveda. The National Library of Medicine from the US article mentions the emerging trends of Ayurveda and how it is seen as a sustainable development goal.
- Duration: 5.5 years
- What you become: An Ayurvedic doctor, practicing traditional medicine, wellness therapies, or working in government and private hospitals.
- NEET Requirement: Moderate cut-off. With a low to medium score, you still stand a good chance in many states.
- Salary: ₹3–6 LPA as a fresher. With your own Ayurvedic clinic, salary can grow much higher depending on reputation and demand.
- Less Score Situation: Ideal if you want to stay in the medical field but your NEET score isn’t strong enough for MBBS or BDS.
BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery)
Another branch of alternative medicine that is based on the notion “like cures like” is also a branch of the medical field. Let’s know more about it.
- Duration: 5.5 years
- What you become: A Homeopathy doctor, practicing in private clinics, wellness centers, or even research.
- NEET Requirement: Lower cut-off than MBBS or BDS, making it accessible for students with average or low scores.
- Salary: Around ₹2.5–5 LPA in the beginning. With private practice, income can rise steadily.
- With a lower cut-off: A good option if you want to pursue medicine but cannot get into high-demand courses.
B.V.Sc & AH (Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry)
Govt Report: Shortage of Veterinary Doctors in India
Did You Know?
India is currently facing a major shortage of veterinary doctors. According to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (Govt. of India, 2023 report), the country needs over 50% more veterinarians than are currently available to meet the growing demand in livestock, dairy, poultry, and pet care.
Read the official Government report on veterinary doctor shortage here.
While other medical alternatives (like BAMS or BHMS) depend heavily on private practice, BVSc is one of the few careers with an officially recognized demand gap and stable government-backed opportunities. So let’s dive into the details of this course with a stable career ahead.
- Duration: 5.5 years
- What you become: A Veterinary Doctor (treating pets, livestock, and sometimes wildlife).
- NEET Requirement: Required, but competition is not as cut-throat as MBBS.
- Salary: ₹3–5 LPA as a fresher. Experienced veterinary doctors, especially in cities, can make ₹10–15 LPA or more.
- With an average NEET Score: If you love animals, this is a strong and stable career option even with a moderate score, with a growing demand of the pet industry and ever growing demand of animal husbandry (with a growth of indigenous products) in rural areas or semi-urban areas.
BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery)
The Unani system is one of the oldest systems of medicine, which is rooted in the doctrines of Hippocrates (the Father of Medicine). It is another form of healing based on natural principles. Let’s know how you can pursue your studies from this course.
- Duration: 5.5 years (including internship)
- What you become: A Unani doctor, practicing Unani medicine – an ancient system that uses natural remedies, diet, and lifestyle changes to treat patients.
- NEET Requirement: Yes, NEET is compulsory. The cut-off is usually lower than MBBS and BDS, making it a good option if your score isn’t very high.
- Salary: Freshers earn ₹2.5–5 LPA. With private practice or specialization, earnings can rise to ₹8–12 LPA.
- With a moderate NEET Score: If you don’t get MBBS or BDS but still want to be called a doctor, BUMS is worth considering. The government recognizes it and has career opportunities in clinics, hospitals, research, and even the pharmaceutical industry.
How to Become a Doctor without MBBS(Summary)
So now, with cut-off challenges in the NEET exam, you have a wide variety of options which will make you the best in your field and stand out to become the “Doctor” by following these alternative medical courses which is often described as one of the noblest professions. Let’s summarise what you can do with your current scores in these career options with a low NEET score:
- Private Colleges:Although fees can be very high, they accept lower scores. This is a possibility if your family can afford it.
- Alternate Courses (BAMS, BHMS, Veterinary): These usually have lower cut-offs, so even with 250-400 marks, you may secure a seat. For a vet doc it is 500-550.
- Reattempt NEET: Many students take a year off, work harder in their studies, and return with higher scores. This might be worthwhile if becoming an MBBS is your only goal.
- Look Abroad: In nations like Russia, Hungary, Poland, Australia or the Philippines, some students with low test results decide to pursue MBBS. The Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE) must be passed later, and costs vary.
Salary Expectations Across Medical Fields
Here’s a quick glance at how different courses pay:
| Course | Starting Salary (per annum) | Growth Potential |
| MBBS | ₹6–8 LPA | ₹15–25 LPA with specialization |
| BDS | ₹4–6 LPA | ₹10–20 LPA (private practice) |
| BAMS | ₹3–6 LPA | ₹8–15 LPA (own clinic) |
| BHMS | ₹2.5–5 LPA | ₹8–12 LPA (private practice) |
| Veterinary (B.V.Sc & AH) | ₹3–5 LPA | ₹10–15 LPA (urban practice/experience) |
Salary of AYUSH Doctors in India
Here is the snapshot of AYUSH Doctors in India, where you can see clearly that salary is ranging from 1.8 LPA to 7.8 LPA per year in India.
Choosing the Right Course
When choosing among these courses, think about:
- Your NEET score – Obviously, the score is going to be the subject of your preference, higher will land you up in MBBS, BDS, VET, BUMS ,BAMS ,BHMS in that order.
- Your interest – If you’re compassionate towards animals and want to fill the gap in India as highlighted in the article, Veterinary is perfect. If you believe in traditional healing, BAMS or BUMS might be your calling. MBBS or BDS is the way for those who handle pressure and perseverance and enjoy the prestige.
- Your budget – Private MBBS colleges can cost ₹50 lakhs or more. Alternatives like BAMS or BHMS are far more affordable.
Conclusion
Many students do not even opt for NEET just because they fear they can’t get MBBS or become a doctor, so in this post, we have broken that myth. Even though the NEET may seem like a stressful test, keep in mind that it doesn’t determine your entire future. You can still work in the medical industry even if you have a low score.
There are several options if you want to wear a white coat and change the world: Veterinary Science, MBBS, BDS, BAMS, or BHMS. All of these professions give stability, respect, and the opportunity to contribute to society; however, salaries may differ.
Therefore, choose a course that aligns with your passion and talents rather than worrying about your grade. After all, commitment and empathy are more important for success in medicine than a NEET score. Click here to know more about health care professions without NEET in India.
FAQs
Q. Can I become a doctor without MBBS?
A. Yes, you can. Courses like BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, and Veterinary Science also make you a doctor in their respective fields. MBBS is the most popular, but it’s not the only way to become a doctor.
Q. Can I get admission in medical courses with a low NEET score?
A. Yes. Even with a low NEET score, you can explore options like BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, and Veterinary Science, as their cut-offs are usually lower than MBBS and BDS.
Q. Which medical course is the best backup if I don’t get MBBS?
A. BDS (Dentistry) is considered the best alternative because of its career scope and earning potential. Other good options include Veterinary Science, BAMS (Ayurveda) and BUMS(Unani).
Q. What is the salary after BAMS, BHMS, or BUMS?
- BAMS: ₹3–6 LPA initially, higher with private practice
- BHMS: ₹2.5–5 LPA as a fresher
- BUMS: ₹2.5–5 LPA to start, can go up to ₹8–12 LPA with experience
Q. Can I study MBBS abroad if my NEET score is low?
A. Yes, you can. Countries like Russia, Georgia, and the Philippines offer MBBS with lower entry requirements. However, you still need to qualify NEET (even with low marks) to be eligible to practice in India later.
Q. Is there a demand for a Vet Doc?
A. India currently has a shortage of Vet Docs, as highlighted by the Government of India, so it is pretty obvious that there is a huge demand in this field.