Detailed List of Courses Available Through NEET-UG (Besides MBBS)
1. Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
What it is: BDS focuses on oral health, including the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity (teeth, gums, mouth). Career: After completing BDS, you become a Dentist. You can open your own clinic, work in government or private hospitals, or pursue higher studies (MDS). Duration: 5 years (including a 1-year compulsory rotating internship).
2. AYUSH Courses
A. Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) What it is: Based on the ancient Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda. It focuses on holistic healing using natural herbs, diet, and lifestyle practices. Duration: 5.5 years (including a 1-year internship).
B. Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) What it is: Based on the principle of "like cures like," this system uses highly diluted substances to trigger the body's natural healing system. Duration: 5.5 years (including a 1-year internship).
C. Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) What it is: An ancient Greco-Arabic system of medicine that focuses on balancing the body's humors (elements) for good health. Duration: 5.5 years (including a 1-year internship).
D. Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS) What it is: One of the oldest traditional medicine systems from Tamil Nadu, India. It emphasizes the balance of mind, body, and spirit. Duration: 5.5 years (including a 1-year internship).
E. Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (BNYS) What it is: A drug-less and non-invasive system of medicine that focuses on natural healing, diet, and yogic practices. Duration: 5.5 years (including a 1-year internship).
3. Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH)
What it is: This course deals with the health, treatment, and well-being of animals. It's equivalent to an MBBS for animals. Career: Graduates become veterinarians (animal doctors) and can work in government veterinary hospitals, private clinics, zoos, dairy farms, and research institutions. Admission: Admission to 15% of the All India Quota seats in government veterinary colleges is through NEET scores (conducted by the Veterinary Council of India - VCI). Duration: 5.5 years (including a compulsory internship).
4. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Nursing
What it is: A professional nursing course that prepares students to become registered nurses. They provide patient care, administer medication, and assist doctors. Admission: Since 2021, many central institutions, including AFMC (Armed Forces Medical College), and several state-level colleges use NEET scores for admission into their B.Sc. (Hons.) Nursing programs. Duration: 4 years.
5. Allied and Healthcare Science Courses (in Select Institutes)
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT): Focuses on physical movement to prevent and treat injuries and disabilities. Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT): Helps people with physical, sensory, or cognitive problems to regain independence in their daily life activities. B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT): Involves performing diagnostic tests on clinical specimens (blood, urine, tissues). B.Sc. in Operation Theatre Technology (OTT): Prepares professionals to manage equipment and assist surgeons in the operation theatre. B.Sc. in Radiology & Imaging Technology: Involves using medical imaging techniques like X-ray, MRI, and CT scans for diagnosis. B.Sc. in Biotechnology: Some universities might use NEET scores for admission to their life science and biotechnology programs.
6. A Mandatory Requirement: Studying MBBS Abroad
If a student wishes to study medicine (MBBS or its equivalent) in a foreign country, they must qualify for the NEET-UG exam. Upon returning to India, they need to clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to be eligible to practice medicine in India. Qualifying NEET is the first step in this process.