The NEET exam, or the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, is the qualifying undergraduate examination for aspiring medical students. The management of this examination falls under the National Testing Agency and is conducted nationwide in India for medical admissions. Here, we will explore everything about the NEET UG exam and its career pathways.
NEET Exam
The NEET exam began in 2013 and is conducted once a year. The examination lasts for three hours and consists of 180 multiple-choice questions. It is divided into three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. There are 45 questions each from Physics and Chemistry, while 90 questions are from Biology. The successful score ranges from 180 to 720 to be eligible for admission to medical courses.
A total of 106,333 seats are available in 695 medical colleges: 50,685 seats for MBBS in private colleges and 50,648 seats in government colleges.
Career Pathways in Medical Sciences
After the NEET exam, there are various career choices:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)
- Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS)
- Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing)
- Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yoga Sciences (BNYS)
- Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS)
- Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS)
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH)
MBBS
This is the most preferred course among candidates who have cleared the NEET exam. The designation after pursuing an MBBS is Physician or Doctor. Candidates can further pursue postgraduate courses such as MD, MS, or DNB, specializing in a particular subject. The duration of this course is approximately 5.5 years.
BDS
This is the second most popular choice for those interested in dental care. Oral health is a field that requires highly skilled professionals. The BDS course lasts 5 years, including a compulsory one-year internship.
BPT
Physiotherapy is another option offered through NEET. Physiotherapists have good opportunities in private practice, health clinics, and multinational companies. The BPT course lasts about 4 to 4.5 years. A master’s degree in Physiotherapy (MPT) can also be pursued.
BHMS
The Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery is another option available after clearing the NEET examination. Homeopathy works on the principle of self-healing of the human body and is a recognized form of alternative medicine. The duration of this course is around 5.5 years.
BAMS
A Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery is another valuable choice post-NEET. This course covers herbal medicines, oils, therapies, surgical science, lifestyle, and dietary measures. The duration is around 5.5 years and is governed by state medical authorities and the Central Council of Medicine (CCM).
BSc Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing can be pursued after clearing the NEET exam. It provides essential clinical skills in pharmacology, physiology, anatomy, and nursing, which are employed in hospitals and healthcare settings. The duration of the course is about 4 years. Advanced degrees like MSc in Nursing can also be pursued.
BNYS
Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yoga Sciences is another avenue after NEET. This field covers naturopathy sciences such as dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and hydrotherapies. The course lasts about 5.5 years, and graduates practice as yoga therapists, wellness educators, and naturopathic consultants.
BSMS
Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery is a traditional medicine field that teaches Siddha principles such as physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and anatomy combined with herbal medicine use. The duration is around 5.5 years.
BUMS
Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery involves studying traditional Unani medicine principles, including diagnosis, surgical practices, pharmacology, and pathology. The course lasts about 5.5 years.
BVSc & AH
Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry is another successful career path for those interested in veterinary science. The course duration is around 5.5 years.
There is never a shortage of opportunities for a dedicated and deserving candidate. One should be determined, dedicated, and patient when planning to join the medical field.
If you are preparing for the NEET UG exam, Remember with hardwork and dedication you will be able to achieve your dream career.
