10 Best Medical Courses to Pursue after 12th without NEET: 2024 Edition

Remember the scene in “The Martian” where Matt Damon has to become a botanist to grow potatoes on Mars?  Even the most stellar astrophysics knowledge would not have saved him in that situation. Like that film, the medical field offers many exciting specialisations beyond the traditional doctor’s route. The good news? Many of these rewarding careers do not require cracking the NEET exam.

If you are also passionate about healthcare but the thought of NEET gives you chills, this blog is for you. We will explore some of the most in-demand Medical courses you can pursue after the 12th without NEET without stressing about the NEET entrance exam.

A Glimpse About NEET

NEET stands for National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test. It is a nationwide medical entrance exam for students aiming to secure admission into undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS), and other healthcare programs in India.

• The exam is conducted and proctored by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

• NEET is required for admission to both government and private medical colleges.

• The exam typically covers subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

• Students who have completed 12th grade with science subjects can apply for NEET.

Why Explore Medical Courses After 12th Without NEET?

We all know that the NEET exam is undeniably a competitive hurdle. So, if appearing for NEET is not your strongest suit, or if your interests lie in a more specialised area of healthcare, you can explore these career options that will meet your needs, from aligning with your interests to offering a good salary. Imagine pursuing a great career without worrying about the NEET exam. Sounds interesting, right? Here are some of the most in-demand medical courses after 12th without NEET

10 Best Medical Courses After 12th Without NEET?

Source: Glassdoor & Ambitionbox

1. BSc Nursing

BSc Nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), is a 4-year UG course that prepares you to become a registered nurse. It includes classroom instruction and clinical training in various healthcare settings.

Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. They provide vital care to patients at every stage of their journey. You will have multiple responsibilities, such as managing emergency rooms and quiet recovery wards. You will work alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients are getting the treatment and support they need.

Salary Range After BSc Nursing: ₹3,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 per year

Duration: A B.Sc. nursing course typically lasts 3 years full-time. It combines classroom learning with practical placements in hospitals and other healthcare settings.

Eligibility for B.Sc. Nursing: Most universities typically require:

• Completion of Class 12 with good grades in Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

• Minimum marks requirement in English Language

• Passing entrance exams conducted by some universities

Colleges/Institutions:

• IIM Ahmedabad

• Indian School of Business

• Amity University

• Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University

Job Roles after BSc Nursing:

• Staff Nurse

• Department supervisor

• Armed Forces

• Home care nurses

• Educational institutions

• Government hospitals

2. BSc Biotechnology

B.Sc Biotechnology is a 3-year UG programme that provides you with a strong foundation of biotechnological concepts. This programme will help you to improve your knowledge of the cellular and bi-molecular processes.

Biotechnology is a field that combines biology, chemistry, and technology to develop new products and processes that improve our lives. Biologists have been using these principles for centuries, like in fermentation (think bread and beer!), but modern biotechnology takes things to a whole new level.

Salary Range after BSc Biotechnology ₹2,00,000 – ₹9,00,000 per year

Duration: A B.Sc. Biotechnology course typically lasts 3 years full-time.

Eligibility for course/programme: Typically, students need a science background in 12th standard, with subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics being most preferred. Some universities might have specific requirements for minimum marks in these subjects.

Colleges/Institutions:

• Amity University

• Parul University

• Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University

• SRM University

Job Roles after BSc Biotechnology:

• Clinical researcher

• Microbiologist

• Biomedical Engineer

• Biochemist

• Scientist

• Bioprocess Technician

• Lab Technologist

• DNA analyst

• Biotechnologist

3. B Pharmacy

Pharmacy (Bachelor of Pharmacy) is a 4-year UG degree focusing on pharmaceutical sciences, including pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacy practice. You will learn about research and development, manufacturing, quality control, regulatory affairs and clinical pharmacy. Pharmacists are essential to maintaining patient safety. This is the best medical course you can opt for after the 12th without NEET.

You might become the one to double-check a doctor’s prescription and catch a potential allergic reaction a patient could have.

Salary Range after course: ₹2,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 per year

Duration: A B.Sc. Pharmacy course typically lasts 4 years full-time.

Eligibility for course/programme: Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics are typically required subjects in 12th standard.

Colleges/Institutions:

• National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Hyderabad

• Jamia Hamdard

• Birla Institute of Technology & Science – Pilani

• Institute of Chemical Technology

• National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali

• Panjab University

Job Roles after BSc Pharmacy:

• Pharmacist

• Pharmacist in charge

• Clinical pharmacist.

• Staff pharmacist

• Medical Representative

• Clinical research associate

4. BSc Psychology

BSc Psychology is a 3-year UG programme in which you will be studying about the mind, emotions, social development, human behaviour, mental illness and crisis management. You can even become a school counsellor helping students with emotional challenges or a therapist working with individuals struggling with anxiety.

Salary Range after course:₹1,00,000 – ₹6,50,000 per year

Duration: A B.Sc. Psychology course typically lasts 3 years full-time.

Eligibility for course/programme: There’s some flexibility here, with some universities accepting students with a robust social science background in 12th standard, including subjects like Psychology, Sociology, and English Literature.

Colleges/Institutions:

• Banaras Hindu University

• Amity University, Noida

• Delhi University (DU)

• Chandigarh University (CU)

Job Roles after Psychology:

• Counsellor

• Educational Psychologist

• Social worker

• Psychologist

• Career counsellor

• Sports psychologist

• Human Resources

• Psychotherapist

• Teacher

5. BSc Biomedical Science

This “Best Medical Courses After 12th without NEET” list is incomplete without a BSc in Biomedical science.  BSc Biomedical Sciences is a 3-year UG course that focuses on the biological principles of human body function, disease mechanisms, and the use of advanced tools and technologies for disease control and cure.

Biomedical scientists work in research labs, pharmaceutical companies, and blood banks. They play a crucial role in developing new drugs, analysing blood samples, and conducting medical research.

Salary Range after course: ₹1,00,000 – ₹7,50,000 per year

Duration: A B.Sc. Biomedical Science course typically lasts 3 years full-time.

Eligibility for course/programme: Most universities require a minimum of 50% marks in Biology and Chemistry at A Levels, with Maths or Physics preferred in some cases.

Colleges/Institutions:

• Dolphin PG Institute of Biomedical and Natural Sciences, Dehradun

• Parul University, Vadodara

• Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology

• UPES University, Dehradun

• Hindustan University, Chennai

Job Roles after Biomedical Science:

• Forensic scientist

• Microbiologist

• Medicinal chemist

• Biomedical scientist

• Scientist

• Biotechnologist

• Geneticist

• Medical Sales Representative

• Medical laboratory scientist

6. B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT)

B.Sc. Medical Lab Technology is a 3-year UG programme and a 6-month internship. It will prepare you for diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases using clinical tests. You will be trained in analysing bodily fluids, identifying pathogens, and interpreting results. The curriculum includes hands-on training with advanced laboratory equipment and quality control. You may even be employed in hospitals, diagnostic labs, and research institutions as a medical lab technologist delivering critical diagnostic information.

Salary Range after course:: ₹2,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 per year

Duration: A B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology course typically lasts 3 years full-time.

Eligibility for course: The basic requirement is typically passing the 12th standard in science subjects (physics, chemistry, and biology).

Colleges/Institutions:

• Parul University, Vadodara

• Lord Shiva College of Pharmacy, Sirsa

• Modish Institute of Polytechnic, Punhana

• National College of Polytechnic, Yamuna Nagar

Job Roles After The Course:

• Medical Laboratory Scientist.

• Research Assistant/Associate.

• Quality Control Officer.

• Healthcare Administrator.

• Public Health Inspector.

7. B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics

A 3-year Nutrition and Dietetics degree programme would be a chance to wade through in-depth information on the science of nutrition and diet planning. You will learn how to develop customised diet plans for different health needs, skills that will be relevant for successful work in the hospitality industry. This will surely arm you with enough skills to work as a competent nutrition expert, making a difference in public health and societal well-being.

Salary Range after course: ₹3,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 per year

Duration: A B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics courses typically last 3 years full-time.

Eligibility for course/programme:

• You should have a minimum of 50% marks in Biology with Chemistry in 12th grade. Some institutes might accept students from other science streams as well.

• Entrance exams might only be required by some institutes.

Colleges/Institutions:

• Christian Medical College, Vellore

• Chandigarh University (CU)

• LPU – Lovely Professional University

• Amity University, Noida

Job Roles After The Course:

• Dietitian

• Nutrition Educator

• Assistant Dietician

• Medical Writer

• Food Researcher

• Food Service

8. Agricultural Sciences

A Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.Sc. Ag) degree will offer you an overview of the science and technology involved in food production. You will be studying about soil science, animal husbandry, and plant breeding, along with other subjects. After pursuing this degree, you can help the environment to develop sustainable and effective agricultural systems.

Salary Range after course: ₹2,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 per year

Duration: A Bachelor of Science in Agriculture courses typically last 4 years full-time.

Eligibility for course/programme:

• You should have a minimum of 45% to 60% in your 12th board exams, typically in the science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics).

• Entrance Exams: NEET is not required for admission but some universities might conduct their own entrance exams.

Colleges/Institutions:

• SGT University

• Amity University Noida

• Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth

• K. R. Mangalam University

• SRM University, Sonepat

• Jagannath University, Jaipur

Job Roles After The Course:

• Farm Manager

• Food Corporation of India

• Agricultural Scientist

• Agricultural Banks

• Research and Development

• Agriculture Development Officer

• Food Scientist

• Engineering Technologist

9. Paramedical Courses

Paramedical courses are specifically designed to equip you with skillset that is necessary to become a part of a healthcare team. After pursuing this course, you will be working alongside doctors, nurses, and other specialists. These courses are more focused on specific areas within medicine which can help you to develop expertise in a particular field.

There are variety of options available for you to find one that aligns perfectly with your interests.

If you have a keen eye for detail, you can refer a career in Medical Laboratory Technology. If you enjoy working directly with patients, you can go for nursing. Here are some more courses that you can refer:

• Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)

• Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology

• Diploma in Radiology and Imaging Technology

Salary Range after course: ₹2,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 per year

Duration: These courses typically last 3 to 4 years full-time.

Eligibility for course/programme: If you want to enrol in Diploma or Certificate courses in paramedical science after the 10th or 12th grade. You do not need to take entrance exams.

Colleges/Institutions:

• Amity University

• SGT University

• GD Goenka University

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences

• Vardhman Mahavir Medical College

• Jamia Hamdard University

• Lady Hardinge Medical College

Job Roles After The Course:

• Physiotherapist

• Nurse

• Radiologist

• Speech Therapist

• Environmental Health Officer

• Optometrist

• Occupational Therapist

• Medical Laboratory Scientist

• Emergency Medical Technician

• Healthcare Administrator

• Radiographer

10. Bachelor of Physiotherapy

The full form of the BPT course is Bachelor of Physiotherapy. This course focuses on a type of therapy that helps people to come over through diseases with the help of exercises and other treatments. After completing a BPT course, you can work as a physiotherapist in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. As a Physiotherapist, you will be helping the people to regain movement and function, that they got after injury, illness, or disability. Your roles and responsibilities will include massage, joint mobilisation, and other hands-on techniques.

Salary Range after course: ₹2,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 per year

Duration: A Bachelor of Physiotherapy course typically last 4 years full-time.

Eligibility for course/programme: You should have passed your senior secondary (10+2) with Biology or Life Sciences as one of the subjects, with a minimum of 60% marks.

Colleges/Institutions:

• Christian Medical College

• Jamia Hamdard, Delhi

• Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences

• Chandigarh University

• LPU – Lovely Professional University

• Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi

• K.R. Mangalam University, Gurgaon

Job Roles & Sector After The Course:

• Physiotherapist

• Orthopedic physiotherapist

• Cardiorespiratory

• Lecturer

• Geriatric physiotherapist

• Osteopathy

• Exercise Physiologist

• Rehabilitation centers

• Neurology

• Pediatric physiotherapist

• Hospital

Step Into Healthcare Without NEET: The Advantages You Need to Know

We have already discussed the potential career options for the question “What next if not NEET?” but you must also know the benefits of pursuing these courses without NEET.

Let’s explore the advantages of pursuing medical courses without NEET:

Flexible Eligibility Criteria: Unlike NEET-based programmes, other medical courses have more flexible admission criteria for aspiring students. This is specifically beneficial to those who have not scored well in NEET or are seeking unconventional job roles in the medical field.

Diverse Career Options: Pursuing other medical courses without NEET increases your range of career possibilities. You can still have a thriving medical career and explore various healthcare domains that interest you.

Specialised Training: Alternative medical courses without NEET often offer specialised training in specific healthcare fields. This helps you develop expertise in your chosen domain.

The Final Words: Beyond The Degree

Remember, a degree is just the first step. Several career paths in the medical field do not require NEET exams and yet promise inspiring courses.

Whether you are driven toward direct patient care, research, or alternative medicine, a course is waiting to ignite your passion. Explore the possibilities, research the various programmes available, and make the first stride toward a new and gratifying career in healthcare.

FAQs

Q1. Which are the highest-paid jobs that do not need NEET?

You can pursue these best medical courses after the 12th without the NEET exam. You should have a PCB background:

• Dermatology

• Dentistry

• Pharmacy

• Veterinary Sciences

• Bioinformatics

Q2. Can I become successful without taking NEET?

Absolutely. Despite the high competition for the NEET exam and the challenges many candidates face in securing a spot in an MBBS course, it is possible to build a successful career in the medical field without NEET. Numerous high-paying career options in the medical sector in India do not require NEET.

Q3. What are the options if I don’t qualify for NEET?

You can still pursue many career paths if you don’t qualify for NEET. Several popular courses don’t require a NEET exam score. Here are a few examples: BSc Nursing, BSc Biotechnology, and many more, already mentioned in the blog.

Q4. Do the medical courses without NEET have entrance exams?

While NEET is not required for admission of these courses, some colleges may have their own criteria to conduct entrance examinations for admission. It is important that you check the specific requirements of each college.

Q5. Which are the top colleges offering these medical courses?

There are many reputed and top-ranked colleges and universities that offer medical courses without NEET. Some of them include:

• Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Courses: B.Sc. Medical Imaging Technology, Respiratory Therapy

• Amity University Courses: B.Sc. in Medical Lab Technology, B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics

• Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, Pune Courses: B.Sc. in Radiotherapy, Medical Technology

• Tata Memorial Centre Courses: Diploma in Radiotherapy Technology, B.Sc. Nursing