NEET UG 2025 Result: Alternatives to MBBS; career paths, salaries, opportunities and growth

To most, NEET UG is the gateway to becoming a doctor. However, the journey does not stop at the MBBS degree. The field of medicine has a multitude of rewarding career options ranging from clinical practice and research to public health and even medical entrepreneurship. Every year, these lakhs of students are not only fighting for seats; they are entering a world of possibilities to leave their mark on society.

Why only MBBS?

The MBBS programme remains the most popular choice, providing students a solid foundation in the field of modern medicine and clinical skills. However, with only 1.05 lakh MBBS seats in India, the competition is fierce. Other medical fields like dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and biotechnology offer faster entry into the workforce, low financial investment, and many opportunities in clinical practice, research, and entrepreneurship. The majority of these fields in these roles are also congruent with global healthcare requirements, offering good migration prospects to countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia.

More options after NEET UG

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing): The demand for nurses is growing worldwide rapidly. This four-year BSc Nursing programme prepares students for jobs in clinical care, public health, and hospital management. To be eligible, students should pass 10+2 with physics, chemistry, and biology (PCB) and get above with 50 per cent marks (45 per cent for reserved categories). 

In India, starting salaries are usually between Rs 3 and Rs 5 lakh per year. For jobs abroad, they can be between Rs 20 and Rs 50 lakh per year or more. Nursing is a respected and stable career choice because it has lower fees (Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh in government colleges) and more job opportunities than MBBS.

2. Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm): The BPharm is a four-year course on drug development, pharmacology, clinical research and regulatory affairs. To be eligible, students must have passed 10+2 with either PCB or physics, chemistry and mathematics (PCM) and gotten at least 50 per cent of the marks (45 per cent for reserved categories). While some institutes accept NEET UG scores, most colleges rely on state entrance exams like MHT CET or AP EAMCET, or simply consider Class 12 results. India’s pharmaceutical industry is valued at $50 billion in 2024, with exports exceeding $27 billion, creating many opportunities in manufacturing, research and development, marketing, and retail pharmacy.

3. Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS): BDS is a five-year professional degree that includes four years of academic study and a one-year internship. It focuses on dental medicine, oral surgery, prosthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. To get in, students must pass the NEET UG and have finished 10+2 with PCB, getting at least 50 per cent marks. India has more than 27,000 BDS seats, which is less competitive than the 1.05 lakh MBBS seats.

By 2027, the dental care market in India is expected to be worth $2.5 billion. This is because more people want cosmetic treatments and oral health services. Fresh graduates usually make between Rs 3 and Rs 8 lakh a year. Those with an MDS degree or a private practice can make Rs 15 to Rs 30 lakh or more a year.

4. Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (BAMS): The 5.5-year BAMS programme is based on Ayurveda, the traditional medical system of India. It blends Ayurvedic philosophy, diagnosis, and herbal remedies with contemporary anatomy and physiology. Students must pass the NEET UG and have earned at least 50 per cent in physics, chemistry, and biology in their 10+2 coursework in order to be eligible to enrol.

India’s AYUSH market is anticipated to grow to $23 billion by 2028 as global interest in holistic and alternative medicine increases. Graduates of the BAMS programme can open their own practice or work in wellness resorts or government AYUSH hospitals. With specialisation or clinical experience, earnings can rise to Rs 10 to 20 lakh annually, while entry-level salaries typically range from Rs 2 to Rs 6 lakh. Students interested in integrative medicine and global wellness should also take this course.

5. Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BSc and AH): The rising demand for pet care and livestock productivity is fuelling the veterinary industry’s 7 per cent yearly in India. Students who complete this 5.5-year programme will be prepared to manage livestock, diagnose and treat animals, and carry out research in nutrition and veterinary pathology. Students must pass the NEET and have earned at least 50 per cent in PCB in their 10+2 coursework in order to be admitted. Graduates with a BVSc degree can work in private clinics, dairy farms, government veterinary departments, and non-profit organisations.

Experienced veterinarians and private practitioners can make up to Rs 15 lakh a year, while starting salaries usually fall between Rs 3 and Rs 7 lakh. For people who have a strong interest in agriculture, wildlife, or animal welfare, this is the perfect career.

6. Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT): BPT is a four-year program that includes a six-month internship. It teaches students biomechanics, therapeutic exercises, and physical rehabilitation. Candidates must have earned at least 50 per cent in their 10+2 PCB course. While many colleges use merit-based or state entrance exams, some states require NEET.

India’s physiotherapy market is expected to reach over $1 billion by 2028 as a result of ageing populations, sedentary lifestyles, and sports injuries that increase demand for physical therapy. Specialists and private practitioners make between Rs 8 and 15 LPA, while starting salaries range from Rs 2 to Rs 6 LPA. Strong career opportunities are provided by BPT in the healthcare, rehabilitation, and fitness sectors.

7. Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology: This three- to four-year BSc Biotechnology programme uses biology to create products and technologies for the environment, agriculture, and medicine. 10+2 with PCB or PCM and 50 per cent grades are prerequisites for eligibility. The majority of admissions are determined by 12th grade grades or tests like the JNU CEEB, though NEET is necessary for some integrated courses, such as AIIMS’ BSc-MSc programmes.

With the help of more than 10,000 start-ups, India’s biotech sector is expected to grow to $150 billion by 2025. Employment opportunities include positions in data analysis, molecular biology, genetic engineering, and vaccine development.

8. Bachelor of Science in Bio-Medical Science: This three to four-year programme studies human health and illness by combining biology, medicine, engineering, and technology. It covers topics like physiology, medical microbiology, and pathology. Students must have received 50 per cent on their 10+2 PCB exam. While many colleges accept entrance exams or Class 12 marks, some institutions, like AIIMS, require NEET. Graduates work in R&D, clinical testing, and medical device design in the biomedical devices and diagnostics sector, which is expanding at an 8 per cent CAGR worldwide.

Advanced qualifications can increase earnings to Rs 10 to 20 lakh per annum, while starting salaries range from Rs 3 to Rs 6 lakh per annum. Private colleges may charge Rs 2 to Rs 5 lakh, while government institutions charge between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1.5 lakh for courses.

Choosing the right path and way forward

Looking for college rankings, accreditation, and placement records is important to optimise career results. While choosing your profession, keep in mind your interest (clinical practice, research, or technology), investment, and long-term aspirations. MBBS and BDS are the best for those who enjoy direct patient contact, and biotechnology and biomedical engineering are the best for inventors. Nursing and public health provide rapid access and international opportunities, and AYUSH and veterinary sciences provide niche opportunities in holistic health and animal care.

(The author is the founder and CEO of Motion Education)