Class 11–12 to Medical Career

The complete pathway from choosing PCB in Class 11 to becoming a doctor — timeline, eligibility, and what to watch for.

NEP 2020 flexibility does NOT apply to MBBS/BDS

The National Education Policy 2020 introduces flexibility in subject choices and multiple entry/exit for general higher education. However, medical education (MBBS and BDS) is governed by the NMC Act 2019 and DCI Act — not by NEP 2020. PCB + English at Class 12 remains mandatory. There is no lateral entry, subject flexibility, or credit transfer for MBBS/BDS.

Career pathway — tap stages to expand

Choose your track

Allopathy — MBBS / BDS

AYUSH — BAMS / BHMS / BUMS / BSMS

Important: NEP 2020 flexibility does NOT apply to MBBS/BDS admissions or curriculum. Medical education is governed by the NMC Act 2019 and the rules framed thereunder. Tap any stage above to read more.

NEET UG eligibility criteria

Source: NMC Circular U-16011/Circular/2024-25/UGMEB · NTA NEET Information Bulletin

Criterion	Requirement
Subject requirement	Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) + English from a recognised board.
Minimum marks — UR	50% aggregate marks in PCB at Class 12.
Minimum marks — SC/ST/OBC/PH	40% aggregate marks in PCB at Class 12.
Qualifying percentile — UR	50th percentile or above in NEET UG.
Qualifying percentile — SC/ST/OBC	40th percentile or above.
Qualifying percentile — PH/PwD	45th percentile or above.
Minimum age	17 years as of 31 December of the year of admission.
Maximum age	No upper age limit — per NTA 2024 notification. Age limit has changed multiple times via Supreme Court orders and NTA notifications. Verify with latest NTA NEET Information Bulletin.
Number of attempts	Unlimited — per current NTA policy. Attempt limits have changed multiple times. Always verify with the latest NTA Information Bulletin for the relevant year.

Age limit and attempt count have changed multiple times via Supreme Court orders and NTA notifications over the past several years. Always verify these parameters with the latest NTA NEET Information Bulletin for the relevant exam year before relying on any figure.

AIQ UG reservation — by category

For MBBS/BDS seats — 15% All India Quota allocation

Category

Persons with Disability

AIQ reservation

5% horizontal reservation (across all categories) for Persons with Disability.

Certificate required

Disability certificate from Govt medical authority. Minimum 40% disability.

OCI cardholders

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are eligible to appear for NEET UG and seek admission to MBBS/BDS programmes in India under the NRI/OCI management quota of private colleges, or through the general merit pool as applicable.

Per Supreme Court direction in W.P. Civil 891/2021, the notification extending FMGE eligibility to OCI cardholders operates prospectively from 2021. OCI cardholders who completed MBBS abroad before this direction should verify their position with NMC.

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Next steps

NEET UG — full guide

Counselling rounds, seat matrix, quota guide, and scholarship.

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MBBS Abroad

FMGL 2021 checklist, country guidance, red flags.

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AYUSH pathways

BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS — seats, counselling, career scope.

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NEET PG & NExT

What comes after MBBS — PG rounds, NExT status, FMGE.

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In Class 11 or 12 and planning for NEET?

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NMC Circular — NEET UG eligibility (U-16011/Circular/2024-25/UGMEB)

Source: National Medical Commission (NMC) · EduPath verified Jun 2026

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NTA — NEET UG Information Bulletin

Source: National Testing Agency (NTA) · EduPath verified Jun 2026

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