The dream of becoming a doctor is cherished by thousands of Indian students every year. However, with the high competition in NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and limited MBBS seats in India, many students turn towards MBBS abroad as an alternative.
As of 2025, the most common question asked by aspirants is:
“Can I do MBBS abroad without NEET?”
The answer to this question is not straightforward. It depends on multiple factors:
India’s NMC (National Medical Commission) regulations.
The rules of foreign universities.
The student’s future career plans (practice in India vs abroad).
This article provides an in-depth explanation of whether MBBS abroad without NEET is possible in 2025, its implications, and career pathways.
Before deciding whether you can pursue MBBS abroad without NEET, you need to understand why NEET is important.
For MBBS in India: NEET is mandatory to secure admission to government or private medical colleges.
For MBBS Abroad (As per NMC rules, 2019 Gazette):
NEET is compulsory for Indian students who want to pursue MBBS abroad and later practice in India.
Without NEET, a student cannot get the Eligibility Certificate from NMC, which is required to appear in FMGE/NExT after completing MBBS abroad.
For International Practice: NEET is not required if the student plans to study and settle abroad permanently.
As per NMC 2019 Gazette notification, NEET is mandatory.
Without NEET, a student cannot register with NMC after completing MBBS abroad.
They will be ineligible to take FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or NExT (National Exit Test).
Conclusion: NOT possible for students who want to return to India and practice as doctors.
Many foreign universities accept admissions without NEET.
Countries like Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, China, Nepal, Bangladesh prefer NEET, but some universities admit students without it.
If the student plans to settle abroad (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Gulf countries), NEET is not required for admission.
Conclusion: Possible, but only if the student never plans to return to India.
Even though NMC requires NEET for Indian students, some universities abroad allow direct admission without NEET. Below are examples:
Russia
Many Russian universities offer MBBS admission without NEET.
However, NEET is required if you want NMC approval later.
Philippines
Students can join BS (pre-med) programs without NEET.
But MBBS recognition in India requires NEET clearance.
Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan
Some universities admit without NEET, but Indian students must have NEET for NMC eligibility.
Caribbean Islands (like Guyana, Saint Lucia)
Admissions are open without NEET.
Degrees are recognized in the USA after USMLE.
Europe (Georgia, Poland, Armenia)
Many universities allow direct admission.
NEET is only needed for Indian NMC approval.
No Entrance Barrier – Students avoid the stress of NEET competition.
Direct Admission – Easier process with faster application timelines.
Global Career Options – Students can prepare for USMLE, PLAB, AMC, or other international licensing exams.
Exposure – Students gain access to advanced healthcare systems abroad.
No Career in India – Students cannot return to India as practicing doctors.
Limited Recognition – Without NEET, NMC won’t recognize your degree.
Higher Financial Burden – Settling abroad is more expensive compared to returning to India.
Adjustment Challenges – Cultural, linguistic, and academic adaptation required.
If you choose MBBS abroad without NEET, you can still build a successful medical career — just not in India. Here’s how:
After MBBS abroad, appear for USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination).
Residency in the USA → License to practice.
After MBBS abroad, appear for PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) exam.
After GMC registration → Practice in the UK.
Graduates must clear the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE).
After residency → Permanent license.
After MBBS abroad, students must pass the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams.
Clinical practice allowed after internships.
Indian MBBS graduates (even without NEET) can sit for respective licensing exams.
Salaries are attractive, though postgraduate qualifications are preferred.
| Country | With NEET (NMC Approved) | Without NEET (For Abroad Career Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | ₹18–25 lakhs | ₹18–25 lakhs |
| Kazakhstan | ₹16–22 lakhs | ₹16–22 lakhs |
| Georgia | ₹22–30 lakhs | ₹22–30 lakhs |
| Philippines | ₹20–25 lakhs | ₹20–25 lakhs |
| Caribbean Islands | ₹30–40 lakhs | ₹30–40 lakhs |
If you do MBBS abroad without NEET in 2025, you cannot get NMC eligibility.
This means you cannot take FMGE or NExT, which are compulsory to practice in India.
Even if you later clear NEET during MBBS, your admission (without NEET) will remain invalid in the eyes of NMC.
If your ultimate goal is to work in India, do not skip NEET. Even if your NEET score is low, qualifying is enough for NMC eligibility.
If your goal is to settle abroad (USA/UK/Canada), you may skip NEET and directly pursue MBBS in universities abroad that don’t require it.
Always choose NMC-approved universities, even if you don’t plan to return, because it enhances credibility.
From 2025 onwards, NExT (National Exit Test) will replace FMGE and NEET-PG in India.
However, NEET will still remain the entry exam for MBBS abroad recognition in India.
The government has no plans to remove NEET for MBBS abroad aspirants who want NMC registration.
Yes, you can do MBBS abroad without NEET in 2025, but only if you plan to settle abroad.
No, you cannot practice in India after MBBS abroad without NEET, as per NMC rules.
Countries like Russia, Philippines, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Caribbean Islands allow MBBS admission without NEET.
Career scope abroad is strong (USMLE, PLAB, AMC, Gulf licensing exams).
Always decide based on your long-term career goal — India or abroad.
The simple answer to “Can I do MBBS abroad without NEET in 2025?” is:
Yes, but you cannot return to India to work as a doctor.
No, if your dream is to practice medicine in India after MBBS.
For Indian students with a global mindset, studying MBBS abroad without NEET is a viable pathway to international medical careers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or the Gulf. But for those who wish to build a career in India, clearing NEET remains mandatory.