- April 21, 2025
- Posted by: admin
- Category: why study abroad
Pursuing an MBBS degree abroad has become a popular choice among Indian students, due to the high level of competition and limited seats in Indian medical colleges. However, many students are often confused about one crucial question: Is NEET mandatory for MBBS abroad?
If you’re planning to study medicine overseas and return to India for practice, understanding the NEET requirement and updated guidelines from the National Medical Commission (NMC) is essential. This guide provides a complete breakdown of the latest rules, eligibility, and what you need to do to secure your seat in a foreign medical university.
What is NEET and Why Is It Important?
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is the entrance exam required for admission to undergraduate medical courses in India. Since 2018, NEET has also become a mandatory qualification for Indian students who wish to study MBBS abroad and later practice medicine in India.
The key reason for this mandate is to maintain a uniform standard of competence among all medical graduates, whether they study in India or abroad.
NEET Is Mandatory for MBBS Abroad — Here’s Why
As per the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines, Indian citizens must qualify for NEET if they intend to:
Pursue MBBS in a foreign university, and Return to India to practice medicine
This rule ensures that students going abroad for medical studies meet the same minimum competency standards as those studying in Indian medical colleges.
In February 2025, the Supreme Court of India upheld this regulation and rejected petitions from students who sought exemption from NEET for studying abroad. The court ruled that the requirement is fair, valid, and necessary for maintaining medical education standards in the country.
Without NEET qualification, Indian students will not be allowed to sit for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the National Exit Test (NExT)—which are essential for obtaining a medical license in India.
Latest NMC Guidelines for MBBS Abroad (2025)
The NMC issued new and updated guidelines in 2023–2025 for Indian students pursuing MBBS abroad.
Course Duration
Minimum 54 months (4.5 years) of academic study 12 months of supervised internship at the same university
Curriculum Requirements
Must include core medical subjects such as:
- General Medicine
- Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Orthopedics
- Ophthalmology
- Community Medicine
Medium of Instruction
The medium must be English throughout the course.
Clinical Training
Sufficient clinical exposure and hands-on training are mandatory.
Licensing Requirements
You must clear FMGE/NExT after returning to India to be eligible for practice.
Can You Study Abroad Without NEET?
Technically, yes, you may be able to gain admission to some foreign universities without NEET. But here’s the catch:
If you do not clear NEET, you will not be eligible to practice medicine in India after completing your MBBS abroad.
This means NEET is only optional if you never intend to return to India for medical practice.
Benefits of Clearing NEET Before Studying Abroad
- Eligibility to register with NMC
- Eligibility to take FMGE/NExT
- Increased chances of getting admission in reputable foreign universities
- Ensures your education is recognized back in India
Steps to Study MBBS Abroad (with NEET)
Here’s a quick roadmap if you plan to study MBBS abroad:
- Clear NEET UG – Make sure your NEET score is valid for 3 years
- Shortlist NMC-approved foreign universities
- Check course duration and curriculum to ensure NMC compliance
- Apply directly or via authorized agents
- Submit NEET score, academic documents, and passport
- Apply for a student visa and arrange finances
- Prepare for FMGE/NExT during your course
What Happens If You Don’t Qualify for NEET?
If you do not qualify NEET and still pursue an MBBS abroad, you won’t be able to:
- Register with the NMC in India
- Appear for FMGE or NExT
- Legally practice medicine in India
This could result in a waste of both money and years of study, so it’s strongly recommended to clear NEET before enrolling.
Conclusion
NEET is undeniably mandatory for MBBS abroad if your long-term plan includes practicing medicine in India. With recent court rulings and updated NMC guidelines, there’s no ambiguity left in this matter.