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How to Become a Doctor in India After 12th: Steps, Qualifications, MBBS Path, and Cost Explained
11-06-2025
Table of Content:
- How to Become a Doctor After 12th
- Step 1: Complete 10+2 (Higher Secondary Education) with PCB
- Step 2: Prepare for and Qualify NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
- Step 3: Participate in NEET Counselling and Secure Admission
- Step 4: Complete MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
- Step 5: Complete Internship
- Step 6: Register with the National Medical Commission (NMC)
- Step 7 (Optional): Pursue Postgraduate Specialisation (MD/MS/Diploma)
- How to Become a MBBS Doctor After 12th – Eligibility Criteria
- Cost of Becoming a Doctor in India
- Summing Up
- FAQs
Becoming a doctor is one of the most respected and rewarding career choices in India. It’s a dream nurtured by thousands of students and their families. This profession is considered noble as it offers the chance to make a meaningful difference by improving lives and contributing to the healthcare system. Doctors are highly regarded across the country and are in high demand in both the government and private sectors in India and abroad.
However, the journey to becoming a doctor after class 12th requires determination, hard work, and a deep passion for medicine. From clearing entrance exams like the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) to pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree and beyond, each step involves careful planning and dedication. This blog aims to shed light on how to become a MBBS doctor after 12th and the cost of medical education in India.
How to Become a Doctor After 12th
Individuals wondering how to do MBBS after 12th must be aware that this profession requires utmost dedication and compassion. India’s healthcare system depends on qualified, empathetic medical professionals who are committed to patient care and public health. We have provided a step-by-step guide on how to become a doctor after 12th:
Step 1: Complete 10+2 (Higher Secondary Education) with PCB
The answer to how to become a doctor after 12th is completing 10+2 with a Science stream, specifically with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as core subjects.
These subjects build the foundation for future qualifications to become a doctor in India. The table below summarises the 10+2 requirements to do MBBS after 12th:
| Key Area | Details |
| Required Stream | Science (with PCB – Physics, Chemistry, Biology) |
| Optional Subjects | Other Subjects: English (mandatory in many boards), Mathematics, Computer Science (optional) |
| Focus on the Syllabus | NCERT textbooks for 11th and 12th – essential for NEET preparation |
| Board Exam Requirement | Must pass Class 12 with the required minimum percentage |
Step 2: Prepare for and Qualify NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
NEET is the only national-level entrance test for MBBS, BDS and AYUSH courses in India. It tests the student’s knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from Classes 11 and 12. The details about NEET have been summarised below:
| Key Area | Details |
| Exam Name | NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) |
| Conducted By | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Subjects Covered | Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Exam Mode | Pen-and-paper (offline) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Age, nationality, 12th qualification (as per NTA updates) |
Step 3: Participate in NEET Counselling and Secure Admission
After clearing NEET, the next steps to become a doctor are to participate in the counselling process to get admission to a medical college. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts online counselling for All India Quota (AIQ) seats, while state-level counselling authorities handle admissions under State Quota.
The steps below outline the NEET counselling process for aspiring doctors:
- Counselling Process: Includes registration, choice filling, seat allotment, and reporting to the assigned college.
- Types of Colleges: Includes government colleges, private medical colleges, and deemed universities.
- Cut-off Scores: Vary from year to year, depending on exam difficulty and the number of candidates.
Step 4: Complete MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
After qualifying NEET, candidates can enrol in the MBBS programme, which is the foundational undergraduate degree for doctors in India. The programme is 4.5 years long, followed by a 1-year mandatory internship. The details about MBBS after 12th have been summarised below:
| Area of Study | Subjects Included |
| Preclinical Subjects | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry |
| Paraclinical Subjects | Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine |
| Clinical Subjects | Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, OB-GYN, Ophthalmology, ENT |
| Examinations | Conducted periodically to assess academic performance |
Step 5: Complete Internship
After completing the academic portion of the MBBS, students must complete a one-year mandatory rotating internship. This phase offers hands-on clinical experience under supervision in various hospital departments.
Step 6: Register with the National Medical Commission (NMC)
After completing the MBBS programme and internship, a medical graduate must register with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the State Medical Council (SMC). This registration is mandatory to obtain a medical license in India.
Step 7 (Optional): Pursue Postgraduate Specialisation (MD/MS/Diploma)
For MBBS graduates wishing to specialise further, postgraduate studies such as the Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Master of Surgery (MS) are pursued through the NEET-PG exam. Specialisations include areas like Cardiology, Neurology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, and many more.
Additionally, graduates may also opt for super-specialisation after completing MD/MS. They can pursue a Doctor of Medicine (DM) or Master of Chirurgiae (MCh) for further expertise in a subspecialty.
How to Become a MBBS Doctor After 12th – Eligibility Criteria
To become a doctor in India, students must meet specific eligibility criteria at different stages—from school education to licensing. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:
| Stage | Criteria | Details on How to Become a Doctor in India after 12th |
| 1. 10+2 Educational Qualification | Subjects Required | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB); |
| Minimum Marks | 50% in PCB (General); 40–45% for SC/ST/OBC | |
| Education Board | Must be from a recognised board | |
| 2. NEET Exam Eligibility | Educational Background | Must have passed 10+2 with PCB |
| Minimum Age | 17 years (on or before Dec 31 of admission year) | |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit (as per current rules) | |
| Number of Attempts | No limit on attempts | |
| Total Questions | 180 MCQs: 45 each from Physics and Chemistry, 90 from Biology (Botany and Zoology combined) | |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours | |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer | |
| 4. MBBS Admission Process | NEET Score | Must qualify NEET with a good rank for top colleges |
| Counselling Process | Through MCC (All India Quota) or State Authorities | |
| Seat Allocation | Based on rank, preference, and reservation | |
| Document Verification | 10th & 12th marksheets, NEET scorecard, ID proof, birth certificate, etc. | |
| Reservation Categories | SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwD – with reserved seat quotas in government colleges | |
| 5. Postgraduate (MD/MS) Eligibility | Required Degree | MBBS from a recognised medical college |
| Internship Requirement | Completion of 1-year rotating internship | |
| NEET-PG Exam Details | Eligibility | MBBS degree + completed internship |
| Subjects Covered | All subjects studied during MBBS | |
| Total Questions | 300 MCQs | |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes | |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer | |
| 7. Licensing and Registration | Medical Registration | Must register with NMC or respective State Medical Commission |
| Documents Required | MBBS degree, internship certificate, birth certificate, identity proof, etc. | |
| For Foreign Medical Graduates | Licensing Exam (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) | Mandatory for those with foreign MBBS degrees to qualify and practice in India |
| Conducting Body | National Board of Examinations (NBE) |
Cost of Becoming a Doctor in India
Along with knowing how to become a doctor in India after 12th it is important to know the cost of the course. India has some of the world’s top medical institutions, which provide quality education, advanced facilities, and experienced faculty members. We have provided a cost breakdown of pursuing MBBS in India:
| Feature | Government Colleges | Private Colleges |
| Average Annual Tuition Fee | INR 10,000 – INR 50,000 (per year; varies by state and category) | INR 7,00,000 – INR 20,00,000 (approximate range, varies by institution) |
| Additional Costs | INR 20,000 – INR 50,000 (Hostel, Exam Fees, etc.) | INR 1,00,000 – INR 2,00,000 (Hostel, Exam Fees, etc.) |
| Total Annual Cost (Approx.) | INR 30,000 – INR 1,00,000 | INR 8,00,000 – INR 22,00,000 |
| Pros | - Lower Tuition Fees | - Better Infrastructure and Facilities |
| - Government Subsidies | - Smaller Class Sizes | |
| - High Prestige and Quality | - Flexible Admission Policies | |
| - Extensive Clinical Exposure | - Higher Faculty-to-Student Ratio | |
| Cons | - Limited Seats | - High Tuition Fees |
| - Competitive Admission Process | - Limited Government Aid | |
| - Less Modern Facilities | - May admit students with lower NEET ranks due to higher fee structures | |
| - Potentially Overcrowded | - Variable Quality Across Institutions |
Summing Up
The MBBS career path offers stability, purpose, and the chance to serve humanity. It demands discipline, planning, and a genuine interest in healthcare. Each stage from school education to MBBS and specialisation requires consistent focus and commitment.
Challenges are part of the journey, but overcoming them leads to a rewarding and respected profession. With determination and proper guidance, aspiring doctors can turn their dreams into reality and make meaningful contributions to healthcare in India and beyond.
FAQs
Q1. How many years to become a doctor in India?
A1: Becoming a doctor in India typically takes 5.5 years, which includes 4.5 years of MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) study and a one-year mandatory internship.
Q2. How long does it take to prepare for the NEET exams?
A2: The suggested preparation time for the NEET exam is generally around 8-10 months. However, this duration can vary based on individual study habits and the amount of time dedicated to each topic. Many students start preparing from Class 11, but a dedicated preparation period of at least 6-8 months is often recommended.
Q3. What qualifications do I need for MBBS admission in India?
A3: To be eligible for MBBS admission in India, you need to have passed your 10+2 (or equivalent) examination with PCB as core subjects. Additionally, you must have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in these three subjects for the general category, with a lower threshold for reserved categories, such as OBC, SC, and ST.
Q4. Can I become a doctor without NEET?
A4: No, NEET is mandatory to pursue MBBS and other medical fields like BAMS, BHMS, or BNYS.
You cannot become a doctor specialising in allopathic medicine without NEET. However, you can pursue alternative medical fields, such as a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS), and Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (BNYS).
Q5. What is the salary of MBBS doctor in India?
A5: In India, the salary of an MBBS doctor varies significantly based on experience, location, and the sector they work in. Fresh MBBS graduates typically start with an annual salary of INR 4 lakhs to INR 7.5 lakhs, while experienced resident doctors can earn INR 10 lakhs or more per year.
Q6. Is MBBS harder than NEET?
A6: MBBS is as challenging and demanding as NEET; however, it also offers the best rewards to those who can navigate these challenges seamlessly.
Q7. Which doctor has the highest salary?
A7: In India, neurosurgeons generally have the highest average annual salary, followed by cardiologists, orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists, and dermatologists.
Q8. How many seats are there in NEET?
A8: There are 1,17,881 total MBBS seats in India across 776 medical colleges for NEET UG 2025. This includes 76,928 seats in government colleges and 48,115 in private colleges. Additionally, there are 26,773 BDS seats in India through NEET.
Q9. Can I crack NEET in 1 month?
A9: Yes. You can score well in NEET within just one month, but it takes focus, smart planning, and dedication.
You must start by mastering the fundamental concepts and zeroing in on high-weightage topics. Lastly, to increase your chances of success, you must follow a structured study plan, practice regularly, and manage your time effectively.