CareersHow to become a doctor in India
Becoming a doctor is a long road with one gate at the start: NEET. There is no other way into MBBS in India.
What the work is
Doctors examine patients, find out what is wrong and treat it. After MBBS most doctors specialise, which decides the kind of work: surgery, children, skin, heart, anaesthesia and many more.
The path, step by step
- Class 11 and 12 in Science with Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB), and English.
- NEET UG, the single national entrance test for MBBS, BDS and AYUSH courses in every college, government or private.
- MBBS: five and a half years, including one year of compulsory internship in a hospital.
- Registration with the medical council, after which you may practise.
- Most doctors then take NEET PG (or INI-CET for AIIMS and similar institutes) for a three year MD or MS, and some go on to super-speciality courses.
Examinations and bodies
| Examination or body | What it is for |
|---|---|
| NEET UG | The only entrance test for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS and similar courses. You must be at least 17 by 31 December of the year of admission. |
| NEET PG | For MD, MS and diploma seats after MBBS. |
| INI-CET | For postgraduate seats at AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER and similar institutes. |
How long it takes
Five and a half years for MBBS. With specialisation, expect nine to twelve years of study and training after 12th.
Honest notes
- Seats in government colleges are few compared with the number who apply. Many students take a second attempt; decide early how many years you are willing to give.
- Private college fees can be very high. Work out the full cost before you accept a seat.
- Check that the college is on the National Medical Commission's list. A degree from an unlisted college is of no use.
- Medicine is not the only health career. Nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy and lab technology are shorter and also needed.
Where to check
- neet.nta.nic.in for NEET UG
- The National Medical Commission website for recognised colleges
- mcc.nic.in for all-India counselling
Check the official notice. This page describes how the path works in general, as understood in November 2026. Age limits, eligibility, exam patterns, dates and fees change. Before you apply or pay for anything, read the current notice on the official website named on this page. This is general information, not personal career advice.
Questions people ask
How long does it take?
Five and a half years for MBBS. With specialisation, expect nine to twelve years of study and training after 12th.
Which examination do I need?
NEET UG: The only entrance test for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS and similar courses. You must be at least 17 by 31 December of the year of admission. NEET PG: For MD, MS and diploma seats after MBBS. INI-CET: For postgraduate seats at AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER and similar institutes.