Is NEET Necessary to Study MBBS in Abroad?

Whether NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is necessary to study MBBS abroad depends on your goals, especially if you plan to return to India and practice medicine.

According to the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines, any Indian student who wants to pursue MBBS abroad and later work as a doctor in India must qualify for NEET before taking admission in a foreign medical university. NEET ensures that students meet the minimum academic standard required to pursue medical education. Without NEET qualification, you can still study MBBS abroad in certain countries, but you will not be eligible to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the upcoming NEXT exam in India, which is mandatory for getting a medical license here.

If you do not plan to return to India and instead want to practice in the country where you study or in other countries, the NEET requirement may not apply. However, you must still check the admission policies and licensing requirements of your chosen country, as some universities may have their own entrance exams or eligibility criteria.