Most students tend to relate NEET only to MBBS and BDS admission exams. However, this view is quite narrow as NEET 2025 has a countrywide applicability and, as such, has a wider scope than just the mentioned programs. In the last couple of years, an increased interest in healthcare professions has diversified the NEET supplicants as more and more applicants began considering nursing, medical technologist, pharmacist, and other allied health programs.
If you are planning to appear in NEET 2025 or did not qualify for the MBBS or BDS examination, there are many other great options for you. In this piece, you may get more information on the alternative courses available for NEET. These include AYUSH programs, veterinary sciences, and paramedical courses. The article explains the scope of the programs, the process of admission, and the requirements for eligibility.
Complete List of NEET 2025 Eligible Courses (Other than MBBS and BDS)
| Course | Full Form |
| BAMS | Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery |
| BHMS | Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery |
| BUMS | Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery |
| BSMS | Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery |
| BNYS | Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences |
| B.V.Sc & AH | Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry |
| BPT/BOT/B.Sc. Paramedical | Varies by state/institute, sometimes via NEET |
AYUSH Courses through NEET 2025: A Growing Choice
The AYUSH field includes five traditional medicine systems: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. The admission policy for undergraduate AYUSH courses includes NEET for admission into any government or Private Institution.
BAMS – Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
- Duration: 5.5 years (includes 1-year internship)
- Eligibility: NEET-qualified, 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
- Career Scope: Ayurvedic doctor, Panchakarma specialist, government practitioner, researcher
BHMS – Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery
- Duration: 5.5 years
- Admission: Through NEET with similar eligibility as BAMS
- Career Opportunities: Homeopathic clinic, hospitals, wellness centers, private practice
BUMS – Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery
- Duration: 5.5 years
- Special Requirement: Knowledge of Urdu in the 10th is often needed
- Prospects: Unani hospitals, dispensaries, teaching, and government roles
BSMS – Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery
- Popular in: Tamil Nadu and southern India
- Scope: Siddha clinics, government AYUSH centers, and academic institutions
BNYS – Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences
- Focus: Natural healing, yoga therapy, lifestyle management
- Career Options: Yoga therapist, wellness coach, rehab centers
NEET eligibility and cut-offs for these courses are generally lower than MBBS/BDS, making them accessible to more students.
Veterinary Science through NEET 2025: B.V.Sc & AH
Admission to the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & AH) program also requires NEET scores.
Key Details:
- Duration: 5.5 years including internship
- Counselling: Conducted by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) round for only 15 % AII India Quota Seats.
- NEET Score Range: 400–520+, depending on state, category, and seat type
- Career Scope: Veterinary doctor, animal welfare officer, livestock development, research
This course is especially suitable for students passionate about animal care and rural healthcare development.
Paramedical Courses via NEET 2025
While NEET is not universally required for all paramedical courses, some state governments and private institutions use NEET scores to fill seats in high-demand paramedical programs.
Paramedical Fields You Can Pursue via NEET (in some states):
| Course | Career Path |
|---|---|
| B.Sc. Nursing | Registered Nurse in hospitals, clinics |
| B.Sc. in Radiology | X-ray, MRI, CT scan technician |
| B.Sc. MLT | Lab technician for diagnostic labs |
| B.Sc. OT Technician | Assists during surgeries in operating theatres |
| B.Sc. Anesthesia Tech. | Supports anesthesiologists in surgical care |
| B.Sc. Dialysis Technology | Kidney care specialist in dialysis units |
| B.Sc. Optometry | Vision testing and optical care |
Some states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have centralized counselling processes that allow NEET-qualified students to apply for these programs.
Admission Process: How NEET Helps Beyond MBBS/BDS
Step-by-Step Process:
- Qualify for NEET 2025 by meeting the minimum cut-off percentile.
- Participate in counselling based on the course you’re targeting:
- AACCC for AYUSH programs (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS)
- VCI portal for veterinary programs (B.V.Sc & AH)
- Respective state health departments for paramedical programs
- AACCC for AYUSH programs (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS)
- Fill in the Choices and Lock Preferences based on your NEET rank and availability.
- Seat Allotment and Reporting to the allotted college.
- Document Verification & Fee Payment to finalize admission.
Expected NEET Cut-Offs for Non-MBBS Courses (2024 Data Reference)
| Course | General-category Cut-Off (Approx) |
| BAMS | 430-520 |
| BHMS | 380-450 |
| BUMS | 350-420 |
| BSMS | 370-450 |
| BNYS | 340-420 |
| B.V.Sc & AH | 400-520 |
| Paramedical | 300-420 (varies by course/state) |
These scores may vary depending on seat availability, college popularity, and category reservation.
Fee Structure: What to Expect
| Course | Government Fee (Approx) | Private Fee (Approx) |
| BAMS | ₹30,000–₹70,000 per year | ₹2–4 lakh per year |
| BHMS | ₹20,000–₹80,000 per year | ₹2–3 lakh per year |
| BUMS | ₹25,000–₹60,000 per year | ₹1.5–3 lakh per year |
| BNYS | ₹30,000–₹70,000 per year | ₹2–3 lakh per year |
| B.V.Sc | ₹40,000–₹1 lakh per year | ₹3–5 lakh per year |
| Paramedical | ₹15,000–₹60,000 per year | ₹1–2 lakh per year |
Government colleges generally offer affordable tuition, while private colleges may be more expensive but often have better infrastructure and facilities.
Why Choose These NEET Alternative Courses?
Here are a few reasons why students opt for non-MBBS NEET courses:
1. Less Competitive Yet Rewarding
Securing a seat in MBBS or BDS is highly competitive. Courses like BAMS, BHMS, or BNYS offer meaningful careers with less pressure on scoring sky-high marks.
2. Growing Acceptance
AYUSH practices are gaining popularity in wellness centers, hospitals, and international platforms. Government initiatives like the National AYUSH Mission support these systems.
3. Diverse Career Opportunities
You can work in private clinics, hospitals, research labs, or pursue higher education (MD/MS, M.Sc, Ph.D.). Many graduates even explore entrepreneurship in wellness and diagnostics.
4. Financial Viability
Compared to the hefty investment needed for private MBBS programs, most AYUSH and paramedical courses are more affordable and provide decent ROI, especially in government colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is NEET compulsory for BAMS and BHMS?
Yes. NEET is required for admission into any UG program in AYUSH that includes BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, and BNYS.
Q2. Can I take paramedical courses through NEET?
Some states use NEET scores for paramedical admissions, though many also accept direct applications based on Class 12 marks.
Q3. What is the NEET score needed for veterinary courses?
General category students need around 400–520 marks, depending on the state and category.
Q4. Are AYUSH courses good alternatives to MBBS?
Yes, especially if you’re interested in natural or traditional medicine. They offer stable careers, government job prospects, and lower fees.
Q5. Can I practice as a doctor after BHMS or BAMS?
Yes. BHMS and BAMS graduates are recognized as doctors within their respective systems and can practice under government regulations.
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Conclusion
NEET is much more than an entry test for MBBS and BDS. It can also serve as your gateway to fulfilling careers in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Siddha, Naturopathy, veterinary sciences, and even high-demand paramedical fields. If you’ve cleared NEET 2025, remember, your journey as a healthcare professional doesn’t end with a missed MBBS seat.
There are multiple ways to make a difference in the medical world, and sometimes the road less traveled leads to equally rewarding destinations.
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