A career in the medical field is the dream of many students after class 12th. Whether you aspire to be a doctor, a nurse, or a physiotherapist, this field offers wide range of career opportunities.
If you find peace in helping people and have a passion for serving humanity, there is no better profession than being a doctor!
But wait! Medical field is not only about pursuing a MBBS or BDS course and becoming a doctor, there are tons of popular medical courses that are available for medical aspirants in India.
In this article, we will explore the best medical courses after 12th that candidates can pursue in medical stream. Also we will discuss in details about career scope, job opportunities and medical entrance exams in India.
Why medical field is a popular choice among students?
Before we begin to discuss about the top medical courses, let’s understand, why pursuing a course in medical can be a great career choice.
Top Reasons to Pursue a Medical Career
Job Stability
The health care is an essential industry and is growing rapidly in India. There is a huge demand of skilled medical professional both in public & private sector.
Noble Profession
Medical professionals are highly respected in the society due to critical nature of their work and performing duties that can life saving to the people.
High Earning Potential
Medical is one of the Highly rewarding career in India. The salary and earning potential in medical field is one of the highest, particularly with specialized higher education degree.
Diverse Career Options
The medical field offers a wide range of career options. Candidates can become doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and medical researchers etc.
Global Opportunities
With new technologies & research the medical science is constantly evolving, providing growth opportunities in domestic as well as global markets.
List of Best Medical Courses After 12th
Below is the list of popular medical courses after 12th:
MBBS
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) is a 5.5 year degree course which students can pursue after 12th. Candidates having Physics, Chemistry & Biology as a subject combination in 10+2 are eligible for this programme.
MBBS is one of the top career choice among the medical aspirants in India. Every year more than 20 Lakh candidates appear in the medical entrance exam (NEET UG) for admission in the top medical colleges of the country.
Read More About – MBBS
BDS
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is 5 year UG degree course which focuses on the study of dental science, oral surgery, orthodontics and other aspects of dental care.
The course curriculum include theoretical knowledge & practical training, preparing students to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral diseases, and perform surgeries.
Read More About – BDS
B.Sc Nursing
B.Sc Nursing is a 4-year undergraduate degree program that students can pursue after 12th (PCB). B.Sc Nursing is a good career choice for medical aspirants who want to work in a healthcare services as a professional nursing staff.
The B.Sc course combines theoretical knowledge with practical training, covering various aspects of nursing, patient care & healthcare management.
For admission, candidates have to appear in the national level entrance exams like NEET UG, AIIMS Nursing Entrance Exam, JIPMER Nursing Entrance Exam etc.
Read More About – Nursing
B.Pharm
B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy) is a 4-year UG degree program that focuses on the study of pharmaceutical sciences. The course curriculum focuses on drug formation, production, dispensing, and safe use of medications.
After completing the program, students can find job opportunities in pharmaceutical industry, healthcare sector, and research.
For admission, candidates have to qualify GPAT or any state level entrance exams.
Read More About – B.Pharm
BHMS
BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) is a 5.5-year undergraduate degree program that focuses on homeopathic medicine.
The course curriculum of BHMS, combines theoretical knowledge with practical training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases using homeopathic remedies.
The admission in BHMS course is based on NEET UG scores. After course completion candidates can work as:
- Homeopathic Doctor
- Homeopathic Researcher
- Public Health Advisor
- Lecturer
Read More About – BHMS
BAMS
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) is a 5.5 year UG degree program in ayurvedic medicine. Students who want to study alternative medicine can choose BAMS programme, which is 3000 years old traditional medicine treatment originated in India.
BAMS qualified doctors specializes in ayurvedic medicines and Provide diagnosis, treatment, and patient care using Ayurvedic remedies and therapies.
The career opportunities in ayurveda is huge as ayurvedic focuses of holistic health and wellness. The ayurveda medicine of treatment is gaining popularity all over the world.
Read More About – BAMS
BPT
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) is a 4.5 year UG degree program that candidates can pursue after 12th. The BPT course curriculum is focuses on the science of physical movement and application of exercises to improve physical health.
For admission candidates have to appear in the state entrance exams or university level entrance exams. Some universities also offer admission on the basis of merit scores.
Physiotherapist can working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics or private practice to treat patients with physical impairments.
Read More About – Physiotherapy
B.Optometry
Bachelor in Optometry is a 4-year undergraduate program that trains students to become optometrists and provide eye care services to the patients.
For admission in the B.Optometry program, candidates have to appear in the NEET UG exam. Candidates with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 10+2 are eligible for the course..
Read More About – Optometry
B.V.Sc & AH
Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & AH) is a 5.5 year UG program that focuses on the health and well-being of animals. The course curriculum combines practical training & theoretical knowledge to train students in the field of Veterinary Science.
NEET UG is the only entrance exam in India for admission to B.V.Sc & AH courses. The job profile of a Veterinary doctor covers diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries, and diseases in animals.
Read More About – Veterinary
BMLT
The Bachelor of Medical Lab Technician is a 3 year UG degree course that students can pursue after 12th (PCB).
The course focuses on the study of medical laboratory technology, and trains students about laboratory practices of the medical system.
For admission, candidate must have cleared the 10+2 exam with PCB subjects. Many colleges also offer a B.Sc. programme in medical laboratory technology in India.
Read More About – Medical Lab Technician
Medical Entrance Exams in India
For admission to the medical courses, candidates have to qualify medical entrance exams like NEET UG. Below is the of popular medical entrance exams for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, B.Sc Nursing & Pharmacy courses.
NEET UG
NEET UG (National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test) is the only national level examination which is conducted by NTA for admission to MBBS, BDS, Ayush & other medical courses in India.
NEET UG is conducted once in a year through pen and paper based mode. The application form for NEET UG are released in the month of February every year.
Read More About – NEET UG
NEET PG
NEET PG exam is conducted by National Board of Examinations (NBE) for admission to MD/MS, PG diploma, Post MBBS DNB & NBEMS diploma courses. Candidates who wish to go for PG courses after MBBS, should appear in NEET PG exam.
Read More About – NEET PG
GPAT
GPAT is a national level entrance exam conducted by National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences
for admission to M.Pharm courses.
GPAT 2025 registration is likely to be started in February 2025.
Read More About – GPAT
State Level Medical Entrance Exams
Every state conduct their own para-medical entrance exams for admission to their paramedical courses like Pharmacy, B.Sc Agriculture, B.Sc MLT & others.
UPSEE
UPSEE also known as UPCET, is conducted for admission to B.Pharm, Lateral entry B.tech, B.Des & various other UG/ PG courses in the colleges & universities of Uttar Pradesh.
Read More About – UPSEE
UKSEE
Just Like UPSEE, UKSEE is conducted for admission to B.Pharm, Lateral entry B.tech, B.Des & various other UG/ PG courses in the colleges & universities of Uttarakhand.
Read More About – UKSEE
Top Medical Colleges in India
Here is the list of top ranking medical colleges in India. The medical colleges are ranked based on NIRF 2024 ranking.
| College | State | Rank |
| All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi | Delhi | 1 |
| Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research | Chandigarh | 2 |
| Christian Medical College | Tamil Nadu | 3 |
| National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences, Bangalore | Karnataka | 4 |
| Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research | Pondicherry | 5 |
| Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences | Uttar Pradesh | 6 |
| Banaras Hindu University | Uttar Pradesh | 7 |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Tamil Nadu | 8 |
| Kasturba Medical College, Manipal | Karnataka | 9 |
| Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, Chennai | Tamil Nadu | 10 |
Also Check – Medical Courses in India without NEET
Admission Process
The admission in the top medical colleges are based on entrance exams like NEET UG. Candidates have to qualify NEET UG with a good rank and appear in the counselling process conducted by MCC or state medical authority.
The basic eligibility criteria for MBBS, BDS, Ayush & Nursing degree programs is 10+2 passed with Physics, Chemistry & Biology subjects. Candidates need to have at least 50% mark in 12th standard.
Jobs & Career
The healthcare industry in India is growing at a rapid pace. This is one of India’s largest sectors in terms of revenue and employment. The Indian healthcare industry is estimated to be around $370 billion in 2022, which is expected to reach over $610 billion by 2026.
Medical Professional in India have huge opportunities to work in private as well as public sector. After completing your degree you can work at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes or pharmaceutical companies.
The demand of doctors, nurses & other trained medical staff is very high in cities as well as remote areas. After completing the course, candidates can work in the following job profiles:
- Doctors
- General Practitioner (GP)
- Public Health Officer
- Specialists Doctor
- Registered Nurse
- Ayurvedic Practitioner
- Dentist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Occupational Therapist
- Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Veterinarian
- Biomedical Scientist
Some leading recruiters in medical field are listed below:
- Apollo Hospitals
- Fortis Hospitals
- Medanta Hospitals
- AIIMS
- State Government Hospitals
- Cipla
- Narayana Health
- Mankind Pharmaceutical
- Australian Pharmaceutical Industries
- Biota Holdings Limited
- Black mores
- CSL Limited
- Chemeq
- Cochlear Limited
- Health scope
- Hexal Australia
- Sigma Pharmaceutical
Salary
The medical field is one of the highest salary paying fields in India and abroad. As medical have wide range of courses & career options, so we will explore course wise salary of a fresher candidate in India.
The salary depends on large number of factors including specialization, experience, location and employer etc.
Doctors MBBS
In India, for Doctors with a MBBS degree the entry level salary is 6 – ₹12 lakhs per annum. For Experienced doctors the salary could range between 15-30 lakhs per annum.
Doctors Specialists (MD/MS)
The salary for specialist (MD/MS) doctors is around ₹8 – ₹15 lakhs per annum. With some years of experience the salary of specialist doctors could range between 25-50 lakhs per annum.
Dentist (BDS, MDS)
The entry level salary for BDS graduates is around 4-6 lakhs per annum. Experienced dentist holding MDS degree can earn anywhere between 15-30 lakhs per annum.
Nursing Professional (B.Sc Nursing, M.Sc Nursing)
The starting salary of nursing professional in India is around 2.5-4 lakhs per annum. For experienced master’s degree holder it could be anywhere between 5-11 lakhs per annum.
Below is the salary chart for some of the top medical professions in India:
| Medical Profession | Entry-level Salary (₹/annum) | Experienced Salary (₹/annum) |
| Ayurvedic Doctors (BAMS) | 3 – 6 lakhs | 7 – 15 lakhs |
| Homeopathic Doctors (BHMS) | 2.5 – 5 lakhs | 6 – 12 lakhs |
| Pharmacists (B.Pharm) | 2.5 – 4 lakhs | 5 – 8 lakhs |
| Physiotherapists (BPT) | 2.5 – 5 lakhs | 6 – 10 lakhs |
| Optometrists (B.Optometry) | 2.5 – 4.5 lakhs | 5 – 10 lakhs |
| Veterinarians (B.V.Sc & AH) | 3 – 6 lakhs | 7 – 12 lakhs |
Still not satisfied, want to learn more, follow our course selection guide:
Medical Courses FAQ’s
For any other queries about Medical Courses after 12th, you can leave your queries below in the comment box.
Dear sir 🙏
Mera 12th agriculture se hoo,muje B farmcy krna h to kya m kr sakta hoo
Help kegiye sir
Yes, you can apply.
I want intrested to a diploma
Want to know how to apply mph course i. Jipmer
sir after bams for pg diploma course need AIAPGET eligibility ????