Becoming a doctor after 12th grade in India is a dream for many science stream students and for this clearing the NEET exam, which is for admission to medical colleges. After qualifying NEET, you can pursue an MBBS course, duration of the course is 5.5 years, including one year of mandatory internship. Once you complete your MBBS, you can apply for postgraduate studies like MD or MS if you want to specialize in any field later but becoming a doctor requires hard work and dedication and through this blog we will discuss in detail about how to become doctor after 12th.
Overview of How To Become Doctor After 12th
Steps of How To Become Doctor After 12th
Step | Description |
---|---|
Step 1 | Complete 12th Grade: Must have Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as core subjects in 12th grade. |
Step 2 | Prepare for Entrance Exams: Study for medical entrance exams like NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) in India or other national exams in your country. |
Step 3 | Appear for NEET or Equivalent Exam: Take the NEET or other relevant exams for medical colleges. In some countries, there are multiple exams to choose from, while others may have a single national test. |
Step 4 | Secure Admission to a Medical College: Based on your exam score, apply and get admission into a recognized medical college offering an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) program. |
Step 5 | Complete MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery): Complete a 5-6 year MBBS course that includes theory, practicals, and clinical training. |
Step 6 | Internship/Rotational Training: After completing MBBS, you will need to undergo a 1-year internship at a hospital or clinic to gain practical experience. |
Step 7 | Post-Graduation (Optional): You may opt for a specialization by pursuing an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or MS (Master of Surgery) or other post-graduate degrees. |
Step 8 | License to Practice: In some countries, you may need to register with a medical board or obtain a license before you can start practicing medicine. |
Step 9 | Start Practicing or Further Studies: After gaining the necessary qualifications and license, you can start practicing as a doctor, or you may choose to further your studies and specialize in a particular field of medicine. |
It’s important to understand the process. After completing your 12th standard, you will typically need to pursue a medical degree. In India, the most common way to become a doctor is by completing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery(MBBS) degree. Other alternative options such as BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery), and BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) are also available.
Eligibility Criteria of How To Become Doctor After 12th
To be eligible to pursue a medical course after 12th class there are certain criteria you must meet:
- Educational Qualification: You must have completed your 12th grade with subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) and 50% marks required (40% for reserved category).
- Age Criteria: The minimum age requirement for admission in MBBS course is 17 years, and there is generally an upper age limit, which varies depending on the entrance exam.
- Entrance Exams: To get into medical colleges, you need to pass the national level NEET exam. The best exam in India is NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), which is a gateway to undergraduate medical courses.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Doctor After 12th
Now that you understand the basics, let’s look at the steps involved in becoming a doctor after your 12th class.\
Choose the Right Subjects in 12th Grade
The first step in your journey to becoming a doctor is choosing the right stream in school. You will need to choose the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as your main subjects.
- Appear for NEET Exam
Once you’ve completed your 12th grade, the next step is to appear for the NEET exam (if you are in India). This exam is required for admission into various medical colleges for MBBS and BDS courses. The NEET exam is highly competitive, and a good score is required to secure a seat in a reputed medical college. NEET covers topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, based on the syllabus from the 12th class. Preparing for NEET requires dedication and hard work, and you should begin your preparations well in advance.
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
After clearing the NEET exam, the next step is to get admission into an MBBS course. This is a 5.5-year undergraduate program, which includes both theoretical learning and clinical training. During the first 4.5 years, students study various medical subjects, while the final year is dedicated to internships and practical training in hospitals.
- Specialization After MBBS
After completing MBBS, you may choose to specialize in a specific field of medicine. Specialization options include areas like surgery, pediatrics, dermatology, gynecology, and cardiology with others. To specialize, you’ll need to pursue postgraduate medical courses (MD/MS) that can take an additional 3 years of study.
- Licensing and Practice
Once you have completed your MBBS , you are required to register with a medical council to get a medical license. Only after registration can you legally practice medicine. You may work in hospitals, clinics, or start your private practice once you get your license.
Alternative Medical Courses After 12th
Not everyone may want to pursue an MBBS degree, and that’s okay. There are others alternative medical courses after 12th, such as:
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery): For those interested in dentistry, BDS is a 5-year undergraduate course that covers oral health, surgeries, and dental treatments.
- BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery): This is also a 5.5-year course focused on Ayurveda, an alternative form of medicine that has gained popularity in India as well as abroad.
- BHMS: This course focuses on homeopathic medicine, another alternative healing system.
- BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy): A 4-year course that focuses on treating physical ailments through exercises and therapies.
Each of these courses provides unique opportunities and can lead to a fulfilling career in healthcare.
Important Skills and Qualities for Aspiring Doctors
Becoming a doctor requires more than just academic success. There are certain qualities and skills that can help you in the field of medicine:
- Critical Thinking: Doctors must have problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat patients accurately.
- Compassion: Doctors must be able to comfort and understand patients during difficult times.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication with patients, families, and medical teams is for healthcare.
- Time Management: Doctors often have demanding schedules, so time management skills are important to balance patient care with personal life balance.
Common Challenges Faced During Medical Studies
It is important to be prepared for the challenges you may face during your medical studies:
- Intensive Study: Medical courses are highly demanding and require consistent effort. You will have to memorize large amounts of information with a habit of studying for long hours.
- High Pressure: As a doctor, you will be responsible for people’s health, which can be stressful.
- Financial Burden: Medical education can be expensive, especially in private colleges.

FAQs:
Ans: NEET is the entrance exam for admission to medical colleges in India. NEET is mandatory for admission into MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses.
Ans: No, in India NEET is a mandatory exam if you want to become a doctor.
Ans: To become an MBBS doctor, it generally takes around 5.5 years, which includes 4.5 years of academic study and 1 year of internship.
Ans: Yes, many students opt to study medicine abroad in countries like the US, Russia, and China. However, they must clear the relevant entrance exams like MCAT or NEET. The duration and requirements may vary depending on the country.
Ans: Managing stress in medical studies. Regular breaks, physical activity, a balanced diet, and seeking support from friends, family, or counselors can help manage stress. Time management is also key to staying on top of studies without feeling overwhelmed.
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Conclusion:
Becoming a doctor after 12th is a challenging but rewarding journey that requires years of study, hard work, and dedication. If you’re looking for knowing how to become doctor after 12th, following the right steps and preparing with a strategy for NEET will set you on the path to achieving your dream of becoming a doctor. Keep in mind that there are alternative paths in medicine that can also lead to successful careers. It’s important to focus on your goal, maintain a balance between academic excellence and personal well-being, and stay motivated throughout the journey.