The dream of every Indian parent is to make their daughter or son a doctor. The doctor profession holds such a great honour in every Indian’s heart. One of the reasons is money and also the respect that comes with the title ‘Dr’.
But becoming one isn’t easy. You need to clear some of India’s toughest medical entrance exams.
Do you know which exams to take? Who can appear for them? And how to crack them? This blog will explain the top medical entrance exams in India, the courses they lead to, eligibility rules, and the career options waiting for you.
Top Medical Entrance Exams in India (2026)
The medical entrance exams are your way to becoming a doctor in India. Here are the top medical entrance exams in India:
| Exam Name | Level | Courses Offered | Conducting Body | Mode of Exam |
| NEET-UG | Undergraduate | MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS | NTA | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| NEET-PG | Postgraduate | MD, MS, PG Diploma | NBEMS | Online (CBT) |
| INI-CET (AIIMS) | Postgraduate | MD, MS, M.Ch (6 yrs), DM (6 yrs) | AIIMS | Online (CBT) |
| INI-SS | Super-Specialty | DM, M.Ch (3 yrs) | AIIMS | Online (CBT) |
| FMGE | Screening (Foreign MBBS) | Licensure to practice in India | NBEMS | Online (CBT) |
Courses You Can Pursue After These Exams
Undergraduate Level (NEET-UG)
These are the courses you can take right after 10+2:
- MBBS: The most popular choice. It trains you to become a general physician.
- BDS: For those interested in dental science and oral health.
- BAMS: Focuses on Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine.
- BHMS: Specializes in homeopathy.
Postgraduate Level (NEET-PG, INI-CET)
After MBBS, you can specialize further:
- MD (Doctor of Medicine): Focuses on medicine and clinical practice in a specialty.
- MS (Master of Surgery): For surgical specialties like orthopedics or general surgery.
- PG Diplomas: Shorter, focused programs for specific medical fields.
Do you want to start preparing for the NEET PG? You can start today by enrolling in Academically’s NEET-PG Preparation Course.
Super-Specialty Level (INI-SS)
These are advanced programs after MD/MS:
- DM (Doctorate of Medicine): For super-specialties like cardiology, neurology, or nephrology.
- M.Ch (Master of Chirurgiae): Surgical super-specialties like neurosurgery or cardiothoracic surgery.
Licensure Exams (FMGE)
- For Indian citizens or OCI who completed MBBS abroad
- Required for registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC)
Academically offers FMGE preparation course FMGE preparation course. By enrolling in this, you can pass the exam hassle free and on the first attempt.
Eligibility Criteria at a Glance (2026)
| Exam | Eligibility Highlights |
| NEET-UG | Age 17+ at admission, 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (50% for UR; relaxations for reserved). |
| NEET-PG | MBBS degree with permanent/provisional registration; 1-year internship completed. |
| INI-CET (AIIMS) | MBBS degree recognized by NMC; minimum 55% (UR) or 50% (reserved) aggregate marks. |
| INI-SS | Completed MD/MS or equivalent in relevant specialty. |
| FMGE | Indian citizen/OCI with MBBS from recognized foreign university. |
Career Scope After Clearing These Exams
Once you clear these exams and get the degree, the opportunities are endless.
- You can work in Government Medical Services like Central/State Health Services, Armed Forces.
- There are multiple Private Hospitals and Clinics, plus Corporate hospitals, multi-specialty clinics.
- If you have done Super-Specialty Training, you have opportunities as a specialist in multiple colleges, hospitals, etc.
- You can also get into Research and Academics. Teaching positions or research in premier institutions are always open.
- Or you can even look for International Opportunities. With MBBS/PG, you can attempt exams like USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia) and much more.
Academically offers coaching for all these international exams and more. Get in touch with our experts to get personalised guidance.
Expected Salaries After Clearing Medical Entrance Exams
| Career Path | Approximate Salary (INR) |
| Government Medical Services | ₹70,000 – ₹1,50,000/month |
| Private Hospitals & Clinics | ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000/month |
| Super-Specialty Doctors (DM/M.Ch) | ₹1,50,000 – ₹5,00,000/month |
| Research & Academics | ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000/month |
| International Opportunities | ₹50,00,000 – ₹1,60,00,000/year |
How to Choose the Right Exam
Here’s a simple way to decide:
- Start with where you are. Just finished 10+2? Go for NEET-UG. Done with MBBS? Choose NEET-PG or INI-CET. After MD/MS, it’s time for INI-SS.
- Choose what you enjoy. Clinical work, surgery, or research — what excites you the most?
- Think about the future. Do you see yourself in government service, private practice, or working abroad?
Preparation Tips for Success
- Know your syllabus inside out. For NEET-UG, NCERT is your best friend. For PG exams, stick to the standard textbooks.
- Practice, practice, practice. Do mock tests and previous year papers — speed and accuracy make a huge difference.
- Focus on high-yield topics. Make short, easy-to-revise notes to save time later.
- Manage your time wisely. Spend extra time on weak areas, but don’t forget to revise everything before the exam.
Key Dates & Registration Links (2026)
| Exam | Notification (Expected) | Registration Period | Exam Date (Expected) | Official Website |
| NEET-UG 2026 | January 2026 | February–March 2026 | May 2026 | neet.nta.nic.in |
| NEET-PG 2026 | November 2025 | December 2025 | March 2026 | natboard.edu.in |
| INI-CET May 2026 | March 2026 | March–April 2026 | May 2026 | aiimsexams.ac.in |
| INI-SS 2026 | October 2026 | October–November 2026 | December 2026 | aiimsexams.ac.in |
| FMGE June 2026 | April 2026 | April–May 2026 | June 2026 | natboard.edu.in |
Final Words
The word “Doctor“ itself holds a great value in it. Becoming a doctor is all about responsibility, helping people, and making a real difference. So, you have to prepare with your best. If you are just starting out, then go with NEET UG. If you have already done MBBS, you can do NEET PG or INI-CET.
But before all that, take a moment and ask yourself: Why do I really want this? Is it the respect, the career, or the chance to help others? Let that reason guide you.
The journey will be tough, but it will also be worth it. The decisions you make today will shape your future as a doctor. Are you ready to take the first step?
