Do I need to clear NEET to study medicine in the USA?
NEET is not usually required to study medicine in the United States, though it applies to Indian students seeking a foreign MBBS. US medical schools typically look at your grades, bachelor's degree, MCAT score and English proficiency, and requirements vary by school. Afterwards you clear USMLE and complete a residency.
No, NEET is not usually required to study medicine in the United States, though it applies to Indian students seeking a foreign MBBS. Requirements vary by school, and US medical schools typically look at your academic record, your bachelor's degree, your MCAT score and your English proficiency instead.
What US medical schools ask for instead of NEET
| Requirement | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Academic record | Your grades from college or university |
| Bachelor's degree | A completed bachelor's qualification |
| MCAT | A score on the medical school admission test |
| English proficiency | Proof that you can study in English |
The route from India to practising in the US
- Complete a bachelor's degree.
- Do well in the MCAT.
- Go through medical school training.
- Clear the USMLE tests.
- Complete a residency programme.
- Finish the licensing process to become eligible to practise.
My Advice
Plan for the MCAT and a strong bachelor's degree instead of another NEET attempt. Also keep in mind that an Indian MD alone does not let you practise in the US directly, so USMLE preparation and a residency are part of the plan from the start.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which US universities you still qualify for.
More Universities & admissions questions
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- Can I pursue an MBA abroad after completing a Bachelor of Science degree?
More USA questions
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- How much extra should I keep aside for unexpected costs during my MS in the USA?
- By when do I need to submit my application for most UG and PG courses at UCLA?
- Can you track an Employment Pass application on the MOM portal when your employer files it?
- Can I apply for an education loan up to 30 to 35 lakhs or 30 to 40 lakhs budget?
- What are the visa application chances and procedures for USA compared to Australia?
- Is my daughter planning to settle down abroad with permanent residency or just study in Singapore/USA for a Master's?
- Is the scholarship available for the next intake in USA for a Master's?