Each year, millions of students in India wish to study medicine, nursing, and other health-related fields. But merely recognising these fields is just the beginning. The major challenge is to get a grasp on the medical entrance exam scenario in India. Aiming for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, B.Sc Nursing, or any other allied healthcare course after 12th, you need a definite plan.
NEET UG is set to be the main mode of entry to the majority of medical colleges, but there exist several other medical exams apart from NEET that provide openings for students who want to study nursing, paramedical, and allied health courses. Students at Aakash Institute are taught how to make use of all these options wisely to be successful in their endeavors.
Why It Is Important to Know Medical Entrance Exams in India
Success in medical exams is not about just covering more books—it is about being smart with studies. Class 12 PCB students should first figure out which exams can lead to MBBS/BDS, nursing, or allied sciences. Understanding the medical entrance exams after 12th thoroughly helps aspirants not to miss any opportunity and to prepare a strategic study plan accordingly.
1. NEET UG – The Indispensable Door (2026)
NEET UG is the test that aspiring medical students in India need to take if they want to gain admission for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH courses, veterinary education, and select B.Sc Nursing seats. It is the National Testing Agency (NTA) that organizes NEET UG Exam every year, which is undoubtedly the most sought-after medical entrance examination among Class 12 students.
Content of 2026:
- Level: National
- Courses: MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, select B.Sc Nursing
- Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)
- Date (approximate): 3 May 2026
- Eligibility: 12th pass with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and minimum age criteria
Significance: NEET UG acts as a filter for entry into almost all the top medical colleges of India. The students hardly take a year without starting the preparation, and establishments such as the Aakash Institute offer comprehensive study materials, mock tests, mentorship, etc., for the candidates to crack this test with flying colors.
2. Medical Entrance Exams After 12th Not Including NEET
NEET UG registration is a must for MBBS/BDS intake, but students can still choose from a handful of alternative or supplementing routes via medical entrance exams other than NEET. These programs cater to nursing, allied health sciences, and specialised medical fields.
a) AIIMS B.Sc Nursing & Paramedical Exams
AIIMS carries out two separate examinations for the entrance B.Sc Nursing (Hons.) and paramedical courses. These tests provide an opportunity for the students to choose a nursing or allied health program without having a NEET score.
- Courses: B.Sc Nursing, Paramedical programs
- Examining Authority: AIIMS Delhi
- Eligibility: 12th pass with PCB and English
- Significance: Great option for students with a profession-oriented approach towards nursing and paramedical.
b) CUET UG – Allied Healthcare & Biomedical Sciences
CUET UG is increasingly making its way to the forefront for students expecting to take life sciences or biological sciences and allied healthcare degrees in central universities like DU and BHU. CUET UG is not a medical exam for MBBS; however, it provides solid alternative routes to the biomedical research and allied health programs.
3. Other Key Medical Entrance Exams in India 2026
Students who are looking into their postgraduate or specialised healthcare programs are advised to take the following exams as an integral part of the 2026 medical community.
a) NEET PG
- Purpose: Admission to MD, MS, PG Diploma, and DNB courses
- Conducting Body: National Board of Examinations (NBE)
- Mode: Computer-based
- Eligibility: MBBS degree with internship completion
b) INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test)
- Courses: MD, MS, MDS, DM, M.Ch across AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS
- Frequency: Twice a year (January & July)
- Eligibility: MBBS degree
- Significance: Extremely highly competitive clinical specialisation pathway
c) State & University Level Exams
Besides, there are a number of state and university-level exams for B.Sc Nursing, allied health, and paramedical courses:
- State Nursing CETs: MH B.Sc Nursing CET (Maharashtra), JENPAS UG (West Bengal), KGMU B.Sc Nursing (Uttar Pradesh)
- University-specific exams: IPU CET, BPT, BOT, and other allied health programs
4. Specialised & Allied Health Entrance Tests
Those who do not wish to pursue MBBS or BDS may find some very good opportunities through special exams:
- IISER Aptitude Test (IAT): Integrated BS-MS programs in science
- ICAR AIEEA: Agriculture and allied sciences
- Paramedical Entrance Exams: Related to allied health technology
PCB students who are inclined to research, laboratory sciences, and allied healthcare can think of these exams for extending their career choices.
Key Highlights: 2026 Medical Entrance Exam Landscape
| Category | Focus | Eligibility | Typical Exam |
| UG Medical | MBBS, BDS | 12th with PCB | NEET UG 2026 |
| Nursing | B.Sc Nursing & Allied | 12th with PCB | AIIMS & State CETs |
| Biomedical/Allied | Life sciences, research | 12th PCB | CUET UG, IAT |
| PG Medical | MD, MS, DM, M.Ch | MBBS | NEET PG & INI-CET |
How Aakash Institute Supports Aspirants
With expert faculties, test series, and mentorship, the Aakash Institute and other such institutions are characteristically involved in giving students the required support that will enable them to be successful not only in NEET but also in other medical entrance exams in India. Through a well-planned and organized study schedule, the aspirants can be made ready for the exams, become self-assured, and have the right approach towards their career goals.
Conclusion
While NEET UG will be the only entrance exam for MBBS and BDS aspirants, other exams that range from nursing to allied health and postgraduate specialisations will provide different avenues for healthcare careers. Giving strategic preparation, getting consistent guidance and knowing about all the available exams will help students to make the right choices and achieve their academic goals to the maximum.
FAQs
Q1. What is the major medical entrance exam for MBBS in India 2026?
It is NEET UG that acts as the exclusive test for admission in MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses in India, and is conducted by NTA.
Q2. Besides NEET, are there any other medical entrance tests after 12th?
Absolutely. Apart from the NEET UG, one can consider AIIMS B.Sc Nursing, CUET UG, and various state CETs to land a job in healthcare.
Q3. Can students pursue the allied health professions without taking NEET?
Yes, they can. AIIMS nursing, CUET UG, state CETs are a few routes that lead to allied health areas like physiotherapy, biomedical sciences, and laboratory sciences.
Q4. What are the medical entrance exams for postgraduate studies that will be valid in 2026?
NEET PG and INI-CET are the key postgraduate exams for MD, MS, DM, and M.Ch courses after MBBS in 2026.
Q5. Are medical exams other than NEET necessary for career planning?
Absolutely, these exams are for nursing, paramedical, and allied healthcare fields, which are separate from MBBS/BDS hence offer multiple career options.
