Cracking the medical admissions puzzle: Barriers faced by thousands each year

Every year, lakhs of students in India appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), hoping to secure a coveted MBBS seat. For many, it's not just an exam, it represents years of preparation, family expectations, and the dream of wearing a doctor’s white coat.But despite sincere effort, the harsh reality remains: the road to admission proves to be a steep climb. A closer look at the dataIn 2025, over 23 lakh students registered for NEET¹. Yet, the number of MBBS seats across India stands at just over 1.2 lakh —with fewer than 50,000 in government colleges². What happens to the rest? Many can opt for private colleges, while many choose to reattempt NEET, often more than once, hoping that the next year will be different. But reattempts come with their own cost.The real cost of a drop yearTaking a “drop year” is rarely just about academics. It often involves relocating for coaching, investing lakhs in tuition, housing, and test prep, all while navigating emotional stress and performance anxiety. Beyond the financial and psychological toll, there's also an opportunity cost — a student who takes two years to crack NEET may begin practicing medicine significantly later than peers who explore alternate routes.In a profession where time, specialization, and global exposure matter, each year lost has a ripple effect on confidence, career growth, and income.A broader path to medicine Globally, medical education systems offer structured, transparent alternatives that do not rely solely on a single national exam. These programs often include early clinical exposure, international faculty, and clearer pathways to postgraduate specialization and practice in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.And for Indian students, some of these programs are accessible right after Class 12, making them viable options without the need for a gap year or additional entrance exams.How the journey compares: India vs. a USA modeled medical pathwayMany assume that studying medicine abroad takes longer or costs significantly more, but the numbers tell a different story.In India, the typical medical journey includes 4.5 years of MBBS study, followed by a one-year internship. Most students then spend another year preparing for NEET PG, and go on to complete a three-year MD program, totaling around 9.5 years. For many, the competition for PG seats and repeated attempts only add to the time and cost burden.On the other hand, international medical programs like the ones modeled on the U.S. system offer a more structured path. Students begin with two years of pre-med (after Class 12), followed by two years of basic sciences and two years of clinical rotations. This is followed by a three-year plus U.S. residency, bringing the total to around 9 years³, often without the bottlenecks seen in India’s system.While private MBBS and MD education in India can cost upwards of ₹2–2.5 crore⁴ (including coaching), U.S.-focused pathways are often comparable in cost and offer significantly greater value. Choosing to become a practicing doctor in the U.S. through such a pathway can also lead to increased earning potential, access to global residency options, and early financial independence through residency stipends.Studying medicine and pursuing a career in a country like the U.S. is no longer an elite or out-of-reach option. It’s a practical, affordable, and structured route that more Indian students should actively consider — especially if they don’t wish to stall their medical journey due to limited seats or repeated NEET attempts.Manipal’s American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine: A U.S.- modeled medical school for Indian aspirantsOne such institution is Manipal’s AUA, which offers a globally recognized medical program designed for NEET-eligible Indian students looking to pursue a medical career in the United States.Some of the key highlights of AUA’s program include:Whether you’re aiming for the U.S., Canada, or another global destination, AUA’s holistic approach is built to support students every step of the wayHave a plan B to become a doctor?Every medical aspirant deserves a fair shot at their dream. But when the path isn’t straightforward, having a parallel plan can make all the difference. To help students and parents explore global medical pathways, AUA is hosting a live webinar on Thursday, 5th June at 4:30 PM IST. Join Dr. Ravi Rajput, MBBS, MD, MBA (Med Ed.), Professor at AUA - Department of Physiology, and Srinidhi Ramasamy, a current Med 4 AUA student, as they share insights into how programs like AUA’s can help students stay on track to becoming global doctors. Register now to attend it live. Admissions open for August 2025 intakeAUA is currently accepting applications for the August 2025 intake. Early applicants may be eligible for exclusive scholarships.To know more about how to apply, click here.The admission process evaluates students holistically, taking into account academic records, recommendation letters, extracurriculars, and personal interviews.References:Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Manipal’s American University of Antigua by the Times Internet's Spotlight team.