Choosing the right career path after 12th is one of the most important decisions in a student's life.
In fact, it gets even more challenging in the medical field, as it impacts opportunities and specialization for a life-long career.
In India, more than thousands of aspiring students take up medical courses each year to serve humanity and help improve people's lives.
However, with over a dozen medical courses and hundreds of specializations on offer after class 12th, choosing the best medical course becomes a pretty challenging task.
Deciding the right course after 12th in medical is paramount as it lays the foundation for a student's medical journey. This is why we are here to assist you with all the knowledge to make it easy for you to decide. In this post, we will cover the top 25 medical courses that are ideal for you after completing your 12th. Dive in to make an informed decision.
The medical field offers a broad spectrum of courses for students pursuing medical or healthcare-related careers after completing their 12th grade.
These courses can be categorized under traditional or modern medicine. Traditional courses cover streams including Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Unani medicine, whereas modern streams cover courses like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, and more. Every course has its own eligibility criteria, and one must tick all the boxes to pursue the same. But below are a few basic ones that one must take for all medical courses. Check it out
Course Details: Offered after 10+2 in PCB with Biology, MBBS is a 5-year program including a 1-year internship. The course prepares students for medical examinations and treating patients as qualified doctors. The duration encompasses both academic and practical training in subjects related to basic medical sciences, clinical expertise, and humanities. MBBS graduates can work as general physicians, specialists in domains like cardiology or seek post-graduation.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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MBBS | Work as general physicians, specialists in domains like cardiology or seek post-graduation |
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Education: Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology. Minimum Marks: 50% for General, 40% for SC/ST/OBC. Age: Minimum 17 years by December 31 of admission year. Entrance Exam: Qualify NEET. |
Course Details: A 5-year course including an internship in dental surgery, a BDS degree equips students with clinical skills to practice dentistry. Learners gain theoretical and practical expertise in dental materials, oral pathology, and surgery during the program. The graduates pursuing BDS have abundant opportunities to serve as dental practitioners, specialized surgeons, or teachers. In fact, the top dental colleges to pursue the respective course are Manipal College of Dental Sciences, SDM, KIDS, and others.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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BDS | Serve as dental practitioners, specialized surgeons, or teachers. |
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Education: Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate (40% for reserved categories). Entrance Exam: Must qualify NEET. Age: Minimum 17 years by December 31 of the admission year. |
Course Details: Focused on fundamental principles of Ayurveda, this 5.5-year course involves theory, practical training in Panchkarma techniques, herbal pharmacology and more. A BAMS degree prepares graduates to work as physicians or specialists in Ayurveda using natural remedies. They can establish private clinics or join hospitals and healthcare facilities. Some top colleges to pursue the same are Banaras Hindu University, Gujarat Ayurved University, SVYASA, and others.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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BAMS | Work as physicians or specialists in Ayurveda using natural remedies. They can establish private clinics or join hospitals and healthcare facilities. |
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Education: Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate (40% for SC/ST/OBC).Age: Minimum 17 years by December 31 of admission year. Entrance Exam: Must qualify NEET. |
Course Details: Offering a scientific and practice-based approach, this 5-year program includes basic medical training as well as principles of homeopathic philosophy and therapeutics. BHMS qualifies graduates to serve as homeopathic practitioners adept at individualized treatment using micro-doses of medicines. They can pursue independent practice or join healthcare organizations. Some leading colleges to pursue the respective course are BHU, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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BHMS | Serve as homeopathic practitioners adept at individualized treatment using micro-doses of medicines. They can pursue independent practice or join healthcare organizations. |
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Education: Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry,and Biology. Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate (40% for SC/ST/OBC). Age: Minimum 17 years by December 31 of admission year. Entrance Exam: Must qualify NEET-UG. |
Course Details: This 4.5-year Bachelor's degree in Unani medicine equips learners with theoretical expertise and clinical skills in diagnosing illnesses using techniques outlined in the Greco-Arab Unani system of medicine. The program involves academic clinical training in dentistry and general medicine. A BUMS qualification allows graduates to work as Unani practitioners and contribute to community health. Some of the top colleges to pursue the respective course are Jamia Hamdard, AMU and IMCC.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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BUMS | Work as Unani practitioners and contribute to community health. |
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Education: Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English. Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate (40% for SC/ST/OBC). Age: Minimum 17 years by December 31 of admission year. Entrance Exam: Must qualify NEET. |
Now, we will address some of the top medical courses you can apply without considering the NEET qualification. Take a look.
Course Details: As one of the most popular paramedical courses, B.Sc. Nursing is a 3-4 year program open to students who have completed their higher secondary education. This medical course after 12th without NEET covers relevant knowledge to help qualifying students pursue careers as professional nurses. They can join hospitals, nursing homes, MNCs, Red Cross and assist doctors while providing healthcare to patients.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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B.Sc. Nursing | Join hospitals, nursing homes, MNCs, Red Cross, and assist doctors while providing healthcare to patients. |
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Education: Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate (varies by institution). Age: Minimum 17 years by December 31 of the admission year. Entrance Exam: Admission often based on NEET or other entrance exams. |
Course Details: A 4.5-year-long BPT degree trains candidates in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, musculoskeletal knowledge, and more to treat patients using noninvasive techniques without the use of drugs. Physiotherapists hold significant roles in areas like orthopedics, neurology etc. Some top institutes to pursue the respective course include AIIMS, COEPT Pune, KMC Manipal and others.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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BPT | Hold major roles in areas like orthopedics, neurology, etc. |
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Education: Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate required. Age: Minimum 17 years by December 31 of the admission year. Entrance Exam: Admission often based on NEET or other entrance tests. |
Course Details: This 3-year bachelor's degree equips students with theoretical and hands-on practical skills required for jobs like medical lab technicians or biomedical scientists. They play a key role in performing clinical laboratory tests and managing diagnostic lab procedures and equipment across various healthcare setups.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology | Work as medical lab technicians or biomedical scientists in hospitals, diagnostic labs, research institutes, etc. |
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Education: Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate required. Age: Minimum 17 years by December 31 of the admission year. Entrance Exam: Admission based on merit or entrance exams. |
There are many more medical courses and fields that you can consider pursuing and have a career out of it. We have listed the popular ones below. Take a look
Course Details: A 3-year program in radiology acquaints students with modern radiological practices to function as medical imaging technologists, sonographers or radiographers. It involves radiographic technology, imaging equipment operation and safety.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology | Work as medical lab technicians or biomedical scientists in hospitals, diagnostic labs, research institutes, etc. |
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Education: Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (or Mathematics). Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate required. Entrance Exam: Admission based on merit or entrance exams like NEET. Age: Minimum 17 years by December 31 of the admission year. |
Course Details: A three-year degree focusing on scientific applications for investigating crime scenes, examining evidence, and solving legal inquiries using methods from anthropology, biology, etc. It will help you become a forensic expert who can work with law agencies and laboratories.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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B.Sc. Forensic Science | Work as forensic experts and investigators in law enforcement agencies, forensic science laboratories, research institutions etc. |
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Education: Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics. Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate required. Entrance Exam: Admission may require exams like CUET or university-specific tests. Age: Generally no specific age limit, but check individual college requirements. |
Course Details: This 4-year Bachelor's degree trains graduates to serve as optometrists specializing in vision care, contact lenses, prescription eyewear and low vision rehabilitation. It has a great scope across all types of private clinics and hospitals.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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B.Sc. Optometry | Work as optometrists, ophthalmic assistants, vision scientists etc. in eye care clinics, hospitals, optics industry etc. |
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Education: Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology. Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate required. Entrance Exam: Admission based on merit or entrance exams like CUET. Age: Minimum 17 years by November 1 of the admission year. |
Course Details: The BPharm is a 4-year course that trains students to become pharmacists. During the degree, you will learn about medicines, medical chemistry and pharmacology. This degree prepares you to play an important role in the pharmaceutical industry and medical field after the 12th. You can work in hospitals, medicine stores, and research labs as a pharmacist. Some even choose to specialize further and pursue an MPharm or PharmD.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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BPharm | Work as licensed pharmacists in hospitals, retail pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, research organizations etc. |
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Education: Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate required. Entrance Exam: Admission based on NEET, GPAT, or other entrance exams. Age: Minimum 17 years by December 31 of the admission year. |
Course Details: BOT is a 4-year best medical course after 12th that helps patients recover from physical or mental illnesses through various therapies. In this degree, you will study human biology, psychology, and rehabilitation techniques. After completing BOT, you can work as an occupational therapist in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and special schools.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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BOT | Work as occupational therapists in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, special schools, hand therapy clinics etc. |
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Education: Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English. Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate required (40% for SC/ST/OBC). Entrance Exam: Admission may require entrance exams like NEET or institute-specific tests. Age: Minimum 17 years by December 31 of the admission year. |
This 4-year course focuses on diagnosing and treating communication disorders related to speech, language, and hearing. You will learn about audiology, speech therapies, and more during the degree. After BASLP, you can work as an audiologist or speech therapist in hospitals, clinics, schools and private practice.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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BASLP | Work as audiologists, speech therapists, speech pathologists in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools etc. |
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Education: Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics. Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate required (45% for SC/ST/OBC). Entrance Exam: Admission through NEET or other entrance tests. Age: Minimum 17 years by December 31 of the admission year. |
Course Details: B.Sc. Biotechnology is an undergraduate program that focuses on applying biological organisms and systems to industrial processes, such as agriculture, food science, environment, and health. The course provides training in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, bioprocess technology, etc. It is a 3-year program, and candidates must have biology as one of the subjects in 10+2.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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B.Sc. in Biotechnology | Biotechnologist, Research Scientist, Quality Control Analyst |
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Education: Candidates must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (or Mathematics) are mandatory subjects. Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is generally required (45% for SC/ST candidates). Some colleges may require a higher percentage, such as 55-60% in core subjects. Entrance Exam: Admission may be based on merit from Class 12 scores or entrance exams such as DUET, KIITEE, or SAAT. Age Limit: Typically, there is no specific age limit, but it may vary by institution. |
Course Details: B.V.Sc. & A.H. is a professional degree course that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting domestic animals like cattle, poultry, sheep, and pets. The curriculum includes subjects like veterinary anatomy, physiology, parasitology, pharmacology, pathology, etc. The duration of the course is 5.5 years, including a 1-year internship.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry | Veterinarian, Animal Health Officer, Veterinary Surgeon |
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Education: Candidates must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English are mandatory subjects. Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is generally required (some colleges may require 55%). Age Limit: Candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year and should not exceed 25 years. Entrance Exam: Admission is primarily through NEET; other exams like AAU VET, OUAT, and RPVT may also be accepted. |
Course Details: B.Sc. in Clinical Psychology is an undergraduate program that prepares students to assess and treat people with mental health issues. It teaches about human behavior, psychopathology, psychotherapy, counseling and assessment techniques. Students learn to provide psychological support and advise doctors on mental healthcare. The duration is 3 years and students need to pass class 12th with a science background.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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B.Sc Clinical Psychology | Clinical Psychologist, Counselor, Mental Health Professional |
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Education: Candidates must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are mandatory subjects, with Biology being a core subject. Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is generally required (some institutions may require 45% for reserved categories). Age Limit: There is typically no age limit for admission. Entrance Exam: Admission may be based on merit from Class 12 scores; some colleges may require entrance exam scores like CUET. |
Course Details: The B.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics course trains students in clinical, community, and food nutrition services. It focuses on the relationship between food and health, nutrition through the lifespan, public health nutrition, community nutrition, food science, and management. The course lasts three years, and typical job avenues include roles in hospitals, the food industry, research, and academia.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics | Nutritionist, Dietitian, Health Coach |
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Education: Candidates must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English are required subjects. Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is generally required in the qualifying examination (45% for SC/ST candidates). Age Limit: Typically, there is no specific age limit, but some institutions may have their own policies regarding age. Entrance Exam: Admission is primarily based on merit from Class 12 scores; some colleges may also accept entrance exam scores like CUET. |
Course Details: This interdisciplinary program aims to improve understanding of environmental issues and their solutions. Key areas of study are ecology, natural resources, pollution, waste management, environmental law, and geology. Students develop analytical thinking for impact assessment and management. The course empowers to pursue careers in research, industries, NGOs, teaching and government.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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B.Sc. Environmental Science | Environmental Consultant, Ecologist, Research Scientist |
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Education: Candidates must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are mandatory subjects. Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is generally required (45% for SC/ST candidates). Age Limit: Typically, candidates should be between 17 to 25 years old. Entrance Exam: Admission may be based on merit or entrance exams such as CUET or other university-specific tests. |
Course Details: B.P.H. combines insights from social and medical sciences to aid communities and nations. It focuses on health systems, epidemiology, biostatistics, nutrition, health policy, environmental health and maternal care. Students gain awareness on health issues faced globally and strategies for prevention and solution.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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Bachelor of Public Health | Public Health Educator, Epidemiologist, Health Policy Advisor |
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Education: Candidates must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) are mandatory subjects in Class 12. Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is generally required (45% for SC/ST candidates). Age Limit: Candidates should be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year. Other Qualifications: Candidates with a 2-year or 3-year diploma in Allied Health Sciences after Class 10 may also be eligible. Entrance Exam: Admission is primarily based on merit; some colleges may conduct their own entrance exams. |
Course Details: The B.Sc. in Cardiovascular Technology teaches students to assist cardiologists and cardiac surgeons during the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of heart conditions. Key topics include anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnostic techniques like ECG, Echo, and cardiac catheterization. Students learn to operate various cardiac equipment in order to help physicians. Duration of the respective course is 3 years and entry requires passing class 12th in PCB.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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B.Sc. Cardiovascular Technology | Cardiovascular Technologist, Cardiac Sonographer |
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Education: Candidates must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are mandatory subjects. Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is generally required (some colleges may require 55%). Other Qualifications: Candidates with a 2-year or 3-year diploma in Allied Health Sciences after Class 10 may also be eligible. Age Limit: Candidates should be at least 17 years old at admission. Entrance Exam: Admission may be based on merit from Class 12 scores or entrance exams such as NEET, AIIMS, or university-specific tests. |
Course Details: This paramedical course focuses on equipping students with skills required to perform various lab tests that aid physicians in disease diagnosis and ongoing clinical assessments. They assist in blood bank operations, clinical chemistry, hematology, clinical microbiology and more. Duration is 3 years with compulsory internship. Students must qualify NEET and have PCB subjects in 10+2.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology (B.Sc MLT) | Lab Technician, Clinical Lab Manager |
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Education: Candidates must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (or Mathematics) are mandatory subjects. Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is generally required in the qualifying examination (45% for SC/ST candidates). Entrance Exam: Admission is primarily based on Class 12 scores; some colleges may also accept scores from entrance exams like CUET. Age Limit: Typically, there is no specific age limit, but it may vary by institution. |
Course Details: The zoology course at undergraduate level advances understanding of animal kingdom - their evolution, morphology, physiology and relationship with environment. It includes subjects like cell biology, genetics, evolution, embryology, economic zoology and more. Students develop expertise for pursuing higher education or jobs in teaching, research, pharma and wildlife organizations.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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B. Sc. Zoology | Zoologist, Wildlife Biologist, Research Scientist |
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Education: Candidates must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are mandatory subjects in Class 12. Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is generally required (some colleges may require 55-60%). Entrance Exam: Admission may be based on merit or entrance exams such as CUET, BHU UET, or other university-specific tests. Age Limit: Typically, there is no specific age limit, but it may vary by institution. |
Course Details: This course, as detailed earlier, trains students to assess nutritional status of people across age groups and plan customized diets. It covers clinical, community and food nutrition together with management aspects. The duration is 3 years with prospective roles in healthcare, food industries, agriculture, research and academics on completion.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics | Nutritionist, Dietitian, Health Coach |
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Education: Candidates must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English are required subjects. Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is required in the qualifying examination (45% for SC/ST candidates). Age Limit: There is generally no specific age limit, but some institutions may have their own policies regarding age. Entrance Exam: Admission is typically based on merit from Class 12 scores; some colleges may also accept entrance exam scores like CUET. |
Course Details: The B.Sc. Medical Technology program prepares graduates for technical careers assisting physicians in patient management and laboratory procedures. Key curriculum areas are clinical biochemistry, microbiology, transfusion medicine, and diagnostics. The program lasts three years, and candidates require 10+2 qualification with PCB subjects and sometimes NEET eligibility as per institutes.
Course | Professional Opportunities | Colleges Offering The Course | Eligibility Criteria |
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B.Sc. Medical Technology | Medical Technologist, Clinical Research Associate |
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Education: Candidates must have completed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board. Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (or Mathematics) are compulsory subjects. Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is required (45% for SC/ST candidates) in the qualifying examination. Entrance Exam: Some colleges may require candidates to pass entrance exams such as DUET, KIITEE, or SAAT for admission. |
Several scholarships and financial assistance schemes are available for deserving medical students pursuing different medical courses after the 12th standard. Below, we have discussed some of the prominent scholarship options. Take a look.
Now when you are clear about the scholarships in the medical field after 12th, you might be thinking where to pursue the course. Below we highlight some of the top names for you to proceed ahead with clarity.
India has many prestigious medical colleges considered the best for receiving quality education and training in various medical courses after the 12th. Here is a list of some top institutions that students can consider:
It is essential that you check with the aspects of all the universities and institutes before making a final decision. So, choosing the right college affects the prospects for higher education and future career immensely.
The medical line after 12th standard presents a diverse landscape of professionally fulfilling and impactful career paths. Below we provide an overview of career prospects across different sectors. Take a look.
While all medical line after 12th are lucrative in their own respects, assessing individual strengths, passion and priorities helps one to choose the best suited one aligned to long term career vision.
So, it is essential to do proper research, seek Career Guidance, and then proceed to the decision-making process of choosing the best medical course after 12th grade. This will inspire students to reach their goals and serve society through diverse medical careers. Good luck!