Don’t Let Low NEET Score (Up to 350) Decide your future – Taking a Drop or Going for MBBS Abroad?
For thousands of NEET aspirants, a low NEET score — especially one around 350 or below — can feel like the end of the road. Securing an MBBS seat in India with such a score, especially in a government medical college, is extremely challenging. So, what are your options?
Two of the most practical choices are:
➤ Taking a drop year to prepare again for NEET.
➤ Choosing to study MBBS abroad.
But which path is better? Let’s explore both in detail.
Option 1: Taking a Drop Year After a Low NEET Score
Advantages:
➤ Another Shot at a Government Seat: If you are confident and well-prepared, a year of focused study can boost your score and help you qualify for a seat in India.
➤ Familiar Environment: You remain in your comfort zone with no need to adjust to a foreign culture or language.
➤ Lower Costs (Only If Government Seat is secured): Government medical colleges offer MBBS at a fraction of the cost compared to private or foreign institutions.
Disadvantages:
➤ No Guarantee of Success: Many students take a drop but fail to improve significantly due to rising competition.
➤ High Mental Pressure: Managing self-doubt and expectations can affect performance.
➤ Wasting Precious Time: If not successful, a year is lost — academically and emotionally.
Best For:
➤ Students confident about improving drastically.
➤ Those with strong academic fundamentals and a good support system.
Option 2: Pursuing MBBS Abroad With a Low NEET Score
A low NEET score doesn’t mean your dream of becoming a doctor is over. Many top international medical universities accept students with scores as low as 150–350, provided they have cleared the basic NEET qualification.
Advantages:
➤ No Need to Retake NEET: If you’ve already qualified NEET (even with a low score), you can directly apply for MBBS abroad.
➤ Globally Recognized Degrees: Countries like Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan offer NMC and WHO-approved MBBS programs.
➤ No Year Wasted: Start your medical journey immediately without the stress of another entrance exam.
Disadvantages:
➤ No Guarantee of Success: Many students take a drop but fail to improve significantly due to rising competition.
➤ High Mental Pressure: Managing self-doubt and expectations can affect performance.
➤ Wasting Precious Time: If not successful, a year is lost — academically and emotionally.
Best For:
➤ Students confident about improving drastically.
➤ Those with strong academic fundamentals and a good support system.
Option 2: Pursuing MBBS Abroad With a Low NEET Score
A low NEET score doesn’t mean your dream of becoming a doctor is over. Many top international medical universities accept students with scores as low as 150–350, provided they have cleared the basic NEET qualification.
Advantages:
➤ No Need to Retake NEET: If you’ve already qualified NEET (even with a low score), you can directly apply for MBBS abroad.
➤ Globally Recognized Degrees: Countries like Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan offer NMC and WHO-approved MBBS programs.
➤ No Year Wasted: Start your medical journey immediately without the stress of another entrance exam.
Disadvantages:
➤ Mandatory FMGE/NExT Exam: To practice in India, foreign graduates must clear FMGE/NExT — which has a historically low pass rate.
➤ Cultural & Language Barriers: Initial adaptation may be challenging.
➤ Quality Concerns: Not all abroad universities maintain high standards, so careful selection is essential.
Best For:
➤ Students with low NEET scores who still want to become doctors.
➤ Families that can afford the budget (₹15–25 lakhs).
➤ Those who are open to new cultures and experiences.
So, What’s the Ideal Option for You?
If your NEET score is below 350, and:
➤ You’re not confident about significantly improving in another attempt,
➤ You don’t want to lose another year,
➤ You have the budget to support foreign education
then MBBS abroad is the more practical and career-efficient option.
However, if you:
➤ Strongly believe in your potential to score 600 next year,
➤ Have access to good coaching,
➤ And are mentally prepared for another intense preparation year,
then taking a drop might be a worthwhile risk.
Final Advice: Don’t Let a Low NEET Score Define Your Future
A low NEET score does not mean the end of your medical career aspirations. What matters more is your decision now — one that aligns with your goals, abilities, and circumstances.