Summary: NEET merit is used for MBBS, BDS, the AYUSH degrees (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS and others) and, in Maharashtra, for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, audiology, prosthetics and naturopathy too. Each course has its own regulator, counselling route and career path, so compare them on the work you want to do, not only on rank.The main courses at a glance
| Course | What you become | Duration | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBBS | Doctor of modern medicine | 4.5 years plus a 1-year compulsory internship | National Medical Commission (NMC) |
| BDS | Dental surgeon | 4 years plus a 1-year internship | National dental regulator |
| BAMS | Ayurveda doctor | 4.5 years plus a 1-year internship | National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) |
| BUMS | Unani medicine doctor | 4.5 years plus a 1-year internship | NCISM |
| BHMS | Homoeopathy doctor | 4.5 years plus a 1-year internship | National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) |
| BPTh, BOTh, BASLP, BP&O, BNYS | Physiotherapist, occupational therapist, audiologist and speech-language pathologist, prosthetist and orthotist, naturopathy doctor | Varies by course; see the college and brochure | Varies by course |
Course durations and internship rules are set by the regulators and are occasionally revised. Check the current regulations or the admission brochure for the year you apply.
How each course is counselled
In Maharashtra, the State CET Cell brochure for 2026 grouped the NEET-based courses into three groups for counselling: Group A for MBBS and BDS, Group B for BAMS, BHMS and BUMS, and Group C for BNYS, BPTh, BOTh, BP&O and BASLP. The same NEET merit list is used for all three. Our post on Maharashtra state quota counselling explains the rounds.
At the national level, MBBS and BDS all-India quota seats, deemed universities, AIIMS and JIPMER are counselled by MCC. The all-India quota for BAMS, BHMS and BUMS is counselled by AACCC under the Ministry of Ayush. See NEET counselling explained for how the systems fit together.
Some courses that PCB students often ask about do not go through NEET in Maharashtra. B.Sc. Nursing in the state has its own test, MH-Nursing CET. B.Pharm and agriculture degrees are admitted through MHT‑CET. If you are considering these, look at our MHT‑CET programme as well.
What the work looks like
MBBS
MBBS leads to clinical practice, hospital service, public health, research, and postgraduate specialisation through a further entrance exam. It is also a long route. Many MBBS graduates go on to an MD or MS, which takes about three more years after a separate entrance exam, before they settle into a speciality.
BDS
Dentistry is a hands-on surgical profession. Many dentists start their own practice after BDS, and others go on to an MDS in a speciality such as orthodontics or oral surgery. Students who enjoy fine manual work often do well and are happy in it.
BAMS, BUMS and BHMS
These degrees train doctors in Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy respectively. Graduates practise in their system, work in government AYUSH services and hospitals, teach, work in research or the products industry, or go on to postgraduate study in their field. Rules on what AYUSH graduates may practise are set by law and regulators and differ in detail between states, so read the current position rather than relying on what relatives say.
Physiotherapy and the other Group C courses
These are professional degrees in rehabilitation and therapy. Physiotherapists work in hospitals, sports, orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation, and private practice. Audiology and speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and prosthetics and orthotics are smaller fields where trained professionals are needed in hospitals, schools and rehabilitation centres.
How to weigh a seat that is not MBBS
Every year some students get a BDS or BAMS seat and wonder whether to take it or repeat for MBBS. There is no single right answer, but these questions help:
| Question | If the answer is yes | If the answer is no |
|---|---|---|
| Would the student be content doing this work for the next thirty years? | Taking the seat is a sound choice | Think carefully before accepting |
| Is the student's NEET score close to the likely MBBS cut-off for their category? | A repeat year is a reasonable option | A repeat needs a large jump; be realistic |
| Does the student know what went wrong this year? | A repeat has a clear plan | A repeat is a gamble |
| Is the college recognised and does it have a working hospital? | Worth considering | Look elsewhere |
| Can the family manage the fees for the full course? | Proceed with the comparison | Look at government seats and scholarships first |
Our post on repeating a year for NEET covers the other side of this decision.
Before you fill choices
- Check that the college and course are recognised by the relevant regulator for the current year.
- Look up the approved fee. In Maharashtra, fees of private unaided professional colleges are approved by the Fee Regulating Authority.
- Visit the attached hospital if you can, and look at how busy the outpatient department is.
- Ask about hostel, bond conditions and any additional charges.
- Talk to current students, not only to the admission office.
Common questions
Is the NEET cut-off the same for MBBS and BAMS?
The qualifying percentile is the same, but closing ranks are very different because each course, college and category has its own competition. Closing ranks change every year.
Can I switch from BDS or BAMS to MBBS later?
Not by transfer. You would need to appear for NEET again and get an MBBS seat through counselling.
Is physiotherapy admission through NEET in Maharashtra?
Yes, in the 2026 CET Cell brochure BPTh was in Group C and admitted on NEET UG merit. Institutional quota seats for Group C courses in private colleges were filled by the institutes from registered candidates.