Medical Studies

NEET Dilemma: MBBS Abroad vs. Taking a Gap Year After NEET

Pratibha Chauhan

Pratibha Chauhan

Senior Content Specialist

Reading time: 5 Minutes
Updated on: 15. April 2024
Two doctors with stethoscope

📖 Table of Contents

The journey for those aspiring to pursue an MBBS is challenging, especially during the initial phase of entrance exam preparation. Securing admission to Indian medical colleges on the first attempt is difficult due to tough competition caused by an imbalance in the demand and supply of doctors in a country like India. In such a scenario, opting to study MBBS abroad is becoming a popular choice.

Students who don’t pass the NEET entrance exam find themselves in a tough spot, deciding whether to take a gap year or explore alternatives that save time and money. In this article, we’ll explore when it makes sense for a candidate to retry the NEET exam and when considering studying MBBS abroad becomes a viable option.

What does the data indicate?

In India, only 5% pass the NEET exam for MBBS admission. Despite the dreams of thousands of aspiring medical students, the harsh reality is that out of 1.6 million test-takers, only a small fraction achieves success. This leaves the majority with shattered dreams and uncertain futures.

Is Taking a Gap Year Really Necessary?

NEET student studying

Here are some questions to ponder before deciding if taking a gap year for NEET is the right choice:

  1. How close were you to meeting the required cutoff?
  2. Did your score secure a rank that would admit you to any college, even if not your top choice?
  3. Can you maintain disciplined study habits consistently?
  4. Are you absolutely certain about your chosen career path?

Taking a gap year has its drawbacks, requiring a strict and inflexible approach. Not everyone finds it easy to stick to rigorous study schedules from morning to night.

Drawbacks of Taking a Gap Year

  • Increased Competition: Competition becomes more challenging with a surge in NEET applicants. Opting for a gap year could result in facing tougher competition the next year.
  • Escalating Cutoffs: Cutoffs for graduate courses, such as reaching 100% at the University of Delhi in 2020, indicate increasing cutoff rates annually. This trend means that competitors may become more capable, potentially causing your rank to decline and making you ineligible for preferred medical schools.
  • Reduced Determination: Having a whole year to yourself may lead to moments of regret and self-doubt, accompanied by frustration. Sustaining conviction throughout the year requires significant self-motivation to overcome challenging periods.

What Are the Alternatives?

CONSIDER STUDYING MBBS ABROAD!

Yes, you read that correctly. Foreign universities offer considerable flexibility in student admissions. Among various options, pursuing MBBS in Europe stands out as a promising choice.

The perks of studying MBBS abroad in Europe

  1.   Accredited & Recognized Universities:

The European MBBS sector offers several advantages, including accredited universities that are highly regarded internationally. European institutions are consistently ranked among the best in the world, making it possible for MBBS degrees to be accepted worldwide.

  1.   Quality of Education:

Medical schools in Europe are widely recognized for their excellence in teaching, research, and pedagogical techniques. Faculty members are often renowned experts in their respective fields, allowing students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field.

  1.   Diverse Cultural Experience:

Research in Europe allows one to immerse oneself in various cultures, languages, and customs. This experience can help to develop your skills and knowledge of cross-cultural healthcare practices.

  1.   English-Taught Programs:

Many European medical universities provide MBBS programs in English, eliminating language barriers for international students. This makes pursuing their medical dreams easier for students from different backgrounds.

  1.   Clinical Exposure & Research Opportunities:

Europe offers a broad selection of clinical settings and research facilities, allowing medical students to gain practical experience in modern hospitals and clinics.

  1.   Safety & Quality of Life:

Moreover, European countries are well-known for their high safety standards, healthcare, and quality of life. This allows students to concentrate on their studies without the burden of safety worries or poor living conditions.

Eligibility, Exams & Fees:

To pursue an MBBS in Europe, you should be well aware of everything about the fee structure, entrance and competitive exams, documents required during admission, age limit, etc.

Book a Free Consultation:

It is advisable to consult a professional before deciding to enroll in an MBBS program in abroad. Book a free consultation with our experts, who may provide you with significant perspectives and recommendations customized to personal situations. To ensure prospective medical students are well-informed before starting their educational journey, futureMBBS provides guidance on eligibility, exam preparation, visa procedures, and financial planning.

Conclusion

In summary, getting into medical college in India is tough, with only 5% passing the NEET exam. Failing may lead to tough decisions like taking a gap year. But, a gap year has its problems, like tougher competition and doubts. This article suggests another option: studying MBBS abroad, especially in Europe. European universities are well-regarded, offer quality education in English, and provide diverse experiences. It’s a good alternative to a gap year. Before deciding, do thorough research on fees, exams, and eligibility. Consider a free consultation with experts at futureMBBS for the best advice.

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