​Low marks in NEET 2025? Options other than MBBS you can consider

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, or NEET, is the main entrance examination for students seeking admission to medical courses in India. A low score in NEET can be disappointing, but it doesn't mean that your dreams of becoming a doctor are over.

There are many other career options available to you, such as BAMS, BHMS, B.Sc in Nursing, and B.Pharm. Here's a look at why these options might be a good fit for you.

Reasons why NEET scores might be low in 2025

» Why the NEET 2025 Cutoff Is Unpredictable This Year

NEET 2025 took many students by surprise with its increased difficulty level, making the cutoff predictions less straightforward than in previous years. Upon reviewing this year’s paper, it's evident that the National Testing Agency (NTA) significantly raised the bar.

The questions, especially in Physics, were more complex, lengthier, and time-consuming—marking it as possibly the toughest Physics section since 2019.

Overall, the paper demanded greater focus and problem-solving stamina, affecting the average performance of many aspirants.

Unlike previous years, where aspirants frequently shared scores above 650 or even 700+ on platforms like Quora, this year has seen a noticeable drop in such high scores being reported.

This shift clearly reflects the increased difficulty of the paper and explains why the expected cutoffs might drop compared to 2024.

» Lack of proper NEET preparation as a reason for low scores

Another reason why NEET scores might be low in 2025 is due to lack of proper preparation by students. Preparation for such a competitive exam requires dedication, hard work, and consistency over a period of time.

However, many students start preparing only a few months before the exam and this is not enough time to cover the entire syllabus thoroughly.

In addition, many students do not have access to quality resources or experienced teachers which hampers their preparation process. As a result, they are not able to perform well in the exam leading to lower-than-expected scores.

Other Degrees which require NEET but lower cutoff than MBBS are BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS. Consider Other Health-related Courses: If you are interested in the healthcare sector, you can explore other courses like nursing, physiotherapy, pharmacy, or optometry that have less strict admission requirements.

Options other than MBBS you can consider

There are many reasons why a student might not score well in NEET 2025, and as a result, there are many options other than MBBS that they can consider. Some of these options include:

NEET low marks course

Aspirants after scoring low in NEET can opt for the below-mentioned career options.

Why these are good options

Approximately 22.7 lakh candidates registered for the NEET 2025 exam, with around 20.8 lakh candidates appearing for the test. This is a slight decrease from the 24.1 lakh registrations in 2024. The NEET 2025 exam was conducted on May 4, 2025. How to register?

» BAMS

The Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) is a professional degree in medicine focused on ayurveda offered in India and other countries where ayurveda is practiced. The number of seats available in BAMS colleges across India was 31,874.

Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical systems in the world and is gaining popularity in recent years due to its holistic approach to health. Ayurvedic doctors are trained in both modern medicine and traditional ayurvedic principles and practices.

BAMS graduates can practice as ayurvedic doctors or choose to further their studies with an MD (Ayush) degree. They can also work in government hospitals, ayurvedic clinics, and resorts, or become researchers or academics.

Expected NEET Cutoff Ranges:

Note: These cutoffs are based on the 2024 AACCC UG Counselling first-round data.

Top Colleges and Universities:
 

» BHMS

The Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) is a professional degree in homeopathic medicine offered in India and other countries where homeopathy is practiced. The number of seats available in BHMS colleges across India was 52,720.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that uses very small doses of substances that would cause symptoms similar to those being treated in people who are healthy.

Homeopathic medicines are prepared by repeatedly diluting a chosen substance until there is none left but the “memory” or “essence” of the original substance; this preparation is then used to treat patients.

BHMS graduates can practice as homeopathic doctors or choose to further their studies with an MD (Homeopathy) degree. They can also work in homeopathic clinics, hospitals, or become researchers or academics.

Expected NEET Cutoff Ranges:

Note: These cutoffs are based on the 2024 AACCC UG Counselling first-round data.

Top Colleges and Universities:
 

» BSc Nursing

A BSc Nursing degree equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge required to pursue a career as a registered nurse. The course covers topics such as human anatomy and physiology, medical-surgical nursing, midwifery, child health nursing, psychiatric nursing, community health nursing, etc.

The number of seats available in BSc Nursing colleges across India was 38,062.

Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to register themselves with the state nurses’ registration board. Registered nurses can find employment opportunities in government as well as private hospitals, healthcare centres, old age homes, schools, industries, etc.

They can also choose to pursue higher studies such as MSc Nursing or PhD Nursing.

Expected NEET Cutoff Ranges:

Source: CollegeDekho

Top Colleges and Universities:
 

» B.Pharm

A Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (BPharm) equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge required to pursue a career as a registered pharmacist. The course covers topics such as human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, etc.

The number of B.Pharm seats across India was 38,062. A large percentage of NEET qualifiers who do not get MBBS admission opt for this course. To be eligible for registration with the state pharmacy council register themselves as a pharmacist practicing in their respective state.

Students can also work in pharmacies associated with hospitals and health care centres. They can also choose to pursue higher studies such  as MPharm or PhD in Pharmacy.

Expected NEET Cutoff Ranges:

Note: These cutoffs are based on general trends and may vary.

Top Colleges and Universities:
 

» Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy deals with physical rehabilitation involving movement therapies customized according to each patient’s needs. It is useful for the treatment of neurological disorders, orthopaedic disorders, cardiac disorders, pulmonary disorders, etc.

A physiotherapist works at the intersection of medicine and exercise science and uses their knowledge of the human body to restore function after an injury or illness has occurred.

There are approximately 3,800 seats available in physiotherapy colleges across India. Many candidates who clear NEET but do not secure admission into MBBS opt for physiotherapy as an alternative career.

Physiotherapists can work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, etc. They can either work independently or become part of the a multi-disciplinary team. They can also work in the field of research or teaching.

Expected NEET Cutoff Ranges:

Note: These cutoffs are based on general trends and may vary.

Top Colleges and Universities:
 

It is understandable to feel disappointed and disheartened if your NEET scores are not what you had hoped for. However, it is important to remember that there are many other options available to you, and that these options can be just as rewarding as studying MBBS.

Some of the other options you might want to consider include BAMS, BHMS, B.Sc in Nursing, B.Pharm, and B.Sc in Physiotherapy. These courses can all lead to successful and fulfilling careers, and they may be a better fit for your interests and strengths than MBBS.

So, if your NEET scores are not what you had hoped for, don't despair – there are still plenty of great options open to you. Also read - 5 Tips to Help You Move On After Failing the NEET Entrance Exam