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My NEET Journey

Hey, I’m Prisha, a two-time NEET aspirant who learned that not all journeys end in a rank, but every journey teaches something. If you're tired of hearing only topper stories, this post is for you. ❔ How I Discovered NEET? I didn’t grow up dreaming of AIIMS or scribbling NEET ranks in my diary.  The first time I ever even heard  the word was in 7th grade when my sibling was transitioning from class 10 to 11. Even then, it was just a word floating around the house, I had no idea what it really meant or how intense it would be. It was only after watching my sibling go through two tough years of preparation that I started to understand the pressure and expectations that came with it. It wasn’t just another exam. It was a full-blown identity crisis in MCQ format. ❔ How I Found Myself On The NEET Path (without even realizing it)? Then came my own turn, the class 11 stream selection. To be very honest, I chose PCB not because I had a clear vision of becoming a doctor, but...
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Entrance Exams for PCB Students Beyond NEET – Best Career Options

“What if I don’t crack NEET? Will everything be over?” - this is a thought almost every PCB student has at some point. But here’s the truth, not clearing NEET isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it can be the beginning of an exciting journey into other amazing fields of science.

When we think of PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in 11th and 12th, most of us immediately picture NEET. Yes, it’s the biggest exam for medical aspirants in India, but not everyone wants to or has to become a doctor. If you love biology and science but don’t see yourself in an MBBS white coat, there are plenty of other paths you can explore. From research and paramedical sciences to biotechnology and allied health fields. 

In this blog, I’ll walk you through some of the best entrance exams beyond NEET and what career options they can open up for you.





1. AIIMS Paramedical Entrance Exam

  • Conducted by: AIIMS

  • Courses: B.Sc. (Paramedical), Radiology, Operation Theatre Technology, Medical Lab Technology, Anesthesia, Optometry, Perfusion Technology, Sleep Study etc.

  • Why choose it? : Paramedics are the backbone of healthcare. With AIIMS tag + skill-based careers, job opportunities are solid in hospitals, labs, and research centres.

  • Subjects: Physics, Chemistry (mandatory), plus either Biology or Mathematics (candidate’s choice depending on course)
  • Questions: 90 MCQs (30Qs each subject)
  • Mode: CBT (Computer Based Test)
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • Marks: +1 for correct, -⅓ for wrong, 0 for unattempted 
  • Syllabus: Class 11-12 NCERT science chapters relevant to chosen subjects 



2. AIIMS Nursing Entrance Exam

  • Conducted by: AIIMS

  • Courses: B.Sc. Nursing

  • Why choose it? Nursing is one of the most respected professions in healthcare. AIIMS-trained nurses have high demand in India, with good salaries and career growth.

  • Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) 

  • Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)

  • Total Questions & Marks: 100 MCQs, each worth 1 mark (Total: 100) 

  • Sections & Weightage:

    1. Physics - 30 marks

    2. Chemistry - 30 marks

    3. Biology - 30 marks

    4. General Knowledge - 10 marks 

  • Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, -⅓ for wrong, 0 for unattempted


🧷 Note for Students:

 AIIMS exams are a bit on the tougher side with respect to the level of questions, so make sure you focus on conceptual clarity.


3. CUET (Common University Entrance Test)

  • Conducted by: NTA

  • Courses: B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Zoology, Botany, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, etc.

  • Why choose it? CUET opens doors to central universities like DU, BHU, JNU and many others. A B.Sc. in these fields can later lead to research, higher studies or government exams.

  • Subjects: Domain-specific papers up to 5 (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics) + optional language/general test

  • Questions per Paper: 50 MCQs

  • Mode: CBT

  • Duration: 60 minutes per subject paper

  • Marks: +5 for correct, -1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted 

  • Syllabus: NCERT Class 11-12 for each domain subject; general test includes verbal and reasoning skills 



4. IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)

  • Conducted by: IISERs

  • Courses: BS-MS in Sciences

  • Why choose it? If you love pure sciences and research, IISER is a dream. It gives you a strong base in biology, chemistry, physics, and math with options to specialize later. Career scope is excellent in research, teaching, and even biotech industries.

  • Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (15 questions each)

  • Questions: 60 MCQs total

  • Mode: CBT

  • Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)

  • Marks: +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect, no marks for unattempted; total - 240 marks 

  • Syllabus: NCERT Class 11-12 sciences and math


🧷Note for PCB Students:


 Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have Mathematics in your 10+2. The IAT paper has four sections—Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics, but you don’t need to be a master of all four to qualify. Many PCB or PCM students clear it easily. For instance, I myself skipped the entire maths section and still scored 140 marks, securing an AIR 3612.

Also, keep in mind that this exam is considered a bit tougher than NEET, not because of the competition, but because the questions are often conceptual, tricky and of higher quality. So, while NEET tests speed and accuracy, IAT checks how deeply you understand the concepts.



5. NEST (National Entrance Screening Test)

  • Conducted by: NISER Bhubaneswar & UM-DAE CEBS, Mumbai

  • Courses: Integrated M.Sc. in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics

  • Why choose it? NEST is a gateway for students who want to explore research and higher studies in basic sciences. It offers excellent labs, scholarships, and research exposure.

  • Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics

  • Questions: 68 total (approx. 17 per section with MCQs & MSQs)

  • Mode: CBT

  • Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

  • Marks:  Each MCQ will carry 2.5 marks for each correct answer and a negative mark for each wrong answer. While MSQs will carry four marks and there is no negative marking for each wrong answer. Total - 200marks

  • Syllabus: Rationalized NCERT Class 11-12 science subjects and math


🧷Note for Students:


 NEST is often considered a notch tougher than NEET/ IAT/ JEE Mains , not because lakhs of students write it (the competition pool is smaller), but because the questions are deeper, analytical, and designed to test your true understanding of concepts. It’s not about rote learning or speed alone, you’ll need to think critically.

The good news is even if you’re from a PCB background, you can still do well. The exam has subject-specific sections and you have the option to choose which ones you want to attempt. Many PCB students skip maths and still secure good ranks by focusing on Biology, Chemistry and Physics. So don’t panic if you don’t have maths, you still stand a strong chance here.


6. NFAT (Nursing & Paramedical Entrance Test)

  • Conducted by: National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU)

  • Courses: Integrated B.Sc.-M.Sc. in Forensic Science (5-year program)

  • Why choose it? Ideal if you love crime + lab science. Careers in Forensic Science Laboratories, police and investigative agencies, cyber-forensics firms, courts, research labs and academia.

  • Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)

  • Duration: 90 minutes

  • Question Type: Multiple-choice questions (subject-specific)

  • Marks: +1 per correct answer; -0.25 for incorrect

  • Syllabus: Forensic science subjects relevant to chosen program (detailed syllabus available per program)




7. Other Alternatives with a Low NEET Score

Even if you don’t get a very high score in NEET, there are still many rewarding career options in the medical and allied health sciences. Apart from MBBS, you can explore:

  1. BDS (Dentistry): Dentistry focuses on oral health, dental surgery, and aesthetics. BDS graduates can work in hospitals, join government health services, or even open their own private clinics.

  2. B.Sc. Nursing / General Nursing: Nursing is one of the most respected healthcare professions. Nurses are the backbone of hospitals and can work in ICUs, operation theatres, community health and research. After B.Sc. Nursing, students can go for M.Sc. Nursing, Nurse Practitioner courses or hospital administration.

  3. MNS (Military Nursing Service): A unique option for those who want to serve both healthcare and the armed forces. MNS officers are commissioned into the Indian Army and work in military hospitals across the country. Along with free education and training at top Army hospitals, MNS offers job security, respect and the perks of defense services.

  4. Physiotherapy (BPT): Physiotherapists are in demand for rehabilitation, sports medicine, and post-surgery recovery. You can work in hospitals, fitness centers, sports academies or run your own clinic.

  5. Veterinary Sciences (BVSc): Perfect for animal lovers. It opens careers in animal healthcare, research, food safety and even government veterinary services.

  6. AYUSH Courses (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS): These include Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Unani Medicine which are well-recognized in India. Many graduates work in clinics, government setups or research and AYUSH doctors are also in demand abroad.


NEET is not the only path to a successful medical career. Whether through nursing, MNS, dentistry, or allied sciences, you can still build a respected and fulfilling future in healthcare.



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