Exploring Career Paths Beyond NEET

Many students opt for the PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) stream with the aim of pursuing MBBS and becoming a doctor. However, it’s important to understand that PCB, often referred to as the “Arts of Science,” can limit your career options within its own field.

The medical field in India has been facing challenges, and the government’s decision to implement the “One Nation One Exam” policy by merging AIIMS/JIPMER into NEET has further complicated matters. With limited seats, increasing reservations, and no alternate entry options other than NEET, the competition has become intense. In fact, it’s expected that more than 20 lakh candidates will appear for NEET next year.

So, what happens if you don’t clear NEET? Don’t worry, there are other options available. Let’s explore some of them.

JIPMAT/IPM Course by IIM Bodh Gaya & IIM Jammu

JIPMAT is conducted by NTA and offers a 5-year integrated MBA course from reputable B-Schools. The course promises good pay scales in Consulting, Banking, Finance, etc. The exam is not as demanding as NEET, and a couple of hours of study every weekend should suffice.

An MBA degree from IIM/IPM can open doors to top-tier colleges and promising careers with a good work-life balance. To further enhance your profile, consider obtaining a CFA certificate. This US-based finance exam can significantly boost your chances of getting a good job offer.

IPM by IIM Ranchi/ Entry through SAT/IPMAT

IIM Ranchi, one of the top B-Schools, offers an integrated MBA course, which is a boon for many Bio candidates. With IPM, you can gain access to top companies and foreign universities. IIM Ranchi also offers a lateral entry through SAT for those who have exhausted the age limit for NEET.

ICAR

While not as prestigious as the above two options, ICAR offers an alternate path for NEET aspirants. ICAR offers B.Tech Biotech in UAS Bangalore & RPCAU Pusa, which might be beneficial in the long run if you’re interested in scientific research. They offer extensive Plant Biotech research from Central Universities, with a scholarship of INR.3000 per month. With the current government’s focus on Agriculture, job vacancies in the Agri field are quite good.

Exploring B.Com and MBA after NEET

Many NEET aspirants are well aware of the challenging career graph of BDS & Allied Medical courses. If you decide to explore options beyond these, one viable path could be pursuing B.Com from top Central Universities.

With the introduction of CUET, the overemphasis on 12th class scores for admission has been eliminated. If you opt for English+ PCB in CUET, scoring a high percentile can be achievable with dedicated preparation. Excelling in CUET can open doors to top colleges like KMC, Ramjas, or Venky in DU North Campuses. While B.Com might seem like a significant shift, it can offer a fresh perspective and new opportunities.

However, a B.Com degree alone might not guarantee a high-paying job. To enhance your career prospects, consider adding a CFA certificate course Level-1 to your resume. You’ll also find many of your peers opting for an MBA.

The advantage of an MBA is the diversity quota offered to students from different streams at lower percentiles. As a B.Com graduate, you could have a fair shot at converting top B-Schools like IIM BLACKI/ FMS Delhi, even at lower percentiles. The rigorous curriculum of an MBA can help you prove your mettle and secure a promising future.

It’s important to note that most of the courses mentioned here are related to finance and can offer good pay scales post PG. Unlike B.tech, which offers job opportunities post UG, PCB primarily offers good pay scales after PG. It’s crucial not to get fixated on the initial challenges and instead channel your energy towards building a better future by working hard now.

Best wishes to all NEET aspirants! We hope you achieve immense success in NEET and may you never have to look into the side options that we’ve mentioned.

Good Luck!