UAE Students Advised to Start NEET and JEE Preparation in Grade 11 for Indian Medical, Engineering Paths

Planning Ahead for Indian Medical Exams

Asanul Ameen, Head of Operations at Unique World Education, said, “I don’t need to take NEET to study MBBS in the UAE. But if I want to return to India and practise as a doctor, I need to have taken NEET,” during an interactive career-guidance session where students raised questions about subject combinations, entrance routes and career planning.

Students also asked about medical and engineering pathways, including whether an Indian student needs to take NEET when planning to study medicine in the UAE.

He added that students should take NEET before starting their MBBS course abroad, not after completing it, and that subject choices made after Grade 10 can determine which exams they are eligible to take.

Understanding NEET and JEE Requirements

Those aiming for Indian medical courses, including MBBS, BDS and Ayush programmes, must take NEET and should begin preparing in Grade 11 because the subject course taught in higher secondary is the most important for such competitive examinations, he said.

“The NEET questions are from 11th and 12th grade, 50-50,” he said.

For engineering aspirants, he explained that admission to an Indian Institute of Technology requires candidates to qualify through JEE Main before becoming eligible for JEE Advanced, if they ever plan to settle in India, and that National Institute of Technology admissions are based on JEE Main, with preparation needing to start early.

Keeping Options Open

Ameen reminded the audience that approximately 22 lakh (2.2 million) students appear for NEET each year, while JEE Main draws roughly 15–20 lakh candidates, noting that these figures were estimates cited during the session and applicants should consult the latest official exam data.

He asked students how they prepare and plan to proceed, emphasising that decisions about where to settle and practise may come later, but it is always important to keep career options open.

Practical Steps for Families

For families weighing overseas study, the practical takeaway is to check the latest eligibility and licensing requirements with India’s medical authorities before choosing a course or university.

Edufair also touched upon the future, noting that a student’s plans after graduation—whether to practise in India or elsewhere—can shape the educational route they take in school.