Doctor (MBBS)

Your route, step by step

1Class 10: choose the PCB streamTake Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Class 11. Adding Maths (PCMB) keeps engineering open too.
2Class 11–12: board exams + NEET preparationNEET questions follow the NCERT syllabus of both years, so prepare for boards and NEET together.
3Write NEET UGYour NEET rank decides your MBBS seat through national (MCC) and Tamil Nadu state counselling.
4MBBS: 4.5 years + 1-year internshipStudy and train in hospitals, then register with the medical council to practise.
5Practise, or specialise through NEET PGWork as a doctor, or take NEET PG for MD / MS in the specialty you love.

What a doctor does

Talk to patients, examine them and order the right tests
Diagnose illness and prescribe treatment or surgery
Work with nurses, technicians and other specialists
Keep learning as medicine and technology change

Entrance exams & admission

NEET UGConducted by NTA; 180 questions — 45 Physics, 45 Chemistry, 90 Biology
MCC counselling15% all-India quota seats
TN medical counsellingState quota seats in Tamil Nadu

The NEET UG exam

180 questions in 3 hours, 720 marks, no optional questions (NEET 2025 pattern).

45Physics

45Chemistry

90Biology (Botany + Zoology)

Biology is half the paper, so strong Class 11 and 12 Biology matters most. Check the latest NTA notification for the current pattern and dates.

Where you may work

Government and private hospitals, clinics, primary health centres, the armed forces, research and your own practice.

Well-known colleges in and near Tamil Nadu

Madras Medical College
Stanley Medical College
Kilpauk Medical College
Coimbatore Medical College
CMC Vellore
JIPMER Puducherry

Official links

Exam / admissionNEET UG (National Testing Agency) (opens in a new tab)neet.nta.nic.in
Exam / admissionMedical Counselling Committee (MCC) — all-India counselling (opens in a new tab)mcc.nic.in
Exam / admissionTamil Nadu Medical Selection Committee (DME) (opens in a new tab)tnmedicalselection.net
Official bodyNational Medical Commission (opens in a new tab)nmc.org.in
CollegeThe Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (opens in a new tab)tnmgrmu.ac.in

Links checked: Oct 2026. Always confirm dates and rules on the official site.

Outlook

Doctors are needed everywhere, from city hospitals to rural health centres. Specialists usually earn more after MD / MS. Government service, private hospitals and own practice all pay differently.