Didn’t do well in NEET? Here's why your medical dream doesn't have to end

NEET 2025 has just wrapped up, and while lakhs of students finally get a chance to relax, a large number are left with a different feeling– that of uncertainty. After months, or even years, of relentless studying, test series, coaching classes, and sleepless nights, it’s natural to worry about your performance.Medical aspirants often stake a great deal on this one examination.Families rearrange finances, students put their social lives on hold, and entire routines are built around this single goal of cracking NEET and securing a medical seat in India. But with the sheer scale of competition, even the best efforts don’t always lead to the expected outcome.In 2025, more than 23 lakh students appeared for NEET-UG, competing for approximately 1 lakh MBBS seats available across government and private medical colleges in India. That’s about 1 seat for every 23 students, making it one of the most competitive exams in the country. While many candidates manage to make the cut, there’s an equally large number who don’t. But that doesn’t mean that their dream ends here.The path to becoming a doctor has evolved significantly in the last decade. With globalisation, improved mobility, and internationally recognised accreditation systems, aspiring doctors today have options beyond the conventional route. Several world-class institutions abroad offer alternate medical pathways for Indian students, without the need to lose a year or compromise on the quality of education.These pathways often provide a broader worldview, advanced clinical exposure, and preparation for licensing exams in countries like the USA, UK, and Canada. Whether it’s Europe, the Caribbean, or parts of Asia, more students and families are considering global medical education as a smart, future-ready investment in a student’s career.When evaluating international medical options, it’s important to consider a few key factors:A closer look: Manipal’s American University of Antigua (AUA) College of MedicineOne such globally-aligned program that checks all these boxes is Manipal’s American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine. Established in 2004 and part of the Manipal Education & Medical Group, AUA has grown into a leading international medical institution that specifically supports Indian students in their ambition to practice medicine abroad.A blended, global learning journeyAUA’s unique pathway allows students to begin their medical education in Manipal, India, through a pre-medical program at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). From there, students continue their pre-clinical studies at the AUA campus in Antigua, a safe and serene island in the Caribbean known for its high standard of education and living.The real differentiator, however, lies in the clinical rotations, which are offered in top hospitals across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and India. This diverse exposure helps students develop the skills required to adapt to different healthcare systems and patient care models.The AUA campus in Antigua is equipped with cutting-edge anatomy labs, simulation centres, and digital learning resources. With small class sizes and individualised academic mentoring through its Education Enhancement Department (EED), students receive focused attention throughout their journey.What’s more, the program is fully accredited and aligned with global standards. It’s approved by the New York State Education Department, recognised by the Medical Board of California, and accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Sciences (CAAM-HP).To help prospective students and families get a first-hand view, AUA is hosting a live webinar on Thursday, 15th May at 4:30 PM IST. In this session, Shraddha and Niveditha, current Med 4 students, will share personal insights into their AUA journey, why they chose this route, how they prepared for USMLE, and what their day-to-day life looks like as international medical students. Register now to watch it live.AUA follows a well-rounded admissions process, assessing candidates not just on NEET scores, but also on academic records (10th and 12th), letters of recommendation, entrance test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal interviews. This opens the door for highly motivated students who might not have scored well in NEET but have the drive and aptitude to succeed in medicine.Applications are now open for the August 2025 intake. Those who apply early may be eligible for exclusive scholarships.To know more about how to apply, click here.Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Manipal’s American University of Antigua by the Times Internet's Spotlight team.