MBBS in Russia for Indian Students Without NEET: Is It Possible in 2025?

Many Indian students dream of becoming doctors but struggle to qualify the NEET exam, which is mandatory for MBBS admissions in India. This often leads them to explore MBBS abroad options like Russia, a country known for its top-ranked medical universities, affordable fees, and globally recognized degrees. A common question arises:

Can I study MBBS in Russia without NEET?

Let’s explore the answer and uncover the truth in the context of MBBS in Russia in 2025.

Is NEET Compulsory for MBBS in Russia?

Yes and No.

According to the Medical Council of India (now NMC – National Medical Commission) guidelines, NEET is mandatory if you want to practice medicine in India after completing your MBBS abroad.
However, Russian universities themselves do not require NEET for admission.

So technically, you can get admission without NEET, but you won’t be eligible for a medical license in India unless you pass NEET before or after going abroad.

Scenarios Where NEET Is NOT Mandatory

1. If You Do NOT Plan to Practice in India

If you want to settle abroad or work in countries like Russia, Germany, the UK, or the USA, you can pursue MBBS in Russia without NEET. But you’ll need to qualify for local licensing exams like USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or KROK (Ukraine) depending on where you plan to settle.

2. If You Qualify NEET Later (Valid for 3 Years)

Even if you haven’t cleared NEET yet, you can:

Apply to Russian universities now
Attempt NEET again during your MBBS course
Once you pass NEET, it remains valid for 3 years, and you can appear for the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) after your return.

Top Medical Universities in Russia Accepting Students Without NEET

While most Russian universities welcome Indian students regardless of NEET, here are some popular NMC-approved institutions:

Kursk State Medical University
Kazan Federal University
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Bashkir State Medical University
Orenburg State Medical University
Chuvash State University
Crimean Federal University

Pro Tip: Always choose an NMC-approved university and ensure it has English-medium instruction.

Benefits of Studying MBBS in Russia Without NEET

No entrance exam required by Russian universities
Affordable tuition (₹3.5-6 lakh/year)
Globally recognized degrees (WHO, ECFMG, WFME listed)
High FMGE pass rates from top universities
Access to modern labs, hospitals, and international exposure

Risks & Disadvantages of Skipping NEET

While you can study in Russia without NEET, there are serious drawbacks:

You can’t register as a doctor in India
You are not eligible for FMGE
You may face difficulty getting internship/residency in India
You might need to clear tough licensing exams abroad (USMLE/PLAB)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I go to Russia for MBBS without NEET in 2025?

Yes, for admission. No, for Indian medical practice.

Can I appear for NEET after joining MBBS in Russia?

Once you qualify NEET, you can validate your degree for Indian license.

Is FMGE possible without NEET?

No. NEET qualification is mandatory to take FMGE (NExT) as per NMC.

Is it safe and legal to study MBBS abroad without NEET?

Yes, it’s legal in Russia. But your future options in India will be restricted.