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    Top 10 Allied and Healthcare Courses after Class 12 in India

    Top 10 Allied and Healthcare Courses after Class 12 in India

    Team Careers360Updated on 29 Jan 2026, 11:53 AM IST

    Recently the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professionals (NCAHP) announced that the NEET exam will be mandatory for admission to the majority of allied and healthcare (or paramedical) courses at the undergraduate level from the academic year 2026-27. The commission further clarified that appearance for NEET will be a key prerequisite for pursuing allied and healthcare courses after Class 12. In this article, we will discuss what are allied and healthcare courses, top allied and healthcare courses, and the job prospects. We will focus more on the core paramedical courses. Hence, we haven’t included Nursing, Pharmacy, Biotechnology or Life Science courses in this article.

    This Story also Contains

    1. What are Allied and Healthcare Courses?
    2. Top 10 Paramedical or Allied and Healthcare Courses in India
    3. Eligibility and Admission for Allied and Healthcare Courses
    4. Entrance Exams for Allied and Healthcare Courses after 12th in India
    5. How to choose the Right Allied and Healthcare (Paramedical) Course?
    6. Job Prospects for Allied and Healthcare Graduates in India
    7. Scope of Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship
    Top 10 Allied and Healthcare Courses after Class 12 in India
    Top 10 Allied and Healthcare Courses

    What are Allied and Healthcare Courses?

    Allied and healthcare courses, also popularly known as paramedical courses, are specialized courses that train individuals for various healthcare support roles. The allied and healthcare courses equip students with practical skills and knowledge to assist core medical professionals and improve patient care. These courses offer excellent career opportunities in hospitals, diagnostic centres, emergency services, research labs, and academic institutes. With the growing demand for healthcare services, allied and healthcare graduates are bound to have great demand for the efficient functioning of the medical facilities all across India.

    Read more: why you should consider allied and healthcare courses after Class 12

    Top 10 Paramedical or Allied and Healthcare Courses in India

    Course Name

    What the Course is About

    Top 10 Colleges in India

    Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)

    Focuses on physical rehabilitation, injury management, and improving mobility through exercise, massage, and other techniques.

    1. Christian Medical College, Vellore

    2. Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai

    3. Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

    4. Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi

    5. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai

    6. King George's Medical University, Lucknow

    7. Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune

    8. Manipal University

    9. Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata

    10. University of Delhi

    B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)

    Deals with the diagnosis of diseases through laboratory tests and analysis of body fluids and tissues. Professionals in this field perform a wide range of tests to help doctors in their diagnosis.

    1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi

    2. Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore

    3. King George's Medical University, Lucknow

    4. Manipal College of Health Professions

    5. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai

    6. Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

    7. Amity University, Noida

    8. NIMS University, Jaipur

    9. Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata

    10. Dr. D.Y. Patil University, Pune

    B.Sc. in Radiology (Radiography) and Imaging Technology (BRIT)

    Involves using various imaging techniques like X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and ultrasounds for the diagnosis of diseases and medical conditions.

    1. AIIMS, Delhi

    2. CMC, Vellore

    3. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh

    4. Manipal College of Health Professions

    5. Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

    6. SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

    7. Amity University, Noida

    8. King George's Medical University, Lucknow

    9. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai

    10. Saveetha University, Chennai

    B.Sc. in Operation Theatre Technology (OTT)

    Trains students to assist surgeons in the operation theatre by managing equipment, maintaining sterility, and supporting patients before, during, and after surgery.

    1. AIIMS Delhi

    2. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh

    3. Christian Medical College, Vellore

    4. JIPMER, Puducherry

    5. Manipal College of Health Professions

    6. King George's Medical University, Lucknow

    7. Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

    8. NIMS University, Jaipur

    9. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai

    10. Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune

    Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT)

    Focuses on helping individuals with physical, mental, or developmental conditions to regain independence and participate in daily living activities.

    1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi

    2. Christian Medical College, Vellore

    3. Manipal College of Health Professions

    4. Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

    5. Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai

    6. Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi

    7. Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh

    8. Amity University, Noida

    9. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai

    10. Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune

    B.Sc. Optometry (BOptom)

    Specializes in eye care, including conducting eye exams, prescribing corrective lenses, and managing various eye conditions.

    1. AIIMS Delhi

    2. CMC Vellore

    3. Manipal College of Health Professions

    4. Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

    5. JIPMER, Puducherry

    6. School of Optometry, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune

    7. Chitkara University, Chandigarh

    8. NIMS University, Jaipur

    9. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai

    10. Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun

    B.Sc. in Dialysis Technology

    Trains professionals to operate dialysis machines and provide specialized care to patients with kidney disorders.

    1. CMC, Vellore

    2. Manipal College of Health Professions

    3. AIIMS Delhi

    4. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai

    5. JIPMER, Puducherry

    6. King George's Medical University, Lucknow

    7. Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

    8. NIMS University, Jaipur

    9. Amity University, Noida

    10. Saveetha University, Chennai

    B.Sc. in Anaesthesia Technology

    Focuses on assisting anesthetists in administering anesthesia, preparing equipment, and monitoring patients during surgical procedures.

    1. AIIMS Delhi

    2. JIPMER, Puducherry

    3. Christian Medical College, Vellore

    4. Manipal College of Health Professions

    5. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai

    6. King George's Medical University, Lucknow

    7. Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

    8. Amity University, Noida

    9. NIMS University, Jaipur

    10. SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

    Bachelor of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP)

    Deals with the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of hearing and speech disorders in individuals of all ages.

    1.AIIMS Delhi

    2. All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore

    3. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh

    4. Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities, Mumbai

    5. JIPMER, Puducherry

    6. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai

    7. Manipal University

    8. Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

    9. Dr. S.R. Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing, Bengaluru

    10. Osmania University, Hyderabad

    B.Sc. in Critical Care Technology

    Prepares professionals to assist in critical care units, managing life-support equipment, and monitoring critically ill patients in the ICU.

    1. CMC Vellore

    2. AIIMS Delhi

    3. JIPMER, Puducherry

    4. Manipal College of Health Professions

    5. King George's Medical University, Lucknow

    6. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai

    7. Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

    8. NIMS University, Jaipur

    9. Amity University, Noida

    10. Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune

    Eligibility and Admission for Allied and Healthcare Courses

    • Generally, candidates need to have completed 10+2 with a Science stream PCB or PCM) from a recognized board.

    • Some institutions may conduct their own entrance exams. The majority of allied and healthcare courses will now require NEET scores (discussed more below).

    • Candidates must be a minimum 17 years of age by 31st December in the year of admission.

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    Entrance Exams for Allied and Healthcare Courses after 12th in India

    Appearance for NEET Exam is a Key Eligibility Criteria from 2026

    As mentioned at the beginning of the article, the NEET exam is now mandatory for admission into a majority of allied and healthcare courses. Whether it’s right or wrong, that’s a matter of debate and beyond the scope of this article. At Careers360, we would advise all PCB students to get familiar with the NEET exam pattern, previous years’ papers, mock tests, etc. You can also download our FREE E-Book on NEET Preparation and Sample Papers.

    However, there are many other entrance exams for allied and healthcare courses other than NEET. Below is a comprehensive (but not exhaustive) list of entrance exams for allied and healthcare courses after 12th in India.

    National Level Entrance Exams for Allied and Healthcare Courses

    NEET 2026 Free Mock Test with Solutions
    Download the NEET 2026 Free Mock Test PDF with detailed solutions. Practice real exam-style questions, analyze your performance, and enhance your preparation.
    Download EBook

    Best Poplar State-Level Entrance Exams for Allied and Healthcare Courses

    Most Popular Institute-Specific Entrance Exams for Allied and Healthcare Courses

    • Amrita Entrance Exam (AHS)

    • PU CET

    • IACS UG

    NEET Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
    Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

    How to choose the Right Allied and Healthcare (Paramedical) Course?

    If you compare the eligibility, admission process, and average salaries (entry-level), the courses are pretty much similar to each other. So, you have to consider the role and the nature of work for the respective courses.

    Below is a brief comparison on how to choose the right paramedical or allied and health course after 12th:

    Course

    Primary Role

    Nature of Work

    BPT

    Physical rehabilitation

    Hands-on with patients

    BMLT / B.Sc. MLT

    Lab diagnostics

    Lab-based, less patient interaction

    BRIT / BMRIT

    Imaging & scans

    Machine-heavy, some patient contact

    OTT

    Operating room support

    High-pressure, team-based work

    BOT

    Functional rehab

    Close patient support, often long-term

    Optometry

    Eye care

    Clinic/hospital based, growing demand

    Dialysis Tech

    Kidney treatment support

    Patient-facing, shift-based work

    Anesthesia Tech

    OT assistance

    Surgical team support role

    BASLP

    Speech/hearing therapy

    Clinic + school settings, specialized work

    Critical Care Tech

    ICU & emergency support

    High-stress, hospital-based

    Here is a short video on how to choose the right allied and healthcare course:

    Whatever course you choose, make sure you check the following before enrollment:

    • Accreditation: Make sure the course and the institute is approved by the NCAHP and other regulatory bodies

    • Infrastructure: Make sure the institute is well-equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment, and other facilities

    • Hospital/Industry Tie-Ups: Practical hands-on training is a critical component of the allied and healthcare courses. So, make sure that there are good enough industrial links for training and placements.

    Job Prospects for Allied and Healthcare Graduates in India

    Modern healthcare is more than just about doctors, and nurses. The allied healthcare professionals form a key component of the healthcare system. More importantly, there is a growing need for allied and healthcare professionals. As per reports, there would be a shortage of 6.5 million allied and healthcare professionals in India by 2030.

    Average Salary of Allied and Healthcare Graduates

    Salary at the starting level might look modest. However, with experience and specialization, professionals see a sharp increase in their salaries. Below is a summary:

    • Entry-Level / Freshers (0 - 2 years): 2.5 - 4.5 Lacs per annum

    • Mid-Career Professionals (2 - 5 years): 3.0 - 6.5 Lacs per annum

    • Senior Professionals (5 - 7 years): 4.5 - 8.0 Lacs per annum

    • Highly Experienced (7 - 12 years): 6.5 - 20 Lacs per annum

    Scope of Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship

    It should be noted that for a few professionals like physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, optometrists can often set up their own business (clinics) and/or work as freelancers. Self-employed professionals can often make 12 - 20 Lacs and higher per year. It really depends on professional experience, expertise, networking, technical and business acumen of individuals.

    With ageing population, increase of lifestyle diseases, rising digital diagnostics, growing awareness of health & fitness, and expansion of the healthcare system, the allied and healthcare sector is going to be an evergreen and recession-proof field.

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    Questions related to NEET

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to NEET ?

    Hi! As per the NEET eligibility criteria , you must be 17 years of age as on December 31 of the year of admission. As you will complete the age criteria, you can definitely appear for NEET 2027. Do check the other eligibility criteria and apply for the NEET 2027

    The NEET qualifying cutoff for ST category was 143-113. For ST (PWD) , the cut off marks 2025 was 126-113. As you have not mentioned the closing rank for a particular college. Here, we have provided the college wise 2025 MBBS closing rank for ST category.

    Regards.

    With 400-500 score in NEET, securing MBBS admission at CMC Vellore is highly challenging for students. With such score, you can apply for allied health science courses offered by the institute.

    Regards,

    Will you be appearing in NEET 2026 under any reserved category or general category as the NEET cutoff varies according to the category of student?