Every year, hundreds of thousands of medical students appear for the NEET exam and dream of securing a seat in top medical colleges in India. Yet, when the results of NEET counselling are announced, only a small fraction manage to turn that dream into reality. With the NEET 3rd counselling now concluded, many students are facing a tough question — Should I take a drop or study MBBS abroad?
If you find yourself in this position, you’re not alone. Let’s understand both sides of the dilemma so you can make an informed choice for your future.
Questions To Ask Yourself Before Taking a Drop Year
This is a very tough time for most of the NEET aspirants, especially for those who have appeared for the exam 5th or 6th time and still haven’t made it. Before deciding to dedicate another year to preparing for NEET, ask yourself a few honest questions:
i) How close were you to meeting the required cutoff?
If you were very close and have second thoughts about reaching or crossing that score again, don’t take a drop.
ii) Did your rank qualify for any government or private medical college, even if not your first choice?
With each year, the complexity of the exam toughens, and you never know the contingencies that may hamper your future preparation. If you are getting a seat in any medical college and your prospects for the next year don’t sound so promising, grab that opportunity as soon as you can.
iii) Can you maintain disciplined study habits consistently for the next 12 months?
The most important thing that strengthens your preparation for next year’s NEET exam is how disciplined your study schedule is. If you are an ironhead about dedicating long hours for your dream, then surely take a drop.
iv) Are you absolutely certain that you want to become a doctor, regardless of the challenges?
If you are determined that you don’t want any other future other than being a doctor, do whatever it takes to be one.
v) Do you have emotional and financial support if the plan doesn’t work out next year?
If you and your family have a good financial backing, prefer taking a drop and preparing for your medical dream.
If you can confidently answer “yes” to most of these, a drop year could make sense. But let’s weigh the pros and cons before you decide.
Advantages of Taking a Drop Year
Many students choose to take a year off to reattempt NEET, hoping to improve their scores and secure seats in top medical colleges. Here are some of the advantages of taking a drop year:
i) More Thorough Preparation
Taking a gap year gives you the opportunity to study and work on your shortcomings, thus increasing your chances of getting a higher NEET score next time.
ii) Increased Chances of Acceptance
If you are well-prepared, you might be able to secure a place in the medical school or college of your choice in India.
iii) Proximity To The Family
Studying in India allows you to be close to your family and not have to go through the process of adjusting to a new place or culture.
Drawbacks of Taking a Gap Year
i) Increased Competition
Each year, more students appear for NEET, and the competition keeps getting tougher.
ii) Rising Cut-Offs
With each passing year, the cut-off scores rise, or if it drops, it’s due to the increased complexity of the exam, making it harder to secure a seat.
iii) Reduced Motivation
A gap year can lead to stress, self-doubt, and burnout. Maintaining focus and consistency for another year requires immense discipline.
iv) Uncertain Outcome
Even after a year of preparation, there’s no guarantee that you’ll achieve your desired rank.
If these challenges feel overwhelming, you may want to explore another equally rewarding path — studying MBBS abroad.
Why More NEET Aspirants Choose to Study MBBS Abroad
For many students, MBBS abroad has become the smarter alternative to taking a drop year. With high-quality education, globally recognised degrees, and affordable tuition, countries like Georgia, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan are attracting thousands of Indian students every year.
i) MBBS in Georgia
Georgia offers world-class medical education at an affordable cost. The curriculum is globally recognised and conducted in English, making it ideal for Indian students. Georgian universities, such as BAU International University, provide early clinical exposure and are recognised by NMC, MCI, and WHO.
ii) MBBS in Russia
Russia is one of the oldest and most popular destinations for medical education. The universities here offer globally recognised MBBS degrees, modern infrastructure, and experienced faculty. Many Russian universities also provide FMGE and NEXT coaching to help Indian students qualify for practising back home.
iii) MBBS in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan offers affordable tuition fees and a safe environment for international students. The duration of the MBBS course is shorter, around 5 years and 1 year of internship, and medical universities are well-equipped with advanced learning facilities. The living costs are also considerably lower compared to other European countries.
iv) MBBS in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has recently become a preferred choice for Indian students due to its low cost of living, English-medium instruction, and Indian food. Universities here are recognised by NMC and WHO, ensuring global medical career opportunities after graduation.
Why MBBS in Georgia Stands Out
Among all foreign countries where Indian NEET aspirants can pursue their MBBS, Georgia comes on top due to its affordable education, quality infrastructure, and global degree recognition.
i) Low NEET Score Accepted
You only need to qualify NEET to be eligible for admission. Even with a low score, you can still pursue your MBBS dream in Georgia.
ii) No Donation Required
Georgian universities have transparent fee structures. Admissions are purely merit-based with no hidden costs or donations involved.
iii) Affordable Medical Education
With an approximate fee of ₹30 lakhs for the entire six-year course, students can earn a globally recognised MBBS degree without financial burden.
iv) Offer Letter in 24 Hours & Same Day Seat Confirmation
As the exclusive study partners in India of BAU International University, students receive fast and hassle-free admission confirmations.
v) Globally Recognised Degree
Graduates from Georgian universities hold degrees recognised worldwide, opening doors for higher studies and practice in multiple countries.
vi) Recognised by NMC, MCI, and WHO
The medical education imparted in Georgia aligns with global medical standards formulated by bodies like NMC, MCI, WFME, WHO and more, allowing students to practise in India and abroad after qualifying their licensing exams.
vii) Practical Training from First Year
Unlike MBBS in other countries, as a MBBS student in Georgia, you’ll get hands-on experience in 17+ leading hospitals across Batumi city in the very first year, helping you develop strong clinical skills and exposing you to the real world of medical care.
Key Takeaways
Taking a decisive step in these moments of self-doubt and uncertainty can be exhausting, and we understand it. It’s either setting your hopes on the NEET 2026 exam, or pursuing MBBS in a foreign country where you have to adapt yourself and stay away from your comfort zone.
Let our MBBS experts handle all your worries and enrol you in the MBBS 2026 batch for Georgia. Trust us, the culturally rich environment there, world-class education, and learning opportunities will surely make you the doctor that you have always wanted to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
i) Is it worth taking a drop year after NEET 2025?
A drop year can help if you were close to the cut-off and have the discipline to study consistently. However, with rising competition and uncertainty, many students now prefer studying MBBS abroad for a secure and timely career path.
ii) Can I get admission into MBBS abroad with a low NEET score?
Yes. You only need to qualify NEET to be eligible for MBBS admission in countries like Georgia, Russia, Uzbekistan, or Kazakhstan. A low score does not limit your chances abroad.
iii) Is an MBBS degree from Georgia or Russia valid in India?
Absolutely. Medical universities in Georgia, Russia, and other recognised countries are approved by NMC, MCI, and WHO. Graduates can practise in India after clearing the required licensing exams.
iv) How much does it cost to study MBBS in Georgia?
MBBS in Georgia costs around ₹30 lakhs for the entire course. It’s far more affordable compared to private medical colleges in India. Contact us today to enrol in the MBBS 2026 Batch in Georgia.
v) How can MBBS abroad consultants help with admission into MBBS?
Experienced MBBS abroad consultants guide you through university selection, documentation, visa processing, and post-admission support—ensuring a smooth and transparent journey from NEET to MBBS abroad.
