Kazakhstan has become one of the most reliable and cost-effective options for Indian students who want to become doctors. One question many Indian students have when considering this option is: "what is the minimum NEET score for studying MBBS in Kazakhstan?" This blog outlines everything Indian students should know regarding the NEET eligibility criteria and the NEET qualifying score and percentiles to help students better understand the admission process for MBBS in Kazakhstan. This will help students have better clarity when planning their medical careers.
Why NEET is Still Required for Students Studying MBBS Abroad
There is a common belief among students that they do not need to take the NEET exam if they decide to study medicine abroad. This is a misconception. As per the National Medical Commission (NMC), it is compulsory for every Indian student who plans to pursue MBBS abroad to take the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and obtain a qualifying score. If you do not hold a qualifying score for the NEET exam, your medical degree from any foreign university will not be recognized in India and you will be ineligible to practice medicine in India.
You may refer to the NEET eligibility criteria and announcements via the NEET section of the official website of the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The good news is that differences in NEET score requirements to study MBBS abroad when compared to the required score to obtain admission to government or private medical colleges in India is that the former is much lower than the latter.
Minimum NEET Score Required for MBBS in Kazakhstan
Getting into medical school in India can be extremely competitive due to limited seats, and that is why students need a high NEET score, but that is not the case in Kazakhstan. Simply passing NEET is enough.
According to the NMC, the minimum qualifying criteria are:
- General Category: 50th percentile
- OBC/SC/ST Category: 40th percentile
- General-PwD: 45th percentile
- SC/ST/OBC-PwD: 40th percentile
These criteria are set annually by the NTA and are subject to change year by year based on the number of test takers and exam difficulty. The qualifying criteria are not necessarily the same as the marks. In previous years, general qualifying marks have been as low as 130 out of 720, but this is not fixed and depends on the performance of the test takers.
Important to note: qualifying NEET is a requirement to study an MBBS in Kazakhstan. Even if your score falls on the lower end of the qualifying range, you are still eligible to study an MBBS in Kazakhstan.
Why High NEET Score is Not Needed to Study Medicine in Kazakhstan
Many people assume it is similar to the highly competitive admission in Indian medical colleges. However, this is what makes the situation in Kazakhstan different:
Seat Constraints:
Kazakhstan's medical universities are not overloaded with applicants as Indian medical colleges are. Hence, Indian medical colleges are forced to have very high cut-offs. In contrast, Kazakhstan's medical universities have much larger capacities for international students.
Admission Process:
Kazakhstan medical universities do not require students to have a high NEET score to be admitted. Conversely, Indian medical colleges use NEET scores to rank students. Although the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India asks for a NEET score, it is more of a formality and serves to say that the student has the minimum competency to pursue medical research.
Other Eligibility Requirements to Study Medicine in Kazakhstan
There are NEET requirements adherence to which Indian students must meet to pursue their medical degrees in Kazakhstan. Among such requirements to pursue a medical degree in Kazakhstan are:
- The student must be at least 17 years old by December 31st of the admission year.
- The student must have completed higher secondary school with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as compulsory subjects.
- In higher secondary school, a student must have at least 50% aggregate (at least 40% for reserved categories) in PCB.
- Pending disciplinary or academic issues in India must not exist for the student.
Why Pursue an MBBS in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan has become one of the most popular choices for Indian medical students. Below are some of the biggest reasons:
- Universities Recognized by NMC and WHO: The top medical schools in Kazakhstan are part of the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and are recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, so students can take the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE)/NExT, and have the opportunity to work in India.
- Medical Education Synced with Global Standards: The medical education system in Kazakhstan is aligned with the WHO, therefore, the education system is assessed and accepted by countries all over the world.
- Cost-Effective: The cost of pursuing an MBBS in Kazakhstan along with the cost of living is much less than what it costs to study in the private medical colleges in India or other countries like the US, UK or Australia.
- Programs in English: Most medical schools in Kazakhstan offer MBBS programs in English.
- No Capitation or Donation Fees: The admission process in private medical colleges in India is characterized by capitation or donation fees. Kazakhstan follows a completely merit and documents-based admission process.
- Safe and Supportive: Kazakhstan has a large Indian student population, as well as Indian food, and provides cultural associations and support systems.
Planning to Pursue an MBBS in Kazakhstan 2026?
The following is a simple step-by-step procedure to pursue your MBBS in Kazakhstan for the academic year 2026:
- Take the NEET exam and check if you meet the minimum percentile criteria required for your category.
- Identify the NMC recognized universities in Kazakhstan that also fulfill WDOMS criteria, and have a good campus with hospital affiliations.
- Examine the eligibility criteria for the chosen university, including 10+2 percentage and subject requirements.
- Use a recognized consultancy or apply on your own with the documents required, the NEET scorecard, 10th and 12th transcripts, a passport, and passport size photographs.
- Receive your admission and visa invitation then start the visa process and book your flight.
- Complete your MBBS and prepare for FMGE/NExT to practice in India as per NMC licensing.
Common Misconceptions About NEET Score for MBBS Abroad
- Myth 1: You need 400+ marks in NEET to pursue MBBS in Kazakhstan. Incorrect. This is not true. It is enough to obtain qualifying marks (as per category-wise percentile).
- Myth 2: You cannot be a doctor with a low NEET score. This is not true. Many successful doctors started their journeys with a low NEET score (above the qualifying score), studied MBBS in another country, and are now successfully practicing in India after FMGE/NExT.
- Myth 3: Medical schools in Kazakhstan are not accredited. This is not true. Many of the prestigious Medical schools of Kazakhstan are in the WDOMS and are NMC approved. You should check this before picking a Medical school.
- Myth 4: NEET is not required at all if studying abroad. This is not true. NMC guidelines state that every Indian NEET is compulsory who studies MBBS abroad, no matter the country.
Final Thoughts
To study MBBS in Kazakhstan, Indian candidates need to meet the qualifying NEET percentile to sit for the examination, as opposed to the highly competitive scores required to gain entry into the Indian medical colleges. Therefore, for Indian candidates who are NEET qualified but are unable to secure admission to medical college in India owing to seat constraints, pursuing medical studies in Kazakhstan is a viable, economical and convenient option.
If you are looking to pursue your MBBS in Kazakhstan, ensure you are using authentic sources to validate the recognition of the university with NMC and WDOMS. Make sure to apply as early as possible to secure a seat for the upcoming academic year.
