Dr Neelankavil was a specialist general surgeon in India before moving to Perth, Western Australia in 2004. After moving to Perth, Dr Neelankavil undertook Royal Australian College of Surgeons training in general surgery.

Dr Neelankavil is currently working in the public hospital sector at Rockingham General Hospital, where he is the head of department for general surgery. He also works in the private hospital sector and is accredited at St John of God Murdoch Hospital.

His interests include gall bladder and hernia operations. Dr Neelankavil has private consulting rooms at the Wexford Medical Centre.