The National Exit Test (NExT) is an upcoming examination to evaluate the competency of MBBS graduates and foreign medical graduates aspiring to practice medicine in India. Expected to debut in August 2025, this exam will replace the NEET PG and FMGE exams, serving as a unified qualifying, licensing, and entrance test for postgraduate medical education.
NExT Exam 2025 for MBBS Admission
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Exit Test (NExT) |
| Purpose | Licensing to practice medicine and entry to postgraduate programs |
| Conducting Body | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) (Tentative) |
| Exam Format | Step 1: Theory, Step 2: Practical/Clinical |
| Eligible Candidates | Final-year MBBS students and Foreign Medical Graduates |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Step 1: MCQs; Step 2: Practical Viva) |
| Official Website | https://www.nmc.org.in/ |
What is the NExT Exam?
The National Exit Test (NExT) is designed to establish a uniform standard for medical education in India. It serves multiple purposes:
- Grants a license to practice medicine in India.
- Acts as a qualifying exam for postgraduate medical admissions.
- Replaces the current NEET PG and FMGE exams.
The exam is mandatory for all medical graduates, whether they earned their MBBS degree in India or abroad. The NExT exam is structured in two steps:
- Step 1: A theory-based computer exam consisting of six subject papers.
- Step 2: A practical and viva assessment focusing on clinical skills and case management.
Latest Updates on NExT Exam
- The first NExT exam will be conducted in August 2025.
- Students from the 2020 MBBS batch will be the first to take this test.
- The Step 2 exam is tentatively scheduled for February 2026.
- Detailed exam guidelines and the official brochure are expected to be released by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
NExT Exam Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Exit Test (NExT) |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Step 1) and Practical/Clinical (Step 2) |
| Eligible Candidates | Final-year MBBS students and Foreign Medical Graduates |
| Purpose | Licensing, Postgraduate Admission |
| Exam Format | Step 1: Theory (MCQs), Step 2: Clinical |
| Conducting Body | AIIMS (Tentative) |
| Frequency | Twice a year |
NExT 2025 Exam Dates
| Event | Tentative Dates |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | November 2024 (Last Week) |
| Application End Date | December 2024 (Mid) |
| Admit Card Release | July 2025 |
| Step 1 Exam Date | August 2025 |
| Step 2 Exam Date | February 2026 |
NExT Exam 2025: Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Candidates
- Indian MBBS Graduates: Final-year students enrolled in NMC-recognized institutions.
- Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs): Individuals with an MBBS degree from a recognized foreign institution, approved by NMC.
- Other Candidates: Those with medical degrees specified or recognized by NMC.
Additional Requirements
- Candidates must pass Step 1 of NExT to be eligible for a 12-month internship.
- Completion of the internship is mandatory before appearing for Step 2.
NExT Exam Pattern 2025
The NExT exam will consist of two steps:
Step 1: Theory Exam
- Format: Computer-based test (CBT)
- Number of Questions: 540 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Duration: Divided into six papers with varying time limits.
- Subjects: Includes core MBBS subjects from the third and final year.
Step 2: Practical/Clinical Exam
- Format: Practical and viva-based assessment.
- Subjects: Focus on clinical skills across seven key medical disciplines.
- Assessment Type: Case simulations and patient interactions.
Detailed Question Pattern
| Parts | Subjects | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Medicine & Allied | 120 | 180 minutes |
| Pediatrics | 60 | 90 minutes | |
| Part 2 | Surgery & Allied | 120 | 180 minutes |
| ENT | 60 | 90 minutes | |
| Part 3 | Obstetrics & Gynecology | 120 | 180 minutes |
| Ophthalmology | 60 | 90 minutes | |
| Total | 540 |
How to Apply for NExT Exam 2025
- Visit the Official Website: Log on to the NMC website.
- Complete Registration: Register with a valid email ID and phone number.
- Fill Application Form: Enter personal, educational, and internship details.
- Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of required documents, including:
- MBBS degree certificate
- Internship completion certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photograph and signature
- Pay the Fee: Complete payment online.
NExT Exam Syllabus
The syllabus for NExT Step 1 will include the following subjects:
- Medicine & Allied Subjects
- Pediatrics
- Surgery & Allied Subjects
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Ophthalmology
- Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Step 2 will assess clinical knowledge and practical skills across similar disciplines.
Qualifying Criteria for NExT
- Candidates must score 50% of the maximum raw score in each paper to pass.
- Step 1 scores are valid for internship eligibility.
- Both Step 1 and Step 2 scores are considered for licensing and postgraduate admission.
Objectives of NExT Exam
- Standardization: Ensure uniform quality of medical graduates in India.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Assess theoretical knowledge and clinical skills.
- Global Competency: Enhance the credibility of Indian medical practitioners worldwide.
FAQs on NExT Exam 2025
What is the purpose of the NExT exam?
NExT evaluates the competency of MBBS graduates for licensing and postgraduate admissions.
Is NExT mandatory for all MBBS students?
Yes, it is compulsory for all final-year MBBS students and foreign medical graduates.
How is NExT different from NEET PG and FMGE?
NExT replaces NEET PG and FMGE, acting as a unified test for licensing and postgraduate admissions.
Can I take Step 2 without passing Step 1?
No, passing Step 1 is mandatory for Step 2 eligibility.
What is the validity of Step 1 scores?
Step 1 scores are valid for 12 months, allowing candidates to complete internships.
How many attempts are allowed for NExT?
There is no official limit on the number of attempts.
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