What is Next Test: National Exit Test – Details, Patterns, Eligibility

The National Exit Test (NExT) for final-year MBBS students has been postponed based on advice from the Ministry of Health. Originally, it was meant to replace the final MBBS exam, act as a medical practice registration test, and serve as an entrance exam for PG courses. Students requested this delay due to insufficient preparation time for the new format. If the exam doesn’t happen this year, a formal announcement will be needed. The deadline for the NExT has been extended to 2024.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) officially announced the postponement on July 13, affecting the 2019 MBBS batch. Initially, the Union Health Minister assured students that the NExT exam would only apply to the 2020 batch, without causing confusion.

Recently, the NMC released the National Exit Test Regulations, 2023, containing eligibility, syllabus, pattern, and passing marks details. Candidates should review these regulations before attempting the online mock exam.

NExT Exam

The NExT exam consists of two steps, Step 1 and Step 2. A webinar addressed concerns and provided clarity about the exam. The NMC issued an official notification to clarify a recent circular regarding the NExT exam.

Registration for the NExT exam is complete, with the window for generating the EUC code and final submission open until July 14.

The NExT exam acts as a standardized qualifying test for final-year MBBS students, serving as both a licentiate exam and an exit exam for their MBBS degree. Essentially, it functions as a licensure exam for aspiring medical practitioners in India and a gateway to postgraduate studies.

Final-year MBBS candidates can take the NExT Step 1 exam, followed by a 12-month internship. After completing the internship, candidates take the Step 2 exam, which is a practical test. Additionally, the NExT incorporates a standardized counseling process for admissions to postgraduate medical programs in India.

NExT Exam Highlights

The goal of this new medical decision is to create one common test for graduating medical students. If this new law is put into place, this test will be the only one students need to take to graduate, get their medical licenses, or enter advanced medical programs. This approach aims to simplify the evaluation process and make a standard path for students going into medical practice or further studies in the field.

NExT Exam Eligibility Criteria

The NExT exam, known as the National Exit Test, is designed for undergraduate medical students. To be eligible for this exam, you must meet specific criteria, which include:

1. Being enrolled in an MBBS program at a medical college approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
2. Foreign Medical Graduates approved by the NMC to practice medicine in India.
3. Individuals with a medical degree pursuing academic courses, observerships, or other purposes approved by the NMC.

These criteria help determine who can take the NExT exam, covering both local and international medical graduates, as well as those seeking advanced education or specialized training in the medical field.

NExT Exam Pattern

The NExT Exam Pattern is set to become more extensive compared to the FMGE and NEET PG exams. Unlike the previous versions, NEXT will span three days instead of just one. The exam format will include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answer questions, and long answer questions.

Key points about the NExT Exam Pattern:

1. The test will be split into two parts: NEXT 1 and NEXT 2.
2. Students can take NEXT 1 after finishing their final year exams.
3. NEXT 1 mainly consists of MCQs, with a total of 540 to answer.
4. Only after completing their internship can students take NEXT 2, which is a practical test.
5. The score from NEXT 1 remains valid for two to three years, during which students can attempt NEXT 2.
6. The primary aim of this comprehensive exam structure is to ensure a standardized evaluation process for medical students and professionals in India.

NExT Application Form

The NExT application process2024 has not yet been officially announced. However, it’s expected that the National Medical Commission (NMC) will soon release an online application form for the NExT 2024 exam. The specific application dates will be disclosed on the official website.

It’s likely that the registration for NExT 2024 will begin in the last week of October 2024. To apply, candidates will need to register online, complete the application form, upload required images, and pay the registration fee. It’s strongly recommended that candidates carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying for the NExT PG exam.

NExT Exam Syllabus

The NExT syllabus includes six subjects that cover clinical, pre-clinical, and para-clinical fields. In NExT 1, students are tested on their theoretical understanding of the following subjects:

1. Medicine & related topics
2. Pediatrics
3. Surgery & related topics
4. Otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat)
5. Obstetrics & Gynaecology (women’s health)
6. Ophthalmology (eye care)

NExT Exam Question Distribution

The NEXT 1 Paper question format is divided into three main sections. There are a total of 540 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in the exam. Here’s a breakdown of the types of questions you’ll encounter:

1. Problem-solving questions (60%): In this section, you’ll be tested on your ability to solve complex problems related to medical scenarios.
2. Comprehension and analysis questions (30%): This part of the paper focuses on assessing your understanding and analytical skills. You’ll need to interpret information, make connections, and draw conclusions.
3. Recall, applied basic sciences, preventive, and public health questions (10%): This section covers questions that evaluate your knowledge of foundational medical sciences, your ability to apply concepts, and your understanding of preventive measures and public health principles.

NExT Exam FAQs

What is the National Exit Test (NExT)?

NExT is a standardized qualifying test for final-year MBBS students in India. It serves as both a licentiate exam and an exit exam for their MBBS degree, acting as a gateway to postgraduate studies in the medical field.

Why was the NExT exam postponed?

he NExT exam was postponed based on advice from the Ministry of Health due to students' concerns about insufficient preparation time for the new format. The postponement extends the deadline for NExT to 2024.

When will the NExT exam commence?

The NExT exam is expected to commence in the 2024-25 session.

Who is eligible to take the NExT exam?

Eligible candidates include final-year MBBS students from medical colleges approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC), foreign medical graduates approved by the NMC to practice in India, and individuals pursuing medical degrees for academic courses or other approved purposes.

How many attempts are allowed for the NExT exam?

There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the NExT exam.